“How did you–” He cut himself off when recognition hit her. “I’m so sorry. I blocked your path, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but to your credit, you did move aside immediately.”
“That was not my best moment. I’d make an excuse, but I’ll say I was operating out of shock and plead your forgiveness.”
The lady laughed. “You’re forgiven though there’s not much to forgive. I’m sorry you were deceived.”
“Now that I’ve accepted the situation, I don’t mind as much. I’ve decided to make the best of this week and enjoy it to the fullest.”
“Great plan. I’m Cece, by the way. Anya is the lady who was with me.”
“Nice to meet you.” The elevator dinged. How long had the doors been open? He stepped out after her, following the sign to his room.
Cece stopped at the room before his, assuming the numerical order continued. “This is me.”
“Looks like we’ll be neighbors for the week.” He pointed to the next door. “That should be me.”
“Nice. If I hear any yelling, should I assume your boss pulled another fast one?”
He chuckled. “After today, I wouldn’t put it past him, but no more yelling.”
“I’m glad.” She unlocked her door, hesitated, then turned to him. “Would you like to join Anya and I for dinner?”
He froze. Other than business lunches and dinners, he hadn’t dined socially since before Crystal’s passing.
His face must have reflected his fears in some form.
“Don’t worry,” she assured him. “It wasn’t a come on or anything like that. Simply one guest extending a friendly invitation to another.”
“Let me think about it,” he answered. “I’d like to find my bearings and go through my welcome packet. I’m still adjusting to the idea of a vacation in a place I knew little about.”
“Understandable. What if I pop over in forty-five minutes to check in, no pressure. If you want to join, awesome. If not, equally awesome.”
Her laidback demeanor put him at ease, and the possibility of dining with her didn’t sound terrible. “Perfect. I’ll have an answer for you then.”
Chapter Five
“This place is amazing,” Cece said, sprawled out on the softest bed she’d ever laid in, holding the phone to her ear. “It’s like I’ve stepped back in time while having all the comforts of the modern day.”
“Aren’t you glad I made you go?” Rachel teased.
“I’ve only been in Finlovia for three hours, but I’m definitely seeing the promise of an incredible vacation.”
“Tell me about the castle? What does your room look like?”
Cece sat up and stared around the room, still in awe of its beauty and elegance. “Unlike anything I’ve ever seen in person. Elegant cream and gray damask wallpaper cover the walls. The window treatments are the most exquisite gold brocade fabric I’ve ever seen.”
Rachel sighed. “I’m drooling.”
“Wait until I tell you about the furniture. Hold on, I’ll put you on video so you can see for yourself.” She held the phone away from her after switching to a video call. “Can you see?”
“That gold upholstered footbed bench is divine. I can picture royal guests from yesteryear sitting there while their lady’s maid helped them prepare for the ball.” The wide-eyed expression on Rachel’s face came through clearly on the video call. “You have your own fireplace? How cool is that.”
“I don’t know if it’s functional. Probably not for liability reasons.”
“Don’t be a fun sucker.”
“I can see you roll your eyes. This video works both ways.”
