The Hotel

by Pamela Kelley

  Paula looked around at the huge crowd and the busy booths.

  “I think that’s probably a very good idea. Let’s do it.”

  Her grandfather winked at Peter. “Looks like it’s a go for next year.”

  “I’ll let them know.”

  “We can let the restaurants know, too,” David said. “That will make it easier for next year if most of them are already committed.”

  “I think just about all of my guests at the inn are here,” Lisa said. “I’ll let them know as well, and maybe they’ll want to book with me for next year, too, when they check out. It’s a wonderful event. You have all done a great job.”

  “Thanks so much,” Paula said.

  They continued to walk around and stopped at Nick’s booth, where he was handing out tiny tuna tacos and plating up sample-size portions of rosemary mashed potatoes and short ribs and small cups of seafood chowder. Bella was by his side, adding bags of crackers for the chowder. She looked cute in a Whitley hotel apron, and dark sunglasses. Nick had beads of sweat on his upper lip and was in constant motion, plating food and chatting with people as they came up to the booth.

  They waited for a lull before stepping over to say hello.

  “How’s it going?” Paula asked.

  “This is fantastic. People are loving everything. And they’re saying good things about all of it, the wine tasting and all the different sampling. I think we might have to do this again next year.”

  Grandfather laughed. “I think you’re right. Peter Bradford already suggested it and we agree. Looks like it’s a hit.”

  He turned to Paula and David. “Why don’t you kids go get in line and try all of this good stuff, too? There’s nothing else you need to do at this point other than enjoy it. I see someone I need to go visit with.”

  He left and David turned to Paula. “Shall we?”

  They got in line and received a small square tray that had a space for a wine glass to hook into it. It was a clever design that let you set your glass into the tray so you could nibble on the food more easily. They roamed around and tasted a bunch of different wines and lots of food samples. There were so many good options. Most of the restaurants had a soup of some kind or an appetizer and an entrée, and some had a dessert choice, too.

  They ran into Andrea and Marco at one of the wine stations and Paula was pleasantly surprised when Andrea was actually friendly.

  “You should really try this Charles Krug Cabernet. It’s ridiculously good,” Andrea said.

  Paula noticed that Marco had one of his hands on the small of Andrea’s back and they looked like two people in love, or madly in like. Paula was happy for them.

  They wandered away, and David and Paula tasted the cabernet that Andrea had raved about.

  “She’s right, this is really good,” David said.

  “It is. Sweet and silky and jammy,” Paula said.

  David laughed. “You sound like a real wine connoisseur.”

  She smiled. “I just know I like it!”

  They continued to walk around and tried everything. A number of the restaurants were ones that she either hadn’t been to before or hadn’t been to in a long time, and she made a note to go again.

  When they finished tasting a bit of everything, they filled their glasses a final time and found a bench to sit on.

  “I can’t believe tomorrow’s your last day,” Paula said.

  “I know. These weeks went by too fast. I’m heading to see my parents from here for our last pizza dinner and then I fly out in the morning.”

  “Well, if you come back to visit, stop in and say hello. We’d all love to see you,” Paula said. What she really meant was that she’d love to see him, but there didn’t seem to be a good reason to say that. He was leaving. There was no future for them—assuming he was even interested, which he’d given no indication of.

  “Of course. I’ll probably be back in a month or so, when my latest engagement finishes up.”

  “Kansas City, right?”

  He laughed. “Good memory. Yes, Kansas City. It shouldn’t take too long.”

  “Well, I just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, and for helping me to settle in.”

  “It was a fun assignment for me. I’m glad that you decided to stay in the position. I meant what I said. You’ve really done a good job.”

  “Thank you.” She wanted to say more than that. To let him know she was going to miss him, but it didn’t feel appropriate. Instead, she finished her glass and stood up.

  “You should probably get to your parents’. They’re probably anxious to see you.”

  He smiled. “You’re probably right. Take good care, Paula. Let’s keep in touch.”

  Her heart leaped at the suggestion, but she knew he was probably just being polite. He gave her a hug goodbye and she wanted to hold on tighter, liking the feeling of being in his arms.

  “Goodbye, David.”

  Chapter 36

  Bella had so much fun helping Nick at the tasting event. They even had a chance to try everything, too, as when it slowed a bit, one of the cooks took over for Nick so they could take a quick break. They raced around, sampling what they could and tasting a few wines before making their way back to the booth.

  Once the event was over and everything was broken down and put away, they went to the outside bar and had one drink each. Bella was overly aware that her time there was slipping away. She only had a few more days left and then she’d be heading home to L.A. and would begin shooting for the new film. She was excited about the film. Her agent had Fedexed the script and it was very good—very close to the book—which was exceptional. The story gave Bella the shivers and she knew it was going to be an important film and possibly huge for her.

  But she dreaded leaving Nick. To his credit, he’d been great about it and kept reassuring her that it would all work out somehow. Once she knew her schedule, she was going to let him know so he could put in for the time off and book his visit to see her. She was excited about that, for the chance to play tourist with him in her world. She just hoped that it didn’t overwhelm him. He hadn’t really experienced what the media could be like. It wasn’t pretty.

  Andrea and Marco were just leaving when they arrived at the bar. Bella noticed that they were holding hands and she was happy for them.

  “They’re official now, I see,” she said to Nick once they were seated at the bar.

  “Yep. I think it’s great. They seem to be good together.”

  “They look happy. That’s all that matters, right?”

  Nick leaned over and kissed her. “Yes, that’s all that matters.”

  Three days later he drove her to the airport. They’d had a special, romantic evening the night before. Nick had cooked an amazing meal for her, and they’d just cuddled on his sofa and she never wanted to leave. But they both knew she had to go the next day. It was so hard to say goodbye—to kiss him knowing she wouldn’t be able to see him or kiss him again for a long time.

  “Text me when you land,” Nick said.

  “I will.”

  “Bella, there’s something I want you to know, before you go…” There was a sudden urgency to Nick’s voice that alarmed her.

  “What is it?”

  He grinned. “Just that I love you. I wanted you to know that.”

  She felt her eyes well up. “Nick. I love you, too. So much.” She kissed him again and didn’t want to let go. But eventually she had to. It was time to board her plane.

  “I’ll text you when I land.”

  The first thing they did when Bella showed up on set was to find a hairdresser to fix her hair. They got rid of the red and brought back the blond. And then the Bella they wanted was back. She threw herself into the work, lost herself in the character and focused on making the best film possible. By the time she got home each night, she was utterly exhausted and spent. But it helped because otherwise she was just missing Nick.

  They spoke most nights, e
ven if just for a few minutes. It was strange being back in L.A. It felt foreign to her and she realized it had never felt like home. It was just a place where she worked and slept. Her life, her real home, was with Nick on Nantucket. But that wasn’t her reality, unfortunately. Nantucket was being on vacation. L.A. was back to work.

  Once she knew her schedule and when there was going to be a light week, she let Nick know and he booked a flight out. Knowing he was coming got her through the next few weeks.

  Nick flew in on a Friday and Bella met him at the airport. She started crying happy tears when she saw him. It had been so long, and she’d missed him so much. He pulled her into his arms, and she wanted to stay there.

  “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you so much,” she said.

  “Not as much as I’ve missed you.” He grinned. “So, let’s see L.A.!”

  She took him everywhere, showed him all the usual tourist spots. They had spicy chicken pizza at Spago and walked along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the sidewalk where celebrities had stars embedded in the sidewalk. They drove along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and Nick agreed that it was beautiful, but Nantucket was still prettier.

  And it was in Malibu that Nick experienced the media for the first time. They’d gone to Nobu for sushi and had a wonderful dinner. But on the way out, paparazzi were waiting and as soon as they saw Bella and Nick, they pounced, snapping pictures and peppering Bella with questions.

  “Who is he, Cami? Is this your new boyfriend? Is he an actor? What is he in? Talk to us, Cami!”

  She ignored them and instead rushed Nick to her car and they drove off. Her nerves were on edge and she didn’t begin to relax until they were a mile down the road. Nick was quiet beside her.

  Finally, he spoke. “I didn’t really get it when you always wore those glasses and didn’t want anyone to recognize you. I get it now. That was intense. Is it always like that?”

  “If they see me, yes. It’s partly my fault, though. Nobu is a pretty visible place and the paparazzi are always on the lookout there. But the food is amazing, and I knew you’d love it.”

  “I’m glad we went there. It was a perfect night. I’m also glad that I experienced the craziness that you deal with all the time. It helps me understand it. And I’m sorry that it’s a regular thing for you.”

  She sighed. “It goes along with what I do. I don’t like it, but I can’t really complain about it. Plenty of people would love to be in my shoes. I’m very lucky to be able to do this.”

  “I get what you’re saying. Celebrities know that fame is a part of the package. And the more famous and successful you are, the worse it is. But still, it has to be annoying.”

  Bella laughed. “That’s an understatement. But it’s better now, since you’re here with me.”

  Nick kept calm but he was shaken up by what he’d just experienced. The level of intensity and entitlement toward Bella was astounding. He was frightened for her safety. He remembered when Princess Diana was killed when she was being chased by paparazzi and the driver of her car lost control.

  “Do they ever chase you?” he asked.

  “Yes, all the time. If I’m out walking somewhere. Not driving, though. I won’t let that happen.”

  “Good. Just be careful. Those people are crazy.”

  He didn’t realize how crazy until he saw the newspapers the next day and the entertainment shows on cable and the internet. Social media was blowing up with coverage of ‘Cami’s New Boy’. In an instant, his whole life had been investigated and displayed online. Where he worked, what he did, who he last dated. It was all there. And it freaked him out. And Bella knew it.

  The worry on her face was evident. “Are you okay? This is awful, I know. It’s bad enough that they do it to me. I’m used to it. You didn’t sign up for this. I’m so sorry, Nick.”

  He tried to reassure her. “But I did sign up for this. I just didn’t fully realize it.” He grinned. “Coming out here to see you, loving you. It’s all part of who you are and being in your world.”

  She looked a little relieved to hear it. “It’s still so unfair to you, though.”

  “Well, I’m not going to lie. It was nicer when we were both on Nantucket and no one knew you were there or who I was.”

  She looked sad. “That was vacation, not reality unfortunately.”

  “It’s okay. We’ll be okay.” Nick tried to reassure her, and himself.

  His week with her seemed to go by in an instant. And when she drove him to the airport and they kissed goodbye, he felt a huge wave of sadness. Before, when she left, they both knew he’d be flying out to see her in a few weeks. Now, they didn’t have a plan. She still had at least two months of filming and he didn’t have any more time off to use. He didn’t know when they’d see each other next. He only knew it was much too far off for his liking.

  Chapter 37

  The bomb-sniffing dogs came first with the secret service security team that arrived the day before the President was due. They were beautiful animals, but it seemed odd to see them roaming the halls and going from room to room along with their handlers.

  Paula and the housekeeping team had gone above and beyond to make sure the President’s rooms were perfect. Paula had taken it upon herself to add some extra comforts, such as some sweet-smelling candles, a box of chocolates and a few new releases from local authors. She knew the President was a big reader and thought maybe he’d enjoy them, if he had any downtime to read.

  She was surprised and dismayed to see that the President’s immaculately cleaned rooms were pulled apart by the security team as they looked for who knew what in every possible nook and cranny. Beds were stripped, drawers taken out of dressers as the room was thoroughly searched. Finally, she was given the word that they could go clean up again. She immediately apologized to the housekeeping team and pitched in to help them redo the rooms.

  And it didn’t help matters at all when later that day she ran into Missy, who was at the hotel for a chamber of commerce luncheon. Paula regularly tried to attend these gatherings as she knew it was good PR for The Whitley, even when they weren’t held at the hotel. Typically, the meetings rotated locations.

  This time, at least, Missy appeared to recognize her and at first, seemed sweet enough. “Oh, hello, Paula, nice to see you again. The food here was wonderful, as usual. I bet you’re missing David? I’m sure he was a huge help to you. Have you heard from him since he’s been gone?”

  Paula shook her head. “No, not yet. I don’t think he’s expected back for at least another month—to see his parents.”

  “Of course. He might be coming back to see his family, but he’s also going to be attending the literacy gala with me at the country club. I don’t suppose you’ll be there?”

  “I wasn’t planning on it,” Paula said. She’d never been to it before. It was one of those snooty events held at the most expensive country club on the island and unless you were a member or good friend of a member, you didn’t make the cut for that guest list.

  “You really should go sometime. It’s a fabulous event. Well, nice seeing you.” She sauntered off and Paula was left feeling grumpy and out of sorts. She didn’t care about not going to the event, but she was disappointed to learn that David might be attending it with Missy. He hadn’t mentioned that they were seeing each other, but then again, why would he? And it made sense since they had shared history and were both single. She thought he had better taste than that, though.

  After all the anticipation for the Taste of the Town event, the following week felt anti-climactic and oddly quiet. Paula supposed she was missing David’s presence, too. She’d grown used to having him right down the hall and bouncing ideas off of him. But she was slowly getting used to doing that with her grandfather and Hallie and Nick instead. And surprisingly, even her Aunt Vivian. Now that she had a defined job, and the stress from her financial mess was resolved, her aunt had thrown herself into her work and was doing a good job. Better than anyone expected, and
she seemed to be thriving and enjoying it.

  Aunt Vivian also happened to overhear the exchange with Missy.

  “She’s a bit of a witch, isn’t she? My guess is she hasn’t heard boo from David, otherwise why would she be asking you if you’d heard from him?”

  Paula laughed. “That’s a good point.” Though she wouldn’t put it past Missy to ask just to see if she could get a rise out of Paula and to make sure she knew that Missy and David had plans. But, like her aunt said, if things were solid between them, she wouldn’t care or be fishing for information. She hoped that was the case. Missy really didn’t seem to be David’s type. Or at least Paula didn’t think she was right for him. Who knew what David actually thought?

  David was miserable in Kansas City. He felt like a fish out of water there, for one thing. It was just so different from New York and Boston. But, more than anything, it wasn’t Nantucket, and he was surprised by how much he missed being at The Whitley. Well, more accurately how much he missed being around Paula. Even though there hadn’t been anything romantic with them, he missed her presence, missed discussing business ideas with her, having lunch together, and chatting about nothing in particular.

  And more than anything, he realized he was totally over traveling. He’d done it for so long that he never gave it much of a thought. It was just part of his job. But he’d put a big part of his life on hold to do that job. He hadn’t had a serious relationship of any kind in too many years.

  Spending several months at home on Nantucket and especially seeing his parents regularly was a gift. It made him realize that time was precious and for his mother, it was slipping away, and he didn’t want to have regrets when she passed that he didn’t see her enough. He wasn’t sure how he was going to make it happen, but he knew his current work life wasn’t sustainable.

  It needed to change. He needed to change. The question was how? He decided to approach finding a solution the same way he would approach it for any of his clients. Assess his options, identify possibilities and put a plan into action. He just needed to figure out what that plan would be.