Page 85 of Something Borrowed

“Okay, reception is directly in front of us.”

He nods and sweeps his cane along the floor as we walk towards the huge marble desk that serves as a welcome point.

The receptionist puts down the phone and greets us with a welcoming smile.

“Hi, I’m Rafferty Kendrick, and this is Stan Mortimer. I gather you’re expecting us?”

Her smile widens. “We are indeed. You’re the wedding planner for the Cooper-Salisbury ceremony?” I nod, and she turns to Stan. “And you’re the best man, Mister Mortimer?”

He smiles. “Please call me Stan.”

“Lovely. Leo rang yesterday and informed us that you were coming earlier than expected.”

“I hope we haven’t put you to any trouble,” Stan says, his face troubled.

“No, not at all.” She turns to me. “I understand you have things to discuss with Mister Doukas, the hotel manager.”

I reach into my messenger bag and pull out my diary. “Yes, I need to go over the final details, check the room allocations, and then, if it’s convenient, we need to see the walking tour you’ve prepared for the wedding guests.”

“That’s not a problem. I believe they booked the coastal walk. We should be able to slot you onto that. The only problem is that the last hike before the wedding goes out this afternoon. Would you be okay with doing that after travelling so far?”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Stan predictably says. “I can’t wait to stretch my legs.”

“What’s the terrain like?” I ask.

Her brow furrows as she looks at Stan.

I shake my head. “Oh, not for him. He’d be happy walking on the edge of an active volcano. No, it’s me. I do have the beauty of my calves to consider. I don’t want them misshapen and overly muscled like his.”

Stan laughs out loud.

The receptionist’s face clears. “I think you’ll like it. It’s a gentle walk in the hills by the sea. It's not too steep, and you’ll go out late afternoon when the sun isn’t so strong. It’s amagical light at that time. The walk was planned out so that it’s accessible to everyone. Your guide is lovely. He’s a local man.”

I actually already know this because I checked everything out in great detail when Leo and Richard suggested this hotel. As if I’m going to leave Stan’s well-being to the grace of strangers. I’d checked so many reviews I could work for Trip Adviser. It’s good to hear her spiel, though. It gives me an indication of how she’ll be with the rest of the party.

I make a note in my diary. “Fantastic. Is it possible to sit down with Mister Doukas before the walk?”

“Of course. He’s available when you’ve checked in. If you come back down after you settle into your room, I’ll show you to his office.”

I nod, smiling, and then her words sink in. “What? Room? Didn’t you mean to say rooms?”

Stan cocks his head, listening, his brow furrowed.

She looks between us, her eyes suddenly worried. “No, it’s a room, sir. The room Leo booked for you is a double. Leo said it would be fine if we put Mister Mortimer with you.” She glances at me for approval, and when I don’t say anything, she quickly adds, “It is a big room, so you’ll have plenty of space.”

“How many beds does it have?” Stan asks.

“One.” She frowns. “Is that okay? Leo made no mention of booking two rooms.”

“I just bet he didn’t,” I say grimly. I pat Stan’s arm. He must be worried about what Bennett would think. “It’ll be fine,” I say, directing my calmest smile at her. “We’ll just get another room.”

She’s shaking her head before I can finish my sentence. “Oh no. I’m so sorry, but there isn’t one available. We’re fully booked.”

“Oh my god,” I breathe.

Stan squeezes my arm in mute appeal, and I know what he’s going to say before he even opens his mouth—that kind fool. “It’ll be fine,” he says soothingly. “Won’t it, Raff?”

I think that’s highly debatable, given our situation. He’s newly engaged, and I haven’t yet been able to switch off my combustible feelings for him.

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