Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CLAIRE
Flat out exhausted, Claire trudged into the hotel in the heart of Manhattan.
She'd enjoyed cocktails in the bar there in years past but had never been an overnight guest. Though she knew she'd be offered every conceivable luxury during her week-long stay, the luxury wouldn't truly begin until Jay joined her at the end of the week.
She crossed the lobby, relieved to find zero weary travelers waiting to check-in.
An attendant came to her aid and placed her luggage on a nearby rolling cart.
Her cell phone rang twice then stopped. She searched the bottom of her purse for it.
By the time she pulled it free, the call had ended.
Claire’s insides turned to ice when the call log showed a missed call from Liz.
She hadn't spoken to her in over a year.
Why would Liz call me now? After all this time? Has something happened to Calvin?
"Good evening." A gentleman motioned her to the counter with a warm smile.
"Oh, sorry, good evening." Claire dropped her phone back in her purse.
"Name?" he asked.
"It's Jordan—Claire Jordan."
"Thank you." His fingers clicked across the keyboard. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I don't have a reservation under that name. Might it have been made under another name?"
"It's possible," Claire answered, confused and slightly embarrassed. "Try Avery—Jay Avery."
He nodded, continuing to type. After a moment, he shook his head and frowned.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have a reservation under Avery either. I did receive a call earlier from a Mr. Nicky Ferrante. He's expecting a guest that matches your exact description. Could you be Terry McKay perhaps?"
Claire laughed. Of course Jay would go all-in on his Affair to Remember recreation.
She shook her head, cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment. "I guess that’s me.”
"Thank you, Ms McKay." The clerk smirked and placed a key card on the counter in front of her. "Peter will escort you. Should you need anything, just let Twigg know."
"Twigg?" Claire asked.
"Yes, ma'am. All our luxury suites are staffed. Should you need anything, twenty-four hours a day, Twigg is your man. Just dial seven."
"Wow. Okay. Thank you." she said.
Claire pulled her purse strap up on her shoulder and followed the attendant to the elevators.
Everything about the famous hotel said class.
She marveled at the art deco styling and the extensive detail as the young man escorted her to her suite.
Once inside, Claire drank in the opulence.
Twelve-foot ceilings with heavy moldings.
Tiffany-blue silk wall coverings. Gorgeous French antiques, fine Persian rugs, and an impressive view of Fifth Avenue completed the lavish space.
She'd stayed in some beautiful hotels in her life but none that created such a fairytale-like feeling. All I’m missing is my Prince Charming.
After ditching her shoes and travel clothes, Claire finally let herself relax.
Inside her suitcase, she found it—Jay’s robe.
She smiled, wondering if he realized she’d taken it.
They had talked and texted dozens of times since he’d left London, but he’d never mentioned it.
It still carried his signature cologne. She pulled it around her and exhaled, the fabric warm and familiar against her skin.
Just like him, it felt steady and comforting.
She returned to the living area, needing a drink and a moment to catch her breath.
Once she landed, a driver had taken her straight from the airport to the Avi offices.
Though she had only been there a short time, the pace had been relentless.
A brief meet-and-greet led into an intense meeting with at least a dozen top players.
Claire scribbled page after page into a small leather notebook, struggling to keep up with the fast-moving New York set.
Afterward, she met with her division for a few minutes to map out the schedule for the week—one that would keep her on the clock from dawn to dusk.
She found herself with a new appreciation for Isaac and what now felt like a comparatively laid-back management style.
Though the weather outside called for jackets and boots, she craved her favorite summertime cocktail and reached for two old favorites—Bombay Sapphire and Schweppes.
She mixed the drink in a frosted Collins glass and settled onto one of three sofas.
Still taking in the suite, she tried to estimate the square footage, knowing her tiny living space would fit inside it several times over.
She reached for the current issue of Town & Country on the coffee table just as her cell rang again.
She froze for only a moment this time. Relief followed when she saw Jay’s name on the display.
“Good evening, Mr. Ferrante," she answered.
"Good evening, Ms. McKay. Just checking in to see if your accommodations are satisfactory,” Jay said, his tone light and happy.
"Satisfactory? I’m ready to live here full time. Forward my mail.
Jay laughed. “My favorite hotel in all of New York.”
“It's gorgeous, but I don't need all this. I can't even imagine what this is costing—"
He quickly halted her. "I want you to enjoy yourself all week. And I've left word that you're privy to all hotel services. Order whatever you want, whenever you want. Room service, spa treatments, massage."
"I wish you were here with me," Claire said. “That’s all I really want.”
"Me too. Have you met Mr. Twigg?" he asked.
"You know Mr. Twigg?"
"I requested him. He's the best. He should be arriving any moment."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, just as a knock sounded at the door.
"I think you have a delivery," Jay said.
"Don't tell me the poor man is standing in the hall with a tray of dim sum and a copy of Murder on the Orient Express."
She reached the door, still half-laughing—and then froze the moment she opened it. Jay stood in the hallway. Her breath caught.
“Oh my God… Jay.”
She stepped forward and threw her arms around him, the shock melting instantly into relief and joy. He closed the door with his foot and drew her into a deep, unhesitating kiss. When they finally broke apart, she looked up at him, still stunned.
“But how did you do this? You had all those important meetings. Or is this just another case of corporate hooky?”
“I couldn’t stand being away from you another night.” He tugged the belt of his robe. “And I needed this back.”
“I can’t believe you’re here.” She beamed.
"I wrapped up everything early. I do have a couple of meetings here this week. One is a business dinner. Of course, I'll need you there with me. You're my secret weapon. My silent partner."
Claire made a face. "Me? I don't know anything about your business.”
"Of course you do. You wear the Silver Screen brand, right?" he asked.
"Exclusively."
"That's all you need to know. You're an expert already.”
When another knock sounded behind them, Jay said, "That’ll be my luggage."
He opened the door and an elderly gentleman in a smart suit entered. He wore a dark green tie and greeted Jay as an old friend.
"Mr. Avery." He extended a gloved hand. "We haven't seen you in quite some time. Welcome back, sir."
Jay shook his hand. "Thank you, Twigg. Good to see you again."
"It's my understanding that you'll be here through the weekend."
"That's correct, along with Ms. Jordan." Jay winked at Claire.
"Madam." The man gave a slight bow.
"Nice to meet you," Claire replied.
"If there's anything I can do for you…” he started.
"Just dial seven." Jay finished his sentence.
"Very good, sir. Enjoy your evening." The man bowed again before backing out of the suite.
Jay excused himself for a moment and slipped into the bedroom. Claire returned to the sofa, settling beside her gin and tonic on the table.
“Would you like a drink?” she called after him.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Claire glanced at her glass and hesitated. “You sure? I’m going the unconventional route.”
“So am I.”
He came back into the living room moments later, the sash from her silk robe tied loosely around his waist. The sight of him sent her into a fit of laughter, and she fell back into the sofa, nearly spilling her drink.
Jay laughed too, unable to help himself.
He reached for her glass, studied the clear liquid and the single wedge of lime floating inside it, then gave it a skeptical sniff before handing it back.
“You know that’s against the rules,” he said.
“I know, I know. White shoes and gin and tonic—not permitted after Labor Day. Want me to make you one?” she asked
“In a minute.” He reached into the pocket of the robe and pulled out a small wrapped box, holding it toward her.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Open it.”
She untied the bow slowly, unsure what she’d find, then lifted the lid. Inside lay a tiny diamond-encrusted pendant shaped like a key, hanging from an elegant chain that caught the light with every movement.
“Jay… it’s fantastic” Her eyes widened. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He took the chain from her and fastened it around her neck.
“As soon as I saw it, I thought of you,” he said. “When the sales associate told me the name, I was sold. I knew it was perfect.”
“What’s it called?”
“The Kaleidoscope Key.” He touched the pendant as it settled against her chest, the diamonds flickering against her skin.
“Really? And why does that make it perfect?” she asked,
His hand lingered at the back of her neck as he gathered his thoughts. Then he leaned in, his gaze steady on hers.
“Because kaleidoscopes are colorful, mysterious, complex… and they always reveal something new every time you look at them.” He paused, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. “And that’s what you are to me.”