Eddie, Our Novice Innkeeper

We were visiting family in Sharon, Connecticut, and learned that the former run-down, inhospitable motel and been completely renovated and was newly open for guests.   “Let’s try it,” Robin said rather than go North for a few miles to our favorite local B&B.

As we checked in before our family visit, the young woman at the desk assured us that all would be ready when we returned, and the heat would be on to counter the evening chill.  Jessica said that she was leaving her post shortly but gave us her phone number in case we needed  anything.  When we returned and entered our freshly painted room, the heat was not on nor did the beds have sheets or the pillows have pillow cases.  As I dialed Jessica, Robin went searching the property for someone in authority.

She returned with Eddie, the new owner of the Sharon Inn, which had just opened for business the day before.  He was very apologetic of course and took us to a neighboring room, where the beds were made; and he turned on the heat.  Robin asked if there was a place we could buy some wine, and Eddie said, “Not to worry.  I own a pizza restaurant six miles away; I will send for wine - no charge.”  As we struggled to turn on the TV,  Jessica arrived and the four of us took turns with the remote, finally accessing the cable system for which Eddie pays an exorbitant monthly amount.

Our hosts left, and all was well until Robin went into the bathroom and found that there was no toilet paper.  Back came Eddie, apologizing profusely with two rolls.  We settled in again, but when Robin went to take a shower, she discovered there were no bath towels.  This time Eddie returned with  two bath towels, a bottle of California cabernet, two wine glasses and more “I’m so sorries.”  Since it seemed that he didn’t want to leave at this point, Robin took the opportunity to point out that the table lamp was not plugged in because there was no nearby socket. There ensued a discussion about the failings of contractors and Eddie’s lack of knowledge of renovations.

As he was departing, he pointed out the new red Keurig coffee maker and left us with five additional mini-cups of different coffees, telling us to enjoy our morning wake-up beverage.  Sleep at last.  Nightly visits to the bathroom were challenging because the floor was freezing and we had not brought slippers.  Nevertheless, we awoke with anticipation of our coffee from the new Keurig machine.  Of course, it took the two of us 45 minutes to figure out how to make  coffee, but much to our delight the Sharon Inn coffee mugs were the most perfect mugs we had used in years.

As we left, I told this to Eddie, and he said with a broad smile, “Keep them; on me.”

And “we will be sure to return soon,” - now that we have been schooled in the eccentricities of our novice innkeeper and his new venture.