By the time they graduate from college, most people know what they’re going to do, or at the very least where they’re going. After our graduation, I suddenly realized I had no idea. I can’t go home. Well, ok, I don’t have a home to go to. My parents were killed when I was a kid and I certainly can’t go back to my aunt and uncle’s farm. I was sitting on the bed in my friend Steve’s apartment, helping him pack. And listening to him assert himself; which is easy since no one’s here but me.
“They expect me to come home and join in the family business, but I’m not going.”
I said, “You know, Steve, you know practically everything about me, but I don’t know much about you at all. Well, you know, like your family or anything.”
“My parents own and operate a hotel in northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. They call it a hotel though it’s more like a lodge. They think I’m going to show up there and just start running the place so they can retire but I’ve got news for them. “
I was sitting there thinking this whole conversation doesn’t make sense to me. Steve’s degree is in graphic design, what does that have to do with operating a hotel? Not knowing how to ask that, I said nothing and just helped him fold clothes that he was stuffing into a bag.
“Well, I wish I had something like that to go home to. I have nowhere to go and no clue what I’m going to do.”
“You could go there in my place.”
That statement just hung there and I thought yeah, right, what do I know about a hotel? My degree is in business management and accounting, and well, ok, the more I thought about it…the idea was forming in my brain. I just said, “What’s it like?”
“Oh, it’s on a chain of lakes and it’s really scenic. Only my parents hate each other and the idea of going back and living in that house gives me the willies. I was glad to get outa there. Here, take this,” He tossed a brochure with a map onto my lap and kept packing. “Give them my regards and if you really want me to, I’ll give them a call and tell them to expect you.”
“Gee, thanks.” I just sat there looking at the brochure and the little idea was starting to make sense. He grabbed his bags and said, “Help me walk these to the car, will you?” I did so, and standing out there on the curb, after throwing his stuff in the car, he just turned and said, “Becky, I’m glad you’re my friend, and I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you, too, Steve. You’re the first real friend I’ve ever had.” He smiled. “Yeah, I know, but don’t sell yourself short, kiddo; you’ll make it, no matter what you decide to do.” He gave me a hug and a quick peck on the cheek and then he was gone. I walked slowly to my car, still looking at this pamphlet in my hand. And back at my place, just thought, well, why not? I have some money saved. I could at the very least go up there and check it out, you know; act like I’m on vacation. I’ve never been on vacation in my life, unless you count coming here to school.
I packed everything I could fit into my car and headed north. It was easy enough to find the place and he was right. Scenic hardly described it, it was really beautiful, and though they call it a hotel, it’s actually a lodge. Walking into the foyer, it gave me the feeling I was walking into a medieval castle. Built of flagstones and good solid wood. I walked to the front desk and was met by a thin, almost severe looking older woman. “I’m Becky Carlton. Steve sent me here saying you could use some help. I have a resume handy.” I was digging into my purse when she said, “Steve sent you? Where is he?” By now she was joined by an older man. “Oh, he’s not coming. He’s on his way to California.”
I suddenly had the distinct impression I was the doomed bearer of bad tidings and would receive the wrath my message incurred. “California?!? But, he’s coming back here!” I didn’t want to argue with her, but he was not coming back here.
“He said he’s headed to Los Angeles and he’ll call you when he gets there. He left two days ago.” I just stood there. They just stood there. The woman took my resume from my hand and said, “Well, I suppose we could use some help in the kitchen.”