Death Checks Inn (Aspen Valley Inn 1) Read Free

hostess of the Aspen Valley Inn.

Chapter 4
     
    Lacey looked around at the crowded reception area and  was very pleased with the number of people who had accepted her invitation and some had even brought a guest or two along with them.  In the hospitality world, the more people who knew about your establishment the better. Most new businesses could not survive without referrals, especially those that had no marketing budget. She had invited virtually everyone from the small town of Elkville , only five  miles from the Inn and many from the larger city of Colorado Springs , about twenty-five  miles to the west. She had focused on business owners and others that she thought would be able to send clients her direction.
    Once the crowd had been served with refreshments she took her place at the top of the first set of stairs and formally addressed them. Thanking them all for coming, she invited them to join her for a tour. Even those that were familiar with the property before she purchased it were curious to see the transformation. The Inn had spent many years as a sprawling ranch, home to llamas and horses and even some cattle. There were several outbuildings dotting the twenty-acre property. Some would probably have to be torn down as dilapidated as they were but the old-fashioned barn would be renovated into their new event facility. It had been built to last and as they say, it had good bones.  Lacey envisioned casual and elegant weddings, family gatherings and even business seminars hosted in the cavernous space.
    Lacey proudly showed everyone around. They oohed and ahhed over the common areas and the special touches she had added to make the Inn both relaxing and luxurious. She could only show them the two yet unoccupied guest suites but they all got the general idea. Each suite had its own tiny sitting area and private bath. Lacey valued her privacy and knew that her guests would too.
    The dining area, where guests would linger over a scrumptious breakfast before exploring the local sights was cozy. Country chic was how she would describe the decorating style. Only Charlotte and she knew the hours that were spent scouring flea markets and garage sales to find just the right mix of furniture and décor. Charlotte was very knowledgeable when it came to antiques. She had found some genuine pieces and some good reproductions that had not broken the budget.
    The third floor of the Inn had been designated as Lacey’s private living area and she did not lead the tour through her tidy one bedroom apartment.
    Charlotte rented a house in town. Eventually, as time and money allowed they would renovate one of the small farmhouses on the property for her to live in.
    Lacey was very conscious of Wyatt’s quiet presence throughout the tour. They concluded the tour back at the reception area.
    After more mingling and enjoyment of the wine and appetizers, the guests began to leave. Each one enthusiastically promised to spread the word about the Inn and its amenities. Lacey stood at the double entry doors and personally thanked each guest as they left. Wistfully she said goodbye to Wyatt knowing that they would never be anything more than friends. Lacey thought it was ironic that after ten long lonely years, the first male who interested her was not available. As she and Charlotte cleaned up, they chattered about the successful evening. Tired but pleased they congratulated themselves on their hard work.
    “Well, I really need to get home,” said Charlotte, “but I wanted to wait until the last guests check in.”
    “Oh, don’t worry about that,” replied Lacey, “I’m an innkeeper now and I can greet and settle them when they arrive. Besides, I’m too wound up to go right to sleep,” she said with a smile. Hugging her sister warmly she sent her on her way. She hummed as she busied herself with a few tasks in the kitchen. She wanted to prepare the green chile and egg casserole that would be tomorrow’s breakfast. She