wanted to have it playing while the guests took their seats.
****
Monday’s staff meeting went smoothly. William and Margaret Woods met with Sid Fox, the steward; Dorothy, head waitress; Magdalena, who ran the laundry; chefs Isaiah and Samuel; Zeke and PT. Mr. Woods commended Sam, the new assistant chef, for his well received Baked Alaska. Young Zeke, the new head bellhop, sat wide-eyed and uncharacteristically solemn. The need for an assistant for Mr. Woods for water activities was discussed and tabled. They reviewed the schedule for the upcoming week and hammered out details about Friday’s concert. PT reported on the progress of the staff talent show scheduled for the end of August. The last people to leave were Isaiah and Sid Fox, who reviewed the weekly acquisitions list, based on Margaret’s menu revisions.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people, Margaret,” stated William, “but we definitely need to augment our staff for next year. Sid is up to his ears keeping the place supplied and manicured. I need more time to put into water activities and I just don’t know what day to carve it out of.”
“More staff means more paychecks,” Margaret reminded him. “Dorothy has impressed upon me the need for more waitresses, but at least those positions are funded largely by tips. William, there is something else on my mind. I would like to discuss Gracie.”
“She’s a go-getter for sure. Hard working and respectful. I like that.”
“As do I. She is responsible and determined to please. I have received a request from the daughter of an elderly Eagles Mere resident who needs a companion. In my opinion, Gracie would be perfect. She would be needed on Thursday, her day off. I’ll ask her if she feels this is too much for her.”
“She will probably want to discuss it with her family first.”
“I doubt it, William,” Margaret sighed. “I have watched closely and see no evidence of Gracie communicating with her family. She is evasive when I inquire and never otherwise mentions them. I don’t know what the problem is, but I feel it is our responsibility to nurture her and give her opportunities to grow.”
“Well, if I had a daughter like Gracie I would encourage her.”
“My point exactly. The Crestmont is as close to family as Gracie has, so that makes it our responsibility. I will talk with her about this opportunity tonight.”
****
Taking a deep breath for courage, Gracie knocked. Mrs. Woods ushered her into the office with an encouraging smile. A tall, severe-looking woman impatiently paced the floor. She turned suddenly as Gracie entered, dubiously flicking her eyes from Gracie’s uniform to her face. The woman’s short hair was combed close about her face in the new boyish manner and a single curl lay starkly on her right cheek.
“Gracie, I’d like you to meet Miss Madeleine Cunningham. She would like to interview you concerning care for her mother,” Mrs. Woods said.
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Gracie smiled as they sat down.
Smoothing the burgundy silk skirt of her dress gracefully under her, Madeleine Cunningham pressed her back into the chair with an authoritative air. Gracie admired the stylish low draped bodice and loose cap sleeves of her dress.
“My mother needs a companion one day a week. I can’t possibly care for her needs every day as I need a day to attend to my own affairs. I understand you have Thursdays available.”
“Yes, I do,” Gracie offered, eager to supplement her income.
“She will require lunch, tea, and supper. You do cook, don’t you?”
Gracie shot an anxious glance at Mrs. Woods who nodded and pressed her lips together in a reassuring smile.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. My mother is legally blind and will need you to guide her about. She enjoys being read to and will keep you occupied with her chatter. I’ll fix her breakfast and will expect you by nine in the morning. The salary will be two
****
Monday’s staff meeting went smoothly. William and Margaret Woods met with Sid Fox, the steward; Dorothy, head waitress; Magdalena, who ran the laundry; chefs Isaiah and Samuel; Zeke and PT. Mr. Woods commended Sam, the new assistant chef, for his well received Baked Alaska. Young Zeke, the new head bellhop, sat wide-eyed and uncharacteristically solemn. The need for an assistant for Mr. Woods for water activities was discussed and tabled. They reviewed the schedule for the upcoming week and hammered out details about Friday’s concert. PT reported on the progress of the staff talent show scheduled for the end of August. The last people to leave were Isaiah and Sid Fox, who reviewed the weekly acquisitions list, based on Margaret’s menu revisions.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people, Margaret,” stated William, “but we definitely need to augment our staff for next year. Sid is up to his ears keeping the place supplied and manicured. I need more time to put into water activities and I just don’t know what day to carve it out of.”
“More staff means more paychecks,” Margaret reminded him. “Dorothy has impressed upon me the need for more waitresses, but at least those positions are funded largely by tips. William, there is something else on my mind. I would like to discuss Gracie.”
“She’s a go-getter for sure. Hard working and respectful. I like that.”
“As do I. She is responsible and determined to please. I have received a request from the daughter of an elderly Eagles Mere resident who needs a companion. In my opinion, Gracie would be perfect. She would be needed on Thursday, her day off. I’ll ask her if she feels this is too much for her.”
“She will probably want to discuss it with her family first.”
“I doubt it, William,” Margaret sighed. “I have watched closely and see no evidence of Gracie communicating with her family. She is evasive when I inquire and never otherwise mentions them. I don’t know what the problem is, but I feel it is our responsibility to nurture her and give her opportunities to grow.”
“Well, if I had a daughter like Gracie I would encourage her.”
“My point exactly. The Crestmont is as close to family as Gracie has, so that makes it our responsibility. I will talk with her about this opportunity tonight.”
****
Taking a deep breath for courage, Gracie knocked. Mrs. Woods ushered her into the office with an encouraging smile. A tall, severe-looking woman impatiently paced the floor. She turned suddenly as Gracie entered, dubiously flicking her eyes from Gracie’s uniform to her face. The woman’s short hair was combed close about her face in the new boyish manner and a single curl lay starkly on her right cheek.
“Gracie, I’d like you to meet Miss Madeleine Cunningham. She would like to interview you concerning care for her mother,” Mrs. Woods said.
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Gracie smiled as they sat down.
Smoothing the burgundy silk skirt of her dress gracefully under her, Madeleine Cunningham pressed her back into the chair with an authoritative air. Gracie admired the stylish low draped bodice and loose cap sleeves of her dress.
“My mother needs a companion one day a week. I can’t possibly care for her needs every day as I need a day to attend to my own affairs. I understand you have Thursdays available.”
“Yes, I do,” Gracie offered, eager to supplement her income.
“She will require lunch, tea, and supper. You do cook, don’t you?”
Gracie shot an anxious glance at Mrs. Woods who nodded and pressed her lips together in a reassuring smile.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. My mother is legally blind and will need you to guide her about. She enjoys being read to and will keep you occupied with her chatter. I’ll fix her breakfast and will expect you by nine in the morning. The salary will be two
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