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“Not at all.”
We put away our tools and materials and headed up the stairs. I turned off the lights when we got to the top. “Are you saying you want to play in the snow?”
A smile curved over her face. “I think I do.”
“I can make that happen. We have sleds and even a snowmobile.”
Fiona raised a brow. “Just one?”
“You can ride with me.”
Fiona settled on the stool. It had become our routine to cook a few times a week and heat up leftovers the other days. I’d offer to order something, but I liked the time we spent together. Each day, she opened up a little more.
Fiona grinned as she rested her elbows on the counter. “I feel like a little girl again, excited for a day off of school.”
“You promised we’d get some work done. It will be nice not to have any guests to attend to.”
“How’s Charlotte working out?”
I set the container of pork chops and potatoes on the counter. “I have to admit, she’s amazing. She’s so good with the guests. They love her.”
Fiona gave me a look. “You should have hired someone a long time ago.”
“Yeah, but I think it’s Charlotte I like. We could have gotten someone who wasn’t good with people or didn’t show up on time. But she’s amazing. She comes in early, works late, puts out coffee and that flavored water pitcher. Then she even arranged for a baker to provide afternoon snacks. And like I said, she’s so good with the customers. She has an upbeat, positive personality. Always quick with a compliment and a suggestion for a restaurant or a tour in town. We’ve sold more ornaments and paintings with her manning the front counter.”
“I love that for you. You deserve to have good help.”
“I just hope the hotel continues to turn a profit, or we won’t be able to keep her employed.”
“You’re doing all the right things. The customers will come. I looked at the reviews online last night.”
I plated the food and put one into the microwave, hitting Cook, then turned to face her. “There aren’t that many.”
Daphne scrolled through something on her phone. “They’re all positive though. Quaint inn just outside of Annapolis! Here’s another: We enjoyed our stay. Top-notch service. My kids loved the cookies served in the afternoons. Unique touches like this make me want to come back.” And then there are few who specifically mention the holiday decor and proximity to a Christmas tree farm. Perfect for a holiday visit with the family. Will be back!”
I cleared my throat. “I try not to look at those. I’m afraid of what they might say.”
Fiona put her phone down. “Everyone who posted had a positive experience.”
“That’s good to know.”
The first plate heated, I removed it, put the second inside the microwave, and hit the button to cook it.
“You’re building something amazing here. You’re going to get tourists and locals who want a romantic evening away. You’re family friendly too. I saw the reviews initially because Marley posted them on social media.”
“What did she do?” I asked as I placed a plate in front of her.
“She posted videos on social media. Each slide has a different review. These are perfect for social proof.” Fiona showed me the video, and I was surprised by how well done it was.
“Thank God for Marley. I wouldn’t be able to do that kind of thing without her.”
“Maybe not. But you could hire someone who’s good with marketing and social media.”
I tipped my head to the side. “Someone like you?”
“I consult on marketing for hotels too. I don’t usually create the posts and videos myself. But these are great. Marley’s doing an amazing job showcasing the inn.”
“It wasn’t my dream to run the inn, but when Marley said she was going to stay here and make a go of it, I wanted to do it with her. It felt like I needed to do it.”
