Everett, who hasn’t yet changed into his bartender clothes, is sporting a Widespread Panic T-shirt that shows off his biceps and the outline of very nice abs. He’s squared off against a woman wearing a chef’s coat and frantic expression.
“Sorry for the intrusion,” Presley says. “You might want to lower your voices. I can hear you out here.”
Stella appears behind Presley, pushing through the swinging doors. “I heard you all the way out in the lounge. What on earth is going on?”
“The weather forecast changed,” the chef says. “The rain is moving in earlier than predicted. The restaurant is booked solid. Where are we going to put these hundred football parents of yours? The veranda isn’t big enough.”
“Can you rent a tent?” Presley suggests.
“We called the local rental companies,” Everett says. “There are no tents available.”
“With a property this size, you should probably own your own tents.” Presley’s hands shoot up. “Sorry. None of my business. But something to think about for the future.”
Stella’s fingers graze her arm. “That’s actually a wonderful idea, Presley. And come to think of it, I may have seen a tent in the attic at the barn. Let me check with my groundskeeper.” Removing her cell phone from her back pocket, she steps away to place the call.
Presley holds out her hand to the chef. “I’m Presley Ingram, nosy guest.”
The chef shakes her hand. “Cecily Weber, head chef. And your nosiness is greatly appreciated. Do you know Everett?”
Everett and Presley exchange a smile. “We’ve met,” she says.
Stella rejoins them. “Katherine confirmed that there is at least one tent in the attic, but she thinks there may be more. Her crew is getting them down now.”
Everett says, “Katherine’s crew comprises mostly non-English-speaking Hispanics. I doubt any of them knows how to put up a tent.”
“We’ll get Jack to help us,” Stella says.
“Good thinking,” Everett says. “Jack knows how to do everything.”
Cecily rubs the back of her neck. “This whole situation is stressing me out. We really need to hire an event planner, sooner rather than later. You know what a team player I am, Stella, but I don’t feel like I can give the restaurant my undivided attention if I’m having to organize all these parties.”
Stella falls back against the stainless-steel counter. “I know, and you’re right. What do you say, Presley? Are you interested in being our event planner?”
Stella’s tone sounds like she’s joking, but her eyes are fixed on Presley as she waits for her reply.
“Believe it or not, I have a degree in hospitality management with a concentration in event planning.”
Stella’s mouth falls open. “Then it’s fate. Will you consider taking the job?”
Presley laughs. “I’m not sure I’m ready to move to Hope Springs, but I’d be happy to help out tonight.”
Relief crosses Stella’s face. “That would be wonderful. Let’s get through this party, and tomorrow morning, we’ll have a serious chat.”
7
Everett
Kristi holds down the fort in Billy’s Bar while Everett helps set up for the party. Presley is a miracle worker. Not only does he enjoy watching her hot little body run around in form-fitting exercise attire, she has a solution for every problem they encounter.
Cecily freaks out when a server calls in sick. “This is a disaster. We were short-staffed to begin with. I can’t pull anyone from the restaurant.”
“Why don’t you recruit some servers from the college?” Presley suggests. “I’ll bet plenty of them have restaurant or catering experience. It’s not like passing a tray of food is rocket science. Besides, college kids are always eager to earn beer money.”
Cecily’s face lights up. “That’s a brilliant idea. My boyfriend is a lacrosse coach. I’ll have him spread the word.”
Cecily texts Lyle, and within the hour, four students contact her for the details.
When Presley goes to her room to change for the party, Everett walks with her to the elevators. “I’m impressed with your ability to think fast on your feet. What kind of job experience do you have?”
“I worked in event management for a country club in Nashville for a few years out of college. Until Mom’s condition worsened and I began managing the social aspects of her career. Which, as you might imagine for a music producer, was a full-time job.”
“The other night you mentioned you’re looking for a new direction for your life. Might event planning for the Inn at Hope Springs Farm be that?” Everett flashes her his most brilliant smile.
They reach the elevators, and Presley jabs at the up button. “I will eventually look for a job. Right now, I’m taking some time for myself. I’m not sure I can see myself living in a small town like Hope Springs.”
“To be sure, it’s an adjustment. But small town living definitely has its perks. The cost of living is way less. I can walk almost everywhere I need to go. And there’s a ton to do if you enjoy outdoor activities.”
“I experienced that today on my bike tour.” Presley punches the up button again. “Do you live nearby?”
“Yep. In a studio apartment two blocks down on Main Street. Our building has a vacancy if you’re interested, the best unit with lots of windows overlooking the mountains. I’m happy to show you the building after I get off work tonight.” When Presley hesitates, he quickly adds, “I promise not to make a move on you.”
She laughs, a delightful giggle that’s both childlike and sexy as hell. “In that case, I accept your offer. Seeing the building will help when I talk to Stella tomorrow morning.”
“So you are considering the job.”
The elevator doors open, and a handful of guests emerge. “Let’s just say I’m exploring my options.” She steps inside the cart and the doors close.
Everett experiences the strangest feeling of loss. In the brief span of a few hours,
