If Given a Choice

by Tracie Peterson

  “What’s there to think about?” Kelly stated. “I’ll take it.”

  Jenni nodded and turned to greet her first customer of the day.

  The morning passed quickly but without any sign of Daniel, much to Jenni’s disappointment. The new cleaning staff arrived, but since Kelly was still working to train them, Jenni offered to help with the cleaning one more time.

  Kelly wrote down something on a piece of paper and handed it to Jenni. There were only two cabins that she wanted Jenni to clean, number twelve and number thirteen. Jenni looked hesitantly at the piece of paper; the number thirteen was staring her in the face. Kelly nodded and turned back to introduce the cleaning staff.

  “Jenni Campbell, meet Karen Fletcher, JoAnn Madison, and Kim Jenson. They will be handling all the cabins after tomorrow. Karen will have numbers one through five. Thos are the larger cabins. JoAnn will have six through thirteen, and Kim will have fourteen through twenty.”

  Jenni noted that Kelly fell naturally into the leadership role.

  “It’s nice to meet all of you. I want you to consider yourselves answerable to Kelly. If she needs anything else, she’ll come to me. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.” Jenni smiled, picked up clean linens for her cabins, and headed off in the direction of cabin twelve.

  Cabin twelve was relatively easy work. An elderly couple had rented it, and they were scheduled to stay for a week. They hadn’t even used the fireplace yet, and that meant two bits of good news for Jenni. One, she wouldn’t have to deliver a new bundle of firewood. And two, she wouldn’t have to clean the fireplace. After seeing to everything else, Jenni reluctantly headed for cabin thirteen.

  She was instantly aware that Dan was gone. His jeep wasn’t parked in the designated place outside the cabin, and the drapes were still pulled. Jenni knocked anyway, but when no answer came, she unlocked the door and walked inside.

  She immediately noticed things about the cabin that she hadn’t before: the knotty pine paneling, the natural stone that had been used to make the fireplace, and the pine log table and chairs that sat in the dining room. Here and there, Jenni saw more personal items.

  She couldn’t do much in the way of cleaning, as Dan had left many of his personal items around the cabin, and Jenni didn’t want to disturb them. She gathered all the trash and changed the towels in the bathroom and kitchen. Before leaving, she checked the fireplace where she’d first met Dan. He hadn’t used it yet. That was good, as far as Jenni was concerned.

  Jenni was nearly ready to leave when she remembered the small trash container in the bedroom. She went to check it and found a bible on the nightstand beside the bed. Opening the cover, she found it inscribed, “To Daniel, From Grandma.”

  Jenni closed it quickly as if it had suddenly grown red hot. What did it mean? Did Daniel read his Bible? Was he a Christian after all? Or had Jenni’s talk last night stirred uncomfortable feelings? Maybe Daniel was search for the truth. Jenni decided that if Daniel did speak to her again, she wouldn’t bring up the subject of god nor would she mention finding his Bible.

  ❧

  Coming through the back door to the office, Jenni was immediately overwhelmed with the scent of roses. Kelly stood at the office desk with a smile that filled her face.

  Extending a florist’s card toward Jenni, Kelly couldn’t help but tease. “I’ll bet I know who these are from.”

  Jenni was in a state of shock, and she stood for several moments without doing anything but staring open-mouthed at the huge bouquet of yellow roses and baby’s breath.

  “Well, are you going to look at the card?” Kelly questioned impatiently.

  “I, ah. . .” Jenni stammered as she took the card. “I can’t believe it. There must be two dozen roses in that vase.”

  “Three,” Kelly replied. “I’ve already counted them – twice.”

  Jenni opened the card and read aloud. “Jenni, I’m sorry about last night. Could we try again tonight? Dan.” Jenni replaced the card and looked at Kelly. “I think I’m in shock, Kelly. Can you believe this?”

  “Sounds wonderful to me. I can’t imagine anything more debonair than a man who apologizes when you’ve been the one to offend him. That’s class.”

  “That’s scary,” Jenni replied to Kelly’s words. “I know Brian would have never thought to do anything like this. I’m not sure how to react.”

  “How about just accepting his peace offering and agreeing to see him again? That is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Kelly couldn’t help but laugh as she added, “Besides, if you don’t want them, I do.”

  Jenni stepped forward to take the roses from the office desk. “Oh, no, you don’t. Brian only sent me flowers twice in all five years that I knew him. These are coming with me,” Jenni said possessively. “But, I’ll keep them in the living room so we can both enjoy them.”

  Kelly followed Jenni into the living room, where Jenni placed the flowers on the coffee table. “What do you think? Do they look all right here?” Jenni questioned.

  Kelly eyes them momentarily before replying, “I think they’d look good anywhere.” And Jenni had to agree.

  Later that day, Jenni was working at the computer when the bells on the front door sounded. Without looking up from her work, Jenni called out. “I’ll be with you in just a minute.”

  “Take your time,” said Daniel’s voice.

  Jenni quickly looked up to make certain that her ears hadn’t betrayed her. “Dan,” she breathed and after several moments, added, “It’s good to see you.”

  “Is it? I was hoping that you’d forgive me for my behavior last night. Did you get the flowers?” Dan questioned warmly.

  “Did I ever! What a surprise,” Jenni said and motioned Dan to join her in the living room. “See, I’ve put them here where Kelly can enjoy them too.”

  “Kelly?”

  “She’s the co-manager now. She’s going to help me manage the resort, so I can have some time off now and then,” Jenni answered, straining to keep her voice even.

  A smile played at the corner of his lips, and his eyes seemed to ask a knowing question before his mouth formed the words. “Time off to see me?”

  Jenni blushed and tried to swallow her heart back down to its proper place. “I’d like that,” she finally whispered.

  “Good. I’d like that too. DO you have time to sit with me for a few minutes? We can discuss what you’d like to do tonight.” Jenni nodded and took a seat on the couch.

  “I am sorry about last night,” Dan said, joining her. “I guess you just kind of took me off guard. I was thinking about everything you’d said about your previous relationship and I guess I just worried that I couldn’t measure up. You know, give all the right answers and be the right person.”

  Dan studied her for a moment. Jenni had pulled her long brown hair back into a ponytail, and even without the benefit of makeup, her cheeks were rosy from the time she’d spent outdoors. He liked the simplicity of her beauty, so unlike the society women he’d found himself with back in the big city.

  Jenni grew uncomfortable under Dan’s gaze, but she was learning to deal with his detailed study of things. Finally, he spoke and Jenni began to relax a bit.

  “I’m glad we can start over.” Dan’s words were barely whispers. “I really like you, Jennifer Campbell, and I’d like for us to be friends.”

  “I’d like that too,” Jenni agreed.

  FIVE

  Jennifer planned carefully for her date with Daniel. They were going to a dinner-theater at the Stanley Hotel, and while casual clothes were acceptable even there, Jenni and Daniel had agreed to dress up for the occasion.

  As she surveyed the clothes in her closet, she made a mental note to either do some shopping in the near future or send home for more clothing. Having only planned for a three-week stay, Jenni had brought mostly casual clothes. She was silently assessing the situation, grateful that she’d thought to bring two nice dresses.

  Finally deciding between the two dresses, Je
nni placed her choice carefully across the end of the bed. It was a black silky print with sheer chiffon sleeves of the same color. The neck line dipped modestly in a rounded cut, with silver lace to offset its simplicity. The body of the gown was princess styled, and the flow of the mid-calf length dress would only serve to flatter Jennifer’s already attractive figure.

  After showering, Jenni rushed around to find all the right accessories. She would wear her all-purpose black heels, but tonight she’d don silky black stockings. Next, Jenni chose a necklace with an antique silver rose pendant to set off the touch of silver at her neckline. Securing the matching earrings to her ears, Jenni set herself to the task of styling her hair.

  She had just finished stepping into the dress, when Kelly knocked at the door. “Are you decent?” Kelly questioned form the other side.

  “Sure. Come on in,” Jenni called over her shoulder. She was trying to figure out what she could take to ward off the chill of the evening air.

  Kelly entered the room and gave a whistle. “You’re a knock-out, Jennifer. Old Daniel won’t be able to keep from answering your questions tonight. He’ll be too enchanted to do anything but cooperate.”

  Jenni laughed. “I’m not too sure about that, but thanks for the compliment. Did you get all moved in?”

  “I sure did. Thanks for the afternoon off. I brought everything I thought I’d need and the rest I’ll finish packing and send to my parents. They’ll store it for me until I get settled in Dillon,” Kelly answered with much satisfaction. “I’m glad you came up with this idea.”

  “Me too,” Jenni agreed. “Now if I could just find a wrap to go with this dress, I’d be ready.”

  “I’ve got a beautiful linen and lace shawl. Just so happens it’s black. Would you like me to get it for you?” Kelly offered.

  “That would be wonderful. Are you sure you don’t mind my borrowing it?”

  “What are roommates for?” Kelly laughed and went to retrieve the shawl from her room.

  Jenni gasped when Kelly returned and spread the shawl across the end of Jenni’s bed. “It’s perfect, and so beautiful. Where in the word did you get it?”

  “It was my great-grandmother’s,” Kelly answered proudly. She brought it with her from Ireland when her family immigrated to the United States. She was a young woman of twenty, with a new husband, and a baby on the way. She’d been forced to leave all that she loved in Ireland, because her husband felt he could better their life in the U.S. This shawl and several trinkets from her mother’s home were all she could manage to bring with her as reminders of her homeland.”

  “Oh, Kelly.” Jenni’s voice took on a worried tone. “Are you sure you want me to borrow this?” Jenni gingerly fingered the material. “It’s so delicate.”

  “Of course I’m sure. It’s only a piece of cloth. Sure it’s valuable to me, but only because of my great-grandmother. I’m not attached to material things.”

  Kelly’s words halted when Dan’s voice boomed from the office. “Is anybody here?” he called.

  Kelly giggled. “Do you want to make a grand entrance or shall I just make myself scarce?”

  Jenni grabbed her purse and the shawl. “I don’t need to make an entrance – and besides, I want to properly introduce you two,” Jenni said as she pulled Kelly along.

  Kelly nearly fell headlong into Jenni, when Jenni stopped abruptly at the sight of Dan. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, complete with black tie and cummerbund. Jenni found herself holding her breath as she drank in the sight.

  “You look beautiful,” he complimented.

  The words made Jenni’s heart pound faster, and in spite of herself, she blushed crimson, her cheeks fiery above the black dress. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she teased, trying to alleviate her discomfort.

  Kelly’s cough, remind them of her presence, dispelled the electricity between Jenni and Dan momentarily. Gratefully, Jenni pulled Kelly forward. “You two haven’t had much of an introduction. Dan James, this is Kelly Johnson. She’s now a co-manager, as well as cleaning staff supervisor.”

  Kelly laughed as she shook Dan’s hand. “It all sounds very impressive, but it just means that I’m caught in the middle. If the cleaning staff doesn’t clean I’ll be the one to hear about it. If the paychecks aren’t in I’ll hear about that too. Either way, I’m in the middle.”

  Dan laughed at the animated blond. She was charming and very likeable. “I’m please to meet you, Miss Johnson. We hardly had a chance to talk last night.”

  “Miss Johnson?” Kelly frowned. “Couldn’t we be on a first name basis? I mean, I won’t make you take me to dinner or anything.” Dan’s face creased with laughter at this, and Jenni couldn’t help but join in.

  “Kelly, I’m very pleased to be on a first name basis with you. Now, since Jenni tells me you’ll be sharing this cabin with her, I’ll have to get you to tell me all about her.”

  Kelly’s eyes darted to Jenni, and with a mischievous grin, she said, “Now, that will cost you dinner.”

  At this they all laughed, and Jenni was grateful for Kelly’s ability to break the tension.

  Daniel reached forward and helped Jenni with the shawl. “If you’re ready, I’ll assist you with your wrap and escort you to the limousine,” he said with feigned formality.

  “Limousine!” Jenni gasped. “Surely you didn’t –”

  “Relax,” Dan interrupted. “I just meant the jeep limo.”

  Relief washed over Jenni’s face. “I’m glad,” she replied as Dan led her to the door.

  “You two kids behave. Drive carefully, and don’t give rides to strangers,” Kelly called after them in a motherly fashion.

  “She needs to get out more,” Dan teased, and Jenni just laughed.

  The drive to Stanley wasn’t far, but it was scenic and Jenni enjoyed it immensely. As they drove east on the wooded stretch of highway, the Stanley Hotel’s impressive structure came into view. Jenni had been there several times with her parents, but the massive white mansion hotel was always awe-inspiring.

  In some ways, Jenni thought it looked out of place among the rustic, rugged mountains. But in other ways, she couldn’t have imagined it anywhere else. From its arched windows, to its gabled peaks and flag-crowned tower, the Stanley Hotel had been built for the sheer elegance of pleasurable hospitality.

  Jenni liked to imagine it brand new in the early 1900s. She could almost see the aristocratic lords and ladies, as they played croquet on the lawn or went for carriage rides on the grounds.

  “You’re awfully quiet tonight,” Dan said bringing Jenni back to the reality of the moment.

  “I’m sorry. I was just thinking about this hotel,” Jenni said wistfully. “I think I would like to have lived in the days when it was new. I can only imagine the grandeur and splendor. If only these walls could talk.”

  “Now you’re starting to sound like a writer,” Dan laughed.

  Once inside, Jenni and Dan were treated royally and quickly shown to their table in the MacGregor Room. Dan leaned across the table toward Jenni. “I can’t help but compliment you again. You truly look stunning, Jennifer.”

  Dan’s low whisper excited her, and Jenni found her voice shaky as she tried to reply her thanks. Dan James wasn’t supposed to affect her this way, she chided herself. But she could not deny that he had a way with her that left her breathless.

  “Are you all right?” Dan questioned.

  Jenni offered a brief smile and tried to concentrate on small talk. “I’m just admiring the people and the atmosphere.”

  “There you go again. Studying the details is my job. Remember?” Dan teased. “Fact is, quite a few books have been written with this hotel as a setting. I don’t think I’m inclined to join my work to the list, at least not yet.”

  “You never know, Dan,” Jenni murmured thoughtfully. “You might create a best seller. Better not write it off – excuse the pun.”

  Dan’s grin broadened. “There’s something about you, Jenni,” he sa
id, pausing for a moment to contemplate his dinner partner. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s definitely something about you that I find intriguing.”

  Jenni hid a look of disappointment. Intriguing? He might have said that there was something he found likeable or delightful, even enjoyable – but intriguing? The word made Jenni feel like one of his mystery novels.

  “I’ve been around a great many women,” Dan continued. “It just sort of seems to come with the international author image.” He laughed nervously. “Then of course, my mother has been after me to settle down, but that’s not the point,” he said with a certainty that left Jenni wondering exactly what the point was.

  One of the attendants chose that moment to arrive. “Would you care for anything to drink?”

  “Hot tea for me,” Daniel replied. “What about you, Jenni?”

  “Tea sounds wonderful,” Jenni agreed.

  After the attendant left, Jenni couldn’t help but return the conversation to where Dan had left off. “What do you mean intriguing?” she questioned.

  “Ah, I’ve piqued your curiosity, et?” Dan kidded and reached across the table to give Jenni’s hand a squeeze. The action startled Jenni and sent a flow of charges throughout her body. Why did he have to affect her this way?

  Daniel’s blue eyes narrowed slightly as if trying to assess the situation. Was it excitement or revulsion that caused Jenni to flinch whenever he touched her? Looking deep into her hazel-green eyes, Dan felt certain that distaste for his company was not what made her pull away.

  “I find you intriguing,” he continued as if nothing had happened, “because you are different from most women. You aren’t wrapped up in your looks, though you certainly have reason to be proud of your appearance.”

  Jenni blushed uncomfortably again and looked down at her lap. Daniel ignored her embarrassment and continued, “I like the fact that you aren’t painted and powdered to the point that I don’t know where you begin and the cosmetics end. I find it absolutely enchanting that you can sit here in your evening finery, looking every bit the princess in contrast to your ash-smudged fireplace scene from yesterday. But perhaps most of all,” he said with a gleam in his eye, “I enjoy the innocence. Innocence that is clearly not put on for the benefit of appeal, but just comes naturally out of who you are.” Daniel fell silent.