The Desert Flowers--Rose, page 15
When she arrived, she found Alec sitting outside under the shade of an umbrella.
“Hello!” said Rose. “How nice to see you outside. How are you feeling?”
“Better than some days. Seeing a beautiful woman always makes me feel even better,” he said with some of his old charm. She loved him for it.
She pulled up a chair near his. “I’m going to work at home today. Hank needed some personal space.”
“How are things going between the two of you?”
Rose studied him. “Are you sure you’re not trying to be some sort of matchmaker?”
He laughed and waved away her suggestion. “You already asked that. You’re just two people I like working together.”
“The truth is he’s been dealing with some family issues with his daughters. It seems as if they’d been blaming themselves for their mother’s death. They have some issues they need to work out to help their healing. He’s spent a lot of time making sure they’re all right.”
“Admirable,” Alec commented.
“Yes, but now his daughter Sam has made it crystal clear she doesn’t like the idea of his being with another woman. Even though Hank and I have talked about dating, I don’t think it’s a smart idea.”
“Time takes care of a lot of things,” Alec said, patting her hand with his bony fingers.
“Life certainly throws you a lot of curves,” she said sadly, then held in a chuckle. Hank would probably tell her something like, you have to handle a lot of curveballs before you hit a home run.
“You’ll be fine, Rose. You’re a strong, independent woman.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll be fine.” But her heart wasn’t in it. For once, she wished someone would see how vulnerable she was. But she’d put up such a strong front through the years she wondered about the difference between being vulnerable or just plain weak.
She kissed Alec’s cheek and said, “I’d better get back to work, or my boss is going to be unhappy with me.”
He laughed. “Never.”
Still smiling, she left him and went to her room. She’d been sketching some ideas, and now, with greater determination, she wanted to introduce them to Hank.
It wasn’t until her stomach rumbled that Rose realized she’d worked through lunch. She got up, stretched, and walked into the kitchen.
Juanita looked up from where she was chopping vegetables. “Are you finally ready for something to eat? I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“I didn’t realize it was so late. I think I’ll just grab some yogurt and fruit. I’ll be eating here tonight.” She walked over to the counter where Juanita was standing. “What are we having?”
“I thought I’d make a vegetable soup, and then Pedro said he’d grill up some chicken for us.”
“The chicken with the lime marinade?” Rose asked hopefully.
Juanita chuckled and nodded. “One of your favorites, I know.”
Rose leaned her back against the counter and studied Juanita. “You and Pedro have been married a long time. How do you do it? You do great work, have a lovely daughter, and are always cheerful.”
Juanita set her knife down on the counter and turned to her. “So much of living is up here.” She tapped her head. “There are choices to be made every day. Some days it seems as if nothing will ever go right, that the future looks dim, that the past won’t let go. That’s when you decide if you’re going to move forward or stay in place. Or, God forbid, tumble backward.”
“I’m talking about you and Pedro. I’ve seen how you look at one another, the way he touches you when he walks by. How do you keep that up?” said Rose. “You’ve worked together to raise your daughter; you even work together for Alec. And yet, I sometimes get the feeling that you’re alone, together, in the room.” Her voice became wistful. “It’s beautiful to see.”
“Ah, I understand where you’re going with this. You’re talking about love.” Juanita’s eyes filled with tenderness. She reached out to touch Rose’s cheeks. “That, my dear, is a different story. In that case, love is all about the other person, even when you’re trying to protect your desires and needs.”
“I grew up in a house that had little love,” Rose said, wondering if that’s why the thought of being with Hank scared her so. “My parents weren’t close, and they certainly showed nothing but duty toward me. I was clean and fed and clothed, but they’d never actually wanted a child. Me.”
“I’m so sorry,” said Juanita. “But because you weren’t shown love, it doesn’t mean you can’t give it. I see the way you and Alec treat each other.”
“Yes.” Rose’s eyes filled. “He’s the one person I let get close to me. I’ve tried with others, but it hasn’t worked out.”
“Until now?” Juanita said, her dark eyes piercing her.
Rose gasped. “How? ...”
Juanita smiled. “I notice things about people, and I saw your excitement when you went to dinner last night. That’s all.”
“I don’t know if I’m capable of opening up to someone else.”
Juanita took her hands in her own. “Rose, you are a lovely person who has much to give other people. I read your blog too. There, it’s evident what kind of person you are. Maybe it’s time to trust yourself ... and life itself.”
“Is that why your marriage works so well?”
Juanita chuckled. “Heavens, no. It works because we each give in to the other’s wishes about 80 percent of the time.”
Laughing, Rose hugged her. “You are such an amazing woman. I love you.”
“Love you too, Rose. Love all of you women who came back to help Alec.”
Rose grabbed her yogurt and a few raspberries and headed out to the patio, deep in thought. She might have come from a loveless background, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t love someone. That, she realized, was her gift to give.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
WILLOW
One afternoon a few days later, Willow sat in John’s office listening to him talk about the transition team he intended to put in place until the actual change of ownership.
“To assist me, Willow is going to oversee procedures, along with Sarah and Tim. We don’t know who will be leading the team for the Blaise Group, but I suspect you, Brent, will be part of it.”
“I probably will. I have the experience,” Brent said with confidence.
Willow observed the tightening of John’s jaw and said nothing. It surprised her that Brent didn’t recognize others’ reactions to his making statements like that. Sarah and Tim had each spoken to her about their dislike of him. She understood. Brent was irritating even when she didn’t believe he was trying. Maybe it came from his privileged background. Instead of it making her angry, it made her realize that with his lack of people skills, he’d have trouble becoming an effective leader.
“In that case,” said John quietly but firmly, “I’m having you assist at the front desk. You’ll begin by taking the evening shift, working with Sarah.”
Willow felt her eyes widen but again said nothing. Sarah might not like Brent, but she would be a strict teacher and wouldn’t hold back on correcting him when necessary. Willow knew this because they’d worked a shift together, and Sarah was particular. Better yet, Sarah was accustomed to people like Brent, who felt entitled to be in charge and have every creature comfort.
“Willow, I want you to start working with me, going through my routines, looking through more of the financials and that kind of thing,” said John. He managed a smile. “You can be my assistant for a while.”
She returned his smile, confident she’d learn a lot from him. Returning to the inn to help Alec was good for her, as was being back in operations.
###
After the meeting, Brent said, “Hey, Willow, want to go get a drink?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m headed home. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow. Besides, you’ll be working at the front desk soon.”
He waved away her concern. “No problem. I’m going to sweet talk Sarah into letting me off. I know how front desk operations work.”
She frowned at him. “Every staff member takes his or her duty seriously, Brent. That’s what we’re trying to get you and the company to understand.”
“My company is extremely successful. We don’t need the people at a hotel we’re acquiring to tell us how to handle all of ours.”
Willow shrugged and walked away. Sarah would take care of him. She wasn’t a military wife for nothing.
As she left the main building, Willow decided to head to the fitness center. At Dan’s suggestion, she kept a locker there where she could change into her workout clothes. Brent’s cockiness stressed her.
When she got to the center, it was quiet except for a male guest who was doing a private session with Tiffany. Willow waved to her and went into the locker room to change.
Later, she entered the main room and noticed Dan with a young man Willow recognized as someone who’d been talking to Brent earlier. A little older than Brent, he had the same blond coloring and clear blue eyes. But there was a noticeable difference in his manner. Friendly, with a kind expression, he smiled at her.
“Willow!” called Dan. “Come on over and meet Trace.”
Curious, she joined them.
Still smiling, Trace held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Trace Armstrong.”
She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. Any relation to Brent?”
“Brent is my cousin. I’ve been sent here to clean up after him. I understand he’s already causing problems.”
At his frankness, she blinked in surprise.
“Go ahead and tell him, Willow, why you’re here at the fitness center,” said Dan. He turned to Trace. “I set her up with a locker so she can leave her job and work off her stress from working with your cousin.” He indicated Tiffany with a nod of his head. “My sister doesn’t have much good to say about him either.”
Trace made a face. “Sorry about that. My aunt and uncle have spoiled Brent since he was small, telling him he’s perfect no matter what he does.”
“He believes he’s going to take over management of this property,” said Willow quietly.
“No way. Not if I can help it. My dad and Brent’s father don’t see eye to eye about many things, but I’ll make sure to do my best to see that they agree on this. This is my first visit, and I like what I see.”
“I’d be happy to show you around,” said Willow.
Trace nodded. “Thanks. I’d like that.” His blue-eyes settled on her.
“Okay, then. We can meet tomorrow morning.”
“Great. And then how about joining me for dinner someday? Friday, Dan and Tiffany are taking me to one of their favorite places.”
Willow turned to Dan. “Tico’s?”
He grinned. “The best Mexican food around.”
“All right. I can’t resist. I love their Pollo en Mole. What time?”
“Meet us there at six. We’ll grab a table on the patio.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She left Dan and Trace talking to one another, liking the idea of Trace facing off with Brent.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
ROSE
Rose awoke the next morning determined to carry on with or without Hank. Late last night, he’d sent a text announcing he wouldn’t be able to meet today. Heaven knew what he was up to. She told herself she didn’t care, but she wondered what was going on with him.
She dressed in jogging clothes and padded through the house and out the door. The sun was rising in the sky, sending shards of pink through the early morning clouds hovering at the tops of the mountains. It seemed the forecasters might be right, and the day would be a gray one with showers.
Listening to the sounds of the birds around her, Rose paused before breaking into an easy jog. The pattern of her feet hitting the pavement was comforting. She moved along in rhythm to the sounds of the awakening world.
She stopped in surprise when she saw Lily and Brian walking together ahead of her. Quietly, so as not to disturb them, she turned around and walked away. Lily and Brian? The thought made her lips curve. Lily was such a sweet person. She deserved some happiness.
Later, when Rose returned to the house, she took a cup of coffee into her room. It would be, she decided, another workday at home. She didn’t mind. She had another idea worth developing.
###
She’d just taken a shower after spending the entire day in exercise clothes when she got a text message from Hank asking her to meet him for dinner. She reread the message and stood at the window of her bedroom, staring out at the desert scene. The heat of the day had settled on the landscape, washing it with a peaceful stillness. Did she really want to get involved with him?
Is this about business? she texted back.
Yes and no, he answered. There’s someone I want you to meet.
She sighed. When had she ever been this afraid simply to work with a man? It was silly to make much more of it than was realistic.
Okay. What time?
He answered promptly. Seven. At Sage. Thanks. See you then.
She clicked off and went to her closet.
###
When she walked into the restaurant, she saw Hank sitting with a young woman at a table tucked into a corner of the room. Curious, she moved forward. As she drew close, Hank got to his feet, and the woman with dark hair pulled back into a severe bun looked at Rose as if inspecting her.
Self-conscious, Rose smoothed the lines of the black dress that hugged her hips. She’d brightened the V-neck opening of the dress with some silver and turquoise necklaces. On her wrist, she wore a simple silver bracelet.
Hank smiled and reached for her elbow. “Rose, I’d like you to meet someone special in my life. This is my daughter, Nikki.”
Rose held out her hand. “Hi, Nikki. I’m Rose Macklin.”
Nikki shook her hand crisply. “Pleased to meet you.” Her smile was lukewarm.
Hank helped her into a chair.
She looked up at him. “What’s the occasion?”
He glanced at Nikki. “I wanted both of my daughters to meet you. We’ll be working together for several months ...”
Rose sighed. What is he up to? Was he going to take that stance again?
Nikki shook her head. “Dad, please. That isn’t the reason I flew here from Atlanta to be with you.” She turned to Rose. “For the first time since my mother died, Dad is interested in dating someone. He brought me here to see for myself why he likes you so much.”
Rose blinked rapidly to fight the stinging sensation in her eyes. She turned to him. “You’d do this for me?” she asked softly.
He reached over and covered her hand with his. “I would,” he said simply.
She thought he might kiss her, but he didn’t.
“Let’s relax and enjoy dinner,” said Hank, glancing from her to Nikki. “It’s great to have the two of you together, and, Nik, you’re going to love the food here.”
“Yes, Sam told me this place is great,” Nikki said agreeably. She studied Rose. “She also told me you run the blog called ‘You Deserve This.’ How did you happen to do that?”
Pleased to be asked this easy question, Rose began, “I’ve been in the hospitality business for most of my career. Working on marketing campaigns, most of all. As satisfying as that is, I wanted to create something for my own purposes. I’ve met many people, and in talking with them, I realized they all want the inside scoop on places to visit, the latest things to buy, and other things to know about. I gather the information for them.”
“Do you ever provide medical information?” Nikki asked.
Rose shook her head. “I don’t feel I’m qualified to do anything like that except to repost official reports online. But, if some medical person asked me to help get information out, I’d be glad to cooperate.”
“It’s hard sometimes to get people to pay attention to the signs of cancer,” said Nikki. Her mouth turned down. “I wish I’d been more alert to my own mother’s condition.”
Rose nodded sympathetically. “I can imagine how you feel. I had a dear friend who died of pancreatic cancer, and I still wish I’d pushed her to go to the doctor sooner than she did.”
“Thank you for not throwing a lot of platitudes my way. I appreciate it,” said Nikki, regarding her with interest.
Rose remained quiet as a waiter appeared at the table. He handed out menus and took an order for sparkling water.
“What’s everybody hungry for?” asked Hank.
“I’m going for the swordfish,” said Nikki.
“I’m going to order a filet of beef,” said Rose. “It’s been ages since I’ve had something like that.”
“The N.Y. strip looks perfect for me,” said Hank, waving away the frown on Nikki’s face. “Look, Nik, it’s a favorite of mine.”
She laughed. “Okay, it’s the doctor in me that can’t help warning you about red meat. I’ll relax.”
“Thanks,” said Hank. He waved the wine steward over, and after consulting with him, Hank ordered a bottle of cabernet from California and a glass of sauvignon blanc for Nikki.
While they waited for their wine, Hank said to Rose, “When I was away, I had a conversation with a friend of mine who runs a small, upscale group of hotels, and I have some ideas about how we can approach The Blaise Hotel Group.”
“Great. I’ve got the beginning of a campaign to show you tomorrow,” she responded, pleased that he’d taken the time to follow up on their discussion.
Hank winked at Nikki. “Rose is very competent at her job.”
Rose smiled at him and turned to Nikki. “Tell me more about your work. Your father is so proud of you.”
Nikki straightened in her chair. “I’m a doctor at the Piedmont Hospital in their oncology program, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”
“Such strides have been made in the treatment of it. That must be very satisfying,” Rose said sincerely. “It used to be some years ago that when a woman was diagnosed, it usually meant death.”
“Yes, but now we’re discovering through focused research there are more and better ways to treat it, and we’re able to give women some choices about both surgery and non-surgical treatments. Still, I’m hoping for the day when we can take those at risk and prevent it entirely through genetics. We’re working on it, but it will take time.”
