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Merrick called Tony. “Are you in the hotel?”
“I am.”
“Something just happened. Remember Holly, the girl from the flyer? Well, she just showed up in the lobby. I need to know how the hell she found us. Can you call Joann and ask her if she told the women?”
“Why can’t you do it?”
“Because, I’m about to propose to Bombshell – for real.”
“That’s awesome, bro. Mama G’s going to be over the moon.”
“Well, she hasn’t said yes, yet – and after this afternoon, she’ll probably retract her promise – even if I can get one out of her.”
“Yeah, this afternoon is going to be tough – but, hang in there bro. Have you seen the way she looks at you, bro?”
Merrick felt warmth blossom in his belly. Had Tony seen it? Maybe, she really did care for him. He sure hoped so.
“Look, do you need Joann’s number?”
“Yeah, text it to me, and good luck, Romeo.”
Merrick hung up, then texted Joann’s contact card to Tony.
Merrick checked his watch and his pulse quickened. What was I thinking? He’d left Bombshell alone in that room for too long. He checked his pocket, for the umpteenth time since that morning – took a deep breath and walked inside.
~~*~~
When Jana Peters first saw Holly in the lobby, she almost had a heart attack. After recovering most of her memories, Holly had been on her mind a lot. She knew Holly would be worried about her. She’d been thinking about somehow getting word to her, but she was afraid that talking to her, might mess up the good thing she had going with Merrick.
She’d made a decision, to never admit that she’d remembered her past. She’d just continue to be Mona Lisa Van Dyke, aka Bombshell. She’d continue to do whatever it took to stay with that incredible man. Her mind went back how loving and delicious they’d been with each other the night before. He was everything she’d ever wanted in life, if she had to live a lie to keep him, she would. But, that’s how she been thinking before she saw Holly. Now, she knew there was no point. You can’t hide from your past or who you are, and when he finds out – he won’t want you. He’ll hate you, for lying. Bombshell’s stomach
twisted as she recalled the scared and confused look on her best friends face. She couldn’t go through with it. It was wrong. She needed to talk to Holly.
Slipping out through the kitchen entrance, she went into the alley, and headed for the front. They’d been kicking Holly out, so maybe she was still loitering somewhere. Now that she’d seen her friend, she felt anxious to talk to her, to reassure her that she was okay, not brainwashed or being held against her will. She’d explain about the head injury and the amnesia. She wanted Holly’s advice on how to deal with a man who’d turned her heart upside down.
But Holly wasn’t there.
She went to the bellman, who recognized her right away.
“Hello, Bombshell. How are you this fine day?”
“I’m fine—I’m looking for the redheaded girl that just left. Security escorted her out—did you notice where she went?”
“Yep, we put her on the free shuttle, the one that goes to Ocean Amusement Park.”
“I need to go there, now,” Bombshell said.
“Yes, ma’am.” The bell captain blew his whistle, and a cab pulled up. He opened the door for her, but Bombshell hesitated before stepping inside the car.
“But I don’t have my purse, or any money.”
The bell captain pulled a twenty out of his pocket and handed it to the driver. “Take this girl to the Boardwalk Carnival.” Then he handed Bombshell another twenty. “Just call another cab when you’re ready to come back. Enjoy.”
***
Merrick’s hand rested on the door to the Garden Room. “Come on, buddy, you can do this. Go in there and be suave. Turn things around.”
He inhaled deeply and put on his best power face, then opened the door. Bombshell wasn’t at the table. His heart gave a lurch. The room was small and intimate and it only took another few seconds to realize that she wasn’t in the room. He tried to shove down a growing sense of panic. He’d been gone for ten minutes, so maybe she went to the ladies room. Don’t stress, she’s just powdering her nose. He went back into the lobby and stood by the nearest ladies room. A few minutes passed and she didn’t come out. He motioned one of his hostess over. “Can you please go in the restroom and see if Bombshell’s in there?”
