“Is Andrea going to do it?” Paula also thought it could be a good role for her cousin, as the concierge was like an ambassador, answering questions about the island and suggesting restaurants and other places to visit. It was a social position, which played to her strengths. But Paula imagined Andrea might not be happy and would see it as a demotion.

“I don’t know. I hope so. I told her I’d support whatever decision she makes. If she wants to go to Boston and stay in hotel management I’d help with a reference, but I also said I would be truthful on what I feel her strengths and weaknesses are. I hope she’ll realize this will be better for her in the long run. I told her that I didn’t think her future was in people management. I don’t think she liked hearing that though.”

“I can imagine. What will you do about the general manager role? Do you have anyone in mind or do we need to call Elaine?” Elaine Humphrey was the hotel industry headhunter they occasionally used for difficult-to-fill positions, when there was no one local who was qualified. Elaine always found them great candidates that were happy to relocate to Nantucket.

Her grandfather smiled and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

“I have someone in mind. I’d like to offer you the role.”

Paula thought she must have heard wrong. “What did you just say?”

“I want you to be the next general manager. I think you’re more ready for it than you realize.”

“Me? But I’m not general manager material. I’ve never aspired to that role. I like being in the background, handing the financials.”

“I know you do. But you’re capable of more. You listen to everything in our meetings and you’ve had some very good ideas and as you well know, some have worked out well. You’re also a lot nicer than your cousin. People like you and I think they will like working for you.”

“But I’ve never done any kind of people management before,” Paula protested. She was flattered by her grandfather’s confidence in her, but this was way out of her comfort zone.

“Yes, I’ve thought of that too. I met with a consultant in New York. David Connolly was recommended to me. He’s an expert advisor in hotel management and he agreed to come work with you.”

“Work with me?” What did that mean? Paula felt a bit like Alice in Wonderland when she stepped through the looking glass and her whole world instantly shifted.

“He’s a great guy, and he has family on Nantucket too, so he knows people here. You’ll like him.”