by Donna Hill
“Getting really cold out there,” she said in a huff as she came inside.
“I was listening to the news. They’re expecting the temperature to drop into the twenties tonight.”
Mia grumbled.
“So how did it go?”
Mia’s brows rose. “I think I may have found a way.” She pulled up a chair near Ashley’s desk and detailed her plan.
“Sounds like it just might work.”
Mia got up. “I’m going to start making some calls.”
Mia brought her electronic Rolodex up on her computer. Her business and reputation were built on who she knew, and Mia knew everyone who mattered. She pulled up her list of resorts, then began sorting them by location. There were three in the Pocono area. The first call didn’t pan out. There were not enough rooms free. The second call was another bust. The manager was unavailable and the assistant sounded as if she was still in training. Mia tossed up a silent prayer and made her third call.
“Mt. Pocono Resort and Lodge,” the young voice answered.
“Good afternoon. My name is Mia Turner of MT Management. I want to arrange a gathering for a party of ten.”
“Hold on. Let me get you the booking manager.”
Mia nervously tapped her foot as she waited. A few moments later a male voice came on the line.
“Mia?”
“Yes.”
“Mia, it’s Leon Winston.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Leon! Oh, my goodness. When did you move out of the city?”
He chuckled. “Actually, I didn’t. I stay up here during the week and come down to the city on weekends. How in the world are you?”
She’d worked with Leon several times over the years. He’d been a manager at the Hilton for ages. The last time they’d worked together was on a celebrity party.
“I’m doing well. Busy but good.”
“So what can I do for you?”
“It’s a bit complicated, but I need to book ten suites for three weeks from now.”
“Wow, cutting it close. But we’re just outside of the winter season…hmm, hang on.”
Mia’s heart pumped. This was her last shot.
Leon came back on the phone. “We can make it work.”
She exhaled a major breath of relief. “You are a lifesaver.”
“For you, anything.”
“There’s something else.”
“Shoot.”
“Should anyone call you and ask why the suites weren’t booked for the weekend after next, just say that they were unavailable.”
“Not a problem.”
Mia shut her eyes in relief. “Great. Thanks so much. Shoot me an invoice and I’ll get the payment out to you.”
“Sure thing.”
“And, Leon, thanks.”
“That’s what friends are for. I’ll e-mail you a link to the resort. You’ll be able to take a virtual tour, get a sense of the space. Any questions, just call me.”
“Will do. Take care, Leon.”
“You, too. Thanks for the business.”
She flopped back into her seat. Mission accomplished. She smiled in triumph. There was only one glitch. If anything was to go down, it had to take place at Michael’s home. There was no way that she was going to involve her friend, Leon. She didn’t want his business—or hers—connected to the sting.
She pushed up from her seat and went out to bring Ashley up-to-date.
Ashley shook her head in amazement, a big grin stretching across her mouth. “I knew you’d find a way.”
“Let’s just hope that it works. No more surprises.”
Chapter 23
She knew he was going to be upset. Michael was accustomed to having his way—all the time. However, she was shocked by the explosion of his temper.
“Three weeks!” His voice boomed through the phone, rocking Mia back in her seat. “I didn’t say three weeks, Mia. I specifically said two and for a damn good reason. This is unacceptable. You’re going to have to change it. Now! And if you can’t, I’ll get someone else to handle this.”
She gripped the phone to keep her hands from shaking. The last thing she needed was him flying off the handle and getting someone else to take over the assignment. She couldn’t let that happen.
“Then get someone else,” she said, combating his tirade with cool calm. “I’m sure you can find someone much more capable than me. And that someone else will tell you exactly what I just did—there is nothing available in your area for the week you wanted unless you want your very special guests to bunk together. So, since you will no longer be needing my services…have a good day, Michael.”
She drew in a breath, threw up a silent prayer.
“Wait.”
Her entire body trembled as she waited.
“Yes?”
“Look, I’m sorry. I’m sure you did everything you could.”
Mia could almost see his face contorting as he apologized. “So what are you saying?”
She heard him mutter a curse through the phone.
“Three weeks.”
She hoped he couldn’t hear the thudding of her heart. “Fine. I’ll get right on it.”
He hung up without saying goodbye, which was fine with Mia. Less chance for the wrong thing to be said.
It was time for a meeting of the minds.
The Shop was cozy and warm when Mia arrived, accompanied by Ashley. By the time they were settled and had ordered a plate of buffalo wings as appetizers, Savannah came in, her short hairdo slightly windswept around her cupie-doll face.
“Hey, ladies,” Savannah greeted them, shrugging out of her coat. “Is it just us?”
“Dani should be here shortly. She had a shoot to finish that was running late. And I invited Traci.”
“Oh,” they chorused.
As if on cue, Traci came through the door, spotted the trio and headed in their direction.
“Hey, everybody.”
“Hi.” She looked around hesitantly.
“Have a seat, girl,” Savannah offered.
Traci took off her coat and slid in next to Ashley. She folded her hands on top of the table. “Thanks for inviting me. I know this is kinda y’all’s thing.”
“Always room for one more,” Mia said and offered a smile.
Traci took a seat next to Savannah.
“Hope you like buffalo wings,” Ashley said, digging in.
“Yep.” She picked one up from the plate.
“I want to wait until Dani gets here so that I don’t have to say everything twice.”
Savannah picked up a wing and dipped it in the blue cheese dressing, just as Danielle blew in on a blast of chilly air.
“Now the party can get started,” she said in greeting. She squeezed in next to Traci. “Nice to see you here.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s get all the business out of the way and then we can eat, drink and be merry,” Mia said.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Danielle chimed.
Mia told them what she’d been able to pull off for the Pocono weekend, the juggling of the weekend date and having Leon back her up, should he ever be questioned.
“Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you don’t know the people who count,” Danielle teased.
Mia winked. “So now I can spend time with my man, put the screws to my ex and hang with my girls. Who could ask for more?”
They all laughed.
“Of course, Ashley, you are going to have to be on the outside. I need you to photograph everyone coming in and out of there.”
“Got it.”
“Dani, you’ll be one of the girls.”
“Oh, guess I should have mentioned that Michelle called me this afternoon to tell me that Michael wanted me to be there.”
“Great. Savannah, you’ll run point—eyes and ears—girl.”
“Not a problem.”
“Traci, you have your end covered. We’ll be working together.”
Traci nodde
d.
“We’ll stay in touch and Traci will keep us up-to-date on any changes from inside.” Mia sat back. “We’re good?”
“Yep.”
“So enough about business. Let’s talk beaches and moonlit nights,” Savannah urged.
Mia laughed. “I can’t wait,” she said, her expression lighting up. “I can’t remember the last time I was away that didn’t have something to do with my job or a client.”
“Make the most of it,” Danielle said. “The good times are few and far between.”
“I wish Blake and I could get away,” Savannah said, “but I can’t bear to leave Mikayla. Going to work is bad enough.”
“How old is she?” Traci asked.
“Six months.” She dug in her purse and whipped out her wallet, bulging with photos.
“Oh, boy,” her trio of friends groaned.
“Don’t get her started on Mikayla,” Danielle teased. “We’ll be talking about Pampers, baby bottles and how brilliant her baby is for the rest of the night.”
Savannah waved her hand in dismissal and proceeded to show Traci pictures of her bundle of joy.
The waitress came to take their orders and the ladies continued their conversation, talking about their love lives, jobs, the latest books they’d read and what movie star they’d love to meet.
Before they knew it, it was nearly nine o’clock.
“I really have got to go,” Savannah said. “Blake will start blowing up my cell phone in a minute and I want to give Mikayla her last feeding.” She got up and prepared to leave.
“Me, too,” Danielle said. “This has been great, as usual.”
Mia reached for the check.
“No. Let me get it,” Traci said. “My way of saying thanks.”
All the ladies turned questioning gazes on Traci.
“I really appreciate y’all including me. It’s been a long time since I had real girlfriends.” She looked at each of them.
“We’re glad to have you,” Savannah said. She squeezed her shoulder.
“Damn, girl, if I knew you were paying, I would have ordered drinks!” Danielle teased. “Welcome to the club,” she said, her tone serious but welcoming.
“Thanks.”
“Be sure to take plenty of pictures,” Savannah said as she waved goodbye.
“I want audio,” Ashley said.
Ashley stood. “Just have a good time, girl. This mess will be here waiting when you get back.”
If she knew nothing else, that was definitely true. Mia got her coat and purse and followed her friends out into the night.
Chapter 24
Steven had spared no expense for this trip. He’d refused to tell her where they were staying. But the trip started off with them flying first class, being picked up by a driver at the airport and then taken to Sandals Resorts.
The driver opened Mia’s door and she stepped out with her mouth open. She spun toward Steven and flew into his arms.
“Sandals,” she squealed.
“Couples only,” he said into her hair as he swung her around.
She wiggled up against him, reached up and kissed him tenderly on the lips. “Thank you,” she whispered against his mouth.
“For what?” He brushed some hair away from her face.
“For doing this for us.”
“Lady, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” He swept her up in his arms and carried her laughing and giggling into the hotel lobby.
Once they checked in and were escorted to their room, Mia was shocked once again. The room was magnificent, with a terrace that overlooked the ocean, a sprawling sunken living room, full kitchen, master bedroom and bath. The décor was pure island bliss. Sheer white drapery wafted in the windows, low-slung furniture in bamboo and white canvas dotted the gleaming wood floors. The scent of clear blue ocean water settled all around them.
Mia turned in a slow circle, taking in the space. “This is beautiful,” she said softly, turning to face Steven, who watched her as if awestruck. “What is it?”
“You. You’re the one that’s beautiful.” He crossed the short distance between them and took her hands. “I want us to have the best time. Anything you want, whatever you want to do for the next three days.”
A devilish grin teased her mouth. “How ’bout we test out that king-size bed for starters?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.”
After they’d christened the bed, they took a shower together then ordered room service and ate on the terrace under the stars, a traditional island meal of flying fish, plantains and seasoned callaloo, with mouthwatering mango sherbet for dessert.
Following dinner, which was accompanied by strains of calypso music in the distance, the crash of waves against the shore and the unmistakable sound of voices on the beach enjoying the glorious night, they decided to take a walk and get a feel for the island they’d heard so much about but had never had the chance to visit.
They strolled along the beach, holding hands, something they rarely had a chance or the time to do. The balmy air was intoxicating, and they felt light and carefree.
“I can’t believe how good I feel after only being here for a few hours,” Mia said, leaning against Steven as they walked along the sand.
“It is kinda magical. Must be the sea air and the sense of being worry free. I haven’t seen anyone rushing, looking stressed or using a BlackBerry.”
Mia laughed. “You’re absolutely right. It’s a completely different world.” She stopped, pulled him to her. “And I love it. I love you.”
He threaded his fingers through her loose hair, lowered his head and slowly took her mouth to his. His insides seemed to fill, his heart raced and an exquisite sense of peace flowed through him. He caressed her back, holding her close. This was paradise, he thought as his tongue played with hers. Paradise was being with the one woman who made waking up every day an adventure, filled with limitless possibility.
The following day Mia and Steven went into town and spent the entire day window-shopping, shopping for real and sampling all the island foods that their stomachs could hold. They stopped and listened to a steel drum band on a street corner. Open-air shops with tantalizing trinkets beckoned them.
By the time they returned to their hotel, they were weighted down with bags, having bought souvenirs for all their friends and loads of knickknacks for their condo.
“We’re going to pay through the nose to get all this stuff back,” Mia said as she unpacked their spoils. “We’ll need another suitcase just for all the things we bought.”
“I know. But it was worth it. I had a great time today. What about you?” He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it on a lounge chair near the window.
Mia plopped spread-eagle on the bed. “I’m having a ball. We definitely must do this more often.”
“All we have to do is make it happen. I have a surprise for you for tonight.”
She sprung up. “What?”
He angled his head to the side and wagged his finger at her. “If I told you—”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise,” she finished for him and plopped back down, this time adding a pout.
“Making faces won’t get me to talk.”
She folded her arms defiantly. “Fine.”
“Just wear something light and pretty. That’s all you need to know.”
Mia had purchased an entire new wardrobe for their mini-vacation. She stood in the doorway of the bedroom closet contemplating what to wear. She decided on a burnt-orange sundress made of a gauze material that was as light as air and kissed her ankles. She pulled her shoulder-length hair up into a loose knot on top of her head, added simple gold hoops in her ears and a dash of lipstick. Slipping into a pair of sandals, she was ready.
“Perfect,” Steven said from behind her.
She turned. “You like?”
“Very much.” He came up to her and ran his hand along the fabric of her dress, the heat of her skin coming right through the thin material. “It’s
going to be hard concentrating on dinner when I know that you have nothing on underneath this dress,” he said, his voice growing thick.
“Try,” she whispered. “It will make it more fun later.”
He hooked his arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck until she moaned in delight. He gave her a quick kiss in that hot spot on her neck before releasing her.
When they reached the lobby, they were met by the concierge.
“Your car is right out front, Mr. Long.”
“Thank you.”
“Car? Where are we going?”
“Surprise, remember?” He took her hand and led her outside to the waiting car.
Mia got in beside him. “Do you even know how to drive on the wrong side of the street?” She buckled up.
Steve chuckled. “We’ll see.”
Mia held on and they took off.
Driving through the narrow, busy streets was a test of nerves and certainly skill. But Steven was cool, calm and collected as he wove his way around the dirt and cobblestone roads.
The evening was picture-perfect. The sky was absolutely clear, with sparkling stars dusting the sky, and the moon hung at a precarious angle, joining the constellations in brilliance. A gentle ocean breeze cooled the air and carried the intoxicating scents of island foods and fruits.
Soon, Mia realized that they were driving out of the town proper and little by little there were fewer people and buildings to see. Now all that was in view were scattered cottages and a few strollers walking along the beach.
Finally, Steven brought the car to a stop near a cove of trees tucked away from what was left of civilization.
“Where are we and how in the world did you find this place?” Mia asked as she unbuckled her seat belt and got out.
“I asked around,” he teased. He went to the trunk of the car and opened it, pulling out a huge basket. He shut the trunk door, came around to Mia and took her hand. “Come on.”
“Is that what I think it is?” she asked, excitement lighting her voice when she saw the oversize basket.
“We’ll have to see, won’t we?”
