Chapter 8
Mystic Hollow Inn is brighter and more welcoming than I expected. The foyer walls are painted a cheerful blue, adorned with idyllic countryside scenes and portraits of important-looking people—some smiling, and some who look ready to banish their daughters to a remote location.
A wide wooden staircase is toward the back of the foyer. On either side of the lobby, sitting rooms give modern farmhouse vibes with historic, rustic touches. The cozy seating practically begs for a book and a hot cup of tea. Even the rugs are colorful and inviting.
Behind the small front desk, a gallery of framed photos catches my eye: sun-drenched landscapes and casual candid shots of smiling guests.
Elle giggles as she points out the pineapple-shaped lamps, as well as throw pillows with pineapple designs.
I cover my eyes. Why have the pineapple gods forsaken me?
The stairs creak, and a pretty woman with short dark hair and a classic cream-colored dress gestures at the ceilings as two men in suits follow her. “And we have cameras right here pointed at our front door,” she finishes saying.
The woman stops in her tracks when she sees our entourage in the foyer. Her dark eyes widen and I know instantly this pretty woman is Gabriel’s mom. She clasps her hands. “Welcome! I was just showing your security detail around.”
She looks at Karra. “I thought you’d call when you were on the way.”
Karra waves her cell phone. “Only one bar, remember.”
Meanwhile her comment sends me fumbling for my own phone to look at my connection. No bars. Not a one.
“Wait. How’s the Wi-Fi?” Elle asks, making the same realization. But I collect myself quickly. First Daughters always need to be gracious.
“What my sister means is, thank you for your hospitality,” I say warmly.
The woman nods, also seeming to remember herself. “Of course. The Mystic Hollow Inn is honored to have you two join us.” She reaches out a hand. “I’m Ruby Calabrese.”
She shakes Elle’s hand next. “I hope these next few weeks are a relaxing getaway for you two.” Her grin is unapologetic. “We are a tech-free retreat, which our guests enjoy as a way to escape the DC hustle.”
“As in, no Wi-Fi,” Gabriel adds. His bow-shaped lips emphasize a smile that says he finds our situation amusing. I do my best not to glare at him.
Elle grabs my hand tight, and it takes everything in me not to wince from the pain.
I had plenty of plans to do non-techy things like reading and working on my college essays, but I wasn’t planning on isolating myself from the world either.
But I’m sure that’s exactly what my parents had in mind.
Keep us hidden away from the media and prying eyes.
“Thank you, Ms. Calabrese,” I respond.
“Our guests at the inn are like family. Please call me Ruby.”
“And I am family,” Gabriel cracks. “Can I call you Ruby too?”
His mom levels a glare at her son. Hmm, another thing he’s inherited from her. She shakes her head with a smile. “I’m sure you’re already aware of my son’s cheery disposition.” She brightens. “Though Gabe couldn’t stop talking about you and the White House when he returned.”
My face warms. Gabriel talked about me with his mother?
I can sense him stiffen nearby. “Mom, it was like a quick chat the following morning,” he says between gritted teeth.
Her laugh reminds me of wind chimes. “And that’s the equivalent of you having a lot to say.” She turns to me. “You need to excuse my son. Like his father, he’s a man of few words.”
Her expression grows nostalgic and the mood in the room shifts. I glance at Tita, who acknowledges my silent ask for an explanation. There’s some family history here that I need to be sensitive about, so I’ll want to get the scoop from her ASAP.
“I’ll grab the rest of their bags.” Gabe grunts and heads outside without looking back.
Ruby hesitates as she looks after her retreating son, but one of our advance team asks her about a gate code and that snaps Gabriel’s mom back to the present. Ruby gives us a brief smile. “I’ll let you get settled. Karra knows the way,” she says.
I watch Ruby lead the security detail outside, and then it’s only Elle, me, and Tita Karra in the foyer. I touch Tita’s arm gently. “Did something happen to Gabriel’s father?”
She turns and nods to a photo on the wall behind us, next to the front door. Gabriel’s family are standing on the inn’s front porch, smiling like they’re posing for a holiday photo: Gabriel, who’s maybe around Elle’s age; his mom, Ruby; and a handsome man with brown skin and copper eyes.
Another, smaller framed picture is nearby. It’s just of Gabriel’s dad with a gold plaque: In loving memory.
Elle lets out a soft whimper and Tita squeezes my hand.
Sadness creeps into my chest and lingers, recalling the confrontation in the Red Room.
No wonder he left so fast after Oliver practically lectured him about his father’s expectations.
Oliver rubbed in his face that his father was still alive—while Gabriel’s wasn’t.
A soft hand touches my shoulder. “Let’s get you settled in your room,” Tita whispers.
I let her lead the way. The walk upstairs to our room is blurry as I wrestle with the sad news. Still, I notice photographs hanging on the staircase walls, not unlike the ones we saw in the lobby with smiling guests from the past. Some look as old as the antique photos in my collection.
A photo taken from behind of a couple on a tree swing at twilight takes my breath away.
The sky is in that in-between time as the sun’s rays dip below the horizon and the stars begin to take over and shine.
In the background, the inn emits a cozy glow, reminding me of a candle at a romantic dinner date.
I can’t see their faces, but from the way their bodies lean, they look so in love.
The second floor is an inviting hallway with four doors and a large window at the end, allowing in natural light.
Karra leads the way. “I know it’s a slight change for you all to be in the west wing of the inn,” she says, adding air quotes around west wing.
I offer her a courtesy laugh at her attempt to be cute—back at the White House, my mom’s offices are in the West Wing.
She turns a corner and we’re standing in another short hallway, which leads to a large wooden door with a sign that says Blue Ridge Suite.
True to the rest of the inn, we step into a tastefully decorated sitting room that feels like an upscale hotel room but with historic touches.
The space is a comforting buttermilk color with a cornflower-blue sofa set and decor accents in gold and crystal. Elle gawks at the large marble fireplace, which must make the room extra cozy in the colder months.
I immediately check out the double windows that overlook a stunning mountain vista. I can see why this is the Blue Ridge Suite.
Off the sitting room are two bedrooms.
I claim the room with the king bed and the most natural light by tossing my purse on it, but Elle is more than happy to have the other room, which has a cushioned window bench and large throw pillows.
Tita Karra goes over every detail of the suite’s two bedrooms, from the linen count to the brand of bath products. I arch a brow as I put two and two together. “This is the business you’re investing in, right?”
My aunt nods. “Yes, I fell in love with the property years ago. And when Ruby called after what happened to Frank, I remembered how much I loved the place.”
“Wh-when did you become Gabe’s godmother?” I stammer.
“About three years ago.” Her eyes shine with sadness. “It all happened around the same time. The accident and then Gabriel’s confirmation ceremony.” I nod. “It just felt natural for me to be there for my friend, and I was happy to be her son’s ninang.”
I’m eager to continue our conversation about Gabriel’s dad, but a knock on our door draws everyone’s attention.
Ruby steps inside, followed by Gabriel with our luggage. “Welcome to our Blue Ridge Suite, Abby and Elle. I hope this space meets your expectations,” she says with a sweep of her arms.
“It’s perfect.” I grin. “You get an official presidential sign of approval.”
Ruby walks over to the window. “Actually, George Washington was rumored to have visited the apple orchard nearby.” She points into the distance, where Elle and I passed this morning. It reminds me that Tita said Gabriel’s family had to sell that piece of land.
An unsettling feeling hits me, and I wonder if Gabriel’s family business is in some kind of trouble.
“Are there other guests staying here?”
Ruby’s forehead crinkles slightly. I’ve seen the same expression on Gabriel. “We have one couple here for the Love Package.”
Elle waggles her brows. “The Loooove Package.”
“It’s our Virginia Is for Lovers special,” Ruby explains.
“They’re checking out first thing tomorrow, so they won’t disturb you.
And then the rest of the time you’re here, you’ll be our sole guests.
” Ruby exchanges a look with Tita Karra.
The unsaid words between them convey concern.
“We’re planning for a lot more guests to come July first for our Independence Day Package, but of course you won’t be here. ”
I nod. We’re here until the end of June.
Gabriel huffs nearby as he brings the first three of Elle’s seven bags into the room. Don’t need a thought balloon over his head to know what he’s thinking.
Meanwhile, Tita Karra wraps her arms around Elle and me. “Girls, this is going to be the best month ever.” As I struggle to breathe, I ask where she’s staying.
“Don’t worry, I’m not far. My room is in the east wing, with the rest of the family.” She squeezes me extra tight. “I’ve got all kinds of activities and crafts planned. You still like bedazzling accessories and paint by numbers, right?” She clasps her hands. “We’re going to have so much fun.”