“I live here, Anna. In Boerne. My office is one block away. My father’s ranch is just outside of town. My brother lives fifteen minutes from here. My house isn’t that far either. Maybe ten minutes away.”
Annalise went still, her eyes growing as wide as saucers. “You’re joking, right?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m dead serious. I’ve lived in Boerne my entire life.”
She looked out the window at the front door of the hotel and then back to me. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she closed her eyes, shook her head, and then fixed me with a sharp gaze.
“You live in Boerne, Texas. Boerne. The same place I’m going to be working and living?”
“Yes.”
She burst out laughing before she dropped her head back against the seat of the rental car. “What in the hell? What are the odds of this happening?”
“Fate, I guess,” I said with a chuckle.
She snapped her head up and stared at me. “Fate?” she whispered, then seemed to drift away before shaking her head. “I, um…I can’t process this right now. I need to get in there. Mrs. Montclair is waiting for me.”
“Of course.”
I got out of the car and opened the trunk to take out her luggage. After shutting it, I reached for her hand and held it. “We’ll talk soon, okay?”
Annalise swallowed hard and then took a step away from me. Almost as if she needed the distance. She blinked rapidly. “Yes, of course. I guess you know where to find me.”
“Or you could give me your number.”
She shook her head. “No, because if I give you my number and you don’t call, I don’t think I could… I just think… I need to go.”
Reaching for her stuff, she turned and headed into The Montclair Hotel. It struck me as odd that this was the second time today she had turned and walked away from me, both of us uncertain about where our future was going.
Except now I knew where to find her…and this conversation was far from over.
Annalise
MY NERVES WERE shot. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was walking into a new job, new career, new life—or because Roger had just laid a giant bomb on me only moments ago.
He lives here.
Boerne.
Roger lives in Boerne, Texas.
As I opened the door to the lobby of The Montclair, I couldn’t help but laugh at the cruel irony fate had dealt me. The entire flight down to San Antonio, I had resolved to forget about Roger Carter. I mean, I knew I would truly never forget him, but I could bury him away in a special place…because the last few days with him truly had been special. My own little fairy tale that I’d been able to live in for just a little while.
And now? Now the man of my dreams, who clearly wasn’t interested in anything but a fling, was living only minutes away from me.
“Oh, God, this isn’t happening,” I whispered, stepping into the small lobby of the new hotel I was now general manager of. It was adorable, and the pictures I had seen of it did not do it justice. The hardwood floors were original, and instantly gave that romantic, charming feeling the hotel was going for. To my right was a sitting area with a large rock fireplace. Dark wood board and batten covered half the walls and gave it that historical look. On the opposite-end sitting area sat a French door that I knew led into the library. Behind the sofa sat a large antique table with all the brochures for the area laid out in a neat arrangement.
I glanced to my left and smiled. Another fireplace that mirrored the one on the right, but this one boasted a large vase filled with fresh flowers. A large desk and two chairs sat on this side of the lobby, along with another set of French doors that led to the restaurant.
Directly in front of me was a hallway that led to the front desk that sat on the left side, and two antique chairs sat on the right up against the staircase that led to the second floor.
I’m dreaming. I have to be dreaming.
I pinched my arm.
Nope, not dreaming.
“You really are here. No need to pinch yourself!”
I looked up and saw the owner of the hotel, Mrs. Montclair, standing in front of me with a wide smile on her face. Her grayish-blonde hair was pulled up in a bun, and she wore a black pantsuit that showcased a rather impressive figure. She had mentioned once that she ran five miles every day with her husband. Here’s hoping there’s something in the Texas water because this woman looks amazing. The closer she got, the more I found it hard to believe she was in her mid-sixties as she’d previously stated.
“Mrs. Montclair, it’s so nice to meet you in person!”
I extended my hand to shake hers, but she brushed it away before pulling me into her arms and hugging me. Not just a friendly hug. A hug that said she was glad to see me.
“I was so worried about you being stuck in Chicago all alone,” she said, pulling back and giving me a quick once-over. “You appear to be well. No harm done.”
No harm at all.
My nerves were still rattled by the encounter with Roger, so I willed myself to give her the brightest smile I could. “I’ve never been better. I’m so excited to start this new adventure, Mrs. Montclair. I’ve already got a few ideas about how we can expand the marketing on—”
She held up her hand. “First off, you’re a part of The Montclair family now, Annalise. We all go by our first names here. You can call me Patty.”
With a nod, I said, “Patty it is, then.”
“Second, no business right now. I want to get you settled into one of the cabins. Then we’ll do a tour of everything and introduce you to the rest of the crew. Everyone came in this afternoon so they could meet you.”
“That’s so sweet.”
Patty smiled before she motioned for me to follow her.
“As you know, we have forty different accommodations on site. Much smaller than what you’re used to, but each unique in their own way.”
“I’m all about the intimacy of this hotel. I’m extremely excited about the change.”
Another brilliant smile spread over her face. “It is a rather charming hotel, isn’t it? From the time the hotel was built in 1860 as a home for Mr. and Mrs. Philip Stein, it’s stood out in the community of Boerne. Of course, being located on the Cibolo Trail has always made the property more popular.”
The hotel sat on a beautiful piece of property, a stone’s throw from the Cibolo Creek. It was surrounded by massive cypress, oak, and elm trees that made the hotel feel as if it was in the middle of nowhere when, in reality, it was only a block from Main Street and a plethora of retail stores and restaurants. If you looked up charming in the dictionary, this hotel would be pictured.
“I cannot wait to see it in the fall,” I said, glancing around. “I imagine, with all these trees, it looks beautiful.”
“Oh, it is. And spring. Just wait until spring, darling. The wildflowers that surround the gazebo in the back are stunning. You’ll see why we book so many weddings back there.”
We walked out the back door and stepped onto the hotel’s back porch. The lobby was located in the oldest structure on the property: the original house. Years later, two sides had been built onto the main in order to expand the hotel. A wide courtyard sat in front of me with tables, benches, rocking chairs, and a large oak tree that sat in the middle of it all. Strands of Edison lights were draped from the branches to the buildings. To the back left of the courtyard were two large grills. Next to them sat an old buggy.
“I meant to ask you when you were giving me the tour on FaceTime, Mrs.…er…Patty—what’s the story behind the old buggy?”
Patty had sent me video after video showing me the entire hotel and the property it sat on. Not to mention hundreds of photos.
Her eyes lit up as we walked to the roped-off item in question. “This buggy belonged to the original owners of the property. Mr. Stein bought it for his wife so that she could travel to visit friends. It was his way of showing their wealth at the time. Mr. Stein wanted to make his presence well
known in town.”
I glanced back at the old buggy, which was still in pretty good condition, but it didn’t look anything like something you would be showing your wealth off with. I hadn’t meant to, but I frowned.
Patty laughed. “Trust me, back in the 1860s, this was beautiful.”
“I’m sure it was,” I replied with a slight chuckle.
“Over the years, my husband and I have traveled all over the country collecting old cabins and buildings to add to the property.”
We walked through the courtyard to the back half of the property, and I found myself growing giddy. It was a far cry from the Lotte Hotel in New York City, but I loved how unique this place was. Historic log cabins were arranged to the left of me, with a second small courtyard sitting in the middle. To the right was an old church house that the Montclairs had picked up from a small town in West Texas. Behind that was a red schoolhouse. Down the walkway were more cabins, all small historical homes that the Montclairs had saved from being torn down.
“I thought we would put you in the St. James chapel,” Patty said.
I looked at her. “What? That’s our nicest suite, Mrs.…um…Patty. I couldn’t even think of staying there. Honestly, I’m perfectly happy staying in one of the rooms in the main hotel.”
She waved me off. “Nonsense. I want you to be comfortable, and I already had Elizabeth block that suite out for the next two months. I don’t think it will take you that long to find a place, but just in case. You did mention you wanted to rent first before you purchased anything. I think that’s smart. Get to know the area before you jump into anything like that.”
I nodded as we made our way toward the St. James suite.
“How long has Elizabeth worked for you?” I asked. I had made a list of the employees before leaving New York, and had written down the little information Patty had given me about them next to their names. Elizabeth, for example, was the front desk supervisor. She was young, most likely in her mid-twenties. I’d met her when I had my second Zoom interview with the Montclairs. She had a warm and friendly smile that made me feel instantly at ease. I could see why Patty had made her supervisor of the front desk.
“Oh, goodness, let me see. Lizzy has been working for me since she was sixteen,” Patty said. “She’s twenty-five now. She started off in housekeeping and worked her way up. She’s one of the hardest-working employees we have. If you need her to pitch in anywhere, she’s there, no questions asked. I cannot tell you how many times that girl has cleaned up the rooms or helped out over at the River City Grill. She’s even done some landscaping a time or two.”
“That’s wonderful. Employees like that are hard to come by, and when you do find one, it’s best to hang on to them.”
Patty nodded. “Trust me, if Lizzy gave her two-week notice, I’d probably double her salary just in the hope that she’d stay.”
I raised my brows.
“Yes, she’s that good. You’ll soon see.”
As we climbed the steps of the St. James, I asked, “And does she want to be promoted higher up?”
Patty unlocked the door and pushed it open, motioning for me to walk in first. I had seen this suite before, of course. During my second interview, Mr. Montclair had walked the property with his phone to show me a few rooms and three of the freestanding buildings. The St. James happened to be one of them. It was still as breathtaking now as it was when I first saw it.
One large room—that I’m sure at one time held church pews—now housed a small living and dining area. A wood wall had been built to separate the sitting and sleeping areas. And at the far end of the church sat a stunning bathroom, which featured a large walk-in shower and a claw-foot bathtub. I was already dreaming of soaking in it.
“Lizzy has a wonderful work ethic, but as far as managing The Montclair, she has a lot to learn, and lacks the knowledge that someone like yourself has to offer.”
“I can understand that. I’m happy to help her learn more about the business side of running a hotel if that’s something you’d like me to do.”
Patty placed her hand on my arm and gave a little squeeze. “You truly are a gift. Right now, Lizzy seems to be very happy in her role here. She started dating a young man who works for the city of Boerne, and I’m not sure even she knows what her future holds.”
Suddenly Patty grinned. “What about you, Annalise? Is there a someone special in your life?”
An image of Roger popped into my mind. “No, I’m single.”
With a wink, she replied, “Well, we have a lot of handsome cowboys in our little town of Boerne.”
I laughed and decided to change the subject. “I went over the budget you have set for the rest of this year and next. I have some ideas I’d like to go over with you and Mr. Montclair.”
“Jim. Call him Jim.”
I really wasn’t in New York City anymore. “I have some ideas I’d like to go over with you both, whenever you’re free.”
“That sounds amazing. Let’s plan on meeting at the restaurant for lunch tomorrow, and we can talk more then. As far as today goes, get settled, we’ll do an official tour, and I’ll introduce you to everyone. Then you’re free to roam around for the rest of the day and get some food. I had Manny bring in a small refrigerator for you to use.”
“Thank you so much, Patty. And thank you for being so understanding with the delay in starting.”
She waved her hand again. “Pish, posh. I’m not the least bit worried. I’m just so excited to have you on our team as part of the Montclair family. Now, text me whenever you’re ready to head back to the front desk, and I’ll make sure everyone is there to meet you.”
“Sounds good,” I said as I followed her back to the door.
Before she stepped out, she turned and faced me. “I have to ask, how do you know Roger Carter?”
I was positive my jaw hung open for a good twenty seconds. “Roger?”
She nodded. “He dropped you off, and it seemed like the two of you knew each other. I wasn’t aware you knew anyone in town.”
“I don’t. I mean, I didn’t until the other day.” I laughed nervously. “Funny story! Roger was actually stuck in Chicago as well. We met there. Neither one of us even knew we had a connection to Boerne until we both ended up at the same car rental company today. And that’s when we found out we were going to the same place. It’s a crazy…um…coincidence.”
Patty slowly nodded and gave me a look I couldn’t read at all. “I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in fate. There is a reason for everything. And sometimes, fate meets destiny.”
I drew in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. Was she talking about me and Roger? “Well, we’re only friends. I don’t think Roger is the least bit interested in anything other than that.”
With a half-shrug, Patty turned toward the path that led back to the hotel lobby. “Hmmm. I don’t think he truly knows what he wants. See you soon, Annalise!”
I stared at her back as she retreated. “What in the hell does that mean?” I asked to no one but myself.
After shutting the door, I leaned against it and let out a groan. Today was supposed to be the beginning of a new life. I should have been excited to start this new journey. Instead, I was confused and, honestly, a bit shell-shocked.
I rushed over to my purse, pulled out my phone, and hit my sister’s number.
“So? How is it? Is the town cute? Have you been able to look around? Tell me there are cowboys, and I’ll fly down tomorrow! I want to know everything!”
“Oh, my God, Meg, I’m in so much trouble. So. Much. Trouble!”
She gasped. “They fired you already?”
I jerked my head back. “What? No, I didn’t get fired. My gosh, Meg, that’s the first thing you think of?”
“Well, what else am I supposed to think when you call me on your first day and tell me you’re in so much trouble?”
Rolling my eyes, I replied, “I don’t know, but not that I was fired from a job I haven’t actually
started yet.”
“Fine. Why don’t you just tell me what’s wrong then.”
I took in a deep breath. “Roger lives here.”
“Wait, Roger, the guy from the hotel? He lives where? In Texas?”
“Yes! Not only does he live in Texas—he lives in Boerne.”
Silence filled the line, and I waited for it to sink in.
“Are you sure he lives there? He didn’t follow you there like some maniac, did he? I mean, you had sex with him, but you knew nothing about him.”
I growled at her. “No, he didn’t follow me here. He couldn’t have since he didn’t even know I was coming. And the owner of The Montclair noticed Roger dropping me off and started to talk about him. She knows him, Meg. She knows him! She said it was fate we met in Chicago.”
“You told your new boss you slept with Roger?”
“No, of course not! I simply told her we met in Chicago and then ran back into each other in the airport when I was trying to get a rental, and none were left so Roger gave me a ride.”
“That was nice of him. Where did you run into him? I can’t imagine it’s a small airport.”
I let out a disbelieving laugh. “Are you sitting down? Because this story keeps getting stranger by the minute.”
“I’m sitting.”
“I never changed my reservation for my rental car, so when I got there, they didn’t have any cars left. Next thing I know, Roger is standing there with a reservation. He got the last car!”
Meg laughed. “Wait, why was he renting a car if he lives there?”
“I don’t know. I think he told me, but I was so stunned he was there, I don’t remember. This morning, I figured I’d never see him again. I’d prepared myself for it. And now, he’s not only in the same state, but also the same damn town!”
“Oh, no, Anna. Have you fallen for this guy?”
I swallowed hard. “No.”
“You are such a terrible liar. And can we get back to the fact that he had to share not only his hotel room with you but his rental car as well? Oh, and he lives in the same town that you’re now living in? If destiny isn’t playing her hand in this, I don’t even know what’s happening. What are the odds?”
Fated Hearts Page 11
