Page 11 of Forbidden Desires

“Yes, of course, sorry, you threw me for a second. I’m Dorothy-Mae, but my friends just call me Mae. I thought Emerson said you weren’t arriving till tomorrow. I was just kicking back, watching some TV. I was nearly asleep.” She laughs, wiping her eyes.

“Sorry, my flight was changed. I did let Miss Alexander know. She was happy I could start a day early.”

“She’s got a lot on her plate at the moment. Probably just forgot to tell me. Come in. Let’s get you set up.” She takes one of my bags from me and closes the door behind us.

We make our way through the living room and kitchen, following her until we reach a flight of stairs. The place looks quite modern on the inside, with polished hardwood floors and cream walls; it’s neat and tidy. I couldn’t ask for much more from housemates. “All the bedrooms are upstairs,” she says, glancing back.

I trail her up the stairs and into a room on the right. “This is your room. The bathroom is the last door on the left. I’m next door, and Paisley is across the hall, but you won’t meet her until tomorrow. She’s on an extended weekend away, if you get my drift.”

I nod. “Lucky her.” She opens the door to my room, and I can’t help but smile at the sight in front of me. The polar opposite to my luxurious room in my parents’ mansion, this space is cozy and has the warmth and charm of a room that holds some stories. The focal point is a queen-sized four-poster bedadorned with clean white linen. The wooden wardrobe and bay window add character to the space, and I can already sense the comforting charm of my new home. I follow Mae inside and put my bag at the foot of the bed. At my feet, a small ball of white fur catches my eye, and I can’t help but bend down to scoop up the adorable fluffball. “Who is this little sweetheart?”

“Paisley’s rescue, Karma. There’s a story behind the name, but Paisley’s never told a soul what it is. Not even me.” She pats her head, messing up her fur.

“Karma, what a cute name.” I stroke her soft fur, and she purrs in my arms. Paisley sounds like quite a character; I’m looking forward to meeting her.

“Watch out for Karma. She’s cute, but she’s the devil. When you least expect it, she will jump out at you and attack. Her favorite thing to do is chase me up the stairs, claws out.” She shows me the scratches on her legs.

“Ouch.”

“Do you need a hand unpacking?” she asks kindly.

“Nah. I’ll do it later. What I would really like to know is where can I get something for dinner? I’m starving.”

“It’s Sunday night. The only place open is McAllister’s. It’s a limited menu, takeaway catfish po’ boys or burgers,” she says.

“Perfect.” I grin. “I’m so hungry I could eat just about anything.”

Half an hour later, we’re set up in the living room on the comfy plush sofa, the aroma of Cajun spices and fresh bread filling the air. With each bite, a genuine smile brightens my face. “This po’ boy is delicious.”

Mae cracks open a bottle of wine, handing me a glass. “I’m fixin’ to have seconds already. The McAllisters know food. I should know, I work for one of them. Bet it’s not better than some real New York takeout.”

I lick my fingers, trying to savor every bit. “A thousand times better. I would stay here forever just to eat this every night.” I laugh, half-serious.

“I have to pass on the message to Elliot. He’s my boss at the hotel, but it’s his family that owns McAllister’s. He loves any excuse to brag about how good he is.” She laughs, and I can see from the fondness in her eyes that the two of them must be close.

Taking a sip, I taste the wine. It’s not the fancy stuff my mother drinks, but it’s not half bad either. “What else can you tell me about the hotel? I’m so nervous, being the new girl.”

A warm smile spreads across her face. “You will fit in just fine. There are lots of new staff since Mr. Alexander recently passed away, and the hotel was handed over to his children. Things are changing, but it’s all for the best,” she says, her voice carrying reassurance. “At first, I wasn’t so sure, but I can see it now.”

“I think I talked to one of them on the phone, the one that set me up with the job?”

“Would have been Emerson. She’s the best. You’re bunking in her old room. After her daddy passed away, she shuffled over next door to spruce things up a bit, cause the place is falling apart. But I’m mighty pleased she’s close by still. She’s one of my dearest friends from school. You’re going to fall head over heels for her; everyone does.”

“If she is anything like you, I’m sure I will. Thank you for making my first night here so welcoming.”

“That’s just what we do, sweetie. You’re not in the big city anymore. We all look after each other here in Deception Bay.”

Mae has made me feel more at home in one night than I ever did with my parents in New York—who should be realizing I'm gone by now. I tried to tell them I was leaving. For four weeks, every chance I got I would drop it into conversation. Firstly with my dad, but when he refused to listen, I turned to my mom, only to be referred back to him. That’s how it always is in our house;my father has all the say, and she goes along with him. I think she’s scared of him. I know I am. It’s why instead of coming out with it and telling him I had a job halfway across the country, I packed my bags and snuck out of the house while he was at work this morning. He’s hardly going to fly out here and drag me back home. The audition he wants me for is still months away, and the lease on this place is month by month. I figure I can give this a try, see how I like it. What’s the worst that can happen?

The sight of his name illuminating the screen makes my hands shake. I knew this call was coming, it’s been nearly a day since I left, but I’m still not prepared.

“Hello,” I answer tentatively.

“Gisele, where the hell are you?” my father grumbles down the line.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Taking a break from the city. I tried to tell you…”

He cuts me off like he did every time I tried to talk to him about it at home. “You better be back here by this evening. You have a role to prepare for.”

---