He opened the door and an elderly gentleman in a smart suit entered.He wore a dark green tie and greeted Jay as an old friend.
"Mr.Avery."He extended a gloved hand."We haven't seen you in quite some time.Welcome back, sir."
Jay shook his hand."Thank you, Twigg.Good to see you again."
"It's my understanding that you'll be here through the weekend."
"That's correct, along with Ms.Jordan."Jay winked at Claire.
"Madam."The man gave a slight bow.
"Nice to meet you," Claire replied.
"If there's anything I can do for you…” he started.
"Just dial seven."Jay finished his sentence.
"Very good, sir.Enjoy your evening."The man bowed again before backing out of the suite.
Jay excused himself for a moment and slipped into the bedroom.Claire returned to the sofa, settling beside her gin and tonic on the table.
“Would you like a drink?”she called after him.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Claire glanced at her glass and hesitated.“You sure?I’m going the unconventional route.”
“So am I.”
He came back into the living room moments later, the sash from her silk robe tied loosely around his waist.The sight of him sent her into a fit of laughter, and she fell back into the sofa, nearly spilling her drink.Jay laughed too, unable to help himself.He reached for her glass, studied the clear liquid and the single wedge of lime floating inside it, then gave it a skeptical sniff before handing it back.
“You know that’s against the rules,” he said.
“I know, I know.White shoes and gin and tonic—not permitted after Labor Day.Want me to make you one?”she asked
“In a minute.”He reached into the pocket of the robe and pulled out a small wrapped box, holding it toward her.
“What’s this?”she asked.
“Open it.”
She untied the bow slowly, unsure what she’d find, then lifted the lid.Inside lay a tiny diamond-encrusted pendant shaped like a key, hanging from an elegant chain that caught the light with every movement.
“Jay… it’s fantastic” Her eyes widened.“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He took the chain from her and fastened it around her neck.
“As soon as I saw it, I thought of you,” he said.“When the sales associate told me the name, I was sold.I knew it was perfect.”
“What’s it called?”
“The Kaleidoscope Key.”He touched the pendant as it settled against her chest, the diamonds flickering against her skin.
“Really?And why does that make it perfect?”she asked,
His hand lingered at the back of her neck as he gathered his thoughts.Then he leaned in, his gaze steady on hers.
“Because kaleidoscopes are colorful, mysterious, complex… and they always reveal something new every time you look at them.”He paused, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin.“And that’s what you are to me.”
