As soon as they left, I headed for the ballroom to arrange some last-minute decorations and to explain the situation with the statue. That particular problem had everyone far more stressed, but I insisted that it’d be here on time, and that they needed to continue with their preparations.
Then, it was time to deal with Reggie again. I’d been managing to wrangle him quite well thus far, and even got a few of his more odd requests fulfilled without causing issues for anyone else.
Today, he was scheduled for lunch in a small town about an hour away, and the shuttle was already waiting for him outside. I hoped that he wasn’t going to change his mind at the last minute again; I already had a million other things to deal with.
“There you are,” Reggie said as he appeared from the elevator and sauntered in my direction. “I amstarving.”
“Well, I’m sure the menu they have prepared for you will fix that,” I answered as I approached him, my cheeks already tight from smiling. “Only the best for you, Reggie.”
From the corner of my eye, I noticed another group of guests following one of the porters, and my heart sank. I already knew what was coming.
“It’s the big yacht, right, Daddy?” the girl in the group asked. “Last time we went on the short one, and I hated it.”
As they passed, talking about the excursion they were heading on, I noticed Reggie’s eyes lock on to them. I froze in place for just a second too long, and didn’t get the chance to distract him.
“A private yacht lunch sounds great,” he said when he finally turned back to me. “Why don’t you get that organized for me?”
“Uh,” I started, trying to think of a way to change his mind. It was probably possible to get a yacht arranged, but my time was already extremely limited, and I didn’t really want to spend it figuring out Reggie’s newest ridiculous request.
Before I could find an answer, I noticed Landon walking quickly toward us, looking particularly unimpressed.
“Apologies, Reggie, I just need a moment with Adriana,” he said, nodding toward the corner of the lobby. I followed him, knowing that he’d probably already found out about the statue.
“The statue isn’t in the ballroom,” he pointed out once we were away from other people. “What’s going on?”
“There was a problem with the delivery,” I started explaining. “But it’s on the way now, I assure you, I—”
Over his shoulder, I noticed the front doors open, and I saw the photographer and models enter. This was just great. It felt as if everything was falling apart, like my head was absolutely spinning.
But I wasn’t going to let it overwhelm me. I had my schedules, my lists, my organization. I knew what to do. All I had to do was take it step by step, as fast as I could.
“Excuse me,” I said to Landon, hoping that he’d understand this greeting was more important in that moment. When I passed Reggie, I nodded to him to indicate that I hadn’t forgotten about him.
“Hello, and welcome to The Pacific,” I said brightly and confidently when I reached the models and photographer. Someone stepped forward to speak for them; a manager, perhaps, or an assistant. It didn’t really matter. I offered her a small bow. “We’re finishing with the last few arrangements. Alice will show you to the ballroom. If you need anything, pleaseask her to call for me, and I will get it arranged as soon as possible.”
I motioned to the closest porter, who seemed surprised that I remembered her name, and watched as she led the group away to the guest elevator.
That was one step done. I turned on my heels and walked back to where Reggie stood while I checked my phone for the yacht schedule. To my surprise, there actually was one free for the next two hours. I smiled as I reached Reggie.
“It’s your lucky day,” I said with a wink. “If you don’t mind, I just need a moment to get things in place.”
I was painfully aware of the fact that Landon was still watching me, and likely waiting for an answer about the statue. But I was focused on getting things done. One by one, until I got to the end of the list.
Within a few minutes, Reggie’s plans had been successfully changed, and I handed him off to a porter to get his transport. Then my phone vibrated. A notification from the delivery bay. I nodded in Landon’s direction, and he followed me.
As the two of us walked out the door, the delivery truck pulled up, and started unloading.
“Mm,” Landon said beside me, sounding impressed. “I suppose between you and me, we can get this up to the ballroom?”
“I believe so,” I agreed, stepping forward to take the dolly from Rodriguez, but Landon immediately took over from me. I followed him back through the lobby and to the service elevator, my heart soaring.
So much had happened all at once, and I survived it. Not only that, but I’d fixed everything, and Landon was impressed with me. It was a good day.
Until the elevator shook for a second, and came to a dead stop. There was a beep and a light, and Landon sighed deeply.
“Shit. We’re stuck.”
8
