THE PINK ROSES HOTEL WAS EXTREMELY WELL SOUNDPROOFED, which was something guests really appreciated. It had been the first improvement made by Mrs. Sloan upon buying it. Fond of travelling as she was, she'd always thought that no matter how elegant, sophisticated or chic a hotel, in the end, what remained on the traveler's mind was if the room was clean, warm or cool enough - depending on the season - and quiet. For you didn't want your sleep ruined by a noisy neighbour, traffic or birds starting to sing at sunrise.
So that second night, after a fifty-minute phone call to her mother, nothing disturbed the peace of mind she'd finally managed to achieve.
"I know you're nervous, and that's because you are a responsible person. Changes are always stressful, but you really, really need to try to enjoy this as much as you can. We are here, sweetie, and we love you and support you. And if you eventually decided that's not the place for you, it would be okay too. So don't worry, all right?"
"Thank you, mom. You really know what I need to hear."
"I mean it, honey. And I'm speaking on behalf of your father too."
"I know. Thanks again. Good night, mom. I love you."
A familiar sound woke her up, and it took her some seconds to remember where she was; so deep had been her sleep.
Mac was barking softly, calling her, she interpreted, from the corridor. She was putting her robe on when Jesse knocked on the door.
"Good morning. Hey, Mac! Have you had your walk already?"
"Actually, we were hoping you'd join us."
"Sure! Give me a sec."
They took Mac to the park and walked past the bench she so well knew.
"You look happier today," Jesse noticed. "Well, maybe happy is not the word yet. But, definitely, cheered up."
"Mrs. Sloan wouldn't want to see me worried."
"That's a very wise thought. We should both be enjoying her gift; she must have had that idea on her mind when she arranged everything."
The rest of the morning was nice and busy. After another delicious breakfast, Jesse decided Kathy should meet each one of the staff members of both businesses, so that she didn't feel like a stranger in her own "house". Jesse himself hadn't been on the island more than twice, but he knew almost everybody's name, for he'd taken care of the payroll as Mrs. Sloan's secretary.
"But didn't the hotel and Patty's have managers?" asked Kathy.