Sex, Lies & Crazy People. John Hickman

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ the public areas popular features of yesteryear were highlighted in subtle pastel shades. The delicate filigree of the cornices that surrounded the high ceilings

      accentuated the ornate, fat-clad cherubs and angels with harps. On the days when Gramps painted them, he used an artist’s brush and needed a steady hand. Discreet wall lights

      illuminated sunlit clouds in alcoves. Melon-breasted Greek styled ladies in transparent gowns appeared startled to find themselves there. Subdued light elsewhere helped create a sense of melodrama while expensive fabrics on chairs evoked a higher style of

      sophistication.

      The welcome feel of deep pile fitted carpets added further to Dad’s exclusive club atmosphere. Heavy baroque style furniture, together with a tasteful touch of modern glass and stainless steel, uplifted by artfully twisted chrome and silver, with discreet gold leaf throughout, set off the reception and the lounges.

      The bedrooms enticed occupation with their Mahogany suites, close-fitted carpets,

      colour television sets, telephones, and electric razor points.

      “It evokes the feel of an English gentleman’s club,” Dad beamed. “My intention is to be upmarket. We’ll talk where possible in guineas, without frightening the urban sophisticates away with too high prices.”

      “Bon appétit,” I said. “I’ve always wanted to be an upper-class twit.”

      At the front, a red neon sign flickered mercilessly; Colour TV sets in all rooms.

      But Dad wasn’t satisfied. “To attract trade we need more lights.”

      He wanted a bloody Christmas tree.

      Electricians fitted external floodlights to beam onto the exterior with such intensity at night even the dowdy paint looked bright.

      “We’re competing with Gatwick Airport,” Beau said. “Wow! You’ll see us from

      London, hell, even the Moon.”

      Now for the daytime attraction; Dad had blue and white striped awnings erected over our entrance steps and above the adjacent bay windows. He stood back to admire his

      handiwork.

      “Passing trade will find us now night or day.”

      Inside the redecorated and refurbished hotel, which retained its Victorian splendour, pleased everyone’s senses.

      “Outside remains a work in progress for after we’ve made our first million pounds,” Dad smiled. Then he became serious. “Our new polished vestibule front doors, the ones with the imported inlaid decorative glass, are hardly ever swinging inwards.”

      “Other than the postman dropping mail twice daily, and once on Saturday mornings, you’re right, Dad. No-one else ventures in.”

      Dad looked worried. “What more can I do?”

      Chapter 9

      Bogged Down – S.O.S

      Dad looked desperate. His nerves were at breaking point. Panic showed in his eyes. “We’ve been open now for a whole three weeks. Bills are mounting and we haven’t enough guests to paddle a canoe. I feel like Errol Flynn trying to reconcile his gross habits with his net

      income.”

      I was perplexed. Dad had supported me growing up as surely as Prometheus the

      Titan, in Greek mythology had shaped man from clay. And why not? Ex-Lancaster bomber pilot, WW2 hero, genuine and honest, my dad. Had he asked me to knit him wings to fly, I would only have asked, what colour? But I had no ideas how to help him fill the

      hotel, quickly.

      Dad groaned. “It’s pretty evident the flood-lights and striped window canopies are not enough.” He paused and relit his pipe. “As customers aren’t coming to us, I’ll have to go and get them. It’s a case of Mohammed and the mountain.” He sighed. “I’ll call on the local business people to try and drum up some business.”

      Frocked up in his pinstripe London suit, dress shirt and RAF necktie he certainly looked the part.

      From one end of town to the other he promised ad nauseam, “Please, come and view the Harewood Hotel.” And then the clincher, “Bring your family. Drinks, even cocktails and canapés are on the house.”

      Gran looked worried. “I’m no good at this up market stuff. What’s involved with these canapés?”

      “Finger foods are easy, Mother. Even John can take care of it.” Dad turned to me. “You don’t need to be a patisserie chef to put something edible on a cocktail stick or sit a cube of cheese astride a biscuit.”

      “Amen, to that,” I said with evident sarcasm.

      Soon a steady stream of visitors came to view the new, old, Harewood Hotel.

      Dad created guest lists. “We’ll fete them according their size and style of business and what might be derived from their friendship and support.”

      Lists in hand he leaned into the kitchen. I looked up from opening a stubborn tin of

      sardines. He appeared excited, pipe in hand, his salesman’s beam directed at me. “Those cocktail sausages went down a fair treat. I’ll need another plate. And more gherkins, and more cheese, and more sardine thingies.”

      “It’s turning into quite a party,” said a worried Gramps.

      “It’s not a party, Father. We’re not enjoying ourselves. This is work.”

      “Looks like a party to me, Son,” Gran snorted from the washing up sink.

      “Yes, a group of people we don’t know, standing around drinking our grog, and

      eating our food. Pretty well sounds like a party to me, too,” Gramps scowled.

      Dad reappeared. He looked even more excited than before. “And olives; plain and stuffed.”

      “Poor bloody, Olive,” Gran said, “hasn’t she been stuffed about enough?”

      Despite my grandparents’ concerns it wasn’t long before faces we recognised came back for a second and third time. And more importantly they paid. Dad soon had enough money in the kitty to pay the more pressing bills.

      “At last we’re on the up, and up,” Dad declared at the end of the month.

      The effect of his words on my grandparents was euphoric. Gramps added a kick to his step while Gran rallied in the kitchen without her usual sulks. With Pandy at her side

      twiddling the knobs, together they regulated our gas a fair treat.

      Kitchen wise Dad fared worse than me as he didn’t have the smallest clue. “At times I wonder if he knows anything at all about kitchens, Gramps,” I pondered aloud. “He really doesn’t have the faintest idea you know.”

СКАЧАТЬ