Chapter 27
CHAPTER 27
LOUISE
I shimmied back, settling into the supple leather of Spencer’s private plane as I stared across the cabin at my favorite couple. Spencer and Eve sat across from each other, playing a board game as we made our way to Vale for the kickoff weekend at a local ski resort.
My own relationship with Theo had been going better than I’d expected, especially now that we didn’t have to hide behind closed doors.
I glanced at the message waiting on my phone from my sweetie. Can’t wait to see you in Vale tomorrow. Sorry I can’t come tonight .
I didn’t mind because I had my own plans in mind for when we arrived at the ski resort.
With an arched eyebrow, one corner of my lips twisted into an amused grin as I recalled my mischief before we’d left Newport.
A few weeks after our amusement park double date, I’d suggested this trip. As usual, Spencer had declined right off the bat, and Eve had agreed with him.
But that didn’t stop me. They needed to get away. They also needed a little push in the right direction. Their relationship had stagnated. They never seemed to move forward.
To hear them tell it, it was “going great.” Yet neither of them ever had anything else to say about each other and Spencer seemed no closer to proposing.
Every time I brought it up, he pumped the brakes, insisting that things were moving too fast.
It was ridiculous. At this pace, they might be married by the time they both turned one hundred.
I needed to give them a little shove, so I did.
After I finally twisted their arms into coming on the ski trip, I snuck into Spencer’s office and found the emails confirming his reservations for a room for him and a room for Eve.
Cute, but I needed them to be a little closer than that. Forced proximity was what they called it in the romcoms I watched. And it worked every single time.
So, I made a little adjustment to his plans.
With the reservation confirmations in my hand, I plopped onto my bed and dialed the hotel’s number.
A lovely agent picked up, asking how they could help me.
“Yes, this is Eve Whitaker, I’m afraid there’s been some mistake with my and my husband’s reservation.”
“Oh, no, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be happy to help fix it for you. What seems to be the problem?” the friendly agent asked.
“Well, it looks like we got booked into two separate rooms, and that just won’t do. Now, on some occasions, I may prefer some space, but this is just ridiculous.”
“I’m so sorry. Do you have your reservation number?”
“I do. Actually, I have two of them.” I passed them both along to the agent.
After a moment of typing, she said, “I see them, yes. It looks like this was booked as two king rooms. Did you just need the one?”
“Yes. Oh, actually, I was wondering…is your honeymoon suite available?”
“Let me check for you…” Keys clacked on the other end of the line. “You’re in luck, Mrs. Whitaker, it is. Would you like to swap these two rooms for that one? It comes equipped with a hot tub, a king bed, and you’ll receive complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on your first night with us.”
“Well, that sounds like a lovely surprise for us. I’ll take it.”
“Excellent. Just a moment while I make these changes to your reservation.” After a few minutes, she said, “You’re all set. We look forward to welcoming you on your upcoming stay, and if there is anything else I can do to help, just let me know.”
“I do appreciate your help, sugar. See you soon.”
With a devilish grin, I ended the call, tore up the printed reservation confirmations and dumped them in my trash. On my end, I’d made sure to book a single occupancy so Eve couldn’t stay with me.
I giggled at my plan, certain they’d realize how perfect they were together when they were forced to spend time in a small hotel room.
For a moment, I wondered if Eve would just ask for a separate room when they arrived, but I took care of that, too.
A quick search showed me only two rooms remained during our trip, so I booked them both, ensuring they wouldn’t be able to separate.
“You’re a genius, Lou,” I said to myself.
The memory faded but left a smile on my face as I stared over at the two of them as they enjoyed their game.
“Lou, would you like to join us?” Eve asked as she won the first round.
“No, sugar, I’m perfectly happy right here.”
“Come on,” Spencer said, patting the seat next to him. “We can talk about your budding relationship with Theo.”
I shifted my gaze between the two of them, one eyebrow reaching for my hairline. They were subtly trying to pump me for information. But why? I had been “dating” Theo for long enough that it should have looked like it was going to stick. Why were they still being so reluctant to step up their own game?
“All right,” I said with a sigh as I rose from my seat and swapped for the one next to Spencer. “But I don’t like this game.”
“Who doesn’t like Sorry?” Eve asked with a silly grin.
“I don’t. It’s silly.”
“It’s not,” Spencer argued.
I slid my gaze between the two of them. “This is why you are both perfect together. Now, what plans do you two have for the trip?”
“Oh, umm…” Eve shot a questioning glance at Spencer.
“No big plans. Neither of us ski.”
“Well, you should take lessons or something together.”
“Or we could just…enjoy hot chocolate by the fire.” Eve shrugged as she set up her pieces for another round.
I slid all of my yellow pieces into the home spot, and Spencer shuffled the cards and set them down. “Well, that sounds like a plan. You know, I do plan to go out on the slopes, but only for a few pictures.”
Eve smiled at me as she took her turn, unable to move.
“You know, though, I’m certain they have got some great couples’ activities there. Maybe a massage? Or a romantic sleigh ride? Maybe wine tasting?”
“Well, we definitely aren’t booking any of those tonight,” Eve answered. “It’s too bad Theo couldn’t come out with us.”
There was the subtle steering of the conversation back to Theo. “Yes, it is, but he’ll be there tomorrow. So, there’s no reason you can’t schedule something.”
“We’ll just play it by ear. How about you? Do you have something scheduled with Theo?”
If one of these two said Theo’s name one more time, I might have exploded. “We’re going to hit the slopes for those selfies, then we’ll have some hot chocolate, and end the night at the bonfire roasting marshmallows.”
“That sounds nice,” Eve answered with a grin. “Did he plan all that or did you?”
“We did it together.”
Spencer moved his piece down to an arrow and slid forward the extra spaces. “Seems like you two are really hitting it off. Do you think he may be a keeper?”
The not-so-subtle question pinged off my radar. I wasn’t certain what to answer. Would knowing I’d found my happiness push them to solidify their own?
I chose to hedge until I could witness how they responded to the new room situation. That would speak volumes to me. With a shrug, I kept my voice nonchalant. “He could be. We’ll see.”
“That sounds…less than enthusiastic,” Eve said, her eyes studying me.
“Well, I didn’t mean to sound like I wasn’t hopeful, just that…we’re still sorting things out. What about you two?”
“Oh, uh…” Both of them mumbled, tripping over themselves not to answer.
“Well, turnabout is fair play, my loves. Are you two ready to take the plunge yet?”
Eve’s eyes darted between mine and Spencer’s before she said, “It’s really not something we’ve talked about.”
I forced myself not to narrow my eyes and pout. Why in the world hadn’t they talked about it yet?
“Oh, well…if there’s some reason–”
“I think maybe this is not a good conversation to have right now,” Spencer answered as he stared at the game board, his features beet red.
“Well, I just want the two of you to be happy, that’s all. You’re only my two best friends.”
“Thank you, Lou. We know that. And we feel the same way about you. We just…hope Theo makes you happy.”
The way she said it made me think they were concerned he didn’t. Or maybe they were concerned that we were rushing into things. They didn’t know I’d known him much longer than I’d told them.
No matter which way they were leaning, it was clear they weren’t ready to walk down the aisle just yet and I had to change that.
I hoped my little room swap would do the trick, but I may need to up my ante.
We continued our game play until the plane’s wheels touched down on the snowy runway, the fading sunlight casting a golden hue over the snow-capped mountains. The crisp mountain air greeted us as we exited the aircraft, a stark contrast to the recycled air of the plane. The drive to the resort was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts, watching the evergreens heavily laden with snow pass by, marking the transition from our everyday lives to the secluded luxury of the ski resort.
My stomach fluttered as we entered the lobby of the posh resort and headed for the front desk. I finished my check-in easily, grabbing my key and thanking the clerk for sending my luggage up before I sauntered closer to Eve and Spencer.
“I’m not sure I understand,” Eve said, “I have a confirmation right here.”
“Yes, but that room was canceled, and a single room rebooked,” the flustered clerk said.
“No,” Spencer said with a shake of his head. “No, that’s not right.”
“I’m so sorry, sir, but that’s what we have on file. This reservation was canceled and rebooked into a single room. I can give you the keys for that now. It’s all ready for you.”
Spencer wagged his head again, his frustration obvious from the way he gripped his wallet. “No, that’s not…”
“Can you just add another room onto this reservation?”
The woman tapped at her keyboard before she shook her head. “I’m so sorry, we’re completely booked this weekend.”
I tried not to grin, instead, feigning concern. “Well, isn’t this just a pickle.”
“It is,” Eve said with a sigh, her eyes flickering with a mix of confusion and frustration. “There are no rooms? It doesn’t have to be a king.”
“I’m so sorry. We have nothing available. Did you want me to give you two keys for this room?”
With a sigh, Spencer shrugged. “I guess. I…guess.”
“Why don’t you take this room, and I’ll bunk with Louise?”
“Oh, sorry, can’t do it, sugar. I’m in a single occupancy. Kind of small, actually. With all my luggage, I’ll barely be able to move around in there. There just won’t be room for the two of us.”
“Oh, well…” Eve’s features pinched with frustration. I almost felt a little sorry for her, but it had to be done.
As the woman offered them a penitent smile and bobbed her head, he twisted to face Eve. “I didn’t do this…I booked two rooms.”
“I know,” she said. “Something must have gotten screwed up.”
The woman slid two keys across the desk toward them. “Again, my apologies, but I hope you’ll enjoy your stay with us.”
“We’ll see,” Spencer shot back as he grabbed them both, passing one to Eve.
“I’m sure we can make the best of it.”
“You’ll be fine,” I answered. “Now, I am going up to change and hit the spa.”
“Mind some company?” Eve asked.
I knew exactly what she was doing. She wanted to get out of that room with Spencer as fast as she could. But I wasn’t about to let that happen.
“Actually, darlin’, I do. I’m having a…silent spa package. It’s designed to stop me from talking and babbling like I do so I can focus my thoughts and center myself. You know, I really need some introspection at this moment. So, sorry to say, a double just won’t be possible. But, uh, I’m sure you two can fill your time without me.”
“Well, we thought we could all go to dinner together tonight. You know, since you’re here alone,” Spencer suggested as we walked to the elevator and pressed the button to call it.
We stepped inside and I pressed the button for the second floor as Spencer pressed the one next to five. “Oh, I’m just going to grab room service after my treatment and snuggle under the covers. You two enjoy yourselves, though.”
The doors slid open to the second floor, and I stepped off with a wave. “Toodles! Enjoy!”
I strode down the hall, leaving them alone and proud of my efforts.
With a flick of my hair over my shoulder, I gave myself a figurative pat on the back as I pushed into my room. Yes, I had booked a single occupancy, but since I had two other rooms, I’d swapped into the largest one. I chuckled as I sprawled on the large king bed.
“Oh, Eve and Spencer, you two have just got to learn to connect. And I am going to see that you do.”
After a moment of reflection, I pulled myself from the comfortable mattress and changed into a swimsuit, wrapping the fluffy hotel robe around me before I pulled my hair into a messy bun.
I left my room behind, shuffling to the spa where I could immerse myself in the hot tub’s restorative waters.
I found myself alone in the large, square of bubbling hot water as I doffed my robe and waded into it. The warmth soothed me as I considered how else I could push Spencer and Eve into making a move.
As I floated there, part of me wondered why I felt this need to orchestrate everyone else’s life. Maybe it’s because I’d been through so much grief in my life that I wanted to nudge everyone toward happiness. Or perhaps it was my way of compensating for what little I’d had in my own. Either way, I needed to push them together.
Before I came up with any other solutions, arms wrapped around my waist and lips pressed against my neck. “Surprise,” a voice whispered.
My heart skipped a beat, and I twisted to find Theo behind me. “Theo! What are you doing here?”
“Surprising you,” he answered with a grin.
“Well, you succeeded. I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow.”
He lifted his chin, an amused smile on his lips and dancing in his eyes. “I know. It took quite a bit to pull this off.”
“What? Showing up twenty-four hours early?”
He shook his head, the grin never leaving his face. “This.”
He snapped his fingers, and a parade of people entered the room.
I stared at them, my jaw unhinging. Two violinists began to play a soft tune as a woman sprinkled rose petals into the water around us. “What is this?”
“This, my dear Louise, is the moment I ask you to be with me forever.”
A rose-shaped floatie floated closer to us, and Theo slid it closer to me. The giant diamond sitting in the center of the flower made me gasp. Tears filled my eyes as my hands flew up to cover my open mouth. “Theo…” was all I could manage.
“Louise, will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I shouted as I threw my arms around him.
He grinned, carefully removing the honey of a ring from the rose and sliding it onto my trembling finger. I grinned down at it before I kissed him. I’d finally found my happy. But one thing held me back from truly embracing it. How would this affect Spencer and Eve? Would this announcement push them together or pull them apart?