The Desert Flowers--Rose, page 13
Rose bit her lip, forcing herself to remain quiet. She hadn’t meant any harm.
Hank winked at her. “So different from when Sam’s mother and I were raising children. But then that was some time ago.”
Rob rolled his eyes. “A compliment now and then never hurts anyone.”
“Well, I’m sure you, Rose, understand what I meant,” Sam persisted, making a bigger point of it.
“Oh, yes,” Rose answered, knowing exactly what Sam meant. It made things easy for her. Rose had no desire to get involved with Hank’s family. Not that she was afraid to fight for something she wanted. But, in this case, there was no need to go there. She and Hank were working together on a project, period.
She asked Rob what he did for a living, and conversation perked up. He was a financial analyst and had a lot to say about the fluctuating stock market. She listened, fascinated to know that people like him put a lot of time into studying it. In the end, she suspected, they did as much guessing as anyone else. She herself had a knack for finding profitable deals that had little to do with research but simply reading the news and connecting the dots. Not that she had much money to play with. She’d made a good life for herself, but it didn’t include a lot of extras.
“It’s time for dinner, folks,” said Hank, getting to his feet. “I’ve reserved a table at Sage, the premier restaurant here.”
There was a knock at the door.
“That must be Julie, the babysitter,” said Sam. “I’ll get it.” She hurried to the door and opened it.
An older woman with gray hair and a plump figure entered the room wearing a big smile. “Hi, there, Leah. Remember me?” She held up a stuffed lizard. “Lizzie and I are here to read more books with you.”
Leah clapped her hands. “Books!”
Rose thought back to her childhood. It had been filled with books. That was one thing her parents had done for her, given her a chance to read as much as she could from an early age.
With a sweep of her arms, Sam waved her, Rob, and Hank out of the room and stood by as Julie got settled on the couch with Leah. “We’ll be back soon, Leah. Have fun!” said Sam, firmly closing the door behind her.
Rose waited for crying and screaming, but after a few words from Julie, all was quiet. “That was easy,” she said to Sam.
“Tonight, this was easy. We go out quite a bit at home, so Leah understands we’ll be back.”
Rose wondered if Sam did anything wrong. She seemed like the perfect mother.
Hank took hold of her elbow. “I’m anxious to try Sage. Traveling with Leah, we usually stick to family restaurants. Nothing worse than a screaming child or having one run around the room while you’re trying to have a pleasant, quiet meal.”
“I agree,” she said. “I’ve had only one meal at Sage, and it was delicious. I’m excited to eat there again. The chef worked in San Francisco at one time and came here for warmer weather. His food is excellent.”
Hank gave her a warm smile. “I’m happy you could join us, Rose. It means a lot to me.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, but it’s going to be an early evening,” said Sam.
“Yes, we’ve got work to do,” Rose said.
“My father is quite an expert in his field,” Sam said, giving him a big smile.
“So is Rose,” said Hank, holding open the door to the elevator so they could join others there. “Did you know that Rose, here, runs the ‘You Deserve It’ blog?”
Sam’s eyes widened. “Really? I follow that blog. So many interesting ideas.”
“So, do I,” said a young woman whose skin looked red, as if she’d been out in the sun too long. “That’s why Rick and I decided to come here for our honeymoon.”
“Not that we’ve seen too much of the place,” her young husband said, making his wife’s face turn even redder.
Rose hid a chuckle. “Glad you like the Desert Sage Inn. It’s one of a kind.”
Hank stirred restlessly at her side. Rose knew he was dying to tell the guests about The Blaise Hotel Group taking over, but before he could mention anything, the elevator door opened, and they all got out.
Sam took hold of Hank’s arm. “C’mon, Dad. We’re late.”
Hank held onto Rose’s hand as they walked to the restaurant’s entrance, making it an awkward line of three.
The hostess in the restaurant greeted them at the door. “Welcome to Sage.”
“I have reservations for four under Bowers,” said Hank.
The hostess checked her list. “Oh, yes. You’re all set. Juan will show you to your table.”
Juan was a middle-aged man who obviously loved food. The sage green tie he wore with a crisp white shirt curved over his round stomach.
“You’re in for several treats tonight,” Juan said, holding a chair for Rose. “Enjoy!”
Hank hurried to hold a chair for Sam opposite her. Then he returned to Rose’s side.
Rose looked around the restaurant, admiring the southwest feel of the room. The stucco walls were painted the lightest shade of sage green. Dark wooden beams in the ceiling offset the white surface and matched the tables covered with crisp white cloths and the chairs whose seats were covered in a rich green fabric. In the center of each table was a small crystal vase filled with wild flowers in bougainvillea pink, deep gold, and bright yellow. Crystal and silverware sparkled at each place setting. At one end of the room, flames flickered in the gas fireplace.
She looked out the windows along the outside wall onto the expansive patio where more tables were set for dinner. Patio heaters were strategically placed among them.
“It’s going to be hard to go back to reality,” said Sam. “This is lovely, and the aromas have my mouth watering.”
Hank beamed at her. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Too bad Nikki couldn’t join us.” He turned to Rose. “Nicole, my oldest, is a physician working in Atlanta. She’s dedicated to her cancer patients.”
“She must be an angel to do that kind of work,” Rose said with feeling. “I think it would be depressing.”
He nodded. “Me too, but she loves it. And she wins the battle quite often. It’s amazing what they’ve done with medications fighting cancer.” His features drooped. “Nothing could help my wife, Leigh. It was too late.”
“I’m sorry,” Rose said, aware of how much he must have loved her.
“Losing Mom was awful,” said Sam. “She was the best mother in the world. Right, Dad? The best at everything.”
“I’d like to think so,” he answered quietly. He picked up the leather-bound wine list that Juan had left at the table. “How about wine to accompany dinner?”
“Sounds great,” said Rob. “How about you, Rose?”
“Lovely,” she said. Talk of Hank’s wife was sad for them and awkward for her.
Their waiter arrived with an offer of a selection of water. After ordering sparkling water for the table, Hank asked to see the wine steward. A few minutes later, a gentleman came to the table to discuss wines with Hank.
The dining room was full, but service seemed to be running smoothly. Best of all, the sound of happy conversations filled the space. That, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen and other tables pleased her. Alec could be proud of what he’d built.
“Any idea what any of you are going to order? Meat or fish?” asked Hank.
“Seafood for me,” said Sam. “Probably steak for Rob.”
“I don’t know,” Rose said. “I want to peruse the menu.”
“Okay, I’ll order a bottle of white to begin. We’ll go from there.” Hank nodded at the wine steward. “I’ll take your suggestion and order the sauvignon blanc.”
“Good thing we’re not driving,” said Sam. “Mom would think we were in trouble.”
Hank glanced at his daughter and turned to Rose with a smile. “Are you going to need any help getting back to Alec’s?”
Rose chuckled. “I think I can manage.”
Their wine came. Hank went through the routine of tasting and approving, and after wine had been poured in each glass, he lifted his.
“Here’s to health and happiness.”
“For all of us,” Rose said, clicking her glass against his.
He smiled at her, and even as his gaze remained on her, he took a sip.
It was quiet at the table when Rose put her glass down. She realized from the clamped-mouth expression on Sam’s face that she hadn’t liked the way Hank had looked at her.
Ignoring her, Rose opened the menu the waiter had placed in front of her.
As predicted, Rob chose a New York strip steak, and Sam chose salmon.
Rose turned to Hank. “What are you having?”
“I’m going to join Rob and have the steak. How about you?”
“I’ll join Sam and have seafood. But instead of salmon, I’ll have the glazed sea bass with ginger butter sauce.”
“Better watch that butter sauce,” warned Sam, patting her flat stomach.
Rose pressed her lips together. Drawing a calming breath, she said politely, “No need to worry. On occasions like this, I allow myself a few treats.”
Hank nodded and smiled at her. “I like a woman who enjoys food.”
“But Mom ...”
“Sam, that’s enough,” Hank said firmly, bringing tears to his daughter’s eyes. “That was then. This is now.”
“Oh, but ...” Sam sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s a difficult time for me.”
“We’re trying for another baby,” said Rob quietly.
“And so far, no luck.” Sam’s lips trembled. “It’s been almost a year.”
“I’m sorry,” Rose said. “I understand how stressful that could be.”
“Oh? So, you know ...”
“I couldn’t have children,” Rose said, surprised by the pain she felt. At the time, married to the wrong man, it hadn’t bothered her. But now, as she was aging, it was becoming more painful.
“It’ll work out, honey,” Hank said to Sam. “I’m sure of it.”
“Thanks, Dad. We’ll see. But please don’t let me ruin this dinner. I know you and Rose need this time together to do the project. One of those home runs you always talk about.”
Hank laughed. “Yes. Rose and I will load the bases with all kinds of ideas and hit the ball out of the park.”
Rose’s lips curved. She’d always heard he tended to talk in terms of sports. She thought she’d be annoyed by it, but he made it seem so natural she loved it. She settled down to enjoy a delicious meal.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
WILLOW
After sharing an early light supper with Lily, Willow decided to take a walk. The last of the day’s golfers were putting out at the 18th hole when she approached. She stopped to see them. Golfers were a group unto their own, taking advantage of every playable moment of daylight on the course. She moved on and stopped again when she heard her name being called.
“Willow! Wait up!”
She turned to find Dan running toward her.
“Hi,” she said, pleased to see him.
“Where are you headed?”
“Nowhere. Just letting off some steam and trying to get into a better frame of mind for tomorrow.”
He frowned at her. “What is it with you and Brent Armstrong? When he came to pick up Tiffany after work, he was very polite to her and me. Is it something between just the two of you?”
“Mostly,” she admitted. Brent was cocky and full of himself like some guys his age who acted that way when trying to prove themselves in business. It didn’t make Brent more likable, but she understood that others might think of him in a better light. Soon enough, they’d discover the mean boy beneath the polished man. It wasn’t up to her to make sure they did.
“Mind if I walk with you?” Dan asked.
“No. I’d enjoy the company.” Her voice held a note of pleasure she couldn’t disguise.
His lips curved into a smile that showed a dimple. “I’d like to get to know you better.”
“Not much to tell. I’m an only child whose parents work for Alec. Because of him, I went to the hotel school at Cornell. I’ve been trying to decide where to go from there. I was teaching at Boston University before Alec requested that I come home.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Your attempt to make it seem boring has only piqued my curiosity. There’s a whole lot more to that story, I’m sure.”
She grinned. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Like you, nothing much to tell. You already know Tiffany is my stepsister. I have a much younger stepbrother, too. Mom’s second husband is a nice guy. My dad? Not so much. But it’s all good. No big complaints.”
“Sounds like things are pretty normal. How’d you get into the fitness program?”
“I played all kinds of sports in high school and then hurt my knee. When I was undergoing physical therapy, I realized I wanted to know more about the field. I studied it in college and practiced for a few years. When I met Alec, and he offered me the chance to run a fitness program here, I thought I’d try it out. I’ve been here for almost a year, and I love it.”
“You gave Rose, Lily, and me a tough workout program. We bonded pretty quickly during the sessions.”
“They seem like exceptional people,” said Dan. “But then, they must be if Alec wanted their help.” His gaze rested on her. “You too.”
She felt warmth rush to her face. “Thanks.” She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed to hear his compliment. It was nice to be acknowledged.
In comfortable quiet, they reached the hotel.
Dan turned to her. “I have to go. I have an early appointment tomorrow morning. But, Willow, will you go out with me sometime?”
She looked into his eyes and nodded. “Yes. Give me a call.”
“Thanks, I will,” said Dan.
She waited and watched him go to his car, then turned and sprinted along the lit walkway, heading back to Alec’s feeling as if she could fly the whole way home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
ROSE
Sitting in the dining room with Hank and his family, Rose couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to be part of such a scene permanently. The thought of it, which might have scared her earlier, was surprisingly pleasing. Sam was a problem, but she’d softened quite a bit after announcing the reason she was under such stress. Rob was a great guy with whom she felt comfortable. And Hank? He was the star of the show, easily keeping conversation upbeat and enjoyable.
She was amused by the sports terms he used—terms she was getting used to. But when he said, “Okay, team, what is everyone having for dessert?” she laughed.
Sam rolled her eyes before joining her laughter.
“Let’s hit a home run and order whatever we want,” teased Rob, making them laugh even harder.
Hank joined their laughter. “All right, enough.”
They ordered a variety of desserts, and later, while Hank was looking over the bill, Sam said, “Guess we’d better get back to Leah.”
“She’s such a darling,” said Rose, smiling.
Sam nodded. “She’s named after my mother. That makes her even more special to us.”
“I see,” Rose said, disappointed by the lukewarm tone of Sam’s voice. She’d thought they’d gone beyond that stage.
“Leah likes you, Rose.” Hank smiled at her.
Though Rose returned his smile, she knew any relationship with him would be difficult. Sam was frowning.
They all stood.
“You guys go on ahead. I’m going to walk Rose to her car,” Hank said to Sam and Rob.
“It was nice meeting you,” said Rob, smiling at her.
“’ Night, Rose,” Sam said politely.
“Safe trip home,” Rose said. “Enjoy springtime in Atlanta. The flowers and flowering Bradford Pear trees there are so beautiful at this time of year.”
“Thanks,” said Sam, with a warmer note to her voice.
After Sam and Rob left them, Hank walked out to her car with her. “I’m sorry about Sam’s over-protectiveness. You know how close fathers and daughters can be.”
“Actually, I don’t,” said Rose. “My father and I didn’t have that bond.”
He studied her. “I’m sorry to hear that. How about your mother?”
Rose shook her head. “I was never supposed to happen. It was not a happy household.”
“Wow, that’s sad,” said Hank. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Is that why you are alone?”
“Partly,” she said, staring into the distance, not wanting to get into any discussion of her relationships.
Hank turned her toward him and tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “I like you, Rose. A lot.”
She knew he was going to kiss her and let it happen. There was something so appealing about him and the way he made her feel.
His lips on hers were soft, sure. Rose reached up and slid her arms around his neck, wanting to hold onto him and this moment for as long as she could because she doubted this relationship was going far. Hank was a family man, and his daughter had made it plain how she felt about his being with Rose.
When they pulled apart, Hank smiled at her and brushed a tendril of hair away from her face. “I want to start seeing you.”
In an attempt at humor to cover up her uncertainty, she said, “You’re going to be seeing a lot of me. Every day at work.”
“Hey, that’s not what I meant, and you know it,” he said softly. He kissed her once more, and, God help her, she responded even as she told herself she was being foolish.
He stepped away and let out a long sigh. His thumb rubbed her cheek in a sweet caress. “I’ve wanted to kiss you from the first time Papa B met you.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him. “That was a dirty trick, and you know it.”
He chuckled. “The truth was, I was afraid if I mentioned my name, you’d back off without letting me explain. You have a reputation as being very independent and strong.”
“Yeah? Well, I’ve had to be.” She tried to hide the pain behind her words. She’d been pretty much alone in life, even when she was married. It turned out the man she thought she’d wedded was quite different from when they’d first met, and he courted her. Not nice at all when he realized she didn’t love him the way he loved her. They were both better off apart.
