Chapter 4 A Cold Summer

• "I missed the orientation session."
• I look at my watch in dismay. It started at seven, almost an hour ago.
• The sky is deceptively clear for this time of day, "I can't believe how bright it still is."
• "Wait until June."
• "Less than five hours of darkness at the equinox, right?"
• He smiles, "Someone has been doing their homework."
• "I like to be prepared."
• The day I applied for the job, I ran home and researched Alaska late into the night instead of studying for my exams. The more I dug, the more excited I got and the more I prayed to get the job.
• The ferry circles the cluster of islets and turns towards the cove. John points to the huge building ahead. And there's the Star Cove hotel. My eyes widen.
• "Wow! The brochure photos weren't lying. And they don't do this place justice."
• John laughs again "No, they certainly weren't."
• I look at him in silence, mesmerized. The main lodge rises over the water. Even from this distance, I can see that the lodge is grand in its design and huge in size. I still can't make out the details to appreciate it, but there is no doubt that it is something to admire.
• "They just put the finishing touches on it two weeks ago. They’ve been working on it for almost three years now."
• I smile. The more I delve into Star Cove Hotel, the more I love it. Standing on the coast, the main lodge serves as the centerpiece, a huge rustic building constructed with thick woods and stone, but adorned with balconies and chandeliers, and entire walls made of glass, giving it a sense of opulence.
• The crushed granite paths illuminated with carriage lights lead guests past boat docks and water sports equipment: more kayaks, canoes, and rowboats than I've ever seen in my life. On the left side of the lodge are three cabins inspired by the main building, each perched high on the rocks, surrounded by trees and adorned with balconies overlooking the water. John said those are the penthouse suites. To the right are gardens for sitting and reflecting, and beyond there are signs leading to Star Cove's hiking trails. Miles of Alaskan wilderness to explore, according to the brochure.
• Me and John fall into a comfortable silence as we approach, and I realize I've been unconsciously rolling my promise ring around my finger this whole time. It's been three months since Abraham and I broke up and I haven't been able to take it off. Now, I slip the ring off, letting the cheap plastic rest in the palm of my hand. A part of me, the hurt and angry part, wants to throw it into the water and be done with it. A symbol of my faith in Abraham. But I still can't bring myself to do it. So, I slide the ring into my pocket and try to focus on the months ahead.
• I push through a heavy set of glass doors and revel in the warmth and smell of cedar in the grand lobby, offering a nod and a smile to a young woman passing by. She returns it, zipping up her jacket before heading out.
• It's past nine o'clock and some people are milling about. The email sent last week says I'm supposed to check in at the main lodge upon arrival, so I head towards the spacious and elegant rustic desk, made of wooden logs. A woman stands behind it, her eyes glued to the computer screen in front of her. It's not until I get closer that I see her name tag. It's Belinda, the woman I spoke to on the phone. I smile.
• "Hello, Belinda."
• My mom taught me to always use a person's name when you can. She looks up, her sharp gaze peeking out from behind stylish red-framed glasses. I wish I had the guts to buy a pair of glasses like those.
• "Name, please?"
• I remind myself she probably talked to hundreds of guests. She's not going to remember me. Prue White.
• "Ah, yes!"
• She gives a quick glance at my bulky coat and what I'm sure is wild hair (wind and braids never play well) before settling on my face. What is that I see flicker in her expression? Annoyance? Disgust? It fades too quickly for me to identify it. "You left me a message about missing the orientation session, didn't you?"
• "Yes, that was me. My flight was delayed."
• "Okay. Give me a minute."
• I use the sleeve of my shirt to wipe the fog off my glasses as she pulls up my file, her nails tapping on the keyboard.
• "Alright, here we go. Prudence White."
• "It's Prue."
• She gives me a tense smile, a contradiction to her soft, seductive voice. She is stunningly beautiful, her makeup flawless, her blonde hair falling over her shoulder in soft waves like a movie star, but she is dressed inappropriately, in a tight black dress barely covering her behind, her nails red like blood and claws. My mom would mock me for associating with this woman and remind me to never dress like that if I want any respect.
• "Right. Welcome to Star Cove, Prue."
• I smile "Thank you. It's beautiful here."
• "Uh huh. So, Prue, I see here that you were hired for cleaning and guest services."
• "What? "I snap "No. Outdoors – I correct her."
• "Well, it doesn't say that here. See? "She taps the screen with her nail. All my information is there, along with a line stating the position applied for as "Cleaning and guest services".
• "That must be a mistake. When we spoke on the phone, you confirmed Outdoor."
• I can't spend the summer cleaning bathrooms. And sheets! I'll go crazy. She furrows her brow. At least, I think she furrows her brow. Her forehead doesn't actually wrinkle.
• "A mistake like that would be a first for us."
• "Well, can you fix it? "I'm starting to panic now.
• "I'll look into it "She doesn't seem concerned at all "For now, stand over there so we can take your photo."
• I stifle my groan as I follow her direction and stand in front of a digital camera with a white screen behind me.
• "Smile," she says as the flash goes off, catching me off guard, taking what I'm sure is a horrible picture. "Well, here is your orientation package. Training starts tomorrow morning at 8:00 am in the grand ballroom. You may want to find your way to the staff accommodation for the time being."
• She reaches behind the desk and hands me a canvas bag.
• "Inside you'll find all sorts of useful things, like our employee guidelines manual, information about the hotel and what our guests expect from the service; a complimentary bottle of insect repellent, although the main guest areas are equipped with magnets to deal with them. A pocket flashlight and a can of bear spray-"
• "Don't worry; you won't need that inside the main gates. The perimeter is wired with electric fencing. We want our guests to enjoy Alaska's wildlife through guided tours, not to find it waiting for them when they step out of the lodge."
• She must see the panic flash on my face because she quickly adds, I give a nervous laugh.
• Well, I know the state has a lot of black and brown bears, but I didn't think I'd have to worry about them here.
• Or do I?
• I try not to dread on the thought too much.