Page 117 of Never and Always
“So, I’m making plans to renovate the back office areas,” I announced.
Tessa smiled and Sierra clapped.
“Brilliant idea,” Allie said.
“It’s essentially going to be a head office for us with Ro, Caden, and I here a lot of the time. Plus, I want a window. Tessa, you and Jazz need more space. And Sierra, your office is barely more than a closet.”
“I’m aware,” she said. “I mean, it’s cute in a way.”
I rolled my eyes. Only Sierra could find anything good about her tiny office.
“Anyway, plans are rolling. I just need to run it all past Ro.” I held up the paint samples. “But I figured we could have a little fun and pick out some paint colors.”
Allie cocked a hip. “You mean you aren’t picking some bland color scheme that’s suitable for Langston Hotel standards?”
I pulled a face at her. “No. I figured we could all pick whatever we liked.”
Allie looked at the others. “Wow, I guess Windward really has rubbed off on our city girl.”
“Pretty sure it’s Everett’s rubbing that made the difference,” Sierra said.
I poked my tongue out at them. We all grabbed at the samples, debating and picking what we liked.
“Right, I need to change, then go and check the set up for the games night we’re running in the great room this evening.” Sierra opened her locker.
The scent of chocolatey deliciousness filled the locker room.
“God, what is that amazing smell?” Tessa said.
Sierra hesitated, then pulled out a perfect cupcake from her locker. It was chocolate, nestled in bronze paper, and topped with an elegant swirl of chocolate frosting.
“Ooh, where is that from?” I asked.
“Nowhere.” Sierra blushed, shed her puffer jacket, and then snatched up the cupcake. “See you later.” She hurried out, cradling the cake like it was precious.
I turned to the others. “What was that all about?”
“Well,” Allie said. “Our girl has been finding beautiful, delicious baked desserts in her locker for the last week.”
“Really?”
“Yep,” Allie confirmed. “She’s rather cagey about.”
“There is only one person in this hotel capable of making those things,” Tessa said.
I blinked. “Chef Harden?” I blinked again. “The grumpiest, rudest man in the hotel is leaving cupcakes for the most athletic, sunshiny person in the hotel.”
We all pondered that, and failed to make it compute, before Allie’s radio squawked.
“Duty calls,” Allie said. “Later.”
“I have a meeting,” Tessa said.
“I want to catch Everett.”
My friends grinned.
“I bet you do,” Allie said.
