Blue Comes Through

Chapter Fifteen

We're almost two weeks in and the the lack of bath was an easy hurdle to overcome. Will and I now take over Finn's bathroom between six and seven every evening. Initially it had felt an invasion of his space, but now Lavender baby bath, baby shampoo and various toys sit on the shelf at the end of the large bath amongst Finn's more masculine toiletries.

More than once as Finn has come close, I've caught the scent of baby shampoo from his blonde hair. It's made me smile, although I've yet to tease him.

The first time we used the bathroom, Finn came in to make sure everything was ok and found Will wandering around in just his nappy and socks whilst we waited for the huge tub to fill.

"We need to have a chat, Champ." He said ruffling his curls. "You'll have far more success with the ladies if you take your socks off before your trousers."

***

It soon becomes apparent that trying to work with Will around is not going to be easy. Finn and I have both been naive, failing to realise a seventeen month old is a bit of a distraction.

The first part of the day is straightforward enough. I collect the pastries and bread and milk from the basement, pull up the shutter and set out everything for breakfast. It is a very simple; cereal, toast, pastries, yoghurt and fruit. It is served seven thirty until ten, so once it's all set out, I stay in the kitchen, give Will his own breakfast and keep an eye on everything and top up as necessary.

The guests are typically surf obsessed guys in their twenties, thirties and forties. They're pretty indulgent of Will, so he gets a lot of attention and in the main, the presence of a toddler causes no problem.

Surf times have an impact on the whole day. If it's an early start, guests grab a pastry and a coffee and are gone. They may come back mid morning, so we leave left over pastries on the guest side of the counter. Finn has shown me a web site which lists best the surf times and we update the board each day. I'm learning more of the language too. Who knew there was more to it than jumping on a board?

Work becomes trickier when I move from the kitchen to the office to cover reception, handle check outs and go through the online bookings and return any messages. The first week was ok. Finn hovered and played trains with Will or sat and watched Cbeebies, with far too much enjoyment frankly. I'm on my own today and Will is bored and un cooperative.

A middle aged couple arrived to check in yesterday and clearly had no idea what they've booked. Since they're arrival at six last night, the list of complaints has been endless; no mini bar, no complimentary toiletries or bathrobes, no hospitality tray, no dining room, no bar. I listen and smile and apologise through gritted teeth and wonder why they chose to stay here.

They're sitting eating breakfast now. I thought the guy was going to explode when he tried to order a full English and I explained that the breakfast was continental and it was a buffet; no waitress service, help yourself to tea and coffee. They are eating croissants and toast as if it's gruel and looking askance at the wet suit clad guys who join them. Will is bored and they seem to fascinate him. He stood and stared at them for a long time, his finger in his mouth, until I ushered him away. He's now taking animals from his Noah's Ark and is showing them.

"Dog." He says. "Lion, 'raffes." They are ignoring him and this is new. Will is not used to being ignored, particularly in this house which is usually full of adults happy to indulge him. I'm making a phone call and can't do anything as he repeats the sequence, this time louder.

They still ignore him.

"Potamus. Potamus. POTAMUS." A hippopotamus is slammed on the table beside the woman's tea cup and her mouth turns in on itself in temper.