Page 1 of Never and Always
Chapter 1
Piper
“Ineed the supplies next week, Duncan. And I want your best deal for them.”
“Ms. Ellis, next week is?—”
I listened to the building contractor drone on from the speakerphone and saw my temporary assistant appear in the office doorway. I held up a finger to her.
“You promised me next week.” I kept my tone firm. “That’s why I selected your company for the work. You assured me, several times, you could meet the schedule. So, I expect next week, or I’ll go somewhere else.”
The deliveries needed to be on time, or the renovation work I’d spent a lot of time scheduling would fall behind.
I never fell behind.
The renovations of the Langston Windward would be done on time and on budget. Just how all my projects went.
“I guess I can make that work, Ms. Ellis,” Duncan grumbled.
“Thank you, Duncan. Email me the date and time.” I ended the call and glanced up. “Kate?”
The young assistant bounced inside the conference room I’d claimed for my office, her dark ponytail bobbing behind her. Ikept my face blank. I wasn’t sure why she bounced so much. It must be a mountain thing. I’d been here in Windward—a tiny Colorado mountain town—for several months. I fought a grimace. The town was tiny, but thankfully not too far from Denver. At least it had decent internet.
Since the Langston Hotels Group had purchased this mountain resort, we’d been working overtime to update, upgrade, and integrate it into being a Langston Hotel.
I was stuck here for the foreseeable future. It was my job to pack the hotel full of the style and amenities our guests expected of a Langston Hotel.
As chief operations officer, I took my job very seriously.
Even if I had to forgo civilization for several months. To be fair, Windward had some charming boutiques that catered to the crowds that visited during the ski season, and some good coffee.
Not that I’d admit that to anyone.
“I have several quotes and contracts for your signature and approval,” Kate said.
“Thank you.” I took the stack from her. “Is the painting quote in there?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“And the contract for the electrical work?”
She bobbed her head again.
“Thanks, Kate.” I’d borrowed her from her job working at the reception desk. She was new to assistant work, but a quick learner. “You’ve been a real help.”
Her pretty, young face flushed with pleasure. “Would you like me to get you a latte?”
“I’m good for now, but thank you.” I’d already had two coffees this morning. I could feel the caffeine whizzing through my veins.
The phone on the table started ringing. “I’ll take that, then I need to go and check on the painting in the east wing.” Thepainters were setting up to get started. “Keep going through my emails and prep any files I need for my meetings later, please.”
“Sure thing, Piper.”
I took the call. Then another. They were all to do with issues at other Langston properties. Thankfully, my boss, Ambrose “Ro” Langston, and I only hired the best. Even though my team was spread across the world, they were very good at their jobs.
I crossed my legs, checked the first quote on the pile, then looked at my watch. I’d bought myself the elegant, slimline Cartier Tank watch when I’d landed the job at Langston. I needed to check on that painting. I needed the work done to my specifications and I didn’t want delays. It was January, peak ski season, so having rooms empty was not ideal. The quicker we got the rooms refurbished, the quicker we could get guests back in them.
Rising, I smoothed my hand down my black skirt, then checked my hair was still secure in the twist at the back of my head. When I stalked into the hallway, I spotted Ro leaving his office. With him was the manager of the Langston Windward.
