Page 109 of Embracing Trust

“Enjoy your stay, Ms. Crandall.”

“Thank you. I will.” I follow the bellhop around the corner and again, I’m in awe as I spot my next visual pleasure—antique, ornate, iron birdcage elevators.

The old-fashioned lift carries us one flight to my floor. The bellhop opens the cage-style door, motions me out, and again, I’m awed by the view. There’s a balcony around the perimeter of the floor that overlooks the first floor.

When the bellhop opens the door to my room, it’s not really a room at all. It’s a large guest suite with a brown leather couch, loveseat, and ottoman. I’m certainly no world traveler, but I’ve stayed in some nice hotels throughout my years of travel, but nothing like this.

The bellhop leaves my luggage in the entryway. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, thank you. This is wonderful.” I reach into my bag and hand him a tip.

He leaves my room and closes the door on his way out.

I drop my purse next to my suitcase to explore the rest of my suite. Three steps down and I’m in the bedroom. Beautiful. A king-sized bed with a white plush spread and oversized white decorator pillows. I pull open the curtain and the room floods with afternoon sunshine and the most beautiful view of downtown Denver. I’m surrounded by a city landscape—so different than my ocean view, but a nice change.

I take a peek into the bathroom. A large glass shower, separate soaking tub, and vanity large enough for me and at least three friends to use at the same thing.

Although this is spectacular and more than I could’ve ever dreamed, it still feels bittersweet—like something is missing.

***

Not my usual attire for dress-up tonight. No black pants and black flats.

I step into the new tea-length dress and I’m more in love with the garment than I was when I bought it a week ago. The push-up bra makes the black, tight-fitting bodice of this dress look like I have something on top worth bragging about. Black is my color. I chuckle as I admire a side view in the full-length mirror.

Lookin’ good.

The bottom half of the dress is full, with a silky skirt and layered with gold lace and sparkles. I slip on the black pumps and take a few practice walks around my suite. I’m especially careful as I navigate the stairs.

It takes extra time, but I pin my hair up instead of wearing it down, and I leave a few loose tendrils around my face.

I receive a text that my chauffeur is waiting in the hotel’s lobby. My heart pounds and I take a deep breath willing it to slow down.

How soon until I turn into a pumpkin?

When I arrive in the lobby, a gentleman dressed in a black suit is standing near the door. I chuckle when I see he’s holding up a sign with my name on it.

What service.

“Miss Crandall?” he asks as I approach him.

“Yes. I’m Julia Crandall.”

“My name is Ernest. I’ll be your driver for the Hollingsworth Manor event this evening. Please follow me.”

I follow Ernest out the front doors of the hotel and he opens the car door of a black sedan. I slide in and soak into the black leather seats.

A girl could get used to this.

Although I feel like checking for a sunroof and launching myself out the top to holler my excitement to the city of Denver, I decide against it. Instead, I pull the compact out of my small gold jeweled bag and check my makeup. I’m thankful for the lesson from Merilee for the smoky eyeshadow. She’s an expert at it and she showed me a few tricks. I nailed it and my eyes stand out with the eyeshadow and mascara.

I grab my phone and send a quick text to Merilee.

Julia: On my way to the event. Chauffeured car with a driver.

Merilee: Cool. So sophisticated.

Julia: Yep. And there’s a sunroof. Thought about popping my head out.

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