Chapter 27
Shattered
Kate stepped into the lobby, stomach growling. She’d second-guessed her outfit twice on the way downstairs, but now, standing here, she decided it didn’t matter. Her writing was going well, and it was time to relax and enjoy some actual vacation time.
She spotted Lena near the reception desk, chatting with another employee, and waved a greeting before starting toward the bar, only to pause when Lena rushed to catch up with her.
“Hi, Lena. How are you doing tonight?”
“I’m great, thanks. Are you heading to the bar? I’ll walk with you—I’m heading that way,” Lena replied, her smile warm and inviting.
“Yes, I thought I’d have dinner at the bar and relax a bit. Are you going for dinner? Would you like to join me?” Kate blurted out impulsively, a slight flutter of uncertainty twisting in her stomach. Was it acceptable to ask a staff member to dinner?
They entered the bar, and the cheerful clatter of the evening crowd greeted them, clinking glasses and low laughter blending into a comforting background hum.
“I’d love to. I was going to order something from the bar and go back to my desk, but I could use a bit of a break.
” Lena glanced around the bar, her eyes brightening as she spotted a cozy table by the bar.
“Let’s grab that table there next to the bar.
That way, Walter can serve us, and we’re out of the way. ”
“Oh, perfect!” Kate said. Lena grabbed two menus, and they settled in, the surrounding chatter fading as they both focused on the menu.
“So, what’s good here, Lena? Any recommendations?” Kate asked as she perused the options, waiting for something to jump out at her.
Lena laughed, the sound light and melodic, drawing attention from others around them. It lightened Kate’s heart, too. “It’s all good! The food here is incredible. So, it depends on how hungry you are!”
“Hmm, I don’t want a big meal.” Kate skimmed the appetizer section, searching for something that would satisfy without overwhelming her.
Her eyes lit up when she spotted the perfect choice.
“Ooh, Apple Chicken Quesadillas! That sounds perfect.” She set the menu down, a small smile tugging at her lips, enjoying the camaraderie of eating with a friendly face.
“I’ll give Walter our order.” Lena zipped over to the bar. Kate watched her with a smile, waving to Walter when he winked at her. The energy of the lounge pulsed around her, a mix of laughter and soft music blending into the background.
“So, how’s your stay going now that all the excitement is over?” Lena asked as she retook her seat.
Kate laughed. “It was an exciting start, wasn’t it? It’s going really well.” Warmth spread through her. “I love the suite—who wouldn’t? It’s perfect for writing.”
She shut her eyes for a moment, recalling how words flowed from her fingers like a river today.
“I’ve gotten so much done in such a short time.
The resort is spectacular. I’ve enjoyed my little adventures out and about.
I want to explore the island itself, but I’ll hold off on that until I finish my manuscript. ”
The thought of the island, with its warm sun and salty breezes, made her feel alive. “Actually, I met Walter at Tiki Beach. He’s quite the character—and apparently gets around!”
Lena chuckled.chuckled. “Yes, he’s the beverage manager. He likes to take bar shifts when he can. I think he’s filling in for a callout tonight. Our gain—he’s awesome.”
Kate nodded, recalling the easy conversation they’d shared, the masterful way he’d handled the con-artist guest.
“I haven’t been here that long, so the islanders still consider me as an outsider. But Walter? He’s been nothing but welcoming. He’s made my life here much easier.” Lena continued. “We’ll see how it goes now with my new job.”
“New job? Not on the reservation project anymore? But you’re still at the desk?” Kate leaned forward, curiosity bubbling.
Lena grinned. “Not exactly. The owners offered me a job as Interim Front Office Manager. I have ninety days to prove to them I can do the job and keep it.” She leaned in, dropping her voice.
“The best part is the job includes a cottage on the grounds, so I don’t have any housing expenses! It’s like a dream come true for me.”
“Oh, Lena, that’s wonderful! You’ll make an awesome manager, I’m sure. It looked like Victoria taught you everything not to do.”
Lena burst into laughter, her joy infectious.
“Oh, yeah! She was an amazing, negative mentor! I’m not worried about the job, honestly.
I know I can handle it. I ran a B the neckline plunged to her belly, leaving nothing to the imagination.
The fabric glistened under the amber lighting, glowing against the darkened wood and leather of the bar.
She sauntered in a predatory way, each step deliberate and unhurried, heels clicking a staccato rhythm that turned heads. When her gaze lifted, Kate caught the flash of icy sapphire eyes, bright with contained fury. A current of unease prickled across her skin, raising goosebumps along her arms.
The woman swept through the space and claimed a stool near her corner, and the bar seemed to shift around her—energy coalescing, tension rising like static before lightning.
Even Walter’s genial expression tightened a fraction as he approached, customer service smile in place: the kind that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Good evening. Can I get you anything?” he asked politely.
The woman didn’t bother to look at him. She tossed her white leather clutch onto the bar with a loud smack that made several patrons glance over.
“Manhattan,” she snapped, voice smooth as glass and twice as cold.
She lifted her head, pinning Walter with a stare that made Kate’s shoulders tense.
“And information. I’m looking for Nicholas Ivory.
The boy at the front desk claimed he wasn’t here, but he invited me here, so clearly he is. Where can I find him?”
The sound of Nick’s name on this woman’s lips sent a chill skittering down Kate’s spine.
Walter didn’t flinch, though the tightness in his jaw gave him away. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t know. I heard the owners left the day after they arrived, and I haven’t seen them since. Are you certain you were to meet here?”
The woman’s mouth curved in a dismissive little smile.
“Of course, I’m sure. I have his email.” She waved her phone for emphasis, the diamonds on her wrist catching the light.
“Nicholas and I go back a long way. Our families have been intertwined for decades. We’re practically engaged at this point. ”
She said it with a calm confidence that twisted Kate's stomach into a hard knot.
Practically engaged. The words rang in her ears like an accusation, like a door slamming shut.
Kate swallowed, her throat dry, the sweetness of the wine turning sour on her tongue.
The woman turned her head then, her gaze sweeping over Kate with cool appraisal.
She paused—just long enough to make it clear she cataloged and dismissed her in the same blink—before moving on.
Kate shrank inward, shoulders curling, heat crawling up her neck as ice threatened her heart.
For a moment, she wondered if the blonde sensed the way her lungs tightened until she couldn’t draw a full breath.
“Who would know where he is?” the woman continued, her tone edged with entitlement. “Someone here must be competent enough to keep track of him.”
Walter cleared his throat, voice measured. “You could check with Lena at the front desk. She’s the Front Office Manager and keeps in touch with the owners. She can pass a message for you.”
The woman exhaled dramatically, as though the entire exchange tested her patience beyond endurance. She reached into her bag, pulled out a bill, and slapped it on the bar with the same careless authority.
“Fine. I’ll talk to her. But if you see Nicholas, tell him Jessa is here and not amused by this game.”
With that, she pivoted, heels clicking across the tile, her departure as imperious as her arrival. The scent of her perfume—something expensive and cloying, like lilies left too long in a vase—lingered in her wake.
Kate released the breath she’d held for too long. Her hands trembled as she set her wineglass down, the stem slick with condensation and the sweat from her palms. She stood on shaky legs, the floor unsteady beneath her.
“Thanks for the wine, Walter. I think I’ll head out now,” she managed, though her voice sounded thin to her own ears, stretched tight like a wire about to snap.
He nodded, his eyes gentle and knowing. “Anytime. Would you like me to charge your tab to your suite?”
“Yes, please.” She tried to smile, but it felt brittle, like it would shatter if she moved too quickly.
She turned to leave with a hollow ache throbbing in her chest, spreading outward until it filled every space between her ribs.
She didn’t understand what had happened—only knew that she felt smaller than she had in a very long time, like she’d been reduced to something insignificant and easily overlooked.
And the tight, jealous knot winding in her belly made her wish she could pretend none of it mattered.
But it did.