She let herself into her room and happily kicked off her shoes. They were gorgeous black leather, but new and a little snug and her feet were protesting. The hotel room was an oasis of calm. The bedding was all white, with a fluffy down comforter and luxurious Frette sheets.

Andrea slept well and woke early the next day. She took care getting ready for the interview and wore a bit more makeup than she usually did. On a typical day, she often just wore lipstick and maybe mascara. But today she also applied a hint of eyeshadow, concealer, a sweep of blush and a dusting of powder to set it all. She wore her best navy suit, and blew her hair stick straight.

She felt confident as she walked downstairs to the corporate offices. She was meeting with Human Resources first and then with the president of the company. Both meetings went very well. She had a better feeling about this interview than she had at the Lennon. There were no awkward moments and the president, a distinguished man in his early sixties, was interesting to talk to and he seemed to understand her wish to join a hotel that was not owned by family.

“I am impressed with your background, Andrea. I think your experience at The Whitley could be a very good fit for us. We have a few other candidates we are seeing this week and then we’d like to bring two candidates back for a final interview with our board. That might not happen for a few weeks, as several of them are out of the country. Does that work with your timing?”

“That’s fine.” Andrea wasn’t in a hurry. Not for a Manhattan-based role. That gave her a little more time to see if something might turn up in Boston.

“We’ll be in touch early next week with our decision.”

“Thank you.”

Andrea checked out after the interview and caught a cab to the airport. There was a shuttle leaving in an hour for Nantucket, so she didn’t have to wait long. She got herself a coffee and relaxed at the gate, waiting for her plane. She had a good feeling about this interview. She would be surprised if she didn’t get a call back for a final interview. And she’d go and see what happened. Maybe living in New York for a few years could be a fun adventure.

Chapter 16

Paula made her rounds Monday morning, checking in with each area of the hotel and, as she walked down the hall between the catering offices and the lobby, she noticed a woman standing in her doorway holding a towel and looking around, as if she was waiting for someone and she looked irritated.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Paula offered.

“You work here?” The woman did not seem happy at all.

“Yes, I’m the general manager.”