Page 14 of Cross My Heart

“We’ll have to stick together,” Aiden said as he looked up at the sky where a million stars shone.

We were quiet for a few minutes, both lost in our thoughts.

Finally, I asked, “How are things going with the inn?”

“I feel like I’m barely holding my head above water some days. The tasks are endless, and then I’m constantly being interrupted by the phone or a guest that needs to check in, or there’s a problem with the room.”

I could tell him to hire someone, but he’d already said that wasn’t possible. “You want me to take a look at things? I used to oversee the running of the hotels. I’d fly to the location, evaluate how everything was run, and make recommendations for improvements. My boss loved to cut costs, so that was a big part of the equation. I’m used to being cautious with my advice.”

“You would do that? Aren’t you supposed to be on a break?”

I sighed. “I need to keep busy, or I’m going to go crazy.”

“I can show you around tomorrow. We’re heading into the busiest part of the holiday season, and Marley has all these ideas. Maybe you can help me sort through them, figure out which ones could work and which ones won’t.”

“I’d love to.”

“She wants to show old holiday movies in the great room.”

I smiled. “I kind of love that idea. The black-and-white versions?”

“I guess so.”

“That seems like an easy offering. You play the movie and serve popcorn and drinks?”

“Do we have enough seating to accommodate everyone? Will anyone be interested in attending? I’m also wondering if we should renovate the old movie theater in the basement.”

I shifted on the bench, remembering how we’d sneak into the back and make out while the movie ran in the background. “I have so many good memories of that place.”

“Gram used it at some point, but when the projector broke, she never replaced it.”

“How neat would it be to open it up again?” I asked, excitement shooting through me.

“No one’s been in that room in years. It would need a lot of work. I’m not even sure it’s possible to make it what you’re envisioning.”

I closed my eyes. “I’m thinking of red velvet chairs, a large movie screen, and black-and-white holiday movies. I can practically smell the popcorn.”

“I’ll show it to you tomorrow. Then we can go from there. But in the meantime, I’d like to see if it’s possible to show the movies in the great room.”

“I’d love to help.” For the first time since I realized I wasn’t getting the promotion, I felt excitement. I hadn’t felt that with my job. For so long, I was held back by red tape, money concerns, and others who didn’t have the same vision that I did. Not that Aiden would necessarily be different. But there were less people involved. It was just Aiden and Marley. I had a feeling they’d be motivated by what their guests would enjoy. I’d be limited by whatever their budget was, but I hoped we could reopen the theater.

“I appreciate you taking your time to look at it. I know you’re here to reconnect with your family. I feel bad putting you to work.”

I rested my hand on his thigh. “Don’t be. I haven’t been this excited about something in a long time. But I need to get to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Aiden stood and held his hand out to me. “I’ll walk you back.”

I placed my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm. My heart contracted as he closed his hand over mine. It felt like old times when we’d walk holding hands. I hadn’t cared where we were, only that we were together. I’d felt his love even if we couldn’t show it in public. “I love the holiday decorations. They make the place warm and inviting.”

“We advertise that we’re next to a Christmas tree farm, so Marley insists on trees on every floor. I think she’d prefer trees in every room.”

“You could offer that as an additional service. For extra money, you get a decorated room.”

Aiden chuckled. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“I’m used to working with a large hotel chain. We were constrained by bureaucracy and a modern decor. But here?” I nodded toward the grand porch. “We have so many possibilities.”

We headed inside, and he stopped when we reached my door.

---