He smiled. “I don’t think you could ever do that, my dear. If you don’t want this job, it’s not the end of the world. I could just call Elaine and get someone in a New York minute. But of course, I’d rather not do that. But it’s up to you.”

“I also told your grandfather that I think you’re doing an excellent job. And you take feedback well, even when it’s not what you want to hear.”

Paula knew he was talking about his comment that she was ‘too nice.’ That had stung.

“You weren’t happy with me. I knew it. But you processed the feedback and you tried to do better, and you did. You’ve grown in the role and I think you could do a great job for a long time, if you choose to.”

Her grandfather smiled. “So, it’s entirely up to you, my dear. What do you think? Are you happy in the role? If you’re not, you can go back to what you used to do.”

Paula took a deep breath and looked at both of them. “I didn’t think I was going to like the role. To be honest, parts of it scared me a little, being so visible and out there everywhere. But I don’t think I could go back to my old role. I think I’d miss the variety in this position and the challenge. I didn’t realize it at the time, Grandfather, but you were right. It is a good fit for me. I just had to discover that for myself. I’m happy to stay on as the GM.”

Her grandfather beamed. “Well, that’s most excellent news. And I think it calls for a toast. There might be a bottle of that bubbly stuff you like in the refrigerator. Want to get it and pour us a cup?”

Paula went to his small office refrigerator and saw the yellow cardboard box that held a bottle of her favorite champagne, Veuve Clicquot. She got it out and brought it over to them.

“You got this for me? You were that sure we’d be celebrating?”

He laughed. “I think I know my granddaughter. You’ve never backed away from a challenge before. I felt pretty confident that you’d want to stay. And now we can toast and make it official.”

Paula poured champagne for each of them and they tapped their glasses together.

“To you, and to The Whitley and many more happy years together,” her grandfather said proudly.

Chapter 34

Andrea had Tuesday off and was scheduled to work the evening shift at the concierge desk. She slept unusually well and woke feeling rested and lighter and she knew what her decision was. Once she decided, there was no going back and she knew in her heart that she’d made the right decision, for her.