The Hotel

by Pamela Kelley

  “It’s the first Saturday in August.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “I won’t be here then. My assignment ends in mid-July, right after the Taste of the Town event.”

  But Missy wasn’t ready to give up. “Well, that’s no problem. You can just fly back for it. It’s on a weekend, after all.”

  “We’ll see. That’s a ways off.”

  “Just think about it.”

  Missy wanted a second drink, so David ordered another round and they chatted for another forty-five minutes or so until he said he had to get going.

  “I have an early day tomorrow. It’s been great seeing you, though. I’m glad we caught up.”

  “Me, too. And if you want to do anything, give me a shout.”

  He hugged her goodbye and promised to keep that in mind.

  Chapter 27

  “My father taught me how to make this when I was about eight. It’s the one thing I’ve totally mastered. We used to make it all the time.” Bella was at Nick’s on his night off. They’d had pizza earlier and now she was making her signature snack. She poured the oil in the saucepan, added the popcorn and turned the heat on medium high. A few minutes later, it stopped popping and she emptied it into a big bowl and melted some butter to drizzle over the top. A few shakes of salt and it was done.

  Nick grabbed a handful and gave her the thumbs up. “Perfect.”

  They resumed their spots on the sofa, side by side with the big plastic bowl of popcorn on Bella’s lap. They were having a Netflix movie marathon and Nick couldn’t be happier. Ever since the night she came for dinner with Andrea and Marco and shared a kiss afterward, they’d been inseparable. Whenever he had time off, they spent it together and since she was avoiding going downtown, they mostly enjoyed the beach, went fishing and relaxed at his place.

  He’d never felt so comfortable with a girlfriend before. Bella was beautiful, but it wasn’t just that. There was a sense of belonging that was new for him and he sensed it was for her, too. They hadn’t really talked about their relationship yet. It was too new, and they were both aware of how limited their time together was. He didn’t know what would happen when she had to go home to L.A. He was hoping that she could extend her vacation, but he didn’t know if she would or if it was even possible.

  “You’re awfully quiet. What are you thinking about?” she asked softly.

  He ran his hand though her hair, massaging her scalp gently.

  “Just how much I’m enjoying this. Being with you. And wishing you could stay longer,” he admitted.

  She turned and gave him a quick kiss. “I’m working on that. I told my agent I’m not ready to come home yet and asked if she can delay my start date. I might be able to get an extra week or two, possibly.”

  He grinned. “I’ll take what I can get.”

  “Maybe you can take some vacation time and come visit? I’d love to show you around the crazy town I live in.”

  Nick had never had any desire to go to Hollywood, until now. “I might be able to do that. I do have some vacation time coming.”

  “Keep it in mind. I’ll have a better idea of my shooting schedule in a few weeks and we can plan it for a week where they don’t need me much and we can do some sightseeing. Maybe take a drive to Malibu. It’s gorgeous along the Pacific Coast Highway.”

  “Not as pretty as Nantucket, though,” Nick teased her.

  “Of course not! It could be fun, though.”

  “If you’re there, it will be fun.” He leaned over and kissed her, and she melted in his arms.

  “Okay, what do you want to watch next?” she asked as she pulled away and reached for more popcorn.

  “Surprise me.” He didn’t care what they watched. He was just happy being on his sofa, eating popcorn with Bella. He wished this was their normal, everyday life and not just her vacation. Once her time here was up, would she still feel the same way? He knew that he would. His feelings grew stronger every day and it had taken him totally by surprise, at first. He didn’t know if she felt the same way, though.

  “You’re still spending time with Nick?” Bella’s sister sounded concerned. Bella had kept her secret to herself until now, not wanting to jinx anything. And because she was afraid her sister would be the voice of reason and tell her she was making a mistake.

  “We’re not just spending time together. I really like him, and I think he feels the same way. If he was in L.A., I think we’d be an official item.”

  “You’re not in L.A., though. You’re on vacation—in fantasy land—not the real world. You only have a few more weeks until you have to leave. I just hate to see you get hurt when it ends.”

  “I know. I wish it didn’t have to end. I mentioned having him come visit me. Nick has some vacation time he can use, and he liked the idea.

  “Sure, but that would be his vacation. Still not real. What happens after that? I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just thinking realistically. You live in two very different worlds. And do you really want to drag him into the craziness of the media in your world?”

  Bella was silent for a moment. The media was the worst part of her job and she hated to inflict them and their lies on someone she cared about.

  She sighed. “He’d hate that.”

  “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. Why not just enjoy the time you have left on Nantucket and don’t expect anything more?”

  “I know you’re right. But I’m already pretty attached. I hate the thought of leaving here and saying goodbye.”

  “Well, the more attached you get, the harder it will be. Maybe try and slow things down a little?”

  Bella laughed. “It’s much too late for that. And I don’t want to waste any of the time that I do have left. We’re together constantly. It’s pretty intense already. But in a good way. I think you’d really like him.”

  Julia was silent for a moment. “I do like him. He’s charming and if there was any way for the two of you to actually be a couple, I’d totally support it. I just don’t see how that’s possible. Do you?”

  “Not the way things have been, no. I keep trying to think of some way to make it work.”

  “Well, if you can find a way, then I’m all for it. I just want you to be happy.”

  “I know. And I love you for it.”

  Bella ended the call feeling sad and a bit anxious. Her time on Nantucket was winding down more quickly than she’d hoped. Her agent had tried to push the start date out two weeks and they balked at that, but agreed to give her one extra week before she had to report to the set. So, that was something. She hadn’t told Nick the good news yet. But she knew she’d be seeing him later that night when he got off work.

  On the nights he worked, she often met him at the outside bar for an after-work drink or they went to the beach during the day, or both. Nick was eager to spend as much time as he could with Bella and there was nothing she’d rather do than spend her time with him. She’d never actually been in love before, but she had a feeling this might be it. It exhilarated and terrified her at the same time, because she didn’t know what the future held for them.

  Chapter 28

  At about three thirty in the afternoon, Paula stopped by the reception area to visit her sister, Lucy, and to help out if needed. Her job as the general manager wasn’t as glamorous as some might think. She spent most of her time helping out wherever an extra pair of hands was needed. During the busy times of the day, she spent most of her time assisting at the front desk and welcoming guests to the hotel.

  Their official check-in time was three and they often had a rush of guests in the late afternoon. Lucy had several people in line as did the other two front desk associates. Paula hopped behind an empty computer and waved the next person in line over. Twenty minutes later, the rush died down and she went to chat with her sister.

  “How’s it going?” she asked Lucy.

  “Good. I just witnessed a top-secret affair.”

  “You did? Who?”

  “The
Cape and Islands Senator is here for two nights and look who is in his room.” She pointed to the computer screen and Paula’s jaw dropped.

  “But she’s married.” It was a local woman—someone they knew as a total snob. Grace Peterson was married to an executive and was active in several women’s groups and charity organizations.

  “He’s married, too,” Lucy said.

  “Well, isn’t that something.” It was one aspect of the job that never failed to surprise her. Quite a few people had affairs and booked rooms at The Whitley for the privacy.

  “On a different note, I have some news,” Lucy began. “I ran into Jason yesterday at Stop and Shop. I reminded him about the art show this weekend and he asked if I wanted to grab a drink after. I just wanted to double-check to make sure you’re okay with that?”

  Paula smiled. “It was my idea, remember? Yes, I am very much okay with that. I’m excited for you—and for the show. I’ll stop by, too, at some point.”

  “Okay, good.”

  They both looked up as David walked across the lobby and waved as he saw them, before disappearing down the hall to the executive offices.

  “He’s an interesting one. Too bad he’s not staying around. I thought he might be a good possibility for you,” Lucy said.

  “For me? David’s great, but like you said, he’s leaving soon. He also travels so much. He told me it’s made it hard to have any kind of a serious relationship.”

  Lucy frowned. “I don’t know how he can stand all that travel. Don’t people eventually slow down on that and let other people take over?”

  “I don’t know. It didn’t sound that way to me. He’s a consultant and it’s all travel. I agree, though, it sounds awful to me, too,” Paula said.

  “Speaking of people that would make a good couple…” Lucy glanced across the lobby to the concierge desk where Marco had just arrived for the evening shift, and he and Andrea were laughing. Andrea had another hour or so and then she’d be leaving for the day.

  “Andrea and Marco? I don’t know about that. I heard she just went out with Ben again.”

  “My Ben? Hm, you know I can see that, too. She definitely has more in common with him than I do,” Lucy said.

  “She looks happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. I know she was mad to lose the GM role, but it looks like she’s having fun in concierge services.”

  “It’s a much better fit for her,” Lucy agreed.

  “Oh, I have some huge news. We got a call this morning and the President is coming in a few weeks.”

  “The President? Like of the U.S.?”

  “Yes, the one and only. Just for one night. He’s being honored and giving a speech at some event downtown—a literacy thing, I think,” Paula said.

  “That’s right, he has a memoir out now, doesn’t he?”

  “He does. It’s crazy, though. They booked fifty rooms and he’s only staying here for one night, but they booked the rooms for two nights.”

  “Fifty rooms?”

  Paula nodded. “Yes, some of his secret service team are coming the day before to get the rooms ready. They’re bringing bullet proof glass to install in the windows of the President’s rooms.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know. It’s an honor to have them here, though. I’m going to work closely with housekeeping to make sure the rooms are perfect for them.”

  “That’s very cool.” Lucy said and then her attention went to a new arrival in the lobby. “Hm, what is Aunt Vivian up to? She has a gleam in her eyes that usually means trouble.”

  Paula followed her gaze to where her aunt had paused to chat with Andrea at the concierge desk before heading toward her office.

  “One never knows,” Paula said. “It’s still a mystery what she actually does here.”

  Paula chatted for a few more minutes with Lucy and was about to head back to her office when she noticed a somewhat familiar looking man in a sharp black suit walk into the lobby, look around and then head to the concierge desk, too. He spoke with Andrea and Marco for a moment then headed toward the executive offices. Paula still couldn’t place who he was.

  She walked over to the concierge desk on her way to her office. Andrea and Marco were chatting and looked up when she reached them, and she addressed them both. “Who was that? He looks so familiar, but I can’t place him.”

  “Bill Cooper of Cooper Real Estate. Said he was here to see your Aunt Vivian,” Marco said.

  “She said she was expecting him and to send him on to see her. But she didn’t say what he’s here about,” Andrea added.

  “Okay, thanks. That’s odd.”

  Andrea laughed. “Aunt Vivian is odd, so it fits.”

  Andrea watched Paula head back to her office and realized that was the first civil exchange they’d had since Paula started in her new job.

  “What do you think your aunt is up to?” Marco asked.

  “Who knows? She’s still saying she wants to divorce Uncle Freddy, so maybe it has something to do with that. Maybe she’s putting her house on the market. Your guess is as good as mine.”

  Andrea worked with Marco until almost five when she was due to head home. She was just thinking about what she was going to do for dinner when a businessman who’d just checked in came over to see them. He radiated frustration and panic. He was also soaking wet. The rain had started about an hour ago and it was blowing in all directions. The heavy rain was predicted but the wind was much stronger than anticipated.

  “Lucy said you might be able to help me,” he began.

  Andrea smiled to put him at ease. “I’ll do my best. What do you need?”

  “I just flew in and my luggage apparently went in a different direction. All my clothes are on their way to the West Coast. And I have a business meeting first thing in the morning. Any suggestions?”

  “You don’t have anything else with you?” Andrea asked.

  “Only what I’m wearing. This would be fine for the meeting, if it was clean.”

  Andrea thought for a moment.

  “Why don’t you come with me.” She led him into their gift shop and to the clothing section where there was a selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts.

  He shook his head. “I can’t wear this to the meeting.”

  Andrea smiled. “No, that wouldn’t be good. But you can change out of your clothes, find a t-shirt and pair of shorts here and give me your shirt and pants. I’ll get them cleaned and pressed for you and deliver to your room first thing in the morning. Is eight o’clock early enough?”

  He looked as though he wanted to kiss her. “You’re an angel.” He quickly picked out a long sleeve t-shirt with The Whitley Hotel logo on it and a pair of long tan shorts. He changed in the dressing room and then handed Andrea his shirt and pants. “I can’t thank you enough. I need to pay for these clothes.”

  Andrea smiled. “It’s all set. Don’t worry about it. Just go and relax. Your clean clothes will be at your door in the morning.” Andrea had a discretionary account where they could occasionally give out t-shirts or other items as advertising expenses. The goodwill they received from doing so more than made up for the cost.

  “Thanks again. I really appreciate it.” He went off to his room and Andrea wandered back to the lobby with the pile of folded clothes in her arms.

  Marco raised his eyebrows. “I’m almost afraid to ask. What did you do with him?”

  She laughed. “He’s wearing a Whitley t-shirt and shorts and is relaxing in his room. I told him I’d get these cleaned and pressed for him and dropped off in the morning so he can make his meeting.”

  “What laundry is open now on Nantucket?”

  She grinned. “The one at my house.”

  “Impressive!”

  “I do what I can. And I should probably get going. Have a good night.”

  “You, too. Are we on for dinner and drinks tomorrow?” Marco had mentioned trying out the new restaurant, Portside, that had opened down by the waterfront.

  “
Sure, sounds good. See you tomorrow.”

  Chapter 29

  At a few minutes before six, Paula finished her daily paperwork and closed down her computer. She was getting hungry and realized there wasn’t much in her house, and the last thing she felt like doing was cooking. Maybe she’d feed Chester and order a pizza. It felt like a good night for that. She’d change into her sweats, crash on the sofa watching TV and go to bed early.

  She stepped out into the hallway at the same time as David, who was also done for the day. Her aunt was long gone, and Paula had no idea how her meeting with the realtor went or what that was about. She wasn’t sure she really wanted to know, either.

  “Any exciting plans tonight?” David asked as they walked down the hall.

  She laughed. “Nope. Beyond trying to decide what kind of pizza to order. What about you?”

  “The same. I’m beat today. Probably going to head to bed early.”

  They walked across the lobby and Paula noticed the sky outside was darker than usual, the wind was howling, and the rain was coming down even heavier than before. She’d known they were getting a storm but didn’t think it was expected to be this bad. She was glad that she’d remembered to bring an umbrella. Still, with the driving rain she knew she’d likely be soaked anyway by the time she reached her cottage.

  They were just about at the door when a huge gust of wind rattled the windows and with a whoosh, the power flickered and then snuffed itself out. They both paused and waited for it to come back on. The power rarely went out for long on Nantucket, and it wasn’t unusual for it to flicker and then come right back to life. The lobby was full of people trying to check in and the girls at the front desk looked a little frazzled.

  “The power should come right back on, hopefully,” Paula said.

  David looked outside. “That storm doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon. Do you lose power often here?”