The Desert Flowers--Rose, page 3
Juanita patted her arm. “I don’t think that would’ve helped. He’s a stubborn man, Rose.”
She turned and walked away.
This time, Rose let her go. Juanita was right. Once Alec made up his mind about something, he wasn’t about to change it. That was the main reason why they’d broken up years ago.
Rose headed outside, hoping the peaceful surroundings would help to ease the ache in her heart.
CHAPTER TWO
LILY
Lily Weaver left the office feeling as if she could fly. Recalling the previous few moments, she smiled at the shocked expression on her boss’s face when she’d told him an emergency had come up and she needed to take her vacation immediately—all three weeks of it.
David Bakeley started to protest, saying, “I’m sorry, but you can’t do that. We need you here.”
“I have to go. An emergency. I’ve asked for help for months, and you’ve refused to listen, forcing me to work weekends to try to keep up.” She handed him a folder. “I’ve been keeping a list of people looking for work. I’ve selected several candidates you might want to interview.”
“Where are you going? When will you return? How can I get in touch with you?” Each question was louder, higher-pitched, angrier, making her decision to go to Palm Desert even sweeter. Fighting her own anger, she realized the competence of which she was so proud had held her back. He and the others in the law office of Bakeley & Dibble had assumed that because she’d made it seem easy, it was. Now they’d finally appreciate how hard she’d worked for them.
“I’ve prepared a duty list along with detailed instructions for whoever takes over for me,” Lily said. “That should make things easier for you.” She checked her watch. “I have to leave now. I have a plane to catch. You have my cell number, but I won’t be checking it on a regular basis.”
David got to his feet and gave her a look of resignation. “I’m sorry about your friend dying. We’re all going to miss you, Lily. Me, most of all.”
“Thank you,” she replied and turned and left, knowing she should’ve done something like this months, no, years ago.
Saying goodbye to her younger sister was a different story. Though ten years separated them, she and Monica were close siblings. At thirty-two, Monica was a single mom to three-year-old Isabel, a sweet little girl who was like the child Lily had always wished for. With no other family to help and the complete rejection by Izzy’s father, Monica had asked Lily to move to New York and relied upon her help while she worked nights for a telecommunications company. Lily explained to her sister that she felt a deep need to go to Palm Desert to see Alec, but while she was away, she’d help pay for babysitters.
Outside her condo building, the sisters embraced.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Monica said, hugging her close. “Both Izzy and I will find it hard to have you gone.”
“I’ll miss you too. Izzy almost feels like mine.” Lily held back tears. “But I know I’m doing the right thing.”
Monica gave her a steady look. “I well remember how Alec Thurston hurt you, Lily. I hope you’re not in for more heartbreak.”
“It’s not going to be that way. He isn’t that kind of person,” Lily said, confident that Alec, the man who still haunted her dreams, would never do anything so unkind.
“Better go,” said Monica, gently pushing her toward the limo she’d hired to take her into the city to the John F. Kennedy International Airport terminal.
Lily moved forward with determination. Her life as she’d been living it was over. Of this, she was certain.
###
The flight from New York to Palm Springs seemed to take forever, with one stop in Salt Lake City before traveling on to California. As anxious as she was to get there, Lily reminded herself that worrying about it wouldn’t help the situation. She’d trained herself to set worries aside, which may be one reason she’d stayed so long in her job. This change was exactly what she needed because she intended to break free from old living patterns. As sad as it was that Alec was dying, she felt as if he’d given her a multi-dimensional gift by asking her to come to see him.
No matter what he asked of her, she would willingly do it.
She’d been twenty-nine when she went to work for Alec Thurston as his personal assistant and was charmed by him from their first meeting. He had charisma and, more than that, a kindness that clearly showed. She’d jumped at the opportunity to work for him.
They’d worked together for several months before he asked her to join him for dinner. They had a pleasant evening of lively conversation while they enjoyed the delicious meal the chef at the hotel had prepared for them. It was her first taste of life without chaos, one filled with calm and love.
A few weeks later, Alec explained that while he wanted to spend more time with her, he was a widower who had no intention of ever marrying again, that they couldn’t continue to see one another unless she agreed to those conditions. Hoping he’d change his mind, she happily complied.
Thinking of it, she sighed. Alec kept reminding her of the agreement, but she’d refused to understand how honest he was being. Finally, he’d told her it would be best if she found another job; he was worried she’d only become more hurt if the relationship continued. He’d found her a job in Phoenix with a business friend of his, and though she’d moved on, she’d always treasured that special time with him.
A voice boomed in the speaker above her with the usual announcement about stowing tray tables, turning off electronic items, and fastening seatbelts after securing any carry-on items before landing.
Heart pounding with anticipation, Lily stared out the window at the land below. Houses, desert sand, palm trees, and desert growth greeted her. She mentally embraced it all. It had been ten years since she’d last seen the area, and a lot of growth had taken place. She strained for a look at the Desert Sage Inn in the distance, but the plane was too far away on its approach into the airport.
When the time came for her to disembark, Lily stood in line holding onto her purse and carry-on bag, wondering if Alec would meet her at the airport as he wanted or if he’d had to send someone in his place.
Outside in the fresh air, the sun greeted her with a warm kiss. She lifted her face to it and then moved with the other passengers toward the terminal. Inside, she flowed with the stream of travelers to the baggage claim area where a brown-skinned man wearing tan slacks and a sage-green shirt held up a sign with her name on it.
Lily hurried toward the gentleman, rolling her carry-on bag behind her. “Hi, Pedro! Do you remember me? Lily Weaver. You’re here for Alec Thurston?”
“Yes. Good to see you again. I’m to take you to him at the Desert Sage Inn.”
“Is he ... is he worse?”
Pedro shook his head. “Each day he lives is both good and bad.”
Lily clasped her hands together. “I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve checked two bags. I didn’t know how long I’d be staying. Each bag has a red ribbon on it to make it easier to see it.”
“No problem. One of the other women is already here. The last one will arrive before six.”
“Other women?” Lily asked, feeling her heart drop to her feet. She’d thought she was the only one he’d asked to come.
“Yes, ma’am. There will be three of you.” He walked with her to the baggage claim area and then went to the rotating belt holding luggage from her flight.
Lily tried to hide her shock over two other women coming to Alec’s aid. She told herself to hold on until she found out exactly what or who awaited her, but disappointment ate at her.
She remained quiet and self-contained as they left the airport. Pedro drove her down Highway 111 from the airport through Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage to Palm Desert southeast of Palm Springs. She perked up as they entered the drive to the resort. The palms and colorful plantings on either side were as beautiful as she remembered. Her breath caught as a surprising thought came to her. This felt more like home than Ellenton, where her only family lived.
Pedro drove past the collection of hotel buildings to Alec’s house in the far corner of the property. Seeing it with new eyes, Lily realized how beautiful, how elegant it was. It, too, hadn’t changed much.
Pedro pulled the car up to the front of the house and hurried out of his seat to open the rear passenger door for her. Stepping outside, Lily wondered what awaited her. Trembling with excitement and worry, she moved forward.
The front door opened, and Alec stood beside it, holding onto the large, brass doorknob. The smile that stretched across his face seemed almost ghoulish on an abnormally thin countenance. Her breath caught.
“Lily, my dear, thank you for coming. It’s so nice to see you,” he said. His deep voice, so well-remembered, brought tears to her eyes.
She hurried forward into his embrace. Aware of how thin he’d become, she was careful not to cling. Looking up, she saw with relief that his gray hair was still intact. How she’d loved to thread her fingers through it.
“Pedro will bring in your bags. You must be tired. Come into the kitchen. Juanita will help you to anything you might wish. She’ll assist you in getting settled in one of the guest suites. In about an hour, after the last one has arrived, we’ll meet in the living room.” He led her to a kitchen she’d always loved. Dark wooden beams crossed the high white ceiling above the white kitchen cabinets and dark-green granite countertops. The red Mexican tile on the floor was still appealing. Alec, she knew, was a conservative man who wouldn’t be swayed by decorating fads but would stick to what worked for him.
“Juanita, you remember Lily Weaver,” he said. “Please take care of her. I’m going to rest until our last guest arrives.”
Juanita nodded and held out her hand. “Welcome, Ms. Lily. Would you like something to eat or drink, or would you rather get settled in your suite first?”
“I’d like some hot tea, thank you.” She smiled at the short, plumpish woman with gratitude. “It’s been a long day.”
Juanita moved to the stove. “I’m glad you and Rose agreed to come so quickly. Alec needs you.”
Lily’s heart stopped and then spurted forward. “Rose? Rose Macklin?”
“Why, yes. Do you know her?” Juanita asked. She set a cup of hot water and a wooden box holding several assorted tea bags in front of her.
“I’ve heard of her. That’s all,” Lily answered. She knew Alec had dated Rose for six years, and they’d had broken up a year or so before she and Alec started dating. She’d always wondered if Alec had ever gotten over Rose, though it was he who’d ended things. Even now, she felt jealous of the relationship Rose had had with Alec.
“Alec said you were to choose which room you wanted. The Green Sage suite is already taken, but Blue Waters and the Sunshine ones are available.”
“Thank you. I’ll take the Sunshine suite.” Lily couldn’t remember each one, but she liked the idea of sunshine after living in the cold of the Northeast.
After she finished her tea, Lily followed Juanita to the room. True to its name, the walls were painted a bold golden yellow that didn’t overpower the heavy, dark wooden furniture with an antique, carved-wood appeal. The duvet cover was as colorful as the walls with a print of desert flowers and birds. It was, Lily decided, a room dedicated to optimism. She embraced the idea. No matter what was going on with Alec inviting two other women, she’d stick it out, do her best to make him happy.
CHAPTER THREE
WILLOW
For Willow Sanchez, coming home was always a bit difficult. She grew up both loving and resenting the Desert Sage Inn. Her parents had worked at the hotel for as long as she could remember and for Alec Thurston in his house for almost ten years. As Alec’s deceased wife's relatives, they were treated like family, though they took their jobs seriously. Alec had always treated her like a favorite niece and had encouraged her in everything she did. If he hadn’t taken her under his wing, taught her what he knew about the business, and helped her get into the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, she might be floundering, still wondering what to do with her life. Because she’d chosen to be trained in management, it was always a little awkward to see her parents in their positions. Neither one ever mentioned it to her, but she believed they found it a little uncomfortable too.
After receiving his letter, she’d talked to Alec about coming back. He’d been adamant that she was to return as someone who was from a management position and would stay in his house with the other two women he’d asked to come to the hotel.
At the airport, she smiled at the sight of her father, Pedro, holding up a card with her name on it. He beamed at her, and her heart filled with love for him. Both he and her mother, Juanita, were kind, gentle, caring people who were proud of their ability to do excellent work.
She waved and hurried to him, suddenly wanting to feel his arms around her.
“Welcome home, cariño,” he said, tugging her into an embrace. “Your mother is anxious to see you! It’s been too long since you’ve come home.”
She smiled. After hearing from so many students how fragmented their families were, she was well aware of how lucky she was. Her parents loved her. “I’m sorry. I should’ve come for the holidays, but I thought it was important to meet Jake’s family. Too bad it didn’t work out with him.” She would never tell her parents how appalled Jake’s snooty parents had been to learn the true status of her family. They thought of them as mere immigrants.
Her father took her arm, which shook off her memory of her horrible visit. “Come. I’ve got the car outside. Did you check any bags?”
“Yes. One big one. I didn’t know how long I’d be staying.” Her spirits drooped. “How’s Alec doing? He told me things didn’t look good, and Mom said he was really sick.”
Her father shook his head. “They’re not good. But other things are going on. I’m not sure what he’s doing, but I think it’s going to be important to you.”
Willow felt a shiver across her shoulders. She and her father shared an ability to see and sense things others did not.
They waited silently for her luggage, and, after retrieving it, they headed out to the car.
Willow opened the passenger door to sit up front with her father, but he shook his head. “No, Willow. I’ve been given strict instructions to treat you like the other ladies. You’re to sit in the back.”
“Dad, this is stupid.” Willow placed a hand on her hip. “What’s going on? What other ladies?”
“Like I said, I don’t know. Alec hasn’t given me any details. Let’s take it one step at a time. Please do as Alec requested.”
Willow reluctantly climbed into the backseat, uncertain what lay ahead. The thought of her personal hero dying filled her with sadness.
###
When they arrived at Alec’s house, her father turned to her from the driver’s seat. “Stay where you are. I’ll get the door for you.”
Willow frowned. “I’m perfectly capable of getting out of the car on my own.”
Her father held up a finger of caution. “Please. This is what Alec requested. He told me he didn’t want the other women to have any confusion about your status.”
Willow remembered other times Alec had talked to her about presenting herself in a confident way and nodded. She was a bright woman who’d been taught she could do anything she put her mind to as long as it didn’t hurt anyone else. That was a gift her mother and father had given her.
As he’d asked, she waited for her father to open the rear passenger door for her and stepped out of the car to face the luxurious house Alec called home, the place where her parents worked.
Alec opened the front door of the house and stood there, ready to greet her.
Suddenly, she felt like a child again facing him like this for the first time. Though instead of the flurry of heartbeats pulsing through her at the strong sense that he would play a large part in her life, her heart raced with concern to see how awful he looked. It had been over a year since she’d been home, and in that time, Alec had become a different person, bent and sick and weak. Tears sprang to her eyes.
“Welcome, Willow,” said Alec, smiling at her. “Thank you for coming.”
She ran to him and stood before him until he reached for her. Then she settled in his weak embrace. As lucky as she was to have Pedro for a father, she was further blessed to have this other father figure.
“Come inside. You’ll be staying in the Blue Waters suite. Pedro will bring in your luggage. After greeting your mother, I want you to meet with the two other women I’ve asked to come here. I’ll wait for you with them in the living room.”
Willow gave him a quizzical look, but he didn’t respond. She hurried into the kitchen, anxious to see her mother.
Upon seeing her, Juanita’s eyes filled, and she held out her arms.
Warmed by the sight of her, Willow hurried into her embrace. “I’m home for a while, Mami.
“I’m so happy to see you, but sorry it’s like this with our Alec sick.” Her mother hugged her tightly. “You’d better hurry into the living room. He’s waiting for you.” Her mother gave her one more squeeze before letting her go.
When Willow walked into the living room, two women were sitting there, observing her intently.
A tall, slender, beautiful redhead she remembered swept her gaze over her, neither approving nor condemning. She seemed to question her with a quizzical expression, and then a smile spread across her lovely features.
Sitting opposite the redhead on another couch, she recalled the younger woman with a pleasing face who studied her with a look of concern and clasped her hands.
Alec indicated the redhead with a wave of his hand. “So that everyone is acquainted or reacquainted, as the case may be, this is Rose Macklin.” He nodded to the pretty woman sitting opposite her. “And this is Lily Weaver, and, ladies ...” he put his arm around her, “this is Willow Sanchez, my protégé, whom I’m sure you both remember.”
