“No, not really. We’re very different people,” I answer honestly. “And her husband is a jerk.”
“Oh, thank God,” the woman admits, letting out a long exhale. “I worried I’d put my foot in it. I’m Arianna, by the way.”
“Hi, I’m Audrey.”
“How did you hear about Everlasting?” she asks, as she types something on her computer.
“A friend had great things to say about it. I think her husband used to play hockey with someone who worked here?”
Arianna beams. “That’s my brother, Luca! Our family owns the hotel. Which of his old teammates?”
“Jax Mitchell?”
“Ahh. You’re friends with his amazing wife Becca, then.”
“Sort of. We were introduced by a mutual friend … actually, no longer mutual. We were introduced by someone no longerpart of my life because he’s a lying, cheating asshole and I hope his life on the football field is paved with only green LEGOS,” I state, not realizing my voice has risen remarkably quickly.
“Okay,” Arianna says hesitantly. “And you’re here to avoid him?”
I nod sullenly.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No. Well, yes. No. Not now. Maybe later. I don’t know?” I say, my tone as confused as me.
Arianna laughs. “I get it. Men are complicated. Give me your number, and we can touch base once you’re settled. I can give you the lay of the land and tell you which places to avoid in town.”
I rattle off my number, surprised at how quickly Arianna has gone from a nobody to a potential friend. “Okay.”
“Check your phone. Did the text go through?” she asks.
“My phone is off. I didn’t want to talk to … anyone,” I admit.
“Right. Well, I’m here until six, so if you need anything, call down.”
“Are you always at the concierge desk?” I inquire.
Arianna smiles. “No. I’m hardly ever up here, but the concierge we’ve had for years needed the day off. I said I’d fill in. I oversee the spa and hot springs, but in all honesty, I’m mostly home with my kids.”
“How many kids?”
“Four.”
“Four!” I shout incredulously. Jesus, I need to work on my volume level.
“The last one was a buy one, get one free sale, so I said fine. What’s one more when you’re already outnumbered anyway?”
“Buy one, get one free?” I stare at her, confused, until it makes sense. “Oh. Twins.”
Arianna giggles. “Yeah. I have three girls, and one boy.”
“Sounds like your house is full.”
“It is,” she answers cheerfully. “Full of toys, noise, and chaos.”
I sigh. “And love, laughter, and family.”
Arianna tilts her head to the side as she studies me. “Oh, girl. We’re definitely having drinks this week. You’ll fit right in with my sisters and sisters-in-law.”
