Page 29 of Tasty Cherry

Maybe I’ll even unpack.

But what if he wants me to leave?

I glance around the small apartment. The main room has a sofa and TV, a small dinette by a big window, and a kitchen. I open a few cabinets, noting the organized white dishes and shiny pans.

A door off the kitchen leads to a bedroom and a typical hotel bathroom. The cabinet below the sink is loaded with toilet paper, and two clean sets of bath and hand towels are on a silver rack by the white shower curtain.

Not a lot of personality, but definitely bright and clean.

I head back to the living room. The white paper stands out on the textured cushion. I let out a long breath. Time to see what he said.

My hands tremble as I unfold the creased page. It’s hotel stationery, with the crisp logo of the Castle Hotel in bright red at the top.

His handwriting is spidery but clear.

M—

There is nowhere easy to meet on site until you know your way around. Can you find your way back to Smiley’s bar? There is a cute Italian place across the road. I’ll be there from 7-8.

—S

I glance at the clock. It’s after four.

Three hours to kill until then, and I probably shouldn’t unpack.

But by the time I know my fate, it will be dark, and in the morning, I start work.

I remember what Bertie said. I’m in good hands.

Probably Sebastian wants to see where we stand. Surely he won’t kick me out. He was so friendly and easygoing.

Other than when he dunked my hair in dip.

I grab the end and give it a sniff.

Uggh. Sour cream and herbs.

I know what I’m doing before I go to dinner.

Washing my hair.

12

SEBASTIAN

Sitting alone at a table at Sicily’s is nerve-wracking.

It’s a good place, quiet, with only maybe twenty tables. It’s my sister’s favorite restaurant, so I know half the waiters. Two of them watch me with a mixture of bemusement and concern as I turn my water glass round and round.

At seven-fifteen, Bethany brings me a plate of bruschetta. “On the house.”

“Thanks.”

She hesitates. “She’ll come.”

How does she know it’s a she?

Maybe they think it’s my sister, even though we always come together.

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