Long Overdue (River Jewel Resort Book 3) (5 page)

Olivia? She hadn’t told this woman her name. Had she?

Soft music played in the distance as they entered a large suite. A feeling of foreboding came over her. Maybe she was paranoid, but Olivia didn’t feel right.

“I don’t think I should be here.”

Scarlet kept walking, saying nothing. As they moved through the suite, Olivia found herself staring at the most magnificent artwork she’d ever seen. In the sitting room, plush white carpeting covered the floor and once inside, she really freaked out, stopping in her tracks.

“Scarlet, I can’t come in there.”

“Really? You’ve changed your mind?”

“No. I mean here, in this room. I’m not really dressed appropriately for something this gorgeous. I only came here to get an application and now that you’ve seen me completely underdressed, I can only imagine what you must think of me. And I’m afraid my shoes will soil your carpet.”

“Nonsense. It’s just a rug. And it’s scotch-guarded. Relax, Olivia, and come on in, grab a seat. For the record, I think you’re quite beautiful. Isn’t it high-time you did, too?”

“Have we met before? I’m sure I would remember meeting you. How do you know my name?”

Scarlet smiled and picked up a phone on the desk that sat in front of a wall of windows. “Maria, have someone bring up a tray, please.” A slight pause and then, “Thank you.”

Replacing the handset, Scarlet motioned for Olivia to sit on the long white sofa. When she shook her head, ready to speak up, Scarlet wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Olivia, I insist.”

Though her voice was firm, it still held a melodic, friendly tone and Olivia acquiesced. She perched herself on the edge of the softest couch she’d ever sat upon and glanced around the room, admiring everything about it, not believing she’d been invited to some sort of inner sanctum.

“You can relax. I don’t bite. In fact, I’ve been expecting you.”

“You have? But, how?”

The woman laughed a bit and said “Trust me. This was bound to happen. I’ve been waiting for you for years. Actually, I figured I’d have seen you a long time ago, after Randy died.”

At the mention of Randy, Olivia bristled and clasped her hands together in an effort to keep her emotions in check. “How do you know about him? Look, I don’t know what kind of sick, twisted game you’re playing, but I’m not going to sit here while you tell me some long-buried secret about my dead fiancé. He’s dead and I’ve moved on. So, if you’re another one of his tramps or if he was here with his sluts, I don’t want to know the details. I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time, but I’ll be leaving now. I don’t think working here is such a good idea. I should’ve known better.”

Olivia stood, placed her purse on her shoulder and moved to leave the room.

“It’s all right, Olivia. We’ve all been heartbroken. Even me. I think you misunderstood me. You’re not here because of heartbreak. Well, not in the literal sense. Come, sit back down. Let’s start over, shall we?”

Her eyes were kind and Olivia found herself moving back to the sofa to sit beside the gorgeous woman.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you. I’ve been on edge lately.”

“I know.” A bellman walked in and placed a tray with a tea service on the marble table, tipping his hat before leaving. “Thank you.”

“Everyone is so friendly. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard anyone use the words please or thank you
.”

“Here.” Scarlet handed her a delicate white tea cup. “Sip. It’s good for the nerves.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, let’s talk about why you’re here. You were told about the bookstore opening, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Olivia carefully placed her teacup on the silver tray in front of them.

“Please call me Scarlet. Ma’am seems so formal and much more suited for an elderly woman.”

When the woman smiled, Olivia could feel the genuine emotion behind it. There was nothing rude or false about Scarlet. Her blue eyes were warm and welcoming as they conversed about the many phrases that were meant to be a form of respect but were actually offensive to so many women. They seemed to share a few things in common and Olivia started to feel at ease as they drifted into a stimulating and enjoyable conversation. If anyone were to see them, they’d think Scarlet and Olivia had been friends for a very long time.

“Now, back to why you are really here. I’m afraid the bookstore won’t be open for a while. But I can show you around and I’d really like it if you’d stay for the weekend. You can get to know the place and see what all we have to offer. I’m sure you could use the respite. Besides, I’m very proud of the fact that no one ever leaves here unhappy. I’d like to share that with you.”

“I was hoping it was true that you always have vacancies. I brought my things, enough for the weekend. I just have to register and pay for the room. I’d be happy to stay here and find out why my friend loves it here so much.”

“Wonderful. Though, you won’t be paying for anything and registering is unnecessary. We have a room that will be perfect for you. In fact, you didn’t need to bring a thing. All of our rooms are fully-stocked and equipped with everything and anything our guests could ever possibly need. Follow me and I’ll show the room I think will be just perfect for you.”

“Okay, but I insist that I pay for my stay. I wouldn’t feel right allowing you to let me stay here for free.”

“We’ll discuss all of that later, my dear. For now, enjoy yourself and have the experience of your life.”

They left Scarlet’s suite and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. When they stepped out of the elaborate, gold accented and mirrored car, Olivia was speechless. The door opened onto a suite unlike any she could ever have imagined.

“Oh my!”

Wall-to-wall bookcases surrounded them as she stood beside Scarlet in the entryway. Shelves and shelves of masterpieces lined every surface while nooks covered in expensive fabrics and pillows peeked out from every corner.

“You approve?”

“Of course I do.” Feeling as though she’d stepped into one of her own dreams, she walked to one mahogany case and then another, allowing her fingers to lovingly caress each book as she walked by. She could smell the pages, their scent intoxicating, without even opening a single one. An inner peace came over her and her troubles of late seemed to disappear.

“There’s a kitchen, fully-stocked, of course, and a few different bedrooms to suit any of your preferences. A bathroom for every bedroom, a balcony, living area, and each room has bookshelves.”

Olivia’s shoes echoed across the wooden floor of the suite and she saw Matt’s books neatly displayed upon their own shelf. “Wonderful.” She smiled at Scarlet. “Have you ever read these? He’s an amazing author.”

“I’ve read one or two.” Scarlet nodded. “He has quite a way with words. Almost as if those stories are his own fantasies, wouldn’t you say?”

“He is talented. I’ve often wished he was writing about me. His stories always have a happy ending and the plots are incredibly realistic.”

“I’m sure the author has someone in his life who gives him that inspiration.”

“I don’t know about that. He is always in a different relationship. None of these stories mirror his real life. The women he dates are nothing like the woman in this particular series.” She held up one of her favorite installments. “You’d think as his friend, I’d know what drives him to write such passionate love stories. Sadly, the man who writes these books is nothing like the Matt Osgood that I know and love.”

Scarlet raised an eyebrow and smiled at her “Olivia, I’m sure you’ll find your own happy ending someday. In fact, this is the perfect place to make your own. “

“You mean I could find the love of my life here? How? Is there a singles dance for book lovers this weekend?”

Scarlet laughed and shook her head.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be sassy. I read a lot of books and though I know it’s happened for other people, I just don’t believe I’ll get a happy ending. Especially when the man I’m in love with will never return my affection.”

“You can make that happen here.”

“How?”

“All you have to do is think of him and he will appear. You can go out to dinner, see a movie, and go for a swim. While you’re here, your fantasies will become true with the man of your dreams. A virtual man. You can then see if you’re meant to be together. Experience what a weekend alone with him would be like.”

“You can’t be serious?
A
virtua
l
Matt? Like a hologram?”

“Similar. Just trust me. I’ll leave you to get settled in. I think you’ll find everything you desire in the suites.

“If you still want your bags brought up or need anything at all, just call downstairs or have them call me. I hope you have a wonderful stay, Olivia. I’ll be calling you when the bookstore is complete. A woman who loves books as much as you do is perfect for the job. Thank you for finally coming here to see me.”

“Thank you.” Olivia could hardly hold in her excitement. She’d gotten the job! Thank goodness!

“We’ll discuss living arrangements and such as soon as we are closer to the opening, okay?”

“Wonderful. But how will you get in touch with me? The application, I mean, I didn’t even fill it out.”

“Believe me, I’ll be able to get in touch with you. Have a good evening.” She turned to the elevator, pushing the call button. “And, Olivia...” as the doors slid open, “don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. Don’t let the way something looks or feels scare you away. Everything you’ve ever wanted will happen. You just have to believe.”

She stepped into the elevator and the doors closed, leaving Olivia alone to explore her beautiful suite.

“How can I get everything I’ve ever wanted if getting the job I want will take me away from the man I love?”

* * * *

Matt took I-74 and traveled north until he hit the I-65 bypass. Dealing with traffic at four-thirty in the afternoon on a Friday was enough to make someone lose their mind. “Why didn’t I leave last night? I could already be there, having a drink in my room, instead of being caught up in this mess.”

He flipped the radio back on and searched for the traffic info station. “Might as well know if there are any problems before I reach them.” Nothing kept his mind off of Olivia. He could’ve stayed home with her this weekend and enjoyed her company. They would’ve walked the shore and had dinner together
. M
, m
aybe they’d have watched a movie or two. The more he thought about being away from her, the more he ached. Everything reminded him of Olivia. Beautiful trees celebrating the arrival of Spring were covered in leaves the color of emeralds and they matched Olivia’s eyes. The scent of jasmine coming through his air vents smelled just like her and stirred his desire. The jet-black car he drove, was smooth and sleek like her hair.

“What am I doing? The last thing I want
do is
to spend this weekend
doing is
listening to pompous writers discussing how their plots are always perfect.” Almost halfway to Chicago, Matt whipped the car off the exit as trucks and cars blew their horns in anger at him for cutting across the lanes of traffic. He turned his car south and got back on I-65, heading back
toward
towards
Indianapolis.

“I’ll spend the weekend at the River Jewel. Olivia will never know and it’s not like she’d care anyway. I’m sure she’s busy doing her own thing and could use the weekend away from me.”

Matt drove another forty-five minutes, talking to himself and thinking about the amazing woman he’d be with over the weekend. When he reached his exit, he flipped on his turn signal and maneuvered off of the main highway. As soon as he saw the long driveway leading up to his beloved home away from home, he felt his spirits lift. Slowing down, he followed the pink, pea-graveled path all the way to the front doors and parked in one of the few remaining spaces.

He climbed out of his car and stood there a moment appreciating the beauty of the grand hotel. He knew his heart’s desire, or as close as he’d ever get to it, awaited him inside. At the River Jewel Resort, he could let go of his inhibitions and fears. He could be Matt, just Matt, and his woman was in love with him. Leaving his bags in the car, he pulled open the fancy double doors and went to the front desk. Maria, as always, greeted him with a smile.

“Hello, Mr. Osgood. I wondered if we’d be seeing you this weekend. How have you been?”

The little blonde pixie always made him feel welcome. She knew all of his secrets and still she treated him no differently than she treated any other man he’d met at the River Jewel.

“I’m great. I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop in. It’s been a while.” He glanced away, avoiding her eyes.

“Yes, it has. Well, I’m happy to see you. Your suite is ready as always and I’ll have someone park your car and bring you your things. Here’s your key, sir.”

“Thanks, Maria. But, please just have them leave my bags in the car. I won’t be needing them. I’m sure everything I want will be in my room.”