Beach view lane, p.17
Beach View Lane, page 17
Heads swiveled to her in anticipation of an explanation. “Thank you for helping,” Junie said, grateful that Blue didn’t elaborate. She recalled how kind he’d been to help her mother into the house.
“Glad I could be of service,” Blue said in a deep voice that resonated with her. “I hope you’ll be happy here at the Majestic. She’s a lovely old place. Nothing like her.”
“I’m making a lot of changes in the gift shop. You should stop by.” As soon as she spoke, she regretted her words. What a silly thing to say.
Blue held her gaze a moment longer than necessary. “I will.” Touching his hand to his hat, he nodded to her and Whitley before leaving.
“He’s Crown Island’s finest,” Whitley said when Blue was out of earshot. “I never worry with Blue on the job. He’s seen a great deal of action, and we’re lucky to have him here. Today, he quickly diffused the situation, and we asked the husband to leave.”
“What happened?” Junie asked, intrigued.
“A guest called security on a couple in the next room. They’d been arguing, and the guest was concerned about the woman’s safety. When our security guard arrived, the man refused to open the door. He barricaded it, so that left us no choice but to call the police. We can’t risk the safety of our guests.”
Junie had never thought about that. She couldn’t help asking, “Has anything really bad ever happened?”
A couple of people at the tables looked down quickly, and Whitley sighed. “The Majestic is generally quite safe. But any hotel of this age has its storied past. I’m sure others will be all too happy to enlighten you.” He turned to the other employees and wagged a finger in warning. “Don’t frighten her.”
Junie made a face. “Now I’m scared.”
“Not to worry. Our security, or Blue, is a short call away if you ever need assistance.”
That thought was comforting. In fact, seeing Blue here—as much as he’d annoyed her the other night—was reassuring. She had a different insight into the officer. Whitley thought highly of him. Maybe she should, too.
18
“I feel ridiculous,” April whispered to Deb as they approached the line snaking around a trendy nightclub in Seattle called Blast. “I’m the same age as these kids’ parents. Last spring, I was a respected university history teacher, and now look at me.”
The club’s thumping music spilled outside, where a string of twenty-somethings with short skirts, tattoos, and vivid makeup were swaying to the beat and ready to party.
April shivered in the autumn night air. She’d forgotten her jacket—a clear indication she was accustomed to Crown Island, where it was still warm and sunny.
Turning to Deb, she asked, “Did we actually do this when we were younger?”
“Don’t you remember clubbing on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles?” Deb grinned. “I’m sure I have some incriminating old photos from the Roxy and the Rainbow. It was glam rock, big hair, and skin-tight jeans. That was so much fun.”
“I’ve blocked a lot of that from my memory bank.”
“Trust me, you had a great time. The Whisky A Go Go really rocked. We used to wear strappy tops with jeans and high heels. Remember all those sequins and retro crocheted hippie stuff we found at thrift shops? We thought we were so cool. Just like these kids.”
“You still fit right in.” Deb had poured herself into one of Olga’s skinny strap dresses without remorse, but April couldn’t bear touching anything belonging to that woman.
Deb let her gaze run over April’s outfit, which she’d fashioned from one of April’s old denim dresses she was leaving behind anyway. Deb had taken scissors to the skirt and sleeves, and now she felt like one of her students.
This was a mistake. April felt silly and out of place. “I wish we could’ve caught up with Maileah at her apartment.”
They had tried, but a neighbor said Maileah had been away for several weeks—and she’d been seeing someone new. That news struck April hard because she didn’t even know who her daughter was dating. For all intents and purposes, they were living together.
Even though Maileah was a grown woman, April still wanted to know she was safe. That was only being smart and cautious.
Although the worrisome feeling still churned within her, April was having second thoughts about barging into her daughter’s personal life. “Maileah will be mortified to see me here, especially in this costume. I should keep trying to reach her on her phone.”
“You can’t. She’s dodging you. I vote for the element of surprise. This might be your last chance to see her for a while. If your gut is telling you something could be wrong, listen to that. Your mom instincts are good.” Deb pushed up a pair of tinted sunglasses on her nose.
“Do you need those?
“They’re good for hiding my lines,” Deb replied. “I’ve been watching that doorman. He’s choosy, and we have to get in.”
April scanned the line. “Maileah might be waiting in line. Let’s look for her.”
As they strolled along the queue of bright young things in barely-there club wear, clouds of designer perfume and men’s cologne wafted into the air. When a light rain began to fall, hoods went up, and umbrellas unfurled.
Just then, April grabbed Deb’s arm. “I see Maileah. She’s going in now.”
“Let’s go.”
“Wait. If I run up there, I’ll only alienate her.”
Discomfort tightened April’s shoulders. Her daughter was with a group of other young women. A muscular man with multiple piercings and an attitude to match had a burly tattooed arm wrapped around her. Who was this guy? He didn’t look like her daughter’s type. With his haughty attitude, he looked like he could be dangerous.
Her senses went on full alert.
April wasn’t out of touch. She had taught plenty of intelligent students who had all sorts of tattoos, piercings, and multicolored hair. Youth styles were about rebellion, being cool, or emulating their favorite singers. But this guy had a menacing look about him.
April rubbed her neck, irritated that she didn’t know much about Maileah’s life anymore. Yet, she desperately wanted to talk to her and make sure she was safe.
April chewed her lip as she considered her options. “I can’t embarrass her, especially dressed like this. Just look at me. A middle-aged woman masquerading as a young hipster. What was I thinking?”
Deb threw her a look. “You had me squeeze into this designer costume, and now you’re backing out?”
“That was your choice.” April was drained from the day’s ordeal of flying to Seattle and sorting out her belongings with movers. Not to mention the shock of discovering her husband’s girlfriend in her private quarters.
April turned away from the line. “My relationship with her is tense enough. If I flounce in there in this get-up, I’ll destroy whatever speck of trust might remain between us. She’s old enough to do what she wants. I guess I should grant her that freedom and back off.”
The prospect of losing her daughter was almost physically painful. If Maileah was making a mistake, April hoped she would come out safe and learn from it. This is where she needed Calvin’s help, but he’d be more likely to encourage Maileah’s behavior.
A rain cloud swept overhead, pelting them with fat droplets. They’d forgotten an umbrella. Rain splashed April’s face. Brushing it away, she pulled her phone from her purse. “That’s it. I’m calling an Uber.”
Deb caught her arm. “You’re right about one thing—you shouldn’t go in there. But I can. I’m just her eccentric Aunt Deb—or whatever she wants to call me. An old friend.”
“Very old friend. No one here looks over thirty.” Even Maileah was looked like a twenty-year-old with a short leather skirt slit high to the hip and a plunging top.
Deb turned a compassionate gaze on her. “Let me try to bring her out. You can talk here.”
“I don’t have a good feeling about this anymore.”
“That’s why we’re here. And you’re right to be concerned.” Deb backed away. “Find an awning or share someone’s umbrella. I’ll be back with Maileah, I promise.”
April watched Deb charge toward a group near the front of the line. She brushed away tears of gratitude mixed with rain. Deb was so much more than a friend; she was the sister she’d never had. They looked out for each other. April had taken countless middle-of-the-night calls from Deb, despondent over her latest breakup. To have her best friend sticking up for her now meant more than April could put into words.
Thunder cracked, sending bolts of lightning flashing through the blackened sky. She hugged her arms around her torso, folding in on herself.
At that moment, all April wanted was to go home. Except she didn’t even have that anymore. At her age, she never thought she’d be living in her old room at her mother’s home. She’d thought that would be temporary, but now, her life was in shambles.
She couldn’t afford a home until the house in Seattle sold, and Calvin was likely to fight her. Without a regular job and paycheck, she couldn’t even qualify for a rental.
She was far too old for this. If not for her mother, she’d be in real trouble.
A pair of young women motioned to her. “Hey, you’re getting wet. We’ll share our umbrellas.”
April hurried toward the two women, who looked about college-age. “Thanks,” she said, shivering.
One of them checked out April’s ripped denim outfit. “Cool dress. Vintage, right?” Then she peered closer, and her mouth opened in surprise. “Oh, my gosh. Professor Raines?”
The courtesy title was commonly used, but that struck a nerve. “I was a lecturer at the university. Were you in one of my classes?”
The two young women nodded. “We had you for World History last semester. I’m Hailey, and this is Jordan. We always thought you had such a great name. April Raines. I can’t believe you’re here.”
April nodded. “I’m kind of out of place, aren’t I?”
While they grinned at that, April recalled Calvin’s issue with her professional use of her maiden name. That had been another source of contention. April had always liked her name. Even if it was a weather description, it was memorable. The real reason was she didn’t want her relationship with Calvin to be so apparent at the university. She preferred being recognized for her work, not her husband.
April smiled at the two young women. “I remember you two. You always sat near the door. I hope I gave you a good grade.”
They giggled again. “You did, thanks. And you made history sound interesting.”
April had heard that before, but she always appreciated it. “That’s because I believe it is.” She arched an eyebrow at them. “Are you two even old enough to drink?”
The pair grinned sheepishly. “Our IDs say we are,” Jordan said. “You won’t give us away, will you? I only have a couple of weeks to go. Besides, my older brother is in there, and he looks out for us. Especially Hailey.” She jabbed her girlfriend, and they exchanged a private look.
Just like she and Deb used to do.
“I won’t say a word.” April pressed a finger to her lips.
Hailey glanced shyly at her from beneath her thick false eyelashes. “We’re surprised you know about this club. Or like the music.”
April leaned in to confide in them. “It’s fun for you, but I have to admit I’m not crazy about it. I’m here because my daughter is in there. We’re having a…family emergency.”
Jordan’s eyes widened. “I hope no one is hurt.”
“Thankfully, no. It’s a different kind of emergency.”
The two girls nodded.
“Whatever it is, I hope it works out,” Hailey said. “You were one of the coolest teachers we’ve had. I had a conversation with my parents about one of your lectures. The one about the French Revolution. They listened to me like I was an adult for a change. I remember you said, ‘those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’”
April was pleased Hailey had retained that. “Santayana said that line, and Churchill also used it, along with a few others. History is a touchstone among people. It must not be forgotten.”
“I was surprised how much I liked the subject,” Hailey said. “I’m thinking of changing my major. Do you teach advanced history classes?”
April would have enjoyed teaching Hailey and Jordan again. “Unfortunately, I’m no longer teaching at the university.”
Uttering those words was painful. At heart, she was an educator and a historian. That was all she had ever wanted to do. Without that, who was she?
“That’s too bad,” Jordan said. “I gave you a good review and told my friends to take your class.”
“I appreciate that,” April said. “That means a lot to me, especially now.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ve started a historical society on Crown Island. You should visit sometime if you like sun, beaches, and history. The Majestic Hotel is a treat to stay in.”
“I’ve been there with my parents,” Jordan said, her eyes widening. “I love that hotel.”
A tiny voice nagged at her. Could she really make a go of the historical society to offset her income as a lecturer? Not that she was paid nearly as much as Calvin.
Just then, Deb emerged with Maileah, and they hurried through the quickening rain toward April. “There’s my daughter now. But I’m so glad we ran into each other. Have fun and stay out of trouble tonight.”
April ducked out from under the umbrella.
“Wait, take this.” Hailey handed her the red plaid umbrella she held. “I found it anyway.”
“That’s very kind of you.” She held out the umbrella to Deb and Maileah.
As usual, Maileah had a scowl on her face. Her arms were crossed over her short black outfit that fit her like a band-aid.
She looked April up and down, clearly disgusted with her attempt at blending in. “What do you want?”
“Did you get my messages?”
Maileah shrugged. “I don’t have time for your pity party, Mom.”
“Fair enough, but I’m doing just fine. Deb helped me arrange my move from the house today.”
“Yeah.” Maileah rolled her eyes. “I heard.”
April tried again. “I wanted to see you before I left because I don’t know when we’ll have another chance. We’ll have to work out the holidays.”
“I’m staying here. I already made plans with Hawk.” Before April could ask, she said, “You don’t know him.”
“I’d like to. How did you meet him?”
Maileah’s eyes darted to one side. “Somewhere. He’s just a guy I met, okay?”
Her daughter wasn’t giving her any consideration tonight. “I know you don’t think much of me right now, but if you need anything, I am always here for you.”
“On Crown Island?” Maileah sneered.
“Whatever you need, how’s that? We always have room.”
“Don’t expect me to run over there. I have a life here, Mom.”
“I realize that.” April yearned to say more, but Maileah’s mind was closed to her. “I just wanted you to know that I love you. And if there’s anything at all—”
“Yeah, yeah. I gotta go back inside.”
April stepped toward her for an awkward hug. “Love you, kiddo.”
“Mom, really.” Maileah squirmed out of her embrace. She started back toward the club.
Deb put her arm around April. “We did all we could do. At least she knows you love her.”
With a long sigh, April rested her head on Deb’s shoulder. “Thanks for that. What was Hawk like?”
“Full of himself. You know the type. Nothing he did would surprise me. He had the audacity to watch us from the door as if he couldn’t trust me.” Deb hesitated, suddenly appearing reluctant. “And I should probably tell you that—”
“Maileah, wait up.” An impossibly long, bare leg with a jeweled stiletto reached out from a black car that had pulled up in front of the club. A tall, familiar blond woman emerged.
Her daughter spun around.
“Olga?” April was shocked they were that friendly.
At that, Olga whirled around. “You two again—you’re following me.”
Deb laughed. “We were here first, toots.”
“What is ‘toots?’” Her horrified gaze took in Deb’s dress. “Is that mine? Why, you—”
“Ignore them,” Maileah said, tugging the Russian woman’s hand. “Come on, everyone’s waiting for you.” She threw a look at April. “Dad got here early and has a table for us.”
“But she has my dress,” Olga cried. “It is Versace.”
Deb shrugged. “Guess he made more than one.”
“We’re through here.” April slid her arm through Deb’s, and they hurried down the street. When they were far enough away, she stopped under an awning. “You didn’t tell me Calvin was in there.”
Deb’s face fell, and she clasped April’s hand. “I was about to.” She opened her arms. “Come here, you.”
April collapsed into her friend’s arms. “Thank you for helping me with this disaster here.”
“It’s a mess, alright. You’ve done the best you could. And you’re going to do much better from here on.”
“I’m still so worried about Maileah.”
“At least Calvin is in there to look after her.”
“I suppose.” That was only a little comforting. “Let’s go. Our reservation at the Four Seasons is waiting for us.”
And after that, the rest of her life. Whether she was ready or not.
19
The next few days passed in a blur for Ryan. His renovation plan for the Majestic was taking shape, and he’d hired a general contractor. Work would commence in phases, beginning with roof repair, windows, and exterior painting. Other trades would tend to the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems inside. He planned to roll the renovation across the hotel during the slow winter season and finish by spring with a fresh look.
As he sat in his office finalizing the contract for the renovation, his thoughts turned to how he could broadcast the changes underway to the hotel’s most important clientele. While the VIP reception was a start, the hotel needed a multipronged campaign.
