Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
LIVIANNA/LILY
Then
The Room That Was Never Ours To Keep
Some nights don’t belong to us…they only borrow our hearts before they vanish.
“Lily, I don’t think we should be staying here.” Callum and I step into the opulent lobby of The Beckett Brand Whispering Pines after I had to talk him off the ledge from hitting someone. It’s by far one of the nicest hotels in California.
“Look at it this way, love. Your car is in safe hands and being protected from all that bad snow.” I hold in a smile.
Callum and his car. I get the sentiment, but I secretly wonder if he loves it more than me. Not really, but he has a special place in his heart for that silver speedster.
We stroll up to the check-in desk with Callum’s jaw set tight. The Beckett Brand Whispering Pines is a secret spa resort known to celebrities and the wealthiest clientele.
Because it’s in Big Bear and not Aspen, none of the local elite wants others to know about it for fear it will become some kind of tourist attraction and ruin the privacy that comes with it.
Callum shoves his hands in his pockets and paces behind me as I check in. His gaze darts around the soaring ceilings adorned with intricate crystal chandeliers that cast a warm and inviting glow.
Even I have to admit, this place is beautiful. The marble floors gleam, featuring an elegant design that draws the eye toward a grand staircase, stylishly curving upward.
Luxurious seating areas are strategically placed throughout, offering plush sofas and armchairs in rich emerald hues. Exquisite coffee tables topped with fresh floral arrangements complement each arrangement.
The walls are lined with tasteful artwork, including original paintings and sculptures by renowned artists. Soft instrumental music plays in the background, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Concierge staff dressed in tailored uniforms stand ready to assist guests with personalized service, their inviting smiles reflecting the hotel’s commitment to excellence.
The setting sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable stay. One I plan on taking advantage of.
“Good evening, Ms. Hemings. It’s delightful to have you staying with us.” The male concierge grins as he types on a keyboard. “As we explained to your father, we don’t have any regular rooms available, but we’ve upgraded you to the presidential suite at no extra charge.”
Callum rushes to the counter and slams his palm down. “Wait. How much is that?”
The concierge’s eyes widen and his gaze slides between me and Callum. “Sir, I just explained there’s no charge for the upgrade. We hope you can accept this due to the lack of availability of our other rooms.”
“But how much would I need to spend if I was paying for it?” Callum’s cheeks turn red.
The concierge peers at me as if asking if he should answer or explain to Callum it’s complimentary. The guy probably thinks since I’m a star I’m used to being upgraded, that my not very well-known boyfriend has no idea how the system works. He’s not wrong.
I give him a try to understand look, turn to Callum, and take his hand. “Can you please relax? You’ve stayed at nice places before. This is no different.”
His gaze burns into mine. “Because my label was covering those rooms. Not only that, I share them with other people. It’s crazy to have a presidential suite for the two of us. And I’m not even paying for it. It isn’t right.”
I roll my lips between my teeth and take a deep breath. Something I’m not understanding is going on. I run through the possibilities.
His mom’s a model and makes as much money as my mom. From what my mom has told me, she actually makes more through that alone, so it can’t be that.
Ur Boyz isn’t hitting it huge, but they’ve brought in enough to pay back some of their advances. Once they tour, they’ll have a surplus.
Plus, I’m pretty sure Callum has an inheritance. His dad was a successful songwriter and performer. I know this because I hear my mom and dad talk about it.
“Callum, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’d like to check in and we can talk about this upstairs.” I squeeze his hand.
He breathes rapidly. His expression is full of creases and wrinkles of distress. “I think we should go somewhere else, Lily.”
“And where would that be?” I tilt my head and shrug.
The concierge interjects. “Sorry to step in, but the area hotels are sold out due to the sudden storm and the road closure. You won’t likely find a place at this time of day given the situation.”
Callum turns in slow motion to the hotel clerk with the tendons in his neck bulging from beneath the skin. “Fine, but is there a way you can send me a receipt or something to show how much this is costing?”
“The email I have on file is for a Mr. Greg Hemings.” The guy swallows hard. “But I can also have one printed out. If you would like, I can give you that.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate it.” Callum squares his shoulders and waits by my side as we finish getting checked in.
I’m not sure if he’s still on edge from the people taking pictures of us at the diner or if this resort is pulling him into some warped sense of owing me or my family something.
My mind spins. What the hell? He’s never acted like this.
We get on the elevator and I swipe the key. The top floor button lights up and gives us access. I punch it, wondering if Callum would’ve if I didn’t.
It takes us up and opens directly into our room. The expansive living area features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a private lake.
Even I gasp. “Callum, this is stunning.”
“Fucking hell, I’ll never be able to pay for this.” He steps out and scans the area. “Livianna, this place is nicer than your fucking mansion that your pops had specially built.”
I turn to Callum. “Okay, enough. What is going on with you? You’re acting like you’ve never seen or been in a nice place.”
He trudges to a plush sectional sofa and slams himself against it. “You don’t get it, Lily. Your pops is gonna think I planned this. He’s putting us up in this place. How is he not thinking I did this to take advantage of him and you? I feel like a big-ass shithole.”
“Whoa, back up.” I crawl into Callum’s lap, straddling him. “How did you get all that from a snowstorm we got caught in by accident?”
He averts his deep frown by checking out the elegant chairs and a grand piano, all arranged around a striking fireplace framed by stone accents.
I take his chin in my hand and bring his face to mine. “Talk to me because you’re confusing the fuck out of me.”
He studies my face and takes a resigned breath. “The tabloids… They made it look like I’m playing you. There’s no way your pops isn’t wondering if that’s true deep down. Fuck, Lily. He’s backing my band and what am I giving him?”
“Callum… He doesn’t see it like that.”
“No, Livianna. All I’m giving him is taking you from him. And worse, I’m doing it on his dime. It doesn’t feel right.”
I climb off him and march to the phone. I do something that could blow up in my face, but Callum is stuck in his head and my dad doesn’t feel that way about him.
There’s a speaker button on the phone console, so I hit it and dial my dad’s number.
He answers on the first ring. “Darling, is everything okay?”
“Yes, Daddy, but Callum needs to have a discussion with you.” I motion to him to come to the phone.
His face drains of color. He stares at me for a moment like I’ve slit his jugular, then pushes himself up and strides over to the speaker.
My dad clears his throat. “What’s this about?”
Callum sucks in a breath. “Mr. Hemings, I just want you to know I didn’t plan this and I will pay you back. You can add it to—”
“Cash, that didn’t cross my mind once. Lorna and I have seen the news reports. It’s a freak storm that seems to have come out of nowhere. Livianna explained earlier you went for a drive to talk things out.” He pauses. “You two enjoy the night, but—”
My mom’s voice cuts in. “Be smart and be careful. The hotel has people who can get you anything you need. And I mean anything. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
This time I grimace and my cheeks burn. “Mom, stop. You’re making this so much worse. Callum looks like he’s going to vomit now.”
My dad laughs under his breath. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but your mom’s right. If you need anything, the staff can help you out. Stay in tonight and come home when the roads are safe. I want you here in one piece.”
Callum runs his fingertips over the console like he’s trying to make a physical connection with my parents.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hemings, I didn’t do the things the articles are suggesting and Livianna and I talked about the text messages.
I swear on my pops’ grave, I never lied to Lily. I never meant to hurt her.”
There’s a moment of silence. Not even I expected him to say anything about the text messages, the pictures, or the planted stories and how they were affecting me.
I stare at Callum in amazement that he took that head-on with my parents and not in a dick way. It was from his heart.
My mom breaks the pause. “We all make mistakes we wish we could take back. Unfortunately, you and Livianna live in a different world than we did growing up. There are a lot of predators out there who want to make money off a story.”
My dad continues, “You’re kids who are expected to act like you’re thirty and know what’s right and wrong when you’re just trying to figure out your place in the world. Trust that we stand behind you both. As long as you treat each other well, we’ll be here for you.”
My mom sighs. “You won’t get it right, so don’t even try.”
“Thanks for understanding. I’m not trying to take advantage of any of you.” Callum’s shoulders drop and a sudden sadness falls over him. “I love my ma and uncle, but you’re all more like… You’re good people and I’m grateful you’ve let me in.”
I might be young, but even I know there’s so much laced in his words. What is going on in that house of his?