The Desert Flowers--Rose, page 12
At the idea of meeting his family, Rose felt a shiver of anticipation begin to cross her shoulders and quickly stifled it. She was making this seem more than it was.
“Thanks,” she said in a noncommittal voice.
“No family you need to inform about the job?” Hank asked gently.
Rose shook her head. It was true. No one cared about where she was or who she was with unless you counted her blog followers. The thought hurt.
“Well then, it’ll be nice for all of us to be together,” Hank said.
###
Hank’s suite was spacious with plenty of room for them both to work at a long desk. Rose was anxious to show Hank a few of the ads she’d made up to carry them through the next ninety days.
But after they were seated, Hank said, “I’m a member of your blog. I must say, it’s impressive.” He grinned. “I’ve used it for ideas as to what gifts to give my daughters.”
Flattered, Rose brought it up on her computer screen. “Then you’ve no doubt seen what I’ve been showing and discussing online about the Desert Sage Inn.”
He nodded. “You’re good at this job, Rose. I know going forward, we won’t agree on all things, but I do want you to know that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” she said sincerely. “These are the topics I plan to put up this week. I want my followers to understand that as my blog title says, they deserve a place like this no matter where or how they live.”
“Realistically, though, not everyone can afford a place like the Desert Sage Inn. What do you do about those followers?”
“I try to find them deals or places similar to it. It’s not about money so much as it is about sharing ideas for unusual things and interesting places at all prices.”
Hank ran a hand through his graying hair. “I don’t know. The Blaise Hotel Group feels they offer everybody excellent service at affordable prices. That’s what they want me to emphasize.”
“And that’s where we’re going to have a face-off,” said Rose. “We need to keep the reputation of the inn intact before they take over. We hope that after seeing the results themselves, they will buy into our philosophy.”
Hank shook his head. “Sorry. Wish we were on the same team because it might get ugly. My clients are committed to making the inn theirs in every way.”
“What about the idea of a whole new, upscale collection?” Rose asked with growing concern. The determination in his voice made his position clear.
“That idea remains to be seen. Better show me what you have in mind for how we can combine both points of view.”
“All right,” said Rose. “But remember, the inn is still Alec’s until the sale goes through.”
“Yeah, I know. We’re both paid to do our jobs,” said Hank, giving her a steady look.
She nodded, but he had no idea how committed she was to Alec’s wishes. She’d drawn up several different ads based on three specific ideas – quality, value, and experience.
“These are clever,” said Hank, looking at each ad carefully. “But I have to be honest; I can easily twist these into something for the Blaise Group. After all, they’re promoting the same ideas.”
Rose couldn’t hold back a sigh. “You know they’re not the same.”
Hank held up a hand of caution. “We both understand in the advertising business, this kind of manipulation takes place all the time. But I want to be fair. Let’s work together on developing a style of presentation more like the Blaise Group is accustomed to having.”
“I’m going to do my best to convince you otherwise. Keeping the Desert Sage Inn's reputation is important to Alec and all of us who work for him. We’ve all bought into the idea that it truly is different, offering guests a unique kind of stay. Sort of like the service Nordstrom has always given its shopping customers.”
“Personally, I like the idea of the formation of a brand of higher-end properties for the company,” said Hank. “Maybe we can do both; work on promo for that too.”
Rose’s eyes widened with surprise. “Really? That would be wonderful!”
Hank’s cheeks reddened at her enthusiasm and the way she was beaming at him. “I think we’ll make a great team for this work. Even hit a home run or two.”
She laughed. “Right. Teammates.”
Hank grinned at her.
###
While they were discussing the project, Hank received a phone call.
Rose stood and walked to the sliding glass door to give him some privacy. At the end of the call, when she turned, he said, “I’ve told my family about working with you and suggested they meet you. It’s official. Will you do us all the honor of joining us for cocktails and dinner tonight?”
“Thanks. That would be nice,” she responded, wanting to know more about him and his family.
Later, before they parted that afternoon, Hank asked her to meet him in the hotel lobby at six o’clock before they joined his family. Though it had been a frustrating day working with and sometimes against his ideas, Rose agreed. She’d need a little time to get past the mental tug of war between them. She was used to having clients rave about her work, be thrilled with her creative ideas. Compromise with an opposing viewpoint was difficult and emotionally exhausting.
###
At Alec’s house, all was quiet. She figured Alec was napping, and Juanita was on a break and decided to cool off both mentally and physically by taking a swim in the pool.
After changing into her bathing suit, she walked out to the patio, tossed her towel on a chair, and dove into the water. Gasping with pleasure, she paddled to the side of the pool and caught her breath. It felt relaxing to be in the water, feeling its silky coolness against her skin.
“Hey, did you just get here?” said Lily, walking out onto the patio. “That looks so refreshing; I’ll join you.”
“Please do,” Rose said. “It feels great.”
A few minutes later, Lily and Willow came out to the pool together in their swimsuits.
“Ah, the Desert Flowers are together again. How did everyone do today?” Rose said, hanging onto the side of the pool and kicking playfully, loosening tight muscles.
“Let’s just say I’m ready for a swim myself,” said Willow. “Working with Brent Armstrong is a physical and mental test of its own.” Without saying another word, she dove into the pool, her dark hair spreading in the water behind her like the black wings of a bird.
“I hope you had a better day,” said Rose, looking at Lily.
“I did,” said Lily. “A bit boring, but nice otherwise.” She sat on the top step of the pool, splashed water on herself to get used to its coolness, and then slid her entire body into the pool with a soft groan.
After they’d each had time to move around in the water, they sat together on the wide steps leading into the pool at the shallow end.
“How was your day, Rose?” Lily asked her. “I know how upset you were this morning with Hank. Did the rest of the day go better?”
“Yes,” said Rose. “We’ve agreed to disagree as we go forward, but we’re trying to cooperate. We’re going to work on the proposal Alec talked about concerning the formation of a high-end group of hotels under a separate banner. We’ll see if we can pull that off.”
“Wow! Sounds like you two are working together, like Brian wanted,” said Willow. “I can’t imagine that happening with Brent and me. By the way, he’s meeting Tiffany for drinks.”
“What?” said Lily. “I thought she and Dan were together.”
“So, did I,” Willow said. “But it turns out she’s his stepsister. Weird, huh?”
“Maybe a good thing for you,” said Rose, nudging her playfully.
Willow shook her head. “I don’t think so. As I was leaving, a woman approached him making sure he was going to meet her later.”
“He’s a hottie,” said Lily. “I can’t imagine he has any trouble getting dates.”
Rose noticed the disappointment Willow tried to hide and let it go. Willow would have to work it out on her own. Dan might be considered a hottie, but Willow matched him in every way.
After a while, Rose climbed out of the pool. “Guess I’d better get dressed. In the spirit of things, I’ve agreed to meet Hank and his family for drinks and dinner. Because he’ll be away so much of the time for the next three months, he was anxious for them to meet me.”
Lily and Willow stared at her.
“Is that what you’re telling yourself?” Lily said. “I saw the way he looked at you, even when you were mad at him.”
“Please,” said Rose, hoping she sounded stern enough. “Brian wanted us all to get along. That’s what this is all about. Nothing more.”
“Uh, huh,” said Willow giving Rose a wide, teasing smile that brought a happy laugh out of her.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
LILY
“I think Rose is only fooling herself if she thinks Hank wants her to meet his family just because they’re working together. There’s something tangible going on between them.”
“If only Rose will relax and let it happen,” said Willow. “She likes to be in charge.”
“Definitely,” said Lily. “She’s had to fight her own battles all her life. She told me her parents never wanted her, never understood or approved of her desire to try new experiences and do things differently.”
“Yeah, I can’t imagine having parents like that,” said Willow. “Rose may be a bit quirky, but she’s one of the nicest, most fun people I know. I love that she’s a free spirit.”
“There’s more to her than that, though,” said Lily with a frown. “I think she’s been hurt enough in the past to use it to cover up her sensitivity. Have you seen how careful, how loving she is with Alec?”
“Does it bother you to see them together?” Willow asked her.
“No. I always knew they had something special. If Alec were ever going to allow himself to move forward, it would’ve been with her.”
“He’s steadfast in his beliefs, but I admire him for it.”
“Me, too. Now, how does a margarita sound?”
“Like music to my ears,” said Willow, giving her a grin.
Lily laughed. Neither was a big drinker, but after the day they’d had, it sure sounded perfect.
Before she left, Rose came to the kitchen dressed for dinner.
“How do I look?” she said, twirling in front of them, a worried note to her voice that Lily took seriously.
“Stand still. Let me get a better look.” She studied the sleeveless turquoise-linen sheath Rose wore. Rose’s body was lean and trim, curved in all the right places. The skin around her eyes, slightly lined, reflected the smiles she often gave others. Otherwise, her features were those of a younger person. And there was a casual elegance to her that Lily found attractive. No wonder Hank seemed interested.
“Rose, you look smashing,” she said honestly. “I’m sure Hank’s family is going to be very impressed.”
“I hope so,” Rose said. “I haven’t done much socially lately.”
“They’re going to be wowed by you,” said Willow. “Believe it.”
Rose gave them each a smile. “Thanks. I love you guys.
Lily returned her smile. She loved her new friends, too.
CHAPTER TWENTY
ROSE
Rose drove to the hotel, chiding herself for being nervous. Hank had made it plain it was a work commitment. She’d certainly met enough men doing business that she shouldn’t be the least bit concerned, especially because his family would be present.
She parked the car in the employees’ area and then walked over to the front entrance of the hotel. Pausing a moment to study the lines of it, the classic way plantings, large pots of flowers, and other decorative items enhanced it tastefully, she murmured a little prayer that she could save the best of it for Alec and those who would follow.
As she entered the lobby, she saw Hank standing and talking to a younger gentleman. Hank looked dashing in tan slacks, a bright green golf shirt, and a navy blazer. Reminding herself that he was, in some respects, the “enemy,” she moved forward.
His face brightened when he saw her. He hurried to her. “My! You look lovely. Come meet my son-in-law. My daughter and Leah are outside looking at flowers.”
Rose studied the young man who was standing aside. Tall and thin, with thick brown hair that waved gently, his blue eyes regarded her with interest.
“Rose, this is Rob Garland, my favorite son-in-law. Rob, Rose Macklin.”
Rob smiled and shook his head at Hank. “His only son-in-law.” He held out his hand as Hank gave him her name. “How do you do, Rose. Pleased to meet you.”
“Thanks. Hank was anxious for you to know who he’d be working with for the next three months. He didn’t want Leah to think he’d abandoned her.”
Rob laughed. “Papa B and Leah are very close. It’s touching to see. Especially with him being alone.”
“She sure fills my time when I’m at home,” said Hank. “It’s great to be with her, and it helps out Sam.”
Rose caught the eye of a young woman who was approaching them holding Leah in her arms. Surprised by the look of annoyance on her face, Rose forced a pleasant smile as she waited for them to get closer.
“Ah, here’s Samantha now,” said Hank, beaming at his daughter.
A smile replaced Samantha’s previous frown as she hurried to Hank’s side and nestled up against him. Leah held out her arms to Hank. He easily swung her into his embrace and onto his hip. Watching his ease with his granddaughter, Rose was once again filled with longing for a family. Even though both of her parents were dead now, they’d left her wounded by their lack of love. Now she wanted to change, perhaps because of Alec’s situation, perhaps out of pure loneliness. She would shrivel with embarrassment if anyone found out how she was feeling. Most of all, Hank.
“Sam, I want you to meet Rose Macklin, my co-worker on the project for this hotel. I thought you’d like to meet her.”
“Indeed,” said Sam, holding out her hand to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Rose. I know you’ll be spending time with Dad, but we at home need him too. Now that my mother is gone, it’s important for our family to stick close together. All part of the healing process.”
Rose froze. Sam couldn’t have made it any clearer if she’d carried a sign that said, “Go away!” Even Hank looked uncomfortable.
“Now, Sam, it’s been almost two years, and I’ve made it perfectly plain that business is what this dinner is all about,” he chided quietly, but Rose knew there was a whole lot more that wasn’t being said. She’d read stories about daughters who didn’t want their fathers to date after their mothers’ deaths. Apparently, Sam was one of them.
She took a moment to study her. With burnished brown hair that met her shoulders, Sam was of average height with a trim, but broad athletic body that Rose thought must have come from Hank. Her face, though pretty, wasn’t remarkable. Her green eyes were, however. Large and round, they studied her with intensity.
In the awkward silence that followed, Rob cleared his throat. “Well, let’s go have that drink before dinner.”
“Good idea,” said Hank. “I’ve ordered a bottle of wine to be delivered to my room, along with some appetizers, so Leah can play there while we sit and talk to get to know one another better.”
Hank led them to the elevator. Feeling unusually uncomfortable, Rose stuck to his side, determined not to let Sam ruin the evening.
###
Upstairs, while the family got things organized, Rose stepped out onto the balcony. It was a pleasant evening, but she was glad she’d brought along a light-weight shawl for later. Looking out at the mountains in the distance and admiring the rosy glow of a sunset that coated their peaks like the blush on a baby’s cheeks, she felt a new peace envelop her. The mountains always had that effect on her. She considered them a sign of strength and a reminder to her to be strong.
She heard footsteps behind her and turned.
Sam smiled at her. “Pleasant evening, isn’t it?”
“Very nice,” Rose replied. “Hank told me you were leaving tomorrow.”
“Yes, back to Atlanta and the rat race there,” Sam said, coming closer. “I need to ask you something. How well do you know my father? Had you known each other before now?”
“Your father and I are working together on this project for the next three months. I don’t believe it will last longer than that. And no, before now, I’ve never met your father.” Rose was shocked by the question. She knew Sam was asking much more than that, but she wasn’t willing to say anything else. Heaven knew she didn’t want Sam or her family to know of her attraction to Hank.
Hank stepped out onto the balcony. “Here are the beauties. Rob and I have been wondering what you’re up to.”
“Just chatting,” said Sam. “I wanted to make sure there would be no surprises. You know how protective I am of you.” She entwined her arm around his. “Let’s enjoy our last evening together for a while. We’re going to miss you so.”
Hank glanced at Rose and followed Sam inside.
Well done, thought Rose. Sam had handled herself like a pro. No doubt she’d had plenty of practice. Hank was a catch. She went inside, well aware of the game Sam was playing and was determined not to react.
She took a seat on a chair next to the couch, ignoring Hank's invitation to sit by him on the couch.
Leah toddled over to her and lifted her arms. “Up. I wanna get up.”
“Hi, Leah,” Rose said, smiling at her. She was adorable in a pink sundress that looked as if it cost more than many of Rose’s bargain buys. She lifted Leah into her lap.
Leah smiled at her and patted her hair. “Pretty. Pretty lady.”
“Yes,” said Hank, smiling at them. “Very pretty lady.”
“Pretty Leah,” said Rose.
“Oh, no! We don’t like to say things like that to her,” Sam softly scolded. “We don’t want Leah to think her appearance is all that matters to people. Right, Rob? It’s so shallow.”
