Page 67

“It just makes sense!” Aidan says. “For the wet activities, we’ll need changing rooms and showers, and we don’t have the money to build our own centre. The resort already has those facilities, along with a ton of guests—guests who could become our customers. If we can team up with the resort, then our main expenses will be a minibus, to transfer folk to and from the activities, and outdoor equipment—helmets, wetsuits, harnesses, all that stuff. If we don’t team up with the resort . . . well, it’s going to be really difficult to get up and running.”

I get the distinct impression the boys have already had this conversation many times today. Aidan’s argument makes sense to me, but Ally looks unconvinced by it.

“I bet the resort would love to offer guests an adventure during their stay,” Lewis says. “I mean, they’ve already got a golf course, gym, spa, pool . . .”

“Plus a games room, a mini cinema,” Jamie adds.

“Aye,” Lewis agrees. “What you’re offering, though, is something new for them, and it’s something that would appeal to their guests. Besides, the resort already has a similar agreement with the Glen Garve Distillery, right?”

Aidan clicks his fingers. “A very good point! The distillery picks up guests from the resort, takes them to the distillery to do the tour, then drops them back again. It lets folk enjoy a few drams without having to get behind the wheel afterwards. With a minibus, we could work with the resort in a similar way.”

The boys are all badgering Ally, but rather than give him some space, I decide to chime in too.

“Having been rafting with you, I can confidently say you need to offer changing facilities. You can’t expect customers to strip off outdoors.” Of course, I very much enjoyed the opportunity to peek at Ally while he was getting changed, but I keep that to myself. “All things considered, teaming up with the resort seems like a no-brainer.”

“All right, jeez!” Ally holds up his hands. “I can’t cope with you all banging on at me. Aye, it is a good idea, but I don’t know if I can work with the resort!”

I remember Robbie MacDonald, who chatted with me at the Pheasant while Ally was in the toilet, and whose father is the general manager of the Glen Garve Resort. When I visited the spa, Lewis hinted there was something more between Robbie and Ally than just a rivalry between the hotels, but he didn’t say what. It’s time I asked.

“What’s the deal between you and Robbie, Ally? Because if you and Aidan have dreamed of this business since you were teenagers, and this is the best way of achieving that dream, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t run to the resort begging to work with them.”

“You’re right.” Ally sighs. “I should just suck it up and do it. And as for me and Robbie . . . it’s stupid.” He shakes his head. “The thing between us, we should have grown out of it by now. Just . . . let me think over it some more, okay? I need a bit of time to process the idea.”

“Don’t take too long,” I warn. “You boys should strike while the iron is hot. You put off meeting with Aidan for ages. Now you’ve finally done it, you need to keep up the momentum. Personally, I think you should speak with the resort as soon as possible.”

Ally doesn’t get a chance to reply because Jamie cuts in.

“Wow!” he says.

All eyes turn to him.

He has Lewis’s report in his hands and is glancing through it. “Man, I thought Ally was going to get upset about the mattresses, but some of this stuff . . .”

My stomach churns. This is not how this was supposed to go. Lewis put a lot of work into that. Jamie’s not introducing it to Ally the right way at all.

Ally frowns. “What are you talking about?”

“Lewis has prepared a wee report for you.” Jamie’s tone is mocking. “It’s filled with his ideas for doing up the hotel. He must think we’re made of money.”

Ally runs a hand across his face. “Lewis, my head can only cope with so much! If I’m thinking of starting a new business with Aidan, I can’t be thinking about updating this place too. And what did Jamie mean by me getting upset about mattresses?”

A mischievous and gleeful grin appears on Jamie’s face. He clearly enjoys a fight—or rather, he enjoys stirring things up then watching what comes next from the sidelines.

“If we want this hotel to survive, we need to invest in it,” Lewis says. “I’ve been telling you that for forever, but you never listen. So, with Emily’s help, I put together a report detailing what needs to be done to get this place up to scratch.”

Ally looks at me, and I smile awkwardly. I’m not delighted about being dragged into this.

“As for the mattresses,” Lewis continues, “the ones in rooms six and eight have needed to be replaced for a while. That’s not a matter of opinion or something that should need sign-off from you. It’s just a fact. We’re a hotel: if nothing else, people expect a decent night’s sleep. That’s why I ordered a couple of new mattresses—good-quality ones.”

With a glance at me, Lewis adds, “As Emily said to me, this was Maw and Da’s business, so I should have a say in it too. You may enjoy being a tragic captain on a sinking ship, but I don’t want to see this place go down. I want to save it, and that’s what the report aims to do.”

Lewis gestures to the papers in Jamie’s hands, but Ally’s eyes are on me. He’s not happy.

“I . . .” I say hesitantly. “I did help Lewis with his report, and he’s got some great ideas—you should read it. But . . . I wasn’t a fan of spending money before we discussed it with you.”

Ally tugs at his hair. “Fuck! I don’t like this, Lewis. It was a big deal for me leaving you in charge today, and all you’ve done is show me I can’t trust you because as soon as I turn my back, you spend money.”

“Ally,” I try, “can I just say—”