Normally, I wouldn’t agree to something like this. But after my call with Viv, where she both scolded and supported me, this feels like a solid decision. She’s always telling me to take more chances. Plus, I’m hoping Holland and I might have time to talk.
I wait for him in the lobby and Bea approaches me.
“Ivy. I heard about yesterday.” She spins me around and pulls me into a tight embrace. “I’m sorry. I never liked Royce and am happy he’s not allowed back.” She rocks us back and forth.
“Thanks, Bea. I’m alright. It’s fine.” I try to reassure her.
“No, it’s not fine. Don’t give behavior like that a pass. Ever.” She’s stern but still full of compassion. She’s wearing a velvet headband adorned with small faux flowers. It looks like her very own garden.
“You’re right,” I say as I look at her. She looks at my bag but doesn’t bring it up. I’m not sure if she knows I’m going to be at Holland’s.
“We got new chocolate today,” she says as she points to the gift shop. “Go see if anything catches your eye. I’ll keep an eye out for Holland.”
Well, she knows enough. Or she’s assuming.
I browse the chocolate selection and my mouth waters. I walk out with a pineapple hazelnut milk chocolate. Maybe I’ll use it for s’mores later.
Bea says she’ll charge it to the room but we both know that’s a lie.
Holland is waiting in the lobby when I get back.
“You good?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
And I mean it.
The air is crisp enough to turn the tip of your nose and cheeks red. It’s ideal s’mores weather. And I can’t remember the last time I made a s’more.
The thought of being around a fire when the air is as cool as it is, seems like a wonderful way to spend an evening. I borrowed a scarf from Holland as the only one I had was from Royce’s company and there was no way I was wearing it. Petty or not, I couldn’t do it.
The three of us walk out to the outdoor seating area.
“Oh, Ivy. You’re going to love this!” Bea exclaims. She stands behind a table where staff is working, leaving Holland and I on the other side.
“Here’s a tray for your s’mores goodies. You can pick out whatever you’d like and come back if you need more. There’s also mulled wine and hot chocolate.” She points to a table in the corner with labeled drinks.
I’ve been to a ton of fancy hotels and never once did they offer up something like this. I hate to admit it, but I’ve been missing out.
The spread is over-the-top and it’s what dreams are made of. There’s different types of graham crackers and cookies, plus different flavors of marshmallows. The best part is the chocolate selection. There are probably twenty different types of chocolate bars and brownies… all in the name of s’mores.
“Oh wow!” It’s all I can muster. “I don’t know how to choose.” I’m almost in a daze.
“I’m not picky. Grab some options and we’ll share,” Holland says, like the saint he is. “Do you want hot chocolate or mulled wine?”
“I’ll try the wine,” I reply as Holland leaves me to deliberate our s’mores supplies.
“What a guy,” Bea says as soon as Holland is out of earshot.
What a guy is right. I watch as he gets our drinks. He’s wearing a gray quarter zip, a black puffy vest that calls me to fall into it, and these sort of athleisure black pants. Usually, I find men in suits the most attractive. Not tonight.
I’ve decided to try to go with whatever happens tonight. I know Holland and I will need to address our argument eventually, but not now.
While I grab chocolate bars and see Holland filling cups with mulled wine, I’m hit with a wave of gratitude. It’s not the first time this has happened, even just today. I think about the space Holland has given up and made for me in the last few days. My heart squeezes.
I realize I’m staring at him when he turns and looks for me. When he makes eye contact, he flashes a knowing look. One that says, “Caught you.”
The lodge has outdone itself. I shouldn’t be surprised since all the events have hit the mark. Tonight, fire pits and tables are arranged with different types of sitting areas, all equipped with blankets and throw pillows. Lanterns guide guests to different areas around the grounds.
