7. Olive
7
OLIVE
I reapply my clear lip gloss, keeping a steady eye on the door. It’s been a good thirty minutes since Leo left. What should I do? He said I could go to the desk to check for myself. Most people would’ve done that by now.
Please let me see his gorgeous face one more time today.
I can only procrastinate for so long. My table’s been cleared, and they’ve asked me twice if I wanted anything else. A chocolate tart found its way over here, and I ate it. Don’t tell anyone.
Just as I admit Leo’s not coming back, he bursts through the entrance almost plowing over a customer who’s leaving. Relief floods my body. He scans the open space, gathering his unruly hair into a bun. Then his frantic eyes meet mine, and his face transforms, creating the most beautiful smile…and it’s aimed at me. Me, of all people. I glance over my shoulder nonchalantly to make sure.
“Yes, I’m looking at you,” he says, loud enough I can hear him. A warm, tingling sensation swims through my blood. I look around, but everyone else is absorbed in their own lives. How can you ignore someone as vibrant as Leo?
He reaches my table, and I look up as he towers over me. Before I can catch myself, I blurt, “You have an amazing smile. It’s contagious.” It’s true because my lips are about to split from stretching to my ears in response. “I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”
If a guy I hardly knew said that to me, I’d write him off because it’s a typical pickup line. Why stop embarrassing myself now? I’ll be gone in a week and quickly forgotten. It’s better than sulking in my room and dreaming about him.
Leo loosens his light blue tie, which looks a lot sexier than it should. “Oh, I’ve been told a time or two, but it’s nicer hearing it from you. Thanks. And don’t let it fool you. It causes mixed reactions.” He chuckles dismissively.
I lean away in disbelief. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, you know. Bitter humans can’t handle cheerful people. I’ve been around a bit, and let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of negativity thrown my way.”
“That’s horrible. What do you do when that happens?”
He shrugs. “I keep smiling. Gotta know when to bow out.”
“Screw those people. I mean, I might be a little envious of someone’s obvious happiness sometimes, but not enough to be mean to them. I’m miserable most of the time, and I’d much rather be around someone who’s more exciting.”
He grimaces, and I regret my words as soon as they come out of my mouth. Can I sound anymore depressing? Time to change the subject.
“So, you ran out of here pretty fast before. Everything okay?”
Leo leans forward, resting his hands on the back of the chair across from me. “Yes, the fires have been put out. I’m really sorry I’ve wasted your time.”
Oh, Leo. The time I’ve spent with you is above and beyond what I had planned for this trip.
“It wasn’t wasted. I got to drink caffeine and eat pastries to my heart’s content,” I mutter, gesturing with three fingers up.
He nods, then whispers back, “Told ya. They’re addictive.”
“They are. And I started a list of things to do around here. You’ll have to help me…or maybe someone at the front desk could,” I add quickly.
I suck at flirting. Time to add Flirting 101 to my resolutions list. He did offer to give me some pointers. No, not on flirting. But I’m sure he has other plans.
Like a party with that beautiful redhead.
The corner of his mouth lifts. “I know I offered to help you before, and I still want to, but you’ve waited long enough to get your room. I’m the worst hotel manager for not coming sooner. Let me take you to get your luggage and give you your key.”
“Don’t be crazy. If anything, you’re preventing me from being alone in my room, which is a good thing.” Two tarts and a macaron in, and I’m bold like an eagle. No, that’s bald like an eagle. Or is it bold like a lion? Whatever. Was there whiskey in my coffee?
“Well, I’m done with work for the day,” he says with a sly grin. “And I didn’t have my afternoon coffee. Want to keep me company while I inhale some much needed caffeine and sugar?” He checks his watch. “They close in about thirty minutes. That should be enough time.”
A barista approaches and Leo requests his usual and some water for me. My kidneys will thank me after my coffee intake.
He pulls out the chair across from me and drops onto it. “This is going to be good. I’ve hardly eaten anything today. Too many issues to untangle.”
“More website problems?” I ask, fiddling with my pen.
“Unfortunately, yes. But I don’t want to bother you with boring computer shit.”
I wave it off. “Believe me, I know how boring it is. I probably shouldn’t say that since I’m a web designer.” This was a backup plan that should’ve been temporary. Years later, and nothing has changed—I’m working from home for my uncle with little human interaction. “I could help you if you don’t find someone to fix it.”
“Our IT employee is on a safari in Africa with little to no Wi-Fi connection. Whatever’s going on hasn’t happened before. She doesn’t come back until the end of next week. We were stupid not to have a backup plan.”
“Well, the offer’s there.”
“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
My water, along with his cappuccino and tart, arrive. His eyes light up when they’re placed in front of him. He’s like a child on Christmas morning. I glance at his cappuccino.
“Aww, look at you, getting hearts in your foam. I got a pretty leaf.”
“It’s almost too nice to drink. I don’t want to ruin it. But I’m dying over here. Please tell me I can drink it,” he pleads, licking his lips.
“Maybe you should wait a few more minutes,” I tease.
“Wait? You’re nuts,” he exclaims. I just want to see him lick his lips again. “Haven’t I done that enough?” He pretends to hug his food.
“Oh, like you’d really listen to me.”
He looks around to see if anybody is nearby, then leans in. “Maybe I like being told what to do.”
I can’t take him seriously. “Okay, funny guy. I’ll keep that in mind.”
He points at me. “I made you smile, though.”
I put my elbows on the table and rest my chin on my bridged hands. “More than anyone has in a long time.”
Leo’s heated gaze traces my face and lands on my lips. “Good, and I’ll keep doing it as long as you let me,” he says, his voice soft and sincere. I love the way words roll off his tongue.
“Keep it coming. Now drink your coffee before it gets cold.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He sprinkles some sugar on the top, takes a sip, then sighs. His eyes close like he’s in heaven. If we all could enjoy something so simple.
Instead of making a list of things to do around here, he tells me more about the hotel and how his family runs it. His mom is the overall owner, his sister’s the event manager, and his brother’s a temporary member of the maintenance staff. He doesn’t talk about his own job. The longer we chat about random things, the more relaxed I become. He’s easy to talk to, funny, and animated when telling his stories.
Half an hour comes and goes too fast. Everything about this afternoon has been like a defibrillator to the heart. I’ve rediscovered a world I once knew but chose to forget. Now we’re headed back to the front desk to pick up my things. He stops suddenly and turns to me.
“Oh, I forgot to mention—the town sets off fireworks at midnight. There’s a perfect view from the hotel. Our guests can watch from their rooms or head down to the little beach area to enjoy the show by the water. You can check out the hotel map in your room for more details.”
“Ooh, that sounds nice. I’ll definitely do that.” Probably not.
We approach the front desk, and Leo retrieves my things.
“Here you go. Safe and sound.”
I grab my coat and hang it over my arm, then reach for my bag. He’s too fast and rolls the suitcase toward the elevator, saying over his shoulder, “Follow me.”
We stop in front of the elevator, and I reach again for the handle but end up grasping the warm hand that’s wrapped around it. The contact shoots tingling sparks straight into my heart. I gasp, enjoying it way too much. Did the fireworks start early? I roll my eyes to myself. That was pretty cheesy.
I try to pull my hand away, but he grabs it before I can. “Olive, do you want to go to a party tonight? As my guest? There’ll be great food, an open bar, music…”
Could I picture myself at a party where I don’t know anyone? My social battery is close to zero. I bite on my inner cheek and don’t know what to say. Is this the party the redhead was talking about? Of course it is. Being in a room with a bunch of drunken strangers doesn’t sound like a good time. Not tonight.
I hardly know Leo, though I’m sure he’s pretty harmless. Still, it’s New Year’s Eve—who knows how he behaves when he drinks. I could, however, go sing “Auld Lang Syne,” steal a drink, and leave if I don’t feel comfortable. Do people sing that song anymore? They probably do if they’re drunk enough. Forget the stupid song!
No, the awkwardness is already setting in. I scratch the back of my neck.
“I’m not sure, Leo. Those are your friends. Socializing isn’t my best strength.”
He holds my hand in both of his. “You’ve been fine with me.”
“I know, but that’s because you’re… you . And we’re one on one. Not in a group. I’m not sure I’d be the best company for you. What’s the dress code, anyway? I didn’t plan for a party when I packed.”
“Okay. I get it. Let me think for a second.” He lets go of my hand and looks up at the ceiling, tapping his chin.
And…I smile again .
“Okay. I’ve got it. How about this? When you’re standing on your room balcony, and you look out at the water, you’ll see a huge madrone tree with several large lanterns hanging from it that look like big sparkling snowballs. Or maybe it’s mistletoe.” His eyebrows squeeze together as he considers. “I think it’s mistletoe. Anyway, you get the gist. There’s a white bench there under the branches. You can’t miss it with the amount of damn lights my sister put on that tree.
“At eleven, I’ll be waiting there for you. Meet me there if you change your mind. You’ll miss the good food, but you won’t have to sit at a table full of strangers for dinner. Then, we’ll go to the party for the open bar and dancing.” His babbling is adorable and very convincing.
“Eating isn’t the issue. I was planning on calling room service, anyway.”
“I promise you, you won’t regret it. This is a fun group of people and there’s no dress code. Some will wear suits or dresses, but the rest will opt for jeans. I’ll be dressed casually. My friends hosting the party are laid back and love to have fun.”
I did bring a white button-down top that I could wear with these jeans. My black boots would add a little extra zing to the outfit. Wait a second! Am I really thinking about going?
“My sister, Tonya, will be there too. I think you two would get along great. You came here to get away. Maybe a party or doing something different could help you forget for a little while. And I can be your p…partner in crime.” There was a tiny hesitation before those last three words. And they came out stifled, as if it pained him to say them. Strange.
I’m already a jittery mess thinking about it, but how can I say no to him? I picture myself standing there all awkward and alone while Mr. Social bounces around the room. It’s not for dinner, though. Only drinks later on. Kind of like a party crasher. That’s much more appealing.
Fuck, this is annoying. One side is ready to jump in and say, “Hell yes,” while the other side firmly responds, “Fuck no.”
“Anyway,” he says, “think about it. There’s plenty of time to decide. I can give you my number if you have questions.”
I take my phone out of my pocket and turn it on without hesitation. Seconds later, tons of messages and voicemails pop up on my screen. Gritting my teeth, I ignore them. I open my contacts and hand him the phone. He adds his info, then gives it back.
“I won’t ring myself, in case you don’t want me to have your number. I’ll leave it all up to you.”
Is he real or only a dream?
He pushes the elevator button and the door slides open. “You’re on the fourth floor and your suite is the last door on the left when you exit out of the elevator. I’d take you there myself, but I’d probably talk your ear off again.”
“And I wouldn’t stop you,” I say with flirty humor. I step in, then turn to face him. “Thank you for everything, Leo. It was a perfect afternoon.”
“It’ll be even better if you meet me tonight.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I burst out laughing. “I’m sure everything with you would be better. Now let me go.” I’m not lying.
He puts his hands up and retreats. “All right. I’ve only known you for a hot minute and I’m already craving more. Now hit the fourth floor before it’s too late and I jump in there with you.”
Don’t press it! My shaky finger lingers over the button. Stay with him! No.
The need to go to my room outweighs the desire to stay. Click. “I promise I’ll think about it,” is the last thing I say before the door closes.
I rest against the metal wall and squeeze my eyes shut. Did this miraculous afternoon really happen, or am I still on the ferry, fast asleep in my car? He was flirting with me, right? I’d rather not overanalyze it only for it to blow up in my face. Because, crazy as it sounds, he’s not the only one who craves more.
The bell rings, and the door slides open. I step out and look to the left. I approach the wooden door bearing the correct room number. Opening it, I flick on the lights, and my jaw drops. This is definitely not a double room.
I enter, scan the spacious layout, and am instantly captivated by the charming country appeal. Directly ahead is a homey sitting area nestled near impressive windows and a glass door leading to the balcony. To the left is a separate bedroom with a luxurious king-sized bed. Exposed wooden beams run along the ceiling, and romantic decor featuring shades of crimson and ivory fills the entire suite. A week in this exquisite hotel won’t be enough.
I peruse the lavish bedroom and bathroom, then wander over to the balcony door. The occasional squeak of the hardwood floor travels behind me. I step outside into the blustery air to find the tree Leo was talking about. I see its brilliance before I get to the balcony’s edge. It’s a towering tree, decorated with glistening balls of white lights swaying in the wind. Because of the distance, I squint and vaguely see a bench.
A gust of frigid wind passes by, making me shiver. I hug myself and slip back into the room. My eyes wander the room again, and I do a double take when I discover a bottle of champagne on the rustic coffee table. How did I miss that when I came in? A red envelope with my name on it rests against the bottle. It’s probably from Andy. He’s the only one who knows where I am. Or it’s a generous welcome from the hotel.
I sit on the edge of the couch and eye the envelope like it’s a precious diamond. Finally, I pluck it off the table and rip it open. Pure excitement transforms my mood. It’s not from my brother or the hotel.
Dear Olive,
I couldn’t help overhearing that it’s your birthday today. Here’s a little something to kick off another year of your life. If you want to share the bottle with someone, you know who to ask. Happy birthday and happy New Year!
Leo
The words blur, and I realize I’m crying. There’s no doubt in my mind what I’ll be doing tonight.
And it’s not drinking this alone in this suite.