The Interview_New York & Los Angeles

by Sandi Lynn

  I rolled my eyes and sighed.

  “I have to go. I need to order room service and get to work.”

  “You better not order anything expensive!”

  “Bye, Eric.” I grinned as I ended the call.

  After I took a relaxing bath, I slipped into the comfy white robe provided by the hotel, climbed on the bed, and placed an order for room service, which included a bottle of wine. My intuition was still bothering me about Craig’s plans for tomorrow morning and my mind wouldn’t rest until I knew exactly what he was doing. Picking up the phone, I called room service back.

  “Hi, this is Laurel Holloway. I need to cancel my room service. Something has come up and I need to step out.”

  “Very well, Miss Holloway. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call.”

  “Thank you.”

  I changed out of my robe and into a coral sundress that was labeled as dressy casual. After slipping my feet into a low-heeled sandal, I headed across to Rosie’s.

  “May I help you?” the perky brunette smiled.

  “Dinner for one.”

  “Do you have a reservation?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t.”

  “I’m sorry, but we’re all booked up for the evening,” she spoke.

  I turned my head and looked around to see if I could horn in on someone’s table. Damn it. No one.

  “May I sit at the bar and have a drink at least?”

  “If you can find a seat. It looks pretty packed.”

  “Thanks. I’ll give it a shot.” I grinned.

  Walking over to the bar, I found that every seat was taken. I sighed as I plotted my next move. That was when I spotted a gentleman getting up and he laid his suitcoat across the stool. I waited until he was out of sight and then walked over, picked up his jacket, and took a seat.

  “Hey, Laurel.” Barney smiled. “Someone is sitting there. He just ran to the restroom.”

  “Oh well.” I smiled. “I didn’t realize. I’m here now, so he’ll have to find somewhere else to sit.”

  Barney lightly shook his head.

  “Neat martini, straight up with two olives?” he asked.

  “You remembered.” I grinned.

  “Coming right up.”

  “Excuse me, but you’re in my seat.”

  “I am?” I cocked my head.

  “Yes, you are,” he spoke in a stern voice.

  “Then this must be yours?” I held up his suitcoat. “I thought someone left it.”

  “I left it there on purpose, so no one would take my seat.”

  “I see. I’m Laurel.” I extended my hand. “And you are?”

  “Joe.” He dismissed my hand.

  “Let me ask you something, Joe. Are you married or dating anyone?”

  “No. I’m not, and why are you asking?” he spoke with irritation.

  “Because I can see why.” I smiled. “A man not giving up his seat for a woman says a lot about his character.”

  “Who the hell do you think you are, lady?” he snapped.

  “What’s going on here? Laurel, what are you doing?” Craig asked as he walked up.

  “This lady purposely took my seat while I was in the restroom.”

  Craig lightly grabbed my martini and my arm.

  “I apologize, sir. Laurel, come with me.”

  “You ruined all my fun.” I smirked. “I was in the middle of telling him what a gentleman he was not.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, I was hungry, and I wanted to ask you something.”

  “I thought you had work to do.”

  “I do, but I can’t concentrate on an empty stomach, and your food is so good,” I whined.

  He looked around the restaurant for a moment and then led me to a table that was being cleaned up.

  “You can sit here.”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Pines, I was just going to seat someone here that has reservations,” the not-so-perky brunette spoke.

  “They’ll have to wait. Miss Holloway is sitting here now. Give them my apologies and tell them dinner is on me tonight.”

  The not-so-perky brunette glared at me as she walked away.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at Craig.

  I noticed his eyes diverting behind me. I couldn’t very well turn around or else it would be obvious, so I’d wait until he left.

  “What do you want to eat?” he asked.

  “Surprise me.” I smiled.

  “Fine, and when I bring it over, we can talk for a minute. It’s really busy, Laurel.”

  “I thought you were only here to check up on things.” I narrowed my eye.

  “I am.” He winked.

  Chapter Nine

  When Craig escorted me to the table, I hung my purse on the back of the chair. After he walked away, I discreetly knocked it onto the floor. Reaching back, I looked at the table behind me only to notice a woman with long brown hair and brown eyes sitting alone. That must be the woman he told me about. She was definitely pretty, and I could see why Craig was attracted to her, even though he wouldn’t admit it.

  “Here’s your salad,” Craig spoke as he set it down in front of me.

  “Thank you.” I smiled as I placed my napkin in my lap. “I have to say that having the owner serve me himself is quite a treat.”

  “Your food should be up shortly,” he spoke as he glanced behind me.

  “I love the suspense of not knowing what I’ll be eating.”

  He gave me a small smile and walked away. I was going to have to find out what the hell was going on with this woman. My journalist instincts were at an all-time high. I decided to switch chairs and face her, for which I was going to have to come up with some explanation as to why I did when Craig came back.

  As I ate my salad, I discreetly glanced at her from time to time. There was a sadness about her. That much I could tell, just by the way she sat in her seat and slowly picked at her food.

  “Why did you switch seats?” Craig asked as he brought over my plate of food and set it down in front of me.

  “Because I’m in clear view of that snooty little hostess of yours and she keeps looking at me,” I lied as I arched my brow. “It’s making me uncomfortable. Anyway, what do we have here?” I grinned.

  “Parmesan-crusted organic chicken with asparagus topped with basil and lemon butter and roasted sweet potatoes,” he spoke as he took the seat next to me, so he could still get a view of the sad-looking woman. “What did you want to ask me?”

  “Well,” I spoke as I picked up my fork and knife. “I was thinking that maybe I could tag along with you tomorrow morning to wherever it is you’re going, to complete a day in the life.”

  “No, Laurel. I’m sorry. I’m doing something personal tomorrow and I don’t want any company. I hope you understand.”

  “Sure, off course I do,” I lied with an understanding tone. “I just thought I’d ask.”

  His eyes diverted more than once to the table where Maddy sat. I wanted so badly to say something, but not yet. He said she came on Sundays as well, which meant I would have to devise a plan before tomorrow night.

  “This is incredible, Craig. Thank you.” I softly smiled.

  “You’re welcome. I need to get back in the kitchen. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

  “See you then.”

  He walked away, and I watched as Maddy got up and headed towards the restroom. After waiting a moment, I got up from my seat and followed her. I stood at the sink and let the warm water run over my hands while I waited for her to come out of the stall. This wasn’t creepy, right? Not in the least. I heard the toilet flush, and when she emerged from the stall, she walked over to the sink next to me. I looked up in the mirror and gave her a small smile. She returned the favor.

  “I love this restaurant,” I spoke as I dried my hands and then reached in my purse for my lip gloss. “The food here is so amazing.”

  “It’s nice.” She softly smiled. “And the food is really good,
” she spoke as she grabbed a piece of paper towel and dried off her hands.

  I opened the door and held it for her.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  We both went back to our tables. I took my seat and signaled for the waitress to bring me my check.

  “Mr. Pines said dinner was on him tonight.” She smiled.

  “Well, isn’t he a sweet man.” I grinned. “Thank you.”

  “Have a good night, Miss Holloway.”

  I fumbled in my purse and took out my ringing phone, noticing that George was calling.

  “Hello,” I answered.

  “What’s up, buttercup? Staying out of trouble?”

  Maddy inserted some cash into the leather billfold and got up from her seat.

  “Yeah. As much as I can.”

  “Uh oh. I know that tone. What’s going on?”

  I got up from my seat, and when I left the restaurant, I saw her drive away in a silver Mercedes.

  “I’m just heading back to the hotel to finish up Everything Laurel, so Eric will get off my back.”

  “So how did you end up having sex with Mr. Pines? Are you tripping into some feelings?” he asked.

  “No, I’m not tripping into some feelings. He’s sexy, great in bed, and a sweet guy. If I totally wanted to have feelings, I would in a second. He’s hiding something, George.”

  “Like what? What do you mean?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out tomorrow morning. There’s a specific reason why he won’t let anyone get close to him. I’ve asked around, but nobody seems to know anything about him.”

  “That’s strange.”

  “That’s why I need a couple of more days.”

  “Okay. Keep me posted. Veronica says hi.”

  “Tell her I said hi and that we need to go shopping once I get back.”

  “Will do. Talk to you later, Laurel.”

  “Bye, George.”

  Once I was back in my room, I set my purse down on the table, grabbed my laptop, and took it out to the balcony to get some work done.

  ****

  The next morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn and had the hotel call me a cab since there didn’t seem to be any Uber’s available. We waited at the entrance of the marina for Craig’s car to pull out.

  “Lady, what are we doing?” the cab driver asked.

  “We’re waiting for someone.”

  “And how long is this going to take?” he asked with irritation.

  “What does it matter? The meter is running, and you’ll get paid. By the way, my name is Laurel.” I smiled. “What’s yours?”

  “George.”

  “Oh, my best friend’s name is George.”

  “And?”

  “I was just saying,” I spoke as I sipped my coffee.

  About an hour later, Craig’s called pulled out of the marina.

  “See that black car that just pulled out?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Follow it, but don’t let him see you.”

  “Are you doing something illegal, lady?” he asked. “Because if you are, I don’t want to be involved.”

  “Is following someone illegal?” I arched my browed.

  “It is considered a form of stalking.”

  I waved my hand in front of my face.

  “Well, we aren’t stalking him. In fact, he’s a friend of mine, and I just want to see where he’s going since he wouldn’t tell me.”

  “Maybe he’s seeing some other chick.”

  “I can guarantee he’s not.”

  “You never know. You may not like what you’re about to find out,” he spoke.

  “Just follow him and be discreet about it.”

  George, the cab driver, followed Craig until we reached the cemetery.

  “Do you want me to follow him in there?” he asked.

  “No. He’ll know. I’m going to get out here. Wait for me.”

  I opened the door and climbed out. Upon entering the cemetery, I saw Craig’s car pulled along the curb several feet in front of me. Like the crazy person I was, I hid behind a tall gravestone that belonged to a Mr. Alexander Bentley.

  “Sorry, Mr. Bentley, but I need to use you for a moment,” I whispered.

  Why was he here? Stupid question. People come to the cemetery to visit their loved ones. Maybe his mom? His grandma? His dad? Perhaps a sibling? I wasn’t sure because the subject of Craig’s family never came up. But why would he keep coming to the cemetery a secret from me? This didn’t make sense.

  I stood there and watched him as he held two bouquets of red roses and set them down on the graves. It had to be his parents. Maybe this was something he did once a month or perhaps every Sunday. But still the lingering question wouldn’t stop haunting me. Why wouldn’t he tell me?

  He took a seat on the grass and sat there for about an hour before climbing back in his car and driving away. I sighed as I stood up straight and felt a cramp in my leg. Once I saw he was completely out of the cemetery, I walked over to where the graves were he visited and read the engraved gravestones.

  Here lies Rebecca Grace Pines, beloved wife, daughter, and friend.

  My heart started racing as I read the second one.

  Here lies Rosie Jennifer Pines, beloved daughter of Craig & Rebecca Pines. With the date engraved as 2013-2013.

  I swallowed hard as my heart broke in two. This wasn’t his parents’ grave. It was his wife and daughter’s. A sickness fell over me as I sank down into the luscious green grass and stared at their graves.

  “Hey, Laurel, you okay?” George the cab driver asked as he approached me from behind. “I saw him leave, so I pulled in.”

  “He had a wife and daughter,” I softly spoke.

  “You’re his friend and didn’t know that?” he asked.

  “No.” I shook my head.

  I got up from the grass and slowly walked back to the cab.

  “Back to the Four Seasons, please,” I spoke.

  “Yeah. Sure thing, Laurel.”

  I sat in the back of the cab all the way to the hotel and didn’t say a word. His wife and daughter must have been the reason he closed himself off to anyone. Shit. Could I blame him? I paid George the enormous cab fare that Eric was going to kill me for and went up to my room. Craig didn’t open his restaurant until 2014, a year after his wife and daughter passed. Rosie’s. He named the restaurant after his daughter. Chills ran through me. I was a tough cookie, but this, this was getting to me. As I was in deep thought, Eric’s face appeared on my phone.

  “Hey,” I answered in a somber tone.

  “What’s wrong, Laurel? You look upset.”

  “Nothing, Eric. What’s up?”

  “Thanks for getting Everything Laurel to me. It looks good. Have you gotten any pictures yet of Mr. Pines for the article?”

  “Not yet. I’ll get them before I leave.”

  “And when is that? Your time is expiring.”

  “I know, Eric,” I spoke with irritation. “A couple of days. By the way, I’m going to take a couple personal days in New York either before or after I snag an interview with Wyatt Coleman. My sister is dancing in Swan Lake as the lead and I promised my parents I would attend. It’s next Saturday.”

  “You’re paying for that on your own dime, Laurel. The company isn’t paying for you to gallivant around New York on personal business.”

  “Yeah. That’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Are you sure everything’s okay? You’re acting weird and I don’t like it. Have you fallen for Craig Pines?”

  “No. I started my period and I’m in a funk. Hormones, you know.”

  He put his hand up.

  “TMI, Laurel.”

  “You asked.” I raised my brow.

  “Finish up there and get out. You still have Wyatt Coleman to interview.”

  “I know. Bye, Eric.” I kissed the screen and ended the call.

  Chapter Ten

  Grabbing my laptop, I sat on
the bed with my legs extended and my back up against the headboard. In the Google search bar, I typed: Rebecca Pines. Instantly, an article popped up with her name highlighted, so I clicked it and sat there in shock as I read what it had to say. My heart ached, and I couldn’t bring myself to read any further.

  It was almost six o’clock, so I left the hotel and walked to Rosie’s. When I arrived, the same snooty hostess from last night was standing behind the counter.

  “Hello.” I smiled. “Reservation for Laurel Holloway.”

  “Right this way, Miss Holloway,” she spoke as she grabbed a menu and led me over to the same table I was at last night. Was this a coincidence?

  “Your server will be right with you.” She pleasantly smiled as she handed me my menu.

  “Thank you.”

  After setting my purse down and rearranging the perfectly folded napkin that housed the silverware (a bad habit of mine), I looked up and saw Maddy take a seat at the same table as last night.

  “Hello there.” Craig smiled as he walked over to me.

  “Hey. It’s good to see you.” I grinned.

  “Good to see you too.” His eyes diverted over to Maddy.

  “Go talk to her, Craig.” I placed my hand on him arm.

  “Laurel, no. Stop. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I know who she is. She was here last night, same table.”

  “I have to get back into the kitchen,” he nervously spoke as he walked away.

  I took in a deep breath, grabbed my menu, and walked over to Maddy’s table.

  “Excuse me. Hi.” I smiled. “We met last night in the bathroom.”

  “Oh. Yes. Hi.”

  “Do you mind if I join you?” I took the seat across from her before she had time to answer.

  “Umm. I don’t—”

  “Thanks.” I grinned.

  I spotted the snotty hostess and waved her over.

  “Yes?”

  “You can go ahead and seat someone at my table. I’m going to join,” I glanced at Maddy, “Maddy. My friend Maddy for dinner.”

  “Oh. Okay. Sure.” She smiled in delight and walked away.

  “It’s really no fun to eat alone. You must really love this place to be back here for the second night in a row.”

  “I can say the same for you,” she spoke.