Bethany's POV
It was a bit busy today, but I could manage. Sometimes I wondered if I should get more hands, but I've never particularly had the need for more workers. A few issues here and there, but nothing that I couldn't handle easily.
Phillipe, whose major role is accounting, was in charge of management when I wasn't here.
Cheryl handled tables and cleaning, and sometimes she would bring her sister over to help clean the rooms. I have two chefs, Harriet and Jonathan, who I think are dating but I could never confirm it.
Then there's Max, who was just an all-rounder. Still can't remember how I hired him, but he's been with me for more than three years. Although he's the youngest of all my employees, he's the most eager when it comes to work.
As for their pay, it has always been sizeable and each time I had an increase in profit, I increased their pay. With this method, I've never gotten any complaints about salary. But with the loan issue, things would likely have to change.
"Have you heard? Old Al sold his property off to some rich investor."
"Nah, you're lying. There's no way that's true. He always said he would hand it over to his son when he dies. He's got the biggest bar in town."
"Apparently, he's leaving town with his son. Moving to Phoenix I think."
"Old Al isn't the only one though. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Wilson left this morning with their kids after selling off their houses."
At first, I was going to write it off as nonsense but I remember seeing Mrs. Peters heading to the bus station.
Was there really an investor buying up properties? And why hadn't they contacted me? Although I couldn't sell because of the collateralized loan restrictions and its sentimental value, wasn't my property valuable enough? Or did they already know?
The conversations didn't stop, with the patrons ordering more food as the situation in town filtered into my ears.
This side of town had always been less populated, with only a few buildings scattered around. The closest building to my inn was an old mansion that had remained empty for years. I stared at it sometimes when the night sky was starry.
I wonder who had lived there in the past but even when I asked around, no one seemed to remember their names, their faces or why they had left Sedona. Maybe one day, I too would leave Sedona and everyone would be wondering why I left, and later, forget who I was.
I walked into the kitchen, checking on Harriet and Jonathan. Everything seemed fine and they smiled at me once they noticed my presence. I smiled back, staying for a few minutes to watch them work.
I strolled back to the counter, continuing the rest of the day. Phillipe had gone to Phoenix to pick up the new curtains I ordered and buy some decorations. I needed to brighten up my inn, with some hope that it would bring in more customers.
While Cheryl did most of the serving, I stayed at the counter to count the money and keep records. Cheryl's sister came in two hours later to help Cheryl with serving.
They worked efficiently, understanding each other with just a few nods, shoulder shrugs and eye gestures. Watching them cheered me up a little, allowing me some respite from my thoughts.
A few days passed and the number of people leaving town steadily increased.
I bumped into Mrs. Colson a few days ago and she could barely hide her excitement in leaving Sedona.
"Hello Mrs. Colson. How are you doing? Actually thought you've left town since your husband sold his liquor store."
"Oh no, not yet anyway. He left town last week. He's always wanted to move his business to a big city and after talking to his brother who lives in Los Angeles, he agreed to help him find a good place."
There was a bit of envy in my eyes. Moving to a big city with a million opportunities for business was everyone's dream, and with the large capital they got from selling their property here, they wouldn't have to worry about money for a while.
"That's really great. What about your son in college?"
"He'll be fine. He hasn't been back home since he went to college since he loves the city so much. It's probably time for us to experience city life too."
"But why exactly did your husband sell? He was making great sales here and he didn't have to pay any rent. He had the biggest liquor store in town."
Mrs. Colson went silent for a bit and I waited patiently for her.
"I wish he was here to answer that himself, maybe that way you'd really understand. For me, I got tired of this town. I've been here all my life and nothing has really changed. The tourists come and go, bringing with them a bit of the city every time. My husband and I sit back and watch with envy and slight jealousy."
Her eyes wandered around, the town looking thinner with every hour that passed.
"When the offer from the investor came, my husband was going to reject it. He loved his store more than anything and I knew how much effort he put into it. He had started a few years after your father did and toiled every day since. But there's nothing new here and no hopes for expansion. We're also getting old and I'm sure my son wouldn't want us to remain here."
"I guess it was a tough decision even though the sum was huge. I really can't see anything better for you and I wish you the best."
I was ready to leave but she held my hands, staring deeply into my eyes.
"Bethany dear, I'm sure you know how amazing the city is. You spent a few years there. Wouldn't you go back there and live your life if you had the chance?"
She rubbed my hands a bit, then walked off with a smile.
I stood there in thought, her words piercing my heart deeper than I expected. She was right though. Nearly every major city was better than staying in Sedona. I missed the city, and it was a really big decision to come back here.
What sealed the deal for me was my father's deteriorating health. I couldn't let him manage things on his own, and when he died, the responsibility of managing the inn completely fell on my shoulders.
Would things have been different if my father was alive?