complied. “That’s a deposit,” he said as several people climbed out of a boat and headed for the picnic tables. “You’ll get the main payment later.”
Chapter Seven Brooke forced herself to count to ten. Sometimes these college students just couldn’t think for themselves! She touched the earpiece, only half listening to the maid’s panicked inquiry. If she were honest with herself however, she’d admit that her impatience was mostly due to the fact that she hadn’t seen Billy today. “It’s okay, Karen,” she said when she could get a word in edgewise. “We moved the soaps and shampoos to the storage room at the far end of the hall. That’s why you can’t find them.” The front door opened; she looked up but was disappointed. “That’s what I’m here for,” she assured the maid and disconnected. The housekeeper’s son had broken his leg early this morning and Brooke had been filling in while Heather took him to the hospital for x-rays and a cast. Fortunately, most of the maids were familiar with the Lodge’s routine and required very little supervision. Where was Billy? She’d bounded out of bed this morning, hoping that perhaps they’d have breakfast together or at least coffee, but he seemed to have disappeared. It wasn’t until about an hour ago that she’d thought to look in the parking lot for his car and discovered that it was gone. No promises had been made last night, but she’d been so sure he would be here this morning. Or had she read too much into their conversation? She didn’t think so; there’d been unmistakable heat between them; heat that even now made her breath catch in her throat. She wandered to the front of the lobby just as Jamie pulled up in the runabout. Craig jumped out and offered Jamie his hand. Brooke smiled to herself. Jamie was the most independent woman she’d ever met and she’d never seen her accept help from a man. The couple stood together on the dock, looking into each other’s eyes and a surge of envy caught her by surprise. “They look good together, don’t they?” Leeza had come up beside her and stood watching the scene on the dock. Brooke smiled. “I was just thinking the same thing.” She looked down at the chef. “By the way, did you see Billy this morning?” Leeza thought for a moment. “He came into the dining room just before we started serving and grabbed a couple of pieces of fruit.” She gave her friend a sly smile. “Why are you asking?” Brooke shrugged. “We spent some time together last night.” Her gaze drifted down to the dock where they’d been sitting. “He’s actually very nice.” Leeza nodded. “You’re right and it’s about time we stopped calling him Slick Billy. He’s always been nice to everyone here. One of our favourite guests, come to think of it. Matt said that he and Billy were playing ball with some of the kids last night and that they might hang out together today.” Brooke frowned. “Matt?” “Matt Weber. The guy who almost got eaten by the grizzly.” Leeza flushed bright red. Brooke stepped back and looked at her friend. She recalled checking Matt in yesterday. He’d given her a professional smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes and he’d looked around as though wondering what he was doing here. He was one of those tall, lean types that women drool over in men’s magazines. “I remember him,” she said now. “Insanely good looking. When did you meet him?” “This morning. He was sick and Stacy asked me to go upstairs and check him out when she couldn’t find you.” “So he’s okay now?” “He’s fine. I didn’t need my St. John’s Ambulance skills.” She gave a shaky laugh. “There’s something about him, Brooke.” She considered revealing Matt’s problems but decided to keep them to herself. “He’s going through a rough time right now.” “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you!” Leeza nodded. “I shouldn’t be, but I am.” She watched