Page 18 of The Reason I Married Him
Ethel’s eyes widen. “W.J. Preston? You can’t be serious.”
I nod. “Yup, that would be me.”
“Oh my goodness,” she says as she moves around the check-in desk and closes the space between us. “I love your books. I have them right over here.” She brings me to a seating area in the inn with a fireplace and bookshelves lining the wall. She points at the section, and sure enough, there are my books.
“That’s so cool,” I say.
“Well, we need to have a book signing while you’re here. Don’t worry, I’ll set it up with Judy over at Pieces and Pages. Depending on how fast we can get your books in, it can be part of the End of Summer Jubilee.” She presses her hands together. “We can have a booth for you. Oh please, I hope you stay longer. This would be so special for the town.”
“Well, if everything goes well with the Rowleys, I plan on staying much longer.”
She smiles brightly, pressing her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to help you in any way.”
And that is how it’s done.
I thought it might take a bit more, but I have no shame in throwing my author name around to gain what I need.
“Thank you, Ethel, I really appreciate it. And hey, can’t wait to see you singing on stage. It will be a highlight for sure.”
She clears her throat and stands an inch taller. “Well, now that I know we’ll have another celebrity in the crowd, I best up my practicing schedule.”
“Doubt you would need to practice at all. I bet you sing just as beautifully without a warmed-up voice.”
“You are such a sweetheart.” She taps my shoulder, and we move back to reception, where I gather my things. “One day, while you’re here, I would like you to sign some of my books, but I won’t bother you now. I’m sure you want to get settled.”
“Yeah, I’m a bit tired from traveling, but I promise I won’t leave without signing your collection.”
“Thank you.” She winks. “Good luck with the Rowleys. I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you.”
“Thanks, Ethel.”
Key in hand, I walk over to the stairs, hoisting my large suitcase up the steps while my overstuffed backpack hangs on my shoulders.
Yup, really feeling out of shape.
Job number one while being here—execute my plan.
Job number two—get back into shape because, Christ, I shouldn’t be out of breath carrying my suitcase up the stairs. Luckily for me, the inn has a gym. Ethel told me all about it. She says no one is ever in there, but she made sure to have one so she didn’t get any negative online reviews. She then gave me a smooth once-over and said she was sure I would be using it.
It might look like I have muscles, but they’re pretty much for show right now.
Once I get to the top of the stairs, I wheel my luggage down the wooden floors padded by a red-and-gold runner to the end of the hall where I’ll be staying in the corner suite.
When I open the door, I’m pleasantly surprised by the large space and beautiful view of the coast.Okay, Ethel, you’re not fucking around.
The room is large enough for a four-poster king-sized bed, a sitting area near the window, a desk and chair, and an accompanying bathroom decked out in tile and brass fixtures. The bedroom walls are a soft taupe, while the bedding and curtains are a vibrant red with gold and greens sewn throughout the fabric. On either nightstand are bedside lamps and, to my surprise, outlets to charge your phone. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves when staying in hotels—there’s nowhere to charge your phone.
The floors are original hardwood—at least that’s what it looks like—but a large taupe area rug spans nearly the whole surface, giving you that cozy feel. And of course, the scattered pictures of Almond Bay on the walls give guests a sense of community. I didn’t know what to expect when I booked a stay here at Five Six Seven Eight. Small-town inns can sometimes be questionable, but this is really nice.
I roll my bag over to the dresser and set my backpack on the desk. I can unpack later. Right now, I have one thing to do, and that’s make myself known to the Rowleys. Yes, I have an agenda and don’t want them finding out through the grapevine that I’m here. But I’m actually keen to see my former sister-in-law and brother’s home. Their beautiful little girl. It’s been a few years since we lost him, and there are still grief-stricken days when I go to call him, even if just to shoot the shit.And then I feelhis loss all over again.To think that the Rowleys lost not only Clarke but also Cassidy breaks my heart.
I want to show up unannounced, though, to win them over and give them my condolences. Cassidy was an amazing woman.
Fingers crossed, they welcome me with open arms.
But with my luck, they won’t be too happy to see me.Plans have more than one strategy, of course.
I open my suitcase and pull out the gifts I brought with me.
