The next day I waded through more emails before checking the rooms for supplies. I had managed to drag the TV from the living room to the bedroom so Grey would have something to do while I was at work. He was on day two of bed rest and he was already completely stir crazy. He gave new meaning to cabin fever. I promised to come home to fix lunch and check on him.
I marked off the room keys from the lock box as I loaded them on the service cart. I still needed to clean the Shapleys’ room and make an inventory list. With Grey out of service, the room duties fell on me.
The first four looked fine. They were the ones closest to the street and the least utilized. I moved on to the next block.
By noon, I had completed one entire side of the motel and I was ready to take a break.
I pushed the cart into room twenty-four just as Mason was coming out of room twenty-three.
“In a hurry?” he shouted from across the parking lot.
“Going home to make lunch.” I smiled as I closed the door, turning the key quickly.
He held up a piece of paper. I couldn’t make out what was on it from across the parking lot, so I walked a few steps toward him.
“I was just coming to see you. Where’s that nephew of mine? Shouldn’t he be the one working on the rooms?” Mason stood next to his car. I wasn’t surprised he drove a convertible. Part of him seemed fast and flashy.
“Grey’s not feeling so well. I’m headed over to check on him.”
“Too bad. Tell him I said I hope he’s better real soon.” He handed me the piece of paper. “Here are the items in my room that need to be fixed.”
I stared at the list he had made.
“CFL bulbs in all fixtures? New sink faucet handles? A new toilet seat? Extra blankets?” I skimmed the rest of the list silently. This was complete bullshit and Mason knew it.
“If you could get those things done for me, sweetheart, while I’m out, I’d appreciate it. I’ll work on the second half of my list when I get back.”
“Second half? What are you talking about? Isn’t this enough?” There was no way I could do half the things on his checklist.
“I haven’t even gotten started on the motel. The icemaker is shotty. The pool gate creaks, but why am I telling you this now? Like I said, I’ll write it all down for you.”
“How thoughtful.” I twisted my lips from saying something nasty.
Mason chuckled before pushing the top down on his car. “It’s going to be a beautiful day. I’ll catch you later. Big investor meeting.”
I watched as he popped a piece of gum in his mouth before speeding off onto the highway.
I shook my head and folded the paper into a square, then shoved it in my back pocket. I would do what I could, but Mason was only trying to make a statement. The Palm was old and it showed. I huffed as I crossed over the dunes to the cottage.
Grey was sitting at the kitchen table with a bowl of soup in front of him.
“Hey.” I smiled, ignoring the checklist that was burning a hole in my back pocket. “I thought you were going to let me make lunch for you.” I crossed the empty living room, wrapped my arms around the back of his shoulders, and kissed him on the cheek.
“I didn’t know how long you would be at work,” he grumbled.
I checked the clock on the microwave. It was only ten after twelve. “Ok. Can I get you something else?”
“No. I’ve got it.” He pushed the soup across the table.
“I have to make lunch anyway. I’m starving. Let me fix something else for you. A sandwich? Salad? Oh, I know. Grilled cheese.” I could definitely go for some comfort food right now.
“Dammit. I said I can feed myself.”
I spun on my heels. “Why are you giving me a hard time? I’m trying to help you.”
He sighed. “Sorry. I’m just tired of this damn thing.” He pointed to the boot on his foot that extended to his knee. “And I don’t think I’m a daytime TV person. Do you know how many shows are women talking about current events? I’m going crazy in here.”
I sat in the chair across from him. “I know this sucks, but you have your appointment in less than a week. In the scheme of things, that’s nothing. Try to relax so you can heal faster. You’re only going to make things worse if you walk before your body is ready.” I tried to use my steady voice, but I didn’t know how receptive he was to any of my voices at this point. We weren’t exactly connecting.
“All right. Whatever you say.” He pushed against the table to stand. “I’ll go back to my cell.”
“Grey, don’t say it like that.”
He was already on his crutches and out of the room. Damn, this was hard.
Grey’s week in bed was difficult for him, but I wasn’t sure it wasn’t just as hard on me. His sour mood only worsened. I tried to stay positive. I kept trying to put myself in his position. He wasn’t able to work for the rental company, do upkeep at the Palm, or take me out on my promised night on the town. Then there was that little issue of Mason. It was enough to make anyone a weeklong grump.