Chapter 6
My cab drives through the center of Deception Bay, and I can’t help but bubble with excitement at the sight of the place. Population of 3,106 the sign reads. This town is small. Ornate streetlights line the strip of boutique shopfronts, flanked by well-preserved brick fa?ades and wrought iron, exuding a timeless charm. The streets are so quiet. A couple of older ladies in tennis attire stroll through town, and a woman runs with her golden retriever, but other than that, there’s no one else in sight. At six pm on a Sunday night in New York, the streets would be lined with cars and people. It’s like time seems to slow here. Gone is the hustle and bustle of the big city that I’m used to. I already know this is going to be a nice change of pace for me.
I try and read the signs on the way by—Bay Roaster’s Café and Pecan Pie Bakery are two of the shops I can make out. Then we’re driving past the town square and park, with oak trees, their branches draped with Spanish moss, lining the cobblestone pathway that leads to a large fountain in the center. It’s even more picturesque than the picture Miss Alexander painted when I spoke to her on the phone.
“This is you,” calls the driver as we pull up out front of a pale-blue-clad Victorian townhouse. He keeps the engine running as he opens the trunk and takes out my bags, setting them on the sidewalk for me. I stare at the place in absolute awe. It’s charming, and I know I’m going to enjoy calling this place home.
“Thank you.” I hand over my credit card to pay.
“Enjoy your stay in Deception Bay,” he says with a friendly tip of his hat before driving off.
I dip down to pick up my bags, taking in the sight before me. I couldn’t be more excited to be here. The scent of jasmine fills my nostrils as I take the steps up the front porch to the white door. The front gardens are filled with fragrant, colorful blooms, making this place look well-loved by the people who live here. I knock twice and wait, a flutter of excitement running through me. For a month I have been dreaming about this moment, escaping the confines of my parents’ house and the life they wanted for me. And now I’m doing it.
A sweet-looking girl, who’s probably close to my age, with flowing auburn hair and porcelain skin, answers the door. She’s wearing a summer dress patterned with pale blue flowers and a comfortable-looking cardigan that is almost as long as the dress. She yawns sleepily.
“Hi, um, I’m Gisele Kelley. Hopefully, you were expecting me,” I say with a warm, friendly smile.
“Yes, of course, sorry, you threw me for a second. I’m Dorothy-Mae, but my friends just call me Mae. I thought Emerson said you weren’t arriving till tomorrow. I was just kicking back, watching some TV. I was nearly asleep.” She laughs, wiping her eyes.
“Sorry, my flight was changed. I did let Miss Alexander know. She was happy I could start a day early.”
“She’s got a lot on her plate at the moment. Probably just forgot to tell me. Come in. Let’s get you set up.” She takes one of my bags from me and closes the door behind us.
We make our way through the living room and kitchen, following her until we reach a flight of stairs. The place looks quite modern on the inside, with polished hardwood floors and cream walls; it’s neat and tidy. I couldn’t ask for much more from housemates. “All the bedrooms are upstairs,” she says, glancing back.
I trail her up the stairs and into a room on the right. “This is your room. The bathroom is the last door on the left. I’m next door, and Paisley is across the hall, but you won’t meet her until tomorrow. She’s on an extended weekend away, if you get my drift.”
I nod. “Lucky her.” She opens the door to my room, and I can’t help but smile at the sight in front of me. The polar opposite to my luxurious room in my parents’ mansion, this space is cozy and has the warmth and charm of a room that holds some stories. The focal point is a queen-sized four-poster bed adorned with clean white linen. The wooden wardrobe and bay window add character to the space, and I can already sense the comforting charm of my new home. I follow Mae inside and put my bag at the foot of the bed. At my feet, a small ball of white fur catches my eye, and I can’t help but bend down to scoop up the adorable fluffball. “Who is this little sweetheart?”
“Paisley’s rescue, Karma. There’s a story behind the name, but Paisley’s never told a soul what it is. Not even me.” She pats her head, messing up her fur.
“Karma, what a cute name.” I stroke her soft fur, and she purrs in my arms. Paisley sounds like quite a character; I’m looking forward to meeting her.
“Watch out for Karma. She’s cute, but she’s the devil. When you least expect it, she will jump out at you and attack. Her favorite thing to do is chase me up the stairs, claws out.” She shows me the scratches on her legs.
“Ouch.”
“Do you need a hand unpacking?” she asks kindly.
“Nah. I’ll do it later. What I would really like to know is where can I get something for dinner? I’m starving.”
“It’s Sunday night. The only place open is McAllister’s. It’s a limited menu, takeaway catfish po’ boys or burgers,” she says.
“Perfect.” I grin. “I’m so hungry I could eat just about anything.”
Half an hour later, we’re set up in the living room on the comfy plush sofa, the aroma of Cajun spices and fresh bread filling the air. With each bite, a genuine smile brightens my face. “This po’ boy is delicious.”
Mae cracks open a bottle of wine, handing me a glass. “I’m fixin’ to have seconds already. The McAllisters know food. I should know, I work for one of them. Bet it’s not better than some real New York takeout.”
I lick my fingers, trying to savor every bit. “A thousand times better. I would stay here forever just to eat this every night.” I laugh, half-serious.
“I have to pass on the message to Elliot. He’s my boss at the hotel, but it’s his family that owns McAllister’s. He loves any excuse to brag about how good he is.” She laughs, and I can see from the fondness in her eyes that the two of them must be close.
Taking a sip, I taste the wine. It’s not the fancy stuff my mother drinks, but it’s not half bad either. “What else can you tell me about the hotel? I’m so nervous, being the new girl.”
A warm smile spreads across her face. “You will fit in just fine. There are lots of new staff since Mr. Alexander recently passed away, and the hotel was handed over to his children. Things are changing, but it’s all for the best,” she says, her voice carrying reassurance. “At first, I wasn’t so sure, but I can see it now.”
“I think I talked to one of them on the phone, the one that set me up with the job?”
“Would have been Emerson. She’s the best. You’re bunking in her old room. After her daddy passed away, she shuffled over next door to spruce things up a bit, cause the place is falling apart. But I’m mighty pleased she’s close by still. She’s one of my dearest friends from school. You’re going to fall head over heels for her; everyone does.”
“If she is anything like you, I’m sure I will. Thank you for making my first night here so welcoming.”
“That’s just what we do, sweetie. You’re not in the big city anymore. We all look after each other here in Deception Bay.”
Mae has made me feel more at home in one night than I ever did with my parents in New York—who should be realizing Im gone by now. I tried to tell them I was leaving. For four weeks, every chance I got I would drop it into conversation. Firstly with my dad, but when he refused to listen, I turned to my mom, only to be referred back to him. That’s how it always is in our house; my father has all the say, and she goes along with him. I think she’s scared of him. I know I am. It’s why instead of coming out with it and telling him I had a job halfway across the country, I packed my bags and snuck out of the house while he was at work this morning. He’s hardly going to fly out here and drag me back home. The audition he wants me for is still months away, and the lease on this place is month by month. I figure I can give this a try, see how I like it. What’s the worst that can happen?
The sight of his name illuminating the screen makes my hands shake. I knew this call was coming, it’s been nearly a day since I left, but I’m still not prepared.
“Hello,” I answer tentatively.
“Gisele, where the hell are you?” my father grumbles down the line.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Taking a break from the city. I tried to tell you…”
He cuts me off like he did every time I tried to talk to him about it at home. “You better be back here by this evening. You have a role to prepare for.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, I try to remember the speech I had planned for this exact moment. “Auditions aren’t for months, Dad. I can read the script from here if you send it to me. That’s all I can do to prepare.”
“Gisele.” He says my name like a warning. “You have until sundown today to be home or I’m cutting you off.”
Pausing, I take a deep breath and collect my thoughts. His overreaction is exactly what I expected; threats and manipulation are the only way he knows how to communicate, so I came prepared with all the savings I have in the world. “If that’s what you need to do, but I’m not coming home today. You said I had three months to prepare, and I’m taking them. I need this, and as my father, you should understand.”
“All I understand is you’re an ungrateful spoiled brat. Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position? And you take off like your life is so awful.”
I feel uncomfortable, sick even, his words unsettling me. I don’t want him to be angry with me, but can’t he see how much I need this? “I’m grateful for all the opportunities you have given me. I just need a break, please, Dad, you have to understand. I need to find out who I am. I’m not Mom, no matter how much you want me to be.” A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe it away, angry that it’s only my first day here and he’s already ruining it for me.
“You want to see what it’s really like out there, then fine. You’re on your own, Gisele. Get a good dose of reality without my money cushioning your terrible life. You have three months. Then I expect to see you here for the audition.” He disconnects the call, not giving me a chance to respond.
Three months. I have three months. I don’t care that he’s cutting me off. I have a job and a little savings, I can do this alone. As long as the job goes well, I’m sure I can. And why wouldn’t it?
Hopping out of bed, I grab my robe and go in search of something strong to wake me up.
“Morning.” I greet my new roommate Dorothy-Mae, trying to sound chirpy as I make my way into the kitchen. I’m excited to be here. I’m not going to let my father ruin this for me. Pulling my robe tighter around my middle, I reach for a coffee mug on the top shelf.
“Coffee’s in the pot.” She points toward a tall glass jug containing a tar-colored liquid. “Did you sleep okay in your new bed?” she asks, sipping from a mug of her own.
I pour myself a mug and pull up a seat next to her. “I probably would’ve if I wasn’t so nervous about starting my new job today.” I take a sip, hoping it will settle my nerves. It’s different from what I’m used to but drinkable—just barely.
“You’re going to be amazing, darlin’, stop your stressing. The Alexander is so desperate for staff, you would really have to mess up to get fired, so what could go wrong?”
I nod along, agreeing with her. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“That’s the whole point, isn’t it?” She smiles reassuringly. “I’ll keep a lookout for you today, but trust me, you’re going to be just fine. Front of the house is easy-peasy. And with a showstopping smile like yours, I’m sure the guests will be more than happy to see you standing behind the desk helping them check in.”
“Thanks.” I smile at my new friend. She has this fun energy about her that I adore, and I’m grateful she’s also going to be working at the same hotel. She’s a trainee chef in the restaurant. And luckily for me, she’s doing day shift today.
She stands and goes to the sink, washing her mug. “I’ll be ready in half an hour if you want to ride in with me?”
“That would be great.” The hotel we’re working at is situated along the beach, just a short drive from our townhouse in the main part of town. And until I sort out an alternative, it’s going to be walking or the bus for me.
“I brought home a uniform for you as well. I’ll leave it on your door.”
“Thank you.” This girl is an absolute godsend.
She wanders off to get herself ready. I finish my drink quickly, already running late after talking to my father, and take the stairs to my bedroom. It’s a three-bedroom townhouse with a shared bathroom upstairs and a kitchen, dining, and living room downstairs, and a cute little patio out back. The place is so full of Southern charm, I feel like I’ve stepped straight onto a Steel Magnolias set. I haven’t met the third girl who lives here yet. All I know is her name is Paisley, and she has lived here as long as Mae. Hopefully, I will get to meet her tonight.
I find my uniform hanging on the door handle. It’s made up of a navy knee-length pencil skirt and a cream blouse with a gold-and-cream neckerchief like a flight attendant would wear. Very understated compared to my usual attire, but that’s okay. I pull it on and fix my hair into a neat French braid that runs down my back and pop on some minimal makeup—foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. I rustle around in my suitcase for the navy-blue pumps I picked up when I found out what the dress code was and slip them on. I grab my handbag and walk out into the hall.
“Y’all, I’m done with the lot of ‘em. Cheating lying assholes!” I hear a female scream from downstairs. The front door slams, and I stand back while a girl with wild caramel curls storms up the stairs and down the hall with a murderous look in her bright blue eyes. Karma, her ball-of-fluff cat, runs along behind her. She goes right by me like I don’t exist, opening a door farther down the hall and slamming it hard enough the picture frame on the wall shakes. The little cat runs into the door and stops, looking up at it. The girl then proceeds to make just as much noise in her room, calling curses as she smashes stuff about.
Mae pops her head out of her room, glancing at me for some idea of what’s going on. I just shrug, having no clue what that was. But if she’s our roommate, I’m scared. Mae closes her door and walks over to Paisley’s room, tapping gently on her door.
“Fuck off, Mae. I’m not in the mood to talk,” she calls to her.
Mae doesn’t listen to her, and instead, she pushes open the door. She’s braver than me. “Darlin’, I will leave you alone when I know you’re okay,” she says in a cheery voice.
“Well, I’m not okay. I’m madder than a cut snake. I let him convince me to stay the weekend at his holiday home. And this morning bright and early, the rest of his family arrived.” Sarcasm drips off her every word. She’s mighty pissed.
“What do you mean?” Mae says, looking at me, her eyes wide. “Like his kids?”
“Like his kids, his wife, and the grandma. It was humiliating,” Paisley cries.
Mae pulls a face, and I can tell she is disgusted by the idea. “So, you were his mistress?”
“Don’t say it like that. He assured me he was single. I knew it was all too good to be true, rich bastard.” She screams, and something else smashes. She appears in the hallway again, and her eyes meet mine. I haven’t moved from my place in front of my door. She freezes on the spot then appears to remember herself. “Hi, um, I’m sorry. You must be our new roomie, Gisele.” She holds out her hand to shake mine, with a labored smile.
“That’s me. Hi,” I say awkwardly, taking her hand, too afraid of her not to. “Guys can be real jerks, right? My last boyfriend was a cheating asshole as well. I walked right in on another girl sucking him off. I’m still haunted.” I have no idea why I feel the need to tell her what happened to me, but she looks a mess, and it sounds like she’s had an awful morning. And we might just be able to bond over our terrible exes when she’s not so upset. Mae looks as dumbfounded as me.
The little cat meows for Paisley to pick it up, and she does, cuddling it to her. “You would never do something so awful, would you, Karma?” she says, scratching her cat under the chin. Her eyes rise to meet mine, and she looks me over, assessing me, her lips forming a half-smile like she has just decided I’m okay. “Bless your heart. I like you already. You two are both my witnesses, I’m done with men for good. If one even so much as looks my way, you need to remind me of this moment.” She looks between us, her anger more palpable than life-threatening now.
“Sure,” I agree at the same time as Mae. This girl is kind of scary, but in a good way. She’s fierce, like you know she would have your back no matter what. I need a bit of that energy around me. I have always been a pushover; maybe she can teach me a thing or two.
“Who’s hungry? I’m buying breakfast at Bay Roaster’s Café to apologize for my hissy fit,” she offers, flashing a beautiful smile. She’s impeccably dressed for the current hour in a white fitted sheath dress that hugs her body. She has heels on her feet, red ones, and her makeup is still perfectly in place. How early did she get up to make that all happen, I wonder.
“Maybe dinner. We need to get going or we’ll be late for Gisele’s first day.” Mae grabs my arm and tugs me toward the stairs.
“Okay, dinner at McAllister’s it is. Good luck on your first day, sugar.” She waves us off, sounding over her drama already.
Mae drives us to the hotel in her beat-up Ford Focus that she assures me she will be replacing as soon as she finishes her apprenticeship as a chef later in the year and finally starts getting paid properly. While she drives, she talks constantly, telling me everything and anything she can about the town she grew up in. She has been here her whole life and seems to know every person that lives in the town by name. The drive to The Alexander is short, and we park out back in staff parking. Then she takes me through the side entrance.
“We have time, so I’ll show you around before you have your meeting in the conference room for your orientation,” she offers.
“Thank you, that would be amazing,” I say, grateful.
“This is my domain, the kitchen.” She smiles, pushing open the door so I can see the space, a flutter of activity. I catch sight of bustling chefs and kitchen staff in their black-and-white-check uniforms. The rhythmic clattering of pans and the savory aroma of breakfast linger in the air. “The restaurant serves three meals a day, so they’re packing up from breakfast now,” she tells me.
“Morning, y’all,” says a nice-looking man in a chef’s uniform, his eyes meeting mine with a friendly curiosity. His gaze, though playful, feels welcoming.
“Gisele, this is Elliot McAllister, the one I was telling you about last night. Gisele Kelley is my new roomie,” she introduces us. “She thinks your family’s takeout is better than anything you can get in New York.” She bumps him with her shoulder.
Elliot extends his hand with a warm smile. “Hi,” I say, absorbing the genuine warmth in his bright blue eyes.
“I like this girl already.” He smirks toward Mae.
“So do I,” says Mae with a teasing smile. They seem close.
“So you’re the girl from New York. Mae and Paisley have been in a tizzy all week, excited to meet you.” Elliot’s smile broadens, and I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere within the kitchen.
“Sure am.”
“I can tell you’re not from around here,” he remarks playfully.
“Okay, Elliot, hands off her. Don’t you have work to do?” Mae interjects with a laugh. “I’m going to show Gisele around, then I’ll be back to start my shift.” She takes my hand, leading me away from him.
As we move through the kitchen, I absorb the organized chaos around us—the sizzle of food on grills, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the laughter of the kitchen staff. It’s like being backstage at a show.
“Are all your male friends so attractive?” I whisper to Mae, observing the dynamic between her and Elliot. She never mentioned a guy last night, and I wonder if she’s dating her boss. That could be juicy.
Her eyes go wide. “Don’t go there, Gisele. I’m warning you now. He’s handsome, yes, and one of the best guys I know, but his life is complicated. He’s a single dad with two girls and a whole lot of baggage you don’t want to unpack.”
“I didn’t mean for me. I just thought you seemed close.” We walk past the restaurant, and it’s busier than I would have expected for a Monday morning, full of holidaymakers.
She gives me a horrified look, and I realize I’m barking up the wrong tree. “Elliot is like the brother I didn’t want. I adore him, and I’m lucky to work for him, but he’s so not my type at all.” She shakes her head. “At all,” she says again to make sure I heard her.
“What’s your type then?” I ask, playing along.
A shy smile plays on her face. “Quiet, outdoorsy, I like a deep thinker. Someone I can have a good conversation with, but they don’t need to make it all about them.”
“It sounds like you know this guy already?”
She gives a shrug. “I know what I like. A shame it’s never going to happen with him.” A heavy sigh escapes from her, making me want to know more.
“Why the hell not? If you like him and he’s single, you should go for it,” I encourage her. I’m all for love and finding your perfect person. And from the sparkle in her eyes when she talks about him, I can see she thinks she has.
“It’s complicated.” The look she gives me tells me she doesn’t want to talk about it anymore, so I drop it.
“What happened to his wife?” I ask, wondering about her boss. Being a single dad with two little girls and a busy career must be so trying.
“She died,” she whispers.
I cover my chest, feeling his pain. “Oh, that’s so sad, and those poor little girls.”
“It was a long time ago, but he’s never recovered. It’s a shame too. He’s such a genuine guy.” We walk a little farther through the grand foyer of the building, and I try to take it all in. The place is a little rundown, but it’s neat and tidy. Large plants sit by the double-story windows, and black leather sofas lined up back-to-back run down the center of the space. Flower arrangements in oversized vases adorn the reception counter, their sweet scent floating through the room.
“Where you will be working.” She points to the two large reception desks with two attractive girls assisting guests. She waves as she passes them. “Catie and Caroline, sisters. You’re lucky you’re working with them, they have both been here a while, and they’re super nice.”
They look friendly enough. She leads me through to an outdoor area with an expansive deck and pergola that meets the pool. There are also little groupings of outdoor tables with blue-and-white-striped umbrellas and sun loungers lined up facing the pool. This part of the hotel looks more modern. “This is so nice.”
“Strictly no staff using the pool, gym, or golf course. On or off shift. The guy who owns this place thinks it looks unprofessional. He’s a bit of a dick at times. Just keep out of his way and you will be fine.”
“Emerson’s brother?” I ask, making sure I have all this clear before I start my orientation.
She nods.
“I will keep that in mind.” We pass the pool area and head toward a large room with windows all down one side that look out over the view of the beach.
“This is the function center,” she says, pushing open the door. “Emerson’s baby.”
The floor is polished wood and the walls a soft white. There is a textured floral installation hanging from the ceiling that looks to be made up of dried flowers. It’s so pretty. The view, though, that’s what takes my breath away. It’s stunning. “This place is gorgeous.” I beam, just feeling lucky to be in this space.
“You can see why we are one of the busiest function centers in the area. People love to get married here.”
“I can,” I say in awe. The rest of the hotel looks so outdated, but this space is perfection. And the view is to die for.
“I’d better get to the kitchen and start my shift. Your orientation will start here in ten minutes. Are you okay if I leave you to admire the view while you wait for the others to arrive?”
“Of course. Have a good shift.”
“I’ll come check on you later in the day. I have lunch at one, if you want to join me?”
“Thanks, that sounds perfect. If I can, I will.”
She gives me a wave as she slips out the door, leaving me with the view of the ocean and the nervous butterflies that dance in my stomach. You can do this, Gisele.