The Holiday. Part 8

The whole of the downstairs smelled of fresh coffee and baking. It was 2.30 in the afternoon. The first guests hadn’t yet arrived but Charlie thought that it would probably be anytime now. She had put on a clean pair of jeans and tee shirt after spending the morning vacuuming and generally putting finishing touches around the house. Fresh flowers stood on the hall table next to the registration book and a stand with all the usual local tourist information. A plain black note book lay next to the stand and it contained all the information that guests may wish to know such as the local gay friendly pubs, bookstores and other venues that may appeal to this particular clientele. Sarah was in the kitchen with Denise ensuring everything would run smoothly on this their first evening as a working hotel.

Sophie and Megan drove up the gravelled driveway of the guest house and were impressed by the stone façade of the Georgian building. The freshly painted woodwork spoke to the fact that the building had recently been renovated with care. Bay trees stood in large pots on either side of the door. The deep green door was furnished with shinning brass. No sign adorned the house andthe unknowing passer by would not be aware that this home was a guest house. Sarah and Charlotte did not want unsuspecting holiday makers to approach the house, wishing to keep it strictly for customers who shared their lifestyle. So far their reservation book was full for the next 3 months so they hoped they would not have to change their policy.

Parking the car, Sophie turned off the engine and looked over at Megan ‘Well here we are. Looks like we might be the first if the empty car park is anything to go by. Nervous?’

‘Yeah a little bit. But don’t worry kiddo I got ya. It’ll be great.’ She leaned over and gave Sophie a quick peck on the lips. ‘Now move your arse woman and get my bag. I’d kill for a cup of tea, especially after your motorway driving!’

‘Hey cheeky. I’m a great driver. You just don’t appreciate me.’

The two were still giggling when they lifted the brass door knocker to announce their arrival.

In the hall way Charlotte hissed through the kitchen door ‘Sarah. Guests!’

‘Ok. So go open the door.’ Charlotte pulled a face of terror and Sarah laughed ‘Oh Ok I’ll come with you, you big woos.’

Together they stood behind the front door and held hands. Sarah kissed her wife, ‘Ready?’ Charlotte nodded and they said in unison ‘Good luck!’

Charlotte opened the door to find a giggling couple standing on their doorstep, bags in hand.

One of the women had short sandy hair and blue eyes with a scattering of freckles over her nose. She stood a head shorter than her partner, who had shoulder length blonde hair which was pulled back and fastened with a simple gold clip at the neck. They both wore wide grins and said a cheery ‘Hello’ at the same time.

‘Hi’ Charlotte smiled ‘Come on in; let’s give you a hand with your bags.’ Sarah leant forward and took Sophie’s bag whilst Charlotte attempted to take Megan’s only for her to shake her head and say she was fine.

When the four entered the hall and the bags were placed on the floor they introduced each other. There were a few little shrieks when they realised who was who. There were hugs all round.

‘I can’t believe we finally get to see each other after all this time of chatting on the net! This is so amazing. I can’t wait for the others to get here. We are the first right?’ Megan asked

Sarah nodded ‘Yes, hopefully the others should be here soon.’ As she finished her sentence they heard car engines and laughter outside.

Opening the door they were faced with Cassie, Julia and Ellen and Diane, introducing one another, laughing and hugging. The four indoors went out to join them and as they did another car containing Louise and Cindy pulled into the driveway.

The group spent sometime on welcomes and introductions, whilst stood outside. Eventually Charlotte shouted for everyone to come through to the lounge where refreshments were waiting.

‘Leave your bags and come and get a drink. Then we can show you to your rooms and help out with bags, if that suits everyone?’ amid nods and shouts of ‘yes please’ ‘great’ ‘ooh tea’, the group made their way into the house.

They noted the decoration in the hall and the umbrella stand full of canes. Julia stopped to admire the decoration on the cane handles. She lifted one and tested the weight on her own palm. ‘Oh this would do nicely to deal with your rudeness on the plane over’ she said to Cassie but loud enough for the group to hear. Cassie’s blush brought another wave of laughter.

In the lounge they helped themselves to coffee whilst Sarah took orders for tea. They then hovered trying to decide between fresh baked scones and cream, and various sponge cakes and cookies.

Whilst they were eating and drinking and getting acquainted there was a loud knock on the door. Charlotte welcomed the final two guests with ‘You have to be Sandy and Cheryl!’ The pair joined the others in the lounge and the house was as full as it would be for the next week.