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I look around for a thumb tack and pin it up before making sure we have everything. Once I've done that, I guide Sasha by the hand out of the office. In the lobby, we say hello to the receptionist on duty and wait for the elevator. Sasha strokes the sleeve of my sweater and gives it a tug. "Are you mad at my daddy?"
I hesitate a moment and try not to lie, but the last thing I want is for her to think I don't like the person she loves most in the world. "Sasha, of course not. We just... had a disagreement, that's all. Adults sometimes bicker over things that aren't as important as we think they are."
"But you yelled at him and he looked mad," she insists, still grabbing the hem of my sweater. "You sounded angry."
I sigh, knowing I need to keep things age appropriate. She's only six, after all. "I was definitely frustrated but it doesn't mean it was ok to act that way. I will apologize to your daddy. I'd never want to scare you by raising my voice."
"Daddy shouldn't have yelled at you either," she counters. "It wasn't nice, and we shouldn't be mean just because we're upset."
A big grin makes its way to my face. I didn't anticipate getting schooled by a first grader. I hope that means Deacon getstold off too. "I agree completely. Thank you for reminding me, sweetheart."
The doors of the elevator slide open. There are a few people inside, so we give them a minute to clear out. Once there's enough room for the two of us, we step on and I push the button for the second floor, where the restaurant is located. It takes a few minutes to reach our floor, and we patiently wait for the stop before we get out and walk to the end of the hall. The doors open to a large dining room with giant windows offering breathtaking views of the Georgia forest surrounding the property.
The space is bathed in warm, ambient light, courtesy of discreetly placed fixtures. Each table is topped with crisp white linens and glittering candlesticks. The seating arrangements are thoughtfully designed, ensuring privacy for intimate dinners while accommodating larger groups with ease.
A long, ornately carved buffet table is home to the most mouth-watering selections, all elegantly presented. Our dinner service is menu based, but lunch is self-serve. We both walk the line, examining our choices and filling our plates. Sasha goes for the chicken tenders, as I suspected she would, along with French fries, and a slice of peach pie.
I choose the French Dip and a side salad. We decide to take our meals to the veranda, breathing in the lovely scenery while we eat. The staff is wonderful with her, filling her cup when it runs empty and asking if she needs anything else. It makes me proud to work at such an impeccable establishment.
The patio space is alive with the sounds of laughter and good times. A group of women wearing red hats hold champagne flutes, chatting about the daily activity schedule and munching on appetizers.
I lean into Sasha, smirking. "Those are members of the Red Hat Ladies Club. They come here every week to gossip and discuss town business."
“What’s gossip?”
"Um, well, they like to do lots and lots of talking, about everything and everyone.”
She cocks her head. "Are the ladies in red hats powerful?" Sasha asks before nibbling on a chicken strip. She's listening to their every word, like she's afraid of missing something important. I shrug and follow her lead, nodding.
"You have no idea, honey. If you cross one of them, everybody will find out."
Sasha's eyes widen and she goes back to eavesdropping. One of these days, when we're old and gray, Bella and I will no doubt be holding court in a gathering like this. I can see us now, discussing matters of the day.
"Now, Harper," Bella says. "Did I tell you what so-and-so did to so-and-so?"
Just a blurb of normal gossip to amuse ourselves. The thought makes me chuckle to myself as I go back to watching the group. I just love that Reynolds Resort is a place that people can use for gatherings like this.
Before we know it, our food is gone and Sasha's eyes start to droop. The poor girl is sleepy. At least she felt well enough to eat.
"What do you say we find an empty room for you to take a nap in? Your daddy might be a while. Come on." I hold my hand out and she takes it. I throw our trash away and she puts her dishware in the dirty stack at the buffet. She yawns and rubs at her eyes, and her little mouth opens wide.
After checking in with the receptionist, we get a key for an empty room, and as soon as we get inside, Sasha plops down on the bed and wraps herself in the blanket. I let her know I'll be here when she wakes up. With her head settled on the pillow, she looks over to me and smiles. "Daddy really does like you, you know. I can tell."
I blush to the roots of my hair, so thankful she doesn't fully grasp what adult relationships entail. I smile softly at her and smooth her hair.
"Shh," I tell her. "Take a nap now, sweetie."
She closes her eyes and a few seconds later, she's lightly snoring. I remain near her until her face slackens, indicating a deeper sleep. Sasha's face softens, her mouth parting slightly. I wonder if she's dreaming, and if so, what her young mind is concocting.
Once I'm confident she's fully asleep, I sneak out and slip into the hall, deciding to check in with Mrs. Reynolds to explain why I've been MIA today. I wander back to the administrative hallway, toward her office. Mrs. Reynolds is one of the best people I've ever known, so full of wisdom and kindness, despite the daily stresses she faces running a property like this.
I need to set aside my pride to reach some sort of middle ground with Deacon. I'm hoping Mrs. Reynolds can help me do just that.
***
I knock softly on her office door and smooth my skirt. She calls out for me to come in, and I enter. She's behind her desk, glasses perched on the edge of her nose, typing some paperwork into the computer. Her eyes light up when she sees me, and her face is instantly filled with maternal concern.
"Harper! Is everything all right? I've been calling your office, but nobody answered."
