Page 12 of Pity Present
“Yes, but you could still make money on them,” I tell her.
“We could, but we don’t need to.”
I think of all the high-end hotels I work for that make a ton in their gift shops and wonder why Trina and her fiancé aren’t of the same mind. Picking up a toothbrush from the display, I tell her, “You could get eight or nine dollars for this.” They have theirs priced at two.
“People already spend a lot to stay here; there’s no reason to punish them for forgetting necessary items.” Segueing off the topic of oral hygiene, she says, “We’re interested in knowing what other kinds of things you think we should offer.”
“I’d normally suggest an array of expensive luxury items. You know, perfumes, adding a jewelry case, silver flasks or things along those lines.”
Trina nods her head thoughtfully. “I can see how those might be in demand in big cities or resorts, but I’m not sure they would be as marketable here in the middle of nowhere.”
She’s right and once again I wonder why I’m here instead of someone who specializes in more rustic locations. “I don’tnormally work for places like yours.” I think, but don’t add,places that aren’t looking to rip off their guests at every turn.
Trina walks around to the front of the counter until she’s standing next to me. “People are people. I figure you can get a feel for who our guests are and then advise us on what else you think we should carry.”
“I can’t imagine I’ll need two weeks for that.” Maybe two days …
“Then you’ll have plenty of time to participate in the singles’ event while you’re here.” If I were a conspiracy theorist, I might surmise my being here at the same time Trina was having her first matchmaking session was less of a coincidence and more of a planned happenstance. As in, maybe Ellen paid for me to be offered the spot and there really was no cancellation. But there’s no way my sister would pay to have me participate without a guarantee that I’d do so. She’s more careful with her money than that.
Also, why would Trina and Heath pay me to organize their gift shop if I were here for their singles’ event?
“I’m still not sure I’m interested.”
Trina looks nonplussed. “I thought you were intrigued by the idea last night.” Waving her hand in the air, she decides, “But it’s neither here nor there. Join us if you want, and if you don’t, there are no hard feelings.” Her attitude helps convince me this wasn’t a set up.
“I guess I’ll look around at the things you already stock. Then I’ll put together some ideas of what more you could do.”
“You don’t have to stay in the shop,” Trina says. “We want you to participate in all lodge activities and really get to know the ins and outs of the place so you can get a feel for what being a guest here entails. Just charge any expenses to your room and they’ll be comped.”
The Elk Lake Lodge is very different from my usual jobs. While I’ve worked at some of the most exclusive resorts in theworld, I generally only get my room covered, along with a daily per diem for food.
“That’s very nice of you, Trina. Thanks.”
She smiles as she turns to leave. Before walking out the door, she spins around and adds, “If you change your mind about joining us for the singles’ event, we’ll be in the great room at five.” Then she’s gone.
I pull a notepad out of my purse as a youngish woman walks through the door. She’s probably a few years younger than me. “You must be Molly! I’m Lorelai. I work here.”
“In the gift shop?”
She nods her sandy brown head. “I live in Elk Lake. I was so excited when the lodge opened, I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some way.”
Lorelai is the perfect person for me to talk to. “Is there anything your guests are looking for that you don’t carry?”
She tilts her head as her face scrunches up in thought. “You know, I think we should carry more warms socks. You wouldn’t believe how many people I hear complaining about cold, wet feet.”
“Do they ask for socks?”
She shakes her head. “No, but they can see what we have and what we don’t. The trick is listening to what they say to each other.”
I’m suddenly convinced Trina and Heath just need to talk to their current employees. Regardless, I jot down warm socks on my pad before saying, “Thanks, Lorelai. Let me know if you can think of anything else.”
Before starting my research, I exit the shop with the sole intention of finding a cup of coffee. I immediately forget my destination when Blake nearly runs me over.
“Molly, hi,” he says.
I merely nod my head. I’m in no mood to embarrass myself with the inane drivel that constantly comes out of my mouth when Blake is around.
He looks over at Lorelai and asks, “You don’t by any chance carry cinnamon gum, do you?” Glancing at me, he adds, “It’s surprisingly hard to find.”
