Silver Screen Romance

“Husband and partner.” Davia laced her words with a teasing air. “How do those labels get along in business?”

Estelle raised her hands, gesturing to the room surrounding them. “When ‘business’ consists of this, not bad at all.”

The front door opened and with it came a frigid gust of air and the rumble of male voices and laughter.

Kale watched as Barrett set the baggage in paneled sections inside a wall just off from the main corridor they’d entered.

“This mini freight elevator will transport your things to the third level, where you’ll be staying,” Barry explained.

“Interesting system,” Kale said.

Barrett finished loading the elevator and stood. “It provides the guests with more privacy. We use a system like this to transport everything from luggage to meals. Besides, there’s no elevator, and neither I nor Estelle wanted to be carting bags all the way up to the third floor. Potential bellboys have taken one look at those stairs and run for the hills.”

Laughter flooded between the two men as they continued their trek down the hall and into the great room.

After he was introduced to Estelle, Kale complimented her home. “I was telling Barry that this is quite a place you guys have here. It’s a gorgeous thing to see when you’re just arriving in a new town.”

“Thanks, Kale, and there’s plenty more to see,” Estelle promised.

“But before we get into all that,” Barry said, “let’s get you guys out of your jackets and have you warm up near the fire.”

“What’s everybody having to drink?” Estelle called while Kale and Davia moved closer to the hearth. “We’ve got pretty much every kind of tea and coffee. Even hot chocolate or something stronger, if you like. Our bar is well stocked.”

“I’ll have whatever you do, Estelle,” Davia called, taking great delight at the warmth gliding its way to her chilled skin.

“Tell me you’ve got brandy and I’m a customer for life.” Kale rubbed his hands in brisk fashion in front of the flame.

Barry applauded. “Will a bottle aged twelve years do the trick?”

“It’ll do more than that.” Kale laughed and watched Barry head for the corner bar situated to the far right of the fireplace.

“How many rooms do you guys have here?” Davia asked Barry once the warmth had thoroughly penetrated her bones.

“Five to rent. Este and I have our own suite on this level.”

Kale and Davia exchanged curious looks.

“You guys do well with such a small number of rooms?” Kale asked.

“You’d be surprised,” Barry chuckled just as his wife returned to the room.

Estelle carried a tray laden with a plate of small sandwiches and a teakettle emitting a delightful fragrance.

“The fact that this is my hometown isn’t the only reason we moved back and tried to make a go of this place.” Barry shared the information as he handed Kale one of the two brandy snifters he’d brought over from the bar.

Estelle set the tray on a glossy, black-oak coffee table. The group sat in the four darkly cushioned square chairs surrounding it.

“There’s lots of land in the area and that means lots of folks ready to build on it.” Estelle passed Davia a mug of the fragrant Earl Grey.

“In the hope that there’s a lot of money to be made,” Barry added. “At any given time, contractors and their crews are in and around the area for some project or another. Given the amount of land and opportunity, that trend is set to continue for quite some time.”

“With that kind of incentive, you’d think construction crews would be working ’round the clock,” Kale mused after enjoying a slow sip of the brandy.

“Oh, they’re here in major numbers, believe me!” Barry raised his snifter in a mock toast. “I work for a company that specializes in securing housing for contracting crews. About eight years ago the company decided to acquire its own property in the hope of cutting out the middle man—the hotel chains—and keep that cash in house.”

“Just outside town, heading east, Barry’s company has a larger hotel,” Estelle said to Davia before taking a sip from the teacup.

“The inn is kept for the company heads who might see fit to visit the sites they’re developing. My company’s foray into housing was my idea and it proved to be a lucrative one.” Barry gave a self-satisfied grin. “When I asked to oversee business in this region, they didn’t argue.”

Kale released a whistle into the big room. “That’s some perk. Keeping a full-time job in Seattle and never leaving your hometown? Nice.”

Barry sent his wife a meaningful look then. “We’re hoping it could be nicer.”

Estelle nodded and then turned to shift her gaze between the guests. “Barry has a spot on the town council. So far, they’ve been very successful in bringing many new businesses to the area, and that’s sparked tremendous growth. Our proximity to a major metropolitan area makes us a desirable locale for people wanting the perks of suburban living without losing their connection to city life.”