THIRTEEN
When they arrived at Tilly’s house not many minutes later, Dan stepped over to Aiden as he was getting out of his car. “I believe we can take a short break, and have a glass of lemonade, before we begin to bring things in. I really think you’d like to have a look at my tabloid.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Aiden agreed. Trepidation began to assault him as the three of them headed for the door. What could possibly in the article that had the man so up in arms?
As they went, Cat caught up and latched onto his arm. Aiden smiled down at her, tugging her a bit closer so they could fit through the doorway at the same time. They were greeted by a pleasant older woman who grinning at their current proximity.
“Cat, you found a mate,” she grinned, and her Australian accent was quite easy to place.
“Yeah, I did,” said Cat proudly. “Tilly, this is Aiden Whitney.”
“You mean, as in the billionaire Aiden Whitney, walking so casually through my own front door?” she gasped. “Forgive me, sir! If I’d have known I was about to have such esteemed company I might have vacuumed the floor!”
Aiden chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, Tilly. We’ve brought along so many things from the hotel once they’ve all come in you won’t even be able to see it anymore.”
“If any of those things are still damp, they’d best be coming in through the back door,” she scolded Dan, even shaking a finger at him. “That last batch did not leave me in the mood for more.”
Aiden reassured her, “Nothing that went into my vehicle was wet, though I can’t vouch for Dan’s.”
“Of course none of it’s wet,” he grumbled. “What do you think I waited a whole week for?”
As he said this, Cat’s father plucked up a folded newspaper and set it into Aiden’s hands. He thumbed through and found the article in question on the third page, skimming over it briefly before he gave an indignant huff.
“Abuse and neglect?” he scoffed. “I never harmed any woman in my entire life. And if anyone has been neglected, it’s me. It’s almost four years now since she cut me off.”
“Well, that explains a few things,” said Cat with a chuckle, jabbing him playfully in his ribcage. “But Aiden, you can’t just ignore this. If she’s really accusing you of those things, you need to stand up for yourself. Prove that you didn’t do any such thing. People are going to see that story, and they’re going to assume it’s real. It could lead to them boycotting your gyms. I may not be a billionaire myself, but I know how devastating a loss like that potentially could be.”
“I’ll have my lawyer look into it immediately,” he agreed. “Love the way you think on your toes, by the way. You must have learned about more than just hospitality at that college of yours, eh?”
Cat shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Good, I can use that,” Aiden said appreciatively. “I like having savvy associates in my arsenal. I really think this is going to become something amazing.”
“Wow, Cat, he really is a keeper, isn’t he?” Tilly teased.
“We’ll see,” she said, giggling.
*****
“Are you ready?” Aiden asked Cat when they returned to the resort the next day. “I think the guys did a pretty good job weeding out bad apples, but you never know if somebody in here might get a little irate. Also, Kellen was instructed to inform the new hires who I am, but he has no idea I’ve already hired you since we have yet to talk. Though he’s well aware that I intend to, so it shouldn’t be much of a shock.”
Cat nodded. “I’m not so worried about Kellan or Declan, it’s my domestic staff I’m concerned about. Some of them might assume I got hired just because you and I have been canoodling. That’s just the sort of mean-spirited thing most folks would believe, and I’m likely to catch some crap over it.”
“Feel free to replace anyone who tries,” said Aiden, giving her hand a squeeze. “Come on, let’s head in. I want you to go right up onto the platform and sit down with Declan until you’re introduced. When you are, you can simply say a few words about looking forward to heading up the department and invite everyone to come and speak with you about the scheduling process. You’ll be able to use conference room four, and I’ve already asked Mindy to set up the necessary paperwork and computer systems. I’ll be able to help out sometimes, but I also need to help Declan with scheduling the divers, lifeguards, boat operators, and other outdoor activity types so you’re going to be pretty much on your own. This is your ball game, sweetheart. You can run it any way you like, just as long as you cover all the bases.”
“Aiden, calm down, will you?” Cat chuckled. “I know you’re excited to get started, and probably worried about mistakes, but everything will be okay. I promise.”
“Sorry. I always get like this at important events,” he admitted, blushing slightly.
Cat grinned and gave him a tug, bringing him with her into the conference room where everyone was currently assembled. Hand in hand, the two of them mounted the three steps and sat down beside Declan. Kellan raised an inquisitive brow, and Aiden merely nodded. It was understood from this that Cat had been hired according to their plans.
Looking out on the audience, Aiden could see that some of the people in it were confused about his presence on the stage, and he couldn’t blame them. At this point, the divers believed that Declan was the administrative head of recreational activities, and could easily discern that Miss Addison must have been hired to run the domestic side of things, but Scott Ward’s presence had no meaning for anyone yet.
However, Aiden was unconcerned since Kellen would explain to them shortly. In fact, it looked like he was about to make his announcement now. “Ladies and gentlemen, your interviews are complete, and each and every one of you has already been approved by your esteemed new employer. Mr. Whitney, if you please?”
Smiling, Aiden stood up and stepped over to Kellen, taking the microphone from him. The murmur of the people who looked on was gratifying and just a little amusing as he brought it to his lips. “Hey gang, that’s right. I’ve been with you this whole time. Sorry for the deceit, it wasn’t meant to hurt anybody. I simply decided I needed to immerse myself in the experience, maybe be better able to understand each and every one of you. In any case, now here we all are, ready to embark on our new adventure together. My three heads will be interviewing each employee separately to establish scheduling and go over the rules and regulations each of them will have going forward—though I believe one is too newly established to have created any. Miss Addison?”
“Yes, Mr. Whitney, that would be correct,” Cat nodded, coming to his side. “I believe I’ll need to find out all of your expectations first. However, I have been told that all the domestic employees are meant to adjourn to the fourth conference room so we can begin the process of scheduling. I’d like to do this in small increments if possible. To that end, I will first wish to have all of the maids. We will go there directly from here. Kitchen and laundry staff, please remain available so that you can be summoned when we are through. Thank you.”
“Declan? Did you wish to address the recreational staff?” Aiden asked.
“I did indeed, sir,” he nodded, and Aiden handed him the microphone. He turned to Cat and brought her with him back to their seats. The pair of them sat companionably, but by mutual unspoken discretion they kept their hands to themselves. After Declan’s little speech, Kellan reclaimed the microphone.
“Great, that’s it for this party, then,” he told everybody. “Maids to the fourth conference room, front desk, you’re here with me, and Declan’s staff please follow him to conference room three. Have a great evening everybody.”
Aiden caught Cat’s hand as she stood to leave. “I’ll see you by the time you’re scheduling for laundry,” he told her, kissing her fingers.
“Will you need to approve everything?”
“If it gives me an excuse to spend more time with you, of course I will,” he said, winking at her. “Now move, lady.”