I guess these guys got wise to what I was doing. They turned off after a few blocks.
I made a few twists and turns and circled around before heading back to the Seven Seas. Again, I parked at the entrance under the carport and told the valet I'd be back in short order. I hustled across the lobby, past the waterfall, past the baby grand piano, to the elevators and bolted up to the fourth floor. Positive I wasn't followed, I still kept a wary eye on my surroundings.
"It's me," I said when I knocked on the door.
Footsteps shuffled down the foyer a moment later, and Paisley peeked through the peephole. She unlatched the deadbolt and pulled the door open with a relieved look. She backed away, and I wheeled the suitcase inside and set it on a stand.
"Were you able to get everything?”
"Mostly?”
"Did you feed the fish?”
I grumbled to myself. "No. I forgot. Sorry. I was distracted.”
Her eyes flared, and her jaw tensed.
"I will do it on my way home.”
"Promise?”
I laughed. "I promise.”
Paisley took the opportunity to rummage through her suitcase and make sure I got everything she needed. She seemed reasonably pleased. “Where’s my dress?”
I gave her a look.
“Okay, okay. I won’t leave the room. I’ll have no social life.”
“It’s better than no life.” I gave her my card and told her, "Call me anytime, day or night.”
She nodded.
"Don't draw attention to yourself.”
"I won't.”
I gave her a skeptical look.
"I promise!"
"No beach, no pool.”
She frowned at me. "You’re no fun.”
“I’m plenty of fun. I'm just trying to keep you alive.”
Paisley sighed. "I know. I just can't believe this is happening to me.”
"Be glad you didn't get shot in the face.”
She cringed. "Did you find out any more about that guy?”
I shook my head.
We said our goodbyes, and I headed back down to the lobby. I had half a mind to stop in and listen to Elana’s lecture.
When the elevator opened on the first floor, curiosity got the best of me. I walked down the hallway to the CoconutBallroom. With a gentle touch, I pulled open the door and peered inside. It was full of CEO types in suits, listening intently to the gorgeous redhead pontificate about high-stress group dynamics and strategies to improve cohesion and productivity in an office environment.
