Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
“Never in the history of the world has there ever been a cuter couple.” Elise sighed proudly as she watched her sister cuddle up beside her new boyfriend.
Elise knew Amber and Josh were elated by the turn of events but even they had to admit that their joy was almost rivaled by Elise’s. Not that she was counting any chickens before they hatched but she couldn’t help dreaming: what if she and Amber ended up with Aiden and Josh forever? They’d live next door and their kids would be cousin best friends, the best kind of best friends and . . .
“I think we give them pretty stiff competition,” Aiden chided before pressing a kiss to Elise’s temple.
Okay, when Aiden did things like that, Elise had to agree.
“I’m just so happy they finally figured things out.”
Aiden nodded. “I was getting so sick of hearing Josh moan about Amber but then do nothing. And I was sworn to secrecy so I could only tell you so much.”
“Which would have been a problem except I figured out the truth on my own anyway,” Elise replied, causing Aiden to laugh.
The two couples sat on opposite sides of one of the inn’s party rooms after the dinner the producers had held that evening, a nice gesture before they would start their intensive filming schedule the next day. Amber and Elise had worked the first part of the event, all of the prep, decorations, etc., and then getting everyone in and seated but after that they’d left their management in charge so that they could take the roles they’d been offered by their boyfriends for the remainder of the evening . . . Aiden’s and Josh’s plus ones. Thankfully, the event had gone smoothly, due to their amazing staff as well as the event being catered by conscientious Bess. And the sisters had been able to enjoy their dates—even Amber was smiling and focusing on Josh rather than glancing around self-consciously.
“You two killed it again,” Julia said as she paused by Elise and Aiden.
“I really do work so hard on these things . . . ” Aiden began with a modest shrug.
Julia swatted at Aiden’s arm. “Not you and you know it. Your stunning girlfriend and her beautiful sister.”
“She is quite stunning, isn’t she?” Aiden wrapped an arm behind Elise’s shoulders.
She would never tire of Aiden’s touch.
“Thanks, Julia,” Elise said, a touch of warmth rising to her cheeks.
The movie star seemed to notice that Elise wasn’t comfortable with the praise, no matter how well deserved, so she smiled kindly and then moved on to a group just beyond who were clamoring for Julia’s attention. The woman was the belle of the ball, considering she was not only producing but starring in the movie. Elise was truly grateful for the time Julia had taken to thank her.
“I wish everyone in Hollywood was like her,” Aiden said.
Elise nodded. Even though she didn’t have Aiden’s personal experience, she’d seen enough of the dark side of Tinseltown to be able to wholeheartedly agree.
“Oh, so it is you that we have to thank for this cute little meal?” The sound of the woman’s voice behind her made Elise recoil. She had only heard it in real life once, but the high-pitched tone had made such an impression on her, she’d recognize it forevermore.
Aiden’s arm tensed behind her and though Elise wanted to turn and soothe him, she figured it was best to wait to do so until they got rid of their unwanted guest.
“Hello, Aiden.” Lolly’s voice seemed to caress the words.
Elise tried not to cringe as the woman helped herself to the open seat next to Aiden. The seat Amber had sat in earlier in the evening. Would her sister notice their distress and come to save them?
She glanced across the room to see Amber and Josh deep in conversation with Chance, the film’s director. Being saved didn’t seem to be in Elise’s cards tonight. Guess she’d have to save the day on her own.
“Lolly.” Aiden’s voice had never been so monotone. “You remember my girlfriend, Elise.”
“Girlfriend? I thought I overheard that she put on the dinner? So isn’t she working this event? I’m confused.” Lolly twirled a curl around her finger with a cute little frown.
“I’m not sure how you can be confused. You’ve already met my girlfriend, Elise. In LA. She owns this inn that put on the dinner, but she is here as a guest. My guest.” Aiden’s clipped tone would have been hilarious if they weren’t still with Lolly.
“Oh, you’re the same girl from LA. Silly me. Now I get it. Aiden just totally has a type so I assumed you were the most recent variation . . . I mean girlfriend.”
Aiden stood and Elise was lifted from her seat as he brought her with him. “We have better people to speak to. If you’ll excuse us.”
Elise’s eyes went wide. She’d never seen Aiden be deliberately rude to anyone, including the man who’d spilled his entire meal in Aiden’s lap because he didn’t like something Aiden had said in a magazine five years before.
“Chill out, Aiden. I didn’t mean it. What I said was a joke . I totally recognize Elise. She checked me in yesterday. It was an honest mistake that I assumed that she worked here because she does.” Lolly tried to cover her faux pas.
But . . . “I didn’t check you in yesterday,” Elise stated.
Aiden shook his head as he began walking away from Lolly, pulling Elise behind him.
“Are you sure?” Lolly called after them in her high voice. “Because I swore . . . ”
Aiden came to a sudden stop, twisting around to glare at Lolly. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear. Elise owns this inn. She doesn’t just work here. And even if she did, that would be incredible. Because it’s a good, honest job. And she’s a good, honest, hot, funny woman. Whom I love. And so if you insist on being rude to her? I’ll make sure you and I never have to be in the same room again. Including as we film. And that will make the movie difficult, don’t you think? So difficult that Chance and the producers might decide it’s easier to hire someone else than to deal with trying to work with you. So again, if you’ll excuse us, I’d rather not speak to you for the remainder of the evening and preferably for the rest of my life.”
Lolly was momentarily speechless and Elise bit her lip as she tried to hold back a chuckle. She shouldn’t be laughing. This wasn’t like Aiden. He was all peace and love but seeing him in full protector mode made her giddy, and her giddiness made this whole situation hilarious.
But one look at Lolly’s fury-filled face tossed a wet blanket over any of Elise’s giddiness.
Aiden tugged on Elise’s arm so that she had to take a few steps to be in front of him, using himself as a shield between Lolly and Elise before putting his hand on the small of her back and guiding her away.
“You wouldn’t dare, Aiden Christensen,” Lolly said to the backs of their heads.
“Try me,” Aiden replied before effectively shutting down the conversation by striding out of speaking distance.
The two of them kept right on walking until they were out of the party room and down a hall that led toward the employee offices. Just before they got to Elise and Amber’s office, Aiden guided Elise into a dark nook and then pulled her into his arms.
He was shaking, he was so filled with frustration about what had happened. Elise wasn’t surprised at Aiden’s physical reaction to telling Lolly off, considering he usually did all that he could to avoid confrontation. Elise knew he’d only done what he’d done and said what he’d said to protect Elise. And she couldn’t help her overwhelming gratitude for the man who held her.
Elise slid her arms around as Aiden’s waist as she waited for him to say something, knowing he needed some time to process what had happened.
“I’m sorry,” he finally spoke into Elise’s hair, still holding her tight.
“Sorry? You were magnificent,” Elise said, rubbing a soothing hand up and down his back.
Though he was no longer shaking, Aiden was still tight with tension. She knew he probably needed the comfort more than she did. Though a strong, able-bodied man, Elise had come to realize that the reason Aiden avoided confrontation was because he felt emotions so fully. She hoped this situation hadn’t hurt him.
None of what he’d done with Lolly had been typical Aiden behavior. Aiden hated throwing his star power around. And yet he had that day. To defend Elise. It was easy to see why this occasion had been different from the man who’d dumped the hot pasta into Aiden’s lap. That man had threatened Aiden. Lolly had come after Elise.
“I wouldn’t say magnificent.” Aiden’s entire body began to relax in her arms as he released the tension.
Elise sighed with relief. Aiden was okay. Or he would be soon. “I would call it so and I’d say it again and again. Because you were magnificent.”
Aiden chuckled before becoming somber once more. “Lolly just can’t say those things. I know you see her for what she is and her words won’t really affect you and yet, for anyone to even pretend that you don’t mean everything to me? I can’t let that happen.”
Elise pressed a quick kiss to her boyfriend’s lips, letting him know she treasured all he’d done before saying, “But I do kind of feel bad for her. I think the only reason she attacked me is because she still really likes you and wants you back.”
Aiden shook his head. “She might be jealous, but if she is, it’s not because she likes me . She likes what dating me can get for her. Women like Lolly . . . her wants are all that matter. While others’ needs—mine included—are insignificant.”
“Oh,” Elise breathed, unable to quite comprehend the kind of selfishness Aiden was describing.
“But after her behavior just now, you might be right about her wanting me back in her life. And if she does, everything in her way will become collateral damage, especially you. I’m so sorry.” There was a plea behind his last words.
Elise shook her head with a smile, trying to make light of the situation since Aiden appeared so down. Besides, she could handle Lolly. “I’ll be fine.”
“I know how tough you are.” He smiled before letting it drop. “And if this were anyone else, I wouldn’t be concerned. But Lolly is a piece of work. I’ll do all that I can to protect you but I also need you to be on your guard.”
Elise could do that but she didn’t want Aiden to be worried about her. Besides, Lolly couldn’t be stupid enough to come after Elise, considering the way that Aiden had stuck up for her that evening, could she? “I love that you are protecting me but I really doubt that after what you said to her tonight . . . ”
Aiden shook his head again. “That won’t deter her. At least not much. So promise me if she ever encounters you on her own, escape as fast as you can or let me know. Or if all else fails, do whatever you need to do to protect yourself. She’ll lie, manipulate, hurt, and downright destroy anything in order to get her way.”
The urgency in Aiden’s tone was unmistakable and Elise had to nod her head in agreement. Aiden was the one who knew Lolly, after all.
Only after Elise agreed did Aiden finally breathe more easily, his relief filling their little nook. “Thank you.”
And with those words her Aiden was back.
Thank goodness.
Taking advantage of the moment, Elise winked and then smiled playfully at her boyfriend, and her flirting worked immediately.
He closed the distance that had been created between them while they’d been talking and pressed a gentle kiss to Elise’s head. “Now that that’s out of the way I can only think of one more thing I’m annoyed about.”
“What?” Elise asked, her thoughts running through what else could have gone wrong. In her opinion the evening had been perfect until Lolly had shown up.
Their bodies stayed close but Aiden leaned back in order to meet Elise’s eyes. “That we’ve been in this private nook for almost five minutes and I still haven’t done this.”
This time a new kind of fire filled Aiden’s gaze and Elise grinned widely just before Aiden closed the miniscule distance between them and began making excellent use of every inch of their privacy.
“Ms. Mitchell?” Ariana, the inn’s night manager, called hesitantly after knocking on the open door to Amber and Elise’s office.
It was two days after the big movie dinner and the sisters had stayed late that evening since it had been an intensive day of filming. They weren’t sure what their guests would need after their long day and both wanted to be on hand just in case. Considering Ariana needed them now, they’d made the right decision.
“Yes, Ariana?” Elise answered first, standing to show Ariana she had her full attention.
“We have a disturbance on the third floor and the guest insists that she needs to see the inn’s owner. I tried to tell her I was the manager on duty but she wasn’t having it. She’s kind of creating a scene and I know you said you wanted us to be extra vigilant with any issues on the third floor . . . ”
Elise nodded. The third floor was where they’d put all of the movie’s cast who were staying at the inn as well as much of the crew. Elise had hoped keeping their VIPs all on the same floor would help to give them peace and privacy. She hadn’t expected that any one of them would cause an issue that would make the others’ stay less comfortable.
Unless . . . it took Elise all of three seconds to figure out who could be causing the disturbance and why she wanted Elise and Elise alone.
“I’m guessing the disturbance is at room 315?” she ventured, pressing her lips together.
Ariana nodded.
“How could you possibly know that?” Amber asked, leaning back in her seat, trying to stretch out her shoulders. Both sisters had already had long days and it looked like Elise was about to experience an even longer evening.
Elise turned so that her back was to Ariana and mouthed a single word. “Lolly.”
The sisters tried to keep things professional in front of their employees but this was one instance where Elise had to show her sister her displeasure with a guest.
Amber rolled her eyes and began to stand.
“I’ve got this.” Elise held up a hand.
“She just asked for the inn’s owner. I’m just as much of an owner as you are,” Amber said, exhaustion lacing her words.
Elise shook her head. “But we also know if I don’t show up, she’ll probably become even more difficult and you’ll have to call for me anyway.”
“Well, I’m still coming with you.” Amber began to walk around her desk.
Elise shook her head even though typically this was a situation where Amber would have joined her. Elise hadn’t ever done well with conflict, so even as a kid Amber had helped to fight her battles. But Amber was exhausted and honestly this situation would probably call for kid gloves, considering Lolly was all too aware that the inn had to cater to their guests’ every whim—especially these specific guests. If it got back to Chance or any of the producers that their stars had been treated poorly? Elise didn’t want to think about what kind of disaster that could be for the inn.
“I can do this,” Elise promised her sister, giving her no time to argue before Elise left the office, Ariana following.
As the two hurried down the well-lit corridor that led to an employee elevator, Elise remembered her promise to Aiden. She knew he would have wanted her to call him but she couldn’t do that for the same reason she’d left Amber behind. Both would be so worried about protecting Elise, they might give Lolly reason to go after the inn. His next plea had been for Elise to escape the situation. But Elise couldn’t run away, not when Lolly had specifically asked for her. So Elise would have to take her third option and do her best to protect herself . . . while wearing kid gloves.
“What’s the situation?” Elise asked as they jogged.
“I think it has something to do with her room service order? Jamie, one of the housekeepers, was being yelled at. Clarence reported it to me. When I got up there the guest had lost it and she was no longer really complaining about anything in particular. She was ranting about Jamie, her room, the inn, me, and I think she mentioned something about hating that it was a Monday. Then she demanded to see the owner. I tried to explain there were two of you and asked who she wanted to speak to, but she was way past listening.”
Elise let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. I think this situation has more to do with me than anyone else. Did you see that Jamie left the situation?”
Ariana nodded her head. “As soon as I told the guest I’d be back with you she seemed to lose all interest in Jamie.”
“Good. Can you see that Jamie has the rest of the night off and ask her to come see me when she feels up to it? I’d like to apologize personally.”
“I don’t think she minded being yelled at. She was barely holding back a smirk the whole time,” Ariana explained.
Elise didn’t doubt it. Jamie had been with the inn since the beginning and had had more than her fair share of run-ins with upset guests, probably because she usually stepped in if anyone else was getting yelled at, but Elise still wanted to make sure Jamie was alright. Although demanding, irate guests were, unfortunately, an expected part of hospitality, and Elise hated that this particular incident was probably her fault. No, this was Lolly’s fault, but it was caused by Lolly’s dislike of Elise’s relationship with Aiden so she couldn’t help feeling a little responsible.
“I’d still like to give her the night off. What about you? You okay?” Elise asked her night manager.
Ariana chuckled. “It will take a lot more than one spoiled actress to ruin my evening. But if it will make you feel better I’d love to treat myself and Jamie to dinner sometime on the company card.”
“Done,” Elise said, grateful for employees who were so go with the flow. That was the one of the many nice things about living and working on Whisling Island. It seemed to attract people like Ariana and Jamie.
They walked into the elevator and Ariana pressed the number three.
And though she wasn’t going to let him come and fight this battle for her, Elise realized there was one more thing she should do before seeing to Lolly. She quickly brought out her phone, fingers tapping quickly as the elevator rose.
On my way to see your favorite guest.
If you’re talking about Lolly, that’s not funny, came Aiden’s quick reply.
I promised to tell you if she caused any more issues. She is. But I’ve got it.
I’ll be there in fifteen.
Elise pursed her lips, second guessing her earlier decision. How nice would it be to have Aiden come in and take over on this? But then she remembered the way Aiden would be sure to protect her and how treating Lolly badly, even if she deserved it, could reflect poorly on the business she and her sister had built and she just couldn’t allow it. This was her domain that Lolly was threatening. So Elise would see to it.
Really. I’ve got this, Aiden. She’s a guest at the inn and as much as I would love to have you come and save the day, I need to see to this. She’s threatening who and what I love now.
I have to say this powerful version of Elise is pretty dang sexy.
The phone had barely beeped for the last text when one more came through.
That being said, I’m already in the car. I’ll drive to the inn and stay in my car if you don’t need me. But for just in case . . . I’ll be steps away.
You really don’t have to. But thank you. Elise followed that last text with a kissy face emoji and then straightened her blouse as the elevator doors opened.
“You can go back to the front desk,” Elise offered Ariana as she exited the elevator, fully expecting Ariana to stay behind.
“And miss the show? People pay good money to see this lady on the big screen,” Ariana whispered as they walked down the hall together. “All I have to do is walk down this hall with you and I get a front row, in person seat, for free.”
Ariana grinned and Elise relaxed a bit. She knew she could handle the situation on her own, but she was glad she wasn’t going to have to, if only to have a witness in case the whole thing went south.
Elise turned the corner and then stopped in front of room 315, taking a deep breath before knocking firmly on the door. It flew open within seconds, telling Elise that Lolly had definitely been waiting for her.
“Are you going to fire her?” Lolly shot at Elise, her arms crossed under her ample chest, the low cut of her nightwear leaving nothing to the imagination.
“I heard you wanted to see me, ma’am.” Elise decided not to answer Lolly and instead to take the lead on the conversation.
“I want that incompetent maid fired.” Lolly spat the words, along with some actual spittle. Elise was glad for the few feet of distance between them.
“Can you please explain the situation to me, ma’am?” Elise kept her words even and cool. The worst thing she could do was match Lolly’s demeanor or tone in any way and escalate the already volatile situation.
“Stop calling me ma’am!” Lolly screeched, making Elise’s ears ring.
Elise heard some steps coming down the hall but they’d stopped right before the corner Elise had taken to get to Lolly’s room. She was sure whoever was on the other side of the turn had heard the commotion and was now tiptoeing away.
Smart move.
“I’m probably way younger than you. I know I look way younger,” Lolly continued when Elise didn’t answer.
Even conflict-avoiding Elise was a little tempted to fight back after Lolly’s remark. Lolly knew she was hitting below the belt, making Elise want to hit right back. But she was a professional. She could do this.
“I understand that you are upset. I’d love to help to rectify the situation. If you let me know what happened, we can start from there.” Elise said exactly what all of her trainings had taught her. Her words were right, her tone was right, her body language conveyed none of her annoyance.
“So let me get this straight. Your maid makes a mistake and I have to help you?” Lolly asked belligerently, taking a step forward.
“I’m not sure how you want us to move forward. I’d be happy to speak to my housekeeper if you’d prefer?” Elise had nothing else to give.
“I would prefer for you to do as I asked. What I’ve been saying from the beginning! I want her fired!”
Before she’d come, Elise had been sure Lolly would have some trumped-up charge, accusing the inn of something that had gone irrevocably wrong, but would Lolly seriously be demanding a woman lose her livelihood just to get at Elise? It seemed over the top and cruel.
Maybe something really had happened between Jamie and Lolly. But then again, Elise would not fire an employee or even promise a guest that she’d fire an employee without a thorough investigation. She didn’t care if the guest was the freaking queen of the world, every employee deserved at least that courtesy.
“I will look into it,” Elise said because that’s all she could promise. There were cameras in the halls and she’d speak to Jamie. If Lolly wasn’t willing to give her side of the story, that was all Elise could do.
“That’s not what I asked.” Lolly stalked forward with each step, the door of her room closing behind her.
Elise backed up as much as she could. She saw Ariana, who had been standing behind her, move to the side so that Elise could keep moving backward but soon Elise was pressed against the hallway wall and Lolly was in her face.
“I want her fired !” Lolly punctuated her demand by pressing a finger into Elise’s chest with each word, and for the final word she put her finger in the middle of Elise’s forehead, pushing her head back.
Elise swallowed. Maybe it was time to text Aiden. She’d never had a guest put their hands on her before. She’d never let it get to that point. Granted, with something this big Amber would have typically been by her side. Maybe she should have let Amber come along or asked Aiden to join her.
No, she shouldn’t have. Elise was a grown woman. This was her inn. She could do this.
So she stood up tall, not caring that she and Lolly were in the exact same space.
“I understand that you are upset and that something has happened to make you feel this way. I am sorry if any employee at the Whisling Inn has been . . . ”
“If? If!?” the actress screeched. “I told you she was. Now fire her or lose the business of every single person on this floor. I know it’s only because of this movie that your inn is full right now. I know that you think you have this great hold on Aiden Christensen so you think that you can do no wrong. That you can treat a guest with such disdain. But I can assure you, you are nothing. To the movie, to me, and to Aiden. As soon as I complain to the producers and the director we will find other accommodations. Can your rinky-dink inn withstand that kind of financial loss? How fast do you think Aiden would dump you if you became dependent on him because your business failed?”
Elise tried not to let any type of emotion show on her face. Even though she was sure Aiden and even Julia would have her back, Lolly’s threats felt very real. Very unfair, but very real. The entire cast and crew leaving would cause a financial hurdle that the inn might very well not be able to recover from.
But right was right and Elise, threats withstanding, would not fire anyone just because a guest demanded it. If she looked into the situation and then found there had been a fireable offense? That would be a different case. But on this spot, with what she knew, Elise would not do it.
“I understand if that’s what you feel you have to do. But until I investigate further, I can promise you nothing.” Elise somehow willed the words to come out calmly, even as turmoil raged within her.
“Your life is so over.” Lolly actually smiled before taking a step back. “As soon as I call Chance, we will all be gone.”
Heavy steps rounded the corner, causing every head to turn toward the noise.
Ariana’s mouth dropped open at the sudden arrival.
“No need to call Chance.”
Lolly’s eyes went wide for a split second before she collapsed in on herself. “Chance.” Her breathless word sounded full of relief. “So you heard what happened? Their employee treated me horrifically and when I asked for help, it was denied.”
Lolly blinked, tears falling down her cheeks. “I’m so far from home and I didn’t ask for much. I hate to say it but I know I’m not the only one who has been on the receiving end of not just horrible service but behavior that makes me worry for my safety.”
This was the best acting Elise had ever seen out of Lolly. If she were Chance she might believe the sobbing woman. Elise thought back to what she and Lolly had said to one another. What had Chance overheard? If it hadn’t been much he could totally fall for Lolly’s story. Elise was sure this man would believe someone he’d cast in his movie over the word of the inn’s owner. If Aiden were here . . . but he wasn’t. And if Chance made his decision now, he wouldn’t go back on it. Elise was sure a man who worked in Hollywood had to have too much of an ego to ever admit he was wrong. It was up to her to get him to understand now or never.
“I apologize that Ms. Cowfer is concerned for her safety. We highly value not only the safety, but the privacy of each and every guest. As soon as I was done here, it was my intention to speak to the employee to question her and we would go from there.”
“That seems fair,” Chance said with a nod.
Oh thank goodness.
“Fair? To allow me to be treated in this way is the farthest thing from fair!” Lolly clung to Chance’s arm as if she couldn’t stand on her own.
“So you’re asking . . . ?” Chance asked.
“I know this might sound severe, but I need that woman fired. I won’t feel safe otherwise.” Lolly looked up at Chance, blinking away more tears.
That could not happen. Elise wanted to step in but what more could she say? She wouldn’t turn on Jamie. So if Chance took the entire cast and crew and housed them elsewhere Elise would figure it out.
“So you think it’s fair for someone to be fired without any type of investigation?” Chance asked, his eyes glued to Lolly.
Elise swallowed. After Lolly answered, Chance was going to ask Elise to fire Jamie. And somehow Elise was going to have to tell Chance that she couldn’t do it. On top of the financial issues this would cause for the inn . . . would this hurt Aiden’s relationship with his director? Because Elise knew Aiden would stick up for her. But she couldn’t let him do that. Julia and the other producers had put so much into this film.
The sticky situation now felt like a sinkhole and Elise was about to slip under.
“Absolutely.” It was easy to hear the triumph in Lolly’s voice.
Ariana grasped Elise’s arm and she knew what Ariana was asking her to do. Interject. Do something.
Now Chance would turn to her and demand Jamie be fired. And Elise would say she couldn’t do it. And . . . and then what? Elise had to save them. But how?
“Then you’re fired.” Chance said the words right in Lolly’s face, the latter freezing in shock.
Ariana whipped her head to look at the director. Elise’s mouth hung open. Had he just?
Chance shook a stunned Lolly off of his arm.
“What?” Lolly finally sputtered, her expression frozen in disbelief.
“From what I overheard, the conduct you used here in this hall with the owner of an inn I’ve made a contract with, I have a business relationship with, was deplorable. You cajoled, mocked, and even threatened, yet Elise remained professional and even kind. I thought I made it clear when we hired you, this set is different from many others. We expect the highest level of conduct on and off set. We only want good press for this movie, especially considering the subject matter, and you have put all of that in jeopardy. Something that, in the contract you signed, is a fireable offense.”
Lolly took a step back. “But you don’t understand . . . let me explain!”
“Isn’t that exactly what you said wasn’t needed?” Chance asked.
“For a maid! But I’m . . . ”
“You’re what, Lolly? What position could you possibly be that makes you better than anyone else? That gives you grace when you offered none?”
“You don’t have to do this! Even if she tells Aiden that I was oh so mean, we can come up with a story. He’d never choose a woman over a job. You know this!”
“I wasn’t even considering Mr. Christensen as I made my decision, but you are wrong. There is no way he’d believe a story from us over the truth from Elise.”
“He doesn’t have to know it’s a story . . . ” Lolly pleaded. She dropped to her knees, her eyes wide with horror.
“You know, the only difference between you and this housekeeper you were insisting be fired? You’ll go back to Hollywood and probably get another job. Because despite your despicable behavior, I won’t badmouth you. I can assure you if you don’t change the way you treat people, karma, fate, God, whoever you believe in will come around and you’ll get yours, but in the meantime you’ll find your feet, for now. But this housekeeper? I’m sure you would have done your best to see that she didn’t get another job. And she hasn’t been paid millions for weeks of work the way you have. Who knows where she could have gone? So count this a lesson and a blessing that you weren’t able to ruin this woman’s life.”
“But she . . . ”
“What did she do? I’m going to guess nothing too horrible, considering you wouldn’t even tell Ms. Mitchell what had happened.”
“She gave out my name and room number,” Lolly said as she stood, glancing at Elise, daring her to speak up for Jamie.
But Elise was sure Jamie wouldn’t have done that. It was against inn policy in general and especially with these specific guests. And hadn’t Ariana said something about room service? Lolly’s complaints weren’t aligning. But would Lolly flat out lie like that? Then again, this was now about saving her job. If she’d been willing to throw Jamie under the bus before . . .
“That would be inexcusable behavior. We will check the cameras immediately,” Elise promised.
“She was in the hall picking up my dishes and a man came up to her while she stood right there. She told him my name and room number. That camera can’t catch her mouth. You won’t be able to see what she said.” Lolly first pointed to right beyond where Chance stood and then to the camera that wouldn’t have been at the right angle to show Jamie’s mouth. “But I was looking through the peephole because I had been waiting for room service to collect my dishes and I heard her. Thank goodness for the inn’s paper-thin doors and poor craftmanship.”
Elise ignored Lolly’s latest dig and pondered on what she’d accused Jamie of. Lolly had been watching through peephole to see her dishes collected? This was getting weirder and weirder.
“You’re right that the angle is wrong but I’m sure the sound would have been caught,” Elise said, fully intending to watch and listen to every minute of camera footage. Because as much as she trusted Jamie she needed more than just Jamie’s word with these kinds of accusations.
“Sound?” Lolly asked, her voice going tight as her head snapped from Chance toward Elise.
Elise nodded. “We’ve got state of the art security equipment in these hallways and the cameras are fitted with the best quality sight . . . and sound.”
Lolly’s face went pale. “What?” she croaked.
“Would you like to amend your accusation?” Chance asked dryly.
Elise finally figured out what Chance had done. He’d silently allowed Lolly to dig herself into an inescapable hole. There was no way she could fight her firing now, especially since this entire conversation had been recorded.
“My agent will have me booked on something else within the week,” Lolly spoke proudly instead of defending herself further. She opened her mouth to say more before deciding better.
Chance didn’t even flinch.
Lolly spun to face Elise. “And you can bet that your inn will be receiving scathing reviews on every platform there is. My social media following of millions will help any video I film of this place to go viral?—”
“I’d cool it on the threats, Lolly. One, you signed an NDA. Anything to do with the locale, the set, the inn . . . anything, is covered. If you post one negative review or social media post? The producers’ lawyers will see you buried in lawsuits.”
Ariana let out a single laugh and then tried to cover it with a cough.
Elise was still in shock. They were going to be okay. Not only was Chance on their side, but he was making sure there was no battle to fight.
Lolly glared at Ariana but said nothing. What could she say?
“I’d pack up tonight. It’s the last night the movie will be paying for your stay. Starting tomorrow, if you’re here, the bill for your room will be put in your name. But do know, the NDA is in perpetuity. You can never speak badly about the inn or anyone affiliated with the inn without legal ramifications.”
Glaring, Lolly turned on her heel and tried to open her room’s door, but then realized it had locked when she let it shut behind her.
Ariana hurried forward, the master key in hand, but from behind it was easy to see the bobbing of her shoulders as she silently laughed.
Elise wondered if she’d laugh about this someday. Right now, she was still too wound up to do anything but feel immense relief.
Lolly huffed as she finally entered her room and then slammed the door behind her.
Elise turned to Chance, unsure of what to say.
“Thank you,” she began because it seemed the most obvious.
“It was the least I could do. I have seen the way you all have gone above and beyond with the service you’ve given. The earlier breakfast so that the cast and crew can eat before call time, putting us all on one floor to keep privacy intact, and so much more. All I asked of my cast and crew was for them to be kind to the staff. Lolly couldn’t manage that. It was my job to rectify the situation.”
Elise shook her head. He’d also gone above and beyond and, honestly, she was feeling a little guilty. She didn’t want anyone fired, even Lolly.
“Do you think that maybe you could . . . ” Elise pointed toward Lolly’s door.
“If you’re asking me to reconsider, that isn’t possible. I wasn’t joking when I said Lolly broke the contract. This isn’t a kindness to you and the inn I’m extending. I’m simply doing my job.”
Elise nodded. She got it. She’d heard from Aiden that Chance could be strict and now she was seeing it. Aiden had also told her that everyone in Hollywood knew of Chance’s reputation. Lolly included. When she’d lied and falsely accused Jamie, she’d known what she was doing and had still chosen to take the risk out of her hatred for Elise.
“And though I know Aiden would have had some words with me if I hadn’t done this, I’m not doing it for him either. This is for the best of the movie and all involved. I’m sure Julia and the rest of the producers will agree with me.”
Elise nodded again, understanding Chance’s decision.
Chance turned to leave and Elise, linking arms with Ariana, started to follow him. She didn’t want to be out here when Lolly decided to leave her room. She’d need to immediately call security and make sure someone was watching for Lolly to leave and then ask them to follow her at a discreet distance. The last thing Elise wanted was for her staff to be vulnerable to abuse by an upset Lolly, or for her to plan some sort of revenge.
Chance spun back to face Elise. “And what she said about Aiden? She’s wrong. It might have been Aiden from once upon a time, but I’ve known the man for a long time. I’ve seen him through many of his relationships and he looked at no one the way he looks at you. He has chosen no one the way he has chosen you.”
Before Elise could begin to think of a reply, Chance was gone around the corner, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.
“That was . . . ” Ariana began.
“Yeah, lets debrief after we’ve left this hall. Thankfully the quality of our doors is way above what Lolly gave them credit for and somehow we’ve received no attention during this whole debacle. But I have a feeling if we run into her again, we won’t be so lucky.”
“That was lucky?” Ariana asked, pointing to Lolly’s door.
Elise immediately nodded. That situation could have gone sideways in about a thousand ways. They’d been very, very lucky.
As she and Ariana entered the elevator, Elise remembered she still had the best part of the evening to take advantage of. Aiden was somewhere in the inn’s parking lot and after she found him and then told him the entire tale, she was going to kiss her very handsome boyfriend senseless. Elise figured after the night she’d had, she deserved no less.