Butter sizzled, a timer chimed and pots clanged in a familiar din that took her back to her childhood. While the kitchen had been expanded and upgraded over the years, the smells and sounds that filled it hadn’t changed. She’d grown up with them, and they never failed to steady her. “You’re a darling, Keisha,” she said into her phone. “I appreciate your help.” “The first batch of sheets will be coming out of the tumblers in five minutes, Miss Charlotte. I’ll have the van there in an hour.” “I knew I could count on you.” “Hold on. This is going to cost you extra.” Charlotte tried not to wince. Despite the red ink on the printouts in her office, she’d extended her offer of a free meal to all the guests who had been inconvenienced by the previous night’s fire. From what she could see, the entire kitchen staff was hard at work already, frantically preparing complimentary breakfasts. But the free food wouldn’t keep her customers happy for long if there were no clean sheets or towels.
