Chapter 62

Three weeks after Olivia, Emma, and Rafe moved back into the farmhouse, construction was getting underway. They had decided to expand the master bedroom for a bigger closet and bathroom, as well as finishing the basement. They wanted to make it more of a studio apartment for Rafe. Giving him a bedroom, bathroom, and a large common room with a kitchenette. Rafe would have some of the independence he needed but still be close to the family.

To say things were strained at home, would be an understatement. Olivia and Natalia had moved into Olivia's old bedroom while work was done on theirs. You wouldn't think that eliminating one room in such a big house would be that big of a problem, but it was. The family of four felt like they were on top of each other, not to mention the noise from the construction leaving at least one person with a headache on a daily basis.

Olivia had tried, Natalia really wanted to stay at the house through the construction. It was only going to take about a month, but after only a week, Olivia was at her breaking point. She was home for the day but wanted to go over some figures for one of the properties she was thinking about purchasing. She was in her home office trying to concentrate but it just wasn't happening. The pounding of hammers had given her a throbbing headache. She jumped from her chair, grabbed her purse, and headed straight for The Beacon.

Walking in, she asked the front desk if they had seen her girlfriend anywhere and was directed to the kitchen where she was speaking to the staff about an issue that had occurred that morning. She made her way down to the kitchen, hearing her lovers stern, no nonsense voice stopped her dead in her tracks. She loved it when Natalia brought out her take charge attitude. Leaning in the kitchen doorway she watched her girlfriend speak with the staff about how under no circumstances should she have to comp entire meals plus extend offers for future meals as an apology because of the standards of the food and the fact that it was cold when it arrived.

Apparently this had happened several times over the last week since Natalia had returned. She truly surprised Olivia when she made it clear that she could easily replace any one of them if meals weren't prepared to Beacon standards from this point forward. Olivia had never herd Natalia threaten to fire anyone. If it had been anybody else making such threats without speaking with her first, she would fire them on the spot, but she trusted Natalia to make these decisions and knew that if Natalia was at that point, things were pretty bad. Natalia caught sight of Olivia smiling like the cat that ate the canary and quickly turned on her heel heading out of the kitchen without another word, Olivia following.

"Hey you."

Natalia huffed out a final frustrated breath and allowed her smile that's only for Olivia to take over her face. "Hi gorgeous. What brings you here on your day off?"

"The pounding of hammers."

"Headache?"

"Yeah, but it's better now. Watching you in action always makes me feel better."

Natalia gave a shy smile as they stepped into the elevator. "I'm sorry if I…"

Whatever she was going to say was silenced when she found herself pinned against the elevator wall with Olivia's mouth on hers. Olivia pulled her closer by her hips, bringing their bodies flush against one another as she plundered Natalia's mouth with her tongue. Not ending the kiss until the ping of the elevator door brought them back to reality.

Natalia adjusted her clothing and looked at her girlfriend. "Not that I'm complaining, but where did that come from?"

"Watching you in there, you have no idea how incredibly sexy you are. Do you?"

Natalia just shook her head as they entered Olivia's office. "I love you."

Olivia leaned against the front of the desk and pulled Natalia between her legs, resting her hands on her hips. "I love you too." She pecked her lips and moved onto the real reason for her visit. "So, I actually came to talk to you."

"Oh, about what?"

"Staying here until the renovations are done at the house."

"Olivia…"

"Listen sweetheart, I know you want to stay there, it's our home and we just moved back and I get that. It's just, it's not working for anyone. One of us almost always has a headache, we feel like we're on top of each other, you and I have clothes scattered everywhere since the closet in the guest room we're in doesn't fit it all. It's only a few weeks. I think we would all be happier if we stayed here."

Natalia signed. "I guess you're right. Things are a little…hectic at the house right now. I just, I like being at home, with our family."

"I know honey, I do too, but it's only a few weeks. We can stay in our suite with Emma and get Rafe the one next to us. We will go home the minute the renovations are finished. Okay?"

"Fine." Natalia pouted.

Olivia softly kissed the tip of her nose then moved to claim pouting lips. As they pulled apart, there was a knock at the door. The two separated and Olivia went around her desk and sat in her chair. "Come in."

Rafe stepped inside. "Oh, hey Olivia. I thought you were off today."

"I am. I just couldn't take the noise at the house."

"Yeah, it's a bit much sometimes."

"I'm glad you stopped by actually. Your mom and I were just discussing a solution to our little problem. Would you be okay with staying in a suite here for the next few weeks while the house gets finished?"

"That would be great. I've been trying to be cool with it cause I know you're doing it for me but uh, all the hammering is driving me crazy."

"Okay then. After work we'll go grab some things from the house and stay here. Do you think you can book yourself a room? I know you've been working at the front desk this week."

"Yeah I can do that."

"Good. So, was there a reason for your visit?"

"Uh yeah, I was just gonna tell Ma that Greg was having a problem. Something about double booking the banquet hall again. I think he was starting to have a heart attack. He was headed up here but since I'm on my way to lunch and wanted to ask Ma to join me, I told him I'd tell her."

"Not my fault this time." Natalia stated, sharing a smile with Olivia.

"You sure? You know I can't give you any special treatment, my assistant would have my ass." Olivia smirked.

"Olivia. Language. And yes, I'm sure. I haven't done any event bookings."

Olivia turned her face to Rafe. "So Rafe, do you have any ideas on a solution to this little problem."

"Well, I don't really know, I haven't dealt with any events, just regular rooms, but I guess, I would see if either party could reschedule at a discounted price for the inconvenience. If that's not possible, then offer a discount for future events and help find them another place for their event."

"Good job Rafe. That's exactly how we are going to handle this, after I give Greg his weekly heart attack thinking I'm going to fire him."

"Honey, I hate to break it to you, but you haven't scared Greg in a long time, he just pretends for your benefit." Natalia said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Hey, I still scare him."

Natalia walked over and touched her cheek. "No babe, you don't. He is well aware that the terror of the beacon has gone soft."

Olivia pouted. "I am not soft."

"Fine not soft, just, calmer. More pleasant."

"Oh, you hush." Olivia turned her attention back to Rafe. "Would you mind if I joined you for lunch? I'm buying."

"Cool."

"Good. I want to discuss something with you." Rafe's face paled. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad."

"Uh, okay. Ma, you coming?"

"I would love to but apparently I have to go help Greg."

"Nope." Olivia said. "We're gonna let him freak out a little longer. Come, have lunch with us, your opinion will be needed anyways."

Natalia looked at her questioningly. "Okay. Let's go."

Olivia suggested Towers for lunch so they could talk without everyone at Company interrupting them. Rafe and Natalia agreed and the three found a booth at the back with a little privacy. After placing their order, Rafe couldn't take the waiting anymore. He was worried he had messed up at work. As much as he hated to admit it, he was really enjoying working at the hotel and wanted to prove to Olivia he was worth it. "So uh, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Olivia sat up straighter in her chair, reluctantly turned her gaze from Natalia to meet their son's eyes. "Well, it actually has to do with what we just discussed. I've spoken to several of the managers around the hotel. They've told me how you've been offering advice on problems that arises and you're there to hear it."

"Yeah, I'm sorry Olivia…"

Olivia held up her hand. "There's nothing to apologize for. It seems most of your ideas have worked out well. Benefiting guest, employees, and The Beacon. I'm glad you had the initiative to offer your advice."

"Uh thanks. It's no big deal, just sometimes in the break room when they are talking I just say what I think would help."

"That's a really good thing Rafe. It's like I told you, you are just like your mom. You're a natural with the business. That's why I want to make you an offer."

"What kind of offer?"

"I would like you to start job shadowing several managers. Work your way through every department, really learn the business."

"Really? That would be awesome. I really like working at the hotel. You had told me that if I like it I could become more and I really want to Olivia. I know it's only been a few weeks, but it feels like I'm supposed to be doing this. Like I was meant to work there."

"I agree. You did well in the kitchen, but it didn't seem to be your calling. Working with the guest at the front desk appears to have opened you up. You seem more relaxed."

"I am. I really like helping guest and I like helping with problems too. I'm glad my ideas didn't mess anything up."

"No, quite the opposite in fact. I would like for you to start learning the business inside and out. Eventually, I'd like you to take over as executive assistant. While you work through the departments, I would like you to start thinking about taking some business classes. You don't have to go to college if you don't want to, but just a few classes, to help you understand the business side of things a little better. The Beacon will cover any cost. College or just classes."

"Olivia, are you serious?" Natalia interjected. "And where would I go if Rafe becomes executive assistant?"

"You would take my place my love. And yes, I'm very serious. Rafe has already shown that he has the potential to be a vital member of The Beacon team, helping him further his education would be an investment for me."

"Wait a minute. I would take your place. What would you do?'

"I need to focus on franchising The Beacon. Expanding our brand. Making it a household name. I need people in place to take over the day to day for me so I can work on that."

"Did you just say our?"

"I did. And we will discuss that later. Okay?"

"Fine."

"So Rafe, would you be open to taking some business classes?"

"I've actually been thinking about talking to you about that. I've looked into it and I can take some online classes and get an associate degree for business in about two years. A year and a half if I take summer courses."

"So, you want to do this?"

"Yes. I really want to Olivia. I know it's only been a few weeks, and I still have a lot to learn, but when you got me out of the army, you told me I could build a career here, have more. I want that. I want to build a better life for myself. Prove that I'm not just some punk kid that shot the DA."

Natalia was beaming at her son. In a few short weeks he had changed so much. He was really thinking about his future and what he wanted. His attitude was even getting better since he was happy at work. Her smile grew thinking that what he wanted was to work alongside herself and Olivia. Olivia had always told her she wanted The Beacon to be a family business. Her legacy for her kids. Even though Rafe wasn't actually hers, Natalia knew that to Olivia he was, just as much as her daughters. It seemed like Olivia was finally getting what she wanted for The Beacon, her first step in making it a family affair. Her smile faltered a little when she thought of Ava. But she let the sad thoughts roll away. Ava would come home if it was what God wanted for her, and if she did, she would come back to The Beacon with ease.

"I am so proud of you Rafe. Thinking about going to school. Offering all that knowledge I know you have to your co-workers; you are so much more than the kid that shot the DA. I have never seen you that way. I'm so happy you don't see yourself that way anymore either." Natalia said. Reaching over to take his hand.

Their server brought out their food. Without missing a beat, they kept their conversation going as they ate lunch.

"I'm proud of you too Rafe. I knew you had it in you. I see in you what I saw in your mom. You are both naturals with great leadership qualities. You just needed someone to push you to show it. So, how about when we get back, you can talk with Greg, show him a little of that Spencer attitude that somehow got into you. Then we can work on a schedule for your rotation through the departments."

"Sounds good. As for the Spencer attitude, I think mine's from the Spaulding's."

They all laughed and Olivia shook her head. "You've got a point there. Either way, you're going to need your tough skin the next few weeks. As your mom can attest, some of the staff is not going to be happy about this. They may think you're only getting this opportunity because your mom is dating the owner. It's your job to show them that's not true."

"How do I do that?"

"By doing your job and doing it well. Just keep doing what you're doing, eventually they will see what I see."

"I can do that."

"Your mom had to go through it when I promoted her from maid to my assistant. Everyone just assumed that we were sleeping together and that's why she got the position. Worst part is, we hadn't even admitted how we felt about each other at that point, we still kind of hated each other. But you can't stop the gossip mill. She had to stand her ground and just keeping doing the wonderful job she had been doing. Make them see her for who she was and the skills she possessed. I am always fair to my employees, if they show me they are worth more, I give them the chance to prove it and promote them as I see fit. I see that your talents are being wasted. You have more to offer then just a desk clerk or a kitchen hand, I want you to live up to your potential, you can't do that if I don't give you the chance."

"That sounds fair."

"Good. So, let me pay here and we can head back. I'd like you to seek out Greg and speak with him on your own. He will come to me or your Ma afterwards I'm sure. I just want to see how he responds to you."

"I can do that."

"After that, come to my office, your Ma and I will work out a schedule for you while you're with Greg. We'll decide which order you'll do the departments in and speak with the managers you're going to be working with. After that, we're going shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yup." She turned to face Natalia. "Honey, can you pick up Emma and you two can go grab some things from the house. I want to take Rafe to get a few work outfits. He needs some slacks and button downs with ties. Plus, a nice pair of loafers."

"You don't have to do that Olivia. Really." Rafe countered.

"Yes, I do. You need to be seen as a professional. When Ava first started as my assistant general manager, I took her shopping for proper work attire, now I'm going to take you. I know it's still early and you are still coming to terms with all of this, but, in every way that matters, you are my son, I take care of my family."

"But.."

"No arguments. We're going and I'm buying you clothes."

"It's best not to argue Rafe. Once Olivia has an idea in her head, it's going to happen." Natalia told him.

"Yes ma'am. Thank you."

The three made their way back to the hotel. Rafe went to find Greg and Olivia and Natalia sat down and worked out a plan for Rafe. By the time four o'clock rolled around, they were just about ready to leave. Olivia wanted to leave early so she and Rafe wouldn't feel pressured for time picking out his attire. Rafe stopped by the office to see if Olivia was ready.

"Yup. Just let me finish up with your mom and I'll be right there." She tossed him her car keys. "Why don't you go pull up my car, you can chauffer me around this afternoon."

Rafe wanted to question her trust of him with her car but listened to his moms words from lunch in the back of his head and just turned on his heel headed for the car.

Once he was out of sight, Natalia sat herself on Olivia's lap. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For believing in him. Giving him a chance. You didn't have to and he didn't deserve it."

"Natalia, I'm not doing anything special. He is one of our children and deserves the same chances in life that the girls do. He is proving, in a very short time, that he is worth it. I'm not usually wrong about people. I knew he was just like you, he just needed some focus, now that he has it, he is spreading his wings. I'm a little shocked at how fast he is picking it up, but I'm not surprised that he is such a good employee. You raised him well Natalia. He just got off track for a little while. We'll get him back on track, he's already mostly there."

"And that's thanks to you. He didn't think he had any options in life. He thought the army was the only way for him to have better than a minimum wage job. You have given him the opportunity to really make something of himself. I am so grateful."

"No baby, we are giving him this opportunity. Speaking of, I want to talk to you about something, but not now."

"What about?"

"Not yet baby. I have somethings to work out first, but I promise, as soon as I have everything put together, you'll be the first to know. Okay?"

Natalia quirked an eyebrow. "Okay. I know I'm not gonna get it out of you, unless…" She started kissing down her neck, up to her ear. "Maybe I could persuade you."

Olivia shivered. "N-no y-y-you can't." Olivia stuttered. As Natalia nibbled on her ear lobe. She Lifted Natalia from her lap and stood. "You are bad."

"You like it when I'm bad." Natalia shot back. Running her hands up Olivia's arms and locking them behind her neck.

"Yes I do, however our son is waiting on us, so, we need to go, but I wouldn't object to a rain check."

"You can count on it." Before releasing her, Natalia locked their lips together. Pouring all of her emotions into the kiss. This kiss was to convey all of Natalia's love and gratitude. She wasn't sure how she got so lucky in life, but she was sure glad she did.