AllFreeNovel
Share Us
HOPE
After a long day at the hospital, I’m now driving to Zach’s place with anxiety rolling within me. I’m worried about Mom at the hospital, Ray alone at Zach’s place, and tomorrow’s bakery orders.
Although, I was a little surprised at Ray’s excitement when I video called him in the afternoon on Zach’s phone. My apprehension about how my baby boy was adjusting to all these changes in one day went out the window when I found him excitedly playing video games with Zach. His sweet voice settled my anxious heart when he told me howGrandpa Willmade him his favorite chocolate chip pancakes, which are apparently also Zach’s favorite.
My pulse quickened. Zach spent the entire day with my son. I was under the assumption that he would leave Ray with Will and go on with his office work. Wouldn’t most men do just that?
Guess this doesn’t apply to my son’s prince.
Just in a day I have grown more accustomed to this caring side of Zach. He not only arranged lunch for me from one of the finest restaurants, but my heart skipped a beat at the sight of a special delivery for Mom. When I asked the nurse about it, she told me my husband had already checked with her.
As before, I didn’t correct her.
An hour ago, Zach waltzed into Mom’s new room, immediatelyorderingme to go home,his home,while he’ll spend tonight at the hospital. And of course, he didn’t arrive empty-handed. My insides shivered when he quietly placed a brand-new iPad at Mom’s bedside table while she was sleeping. He must have seen her previous one had broken. My heart squeezes tight at his thoughtful gesture.
I stopnear the valet parking of The Ritz, one of the poshest hotels in St. Peppers. The young guy dressed in a white shirt and blue tie looks at me and my van suspiciously before saying, “The service entry is the other way.”
I grimace, feeling the heat of embarrassment on my cheeks.
Of course, he would think I’m here for some delivery. My van itself screams that, along with my plain tired face. I have no business being at The Ritz.
“I’m a guest of Zach’s. He lives in one of the hotel apartments.” My pulse quickens, as I realize I don’t remember Zach’s full name. I’m sure the night he and his brothers barged into our home, they mentioned it, but for the love of God, I can’t remember it now, and the impatient valet isn’t helping.
“Lady, there’s a line behind you. Can you please move to the side?”
“Wait! Let me call him.” I raise a finger to the valet and dial Zach. Thankfully, he picks up after two rings.
“You don’t have to check on Gigi so often. Have a little trust in me.” He chuckles.
“Zach, why didn’t you remind me of your last name?” My hand over the steering wheel quivers as the valet throws me another exasperated look. “There’s a line behind me, and the valet won’t park my van.”
“Hand the phone to him.” All humor vanishes from Zach’s voice.
“Hello? Oh, Mr. T-Teager. Yes, sir. Of course. I am sorry, sir. That won’t be necessary, sir. I understand. I am really sorry.” The valet looks at me wide-eyed as he ends the call. He hands me back my phone and wipes his forehead with his tie. After a sincere apology, he opens the squeaky door of my van, asking me to step out. He then says something in his mouthpiece before taking my keys.
With trembling legs, I get out of the van and another man in the hotel uniform joins me. “Ma’am, welcome to The Ritz. I’m the manager of the hotel. I’ll personally escort you to Mr. Teager’s apartment.”
Geez! I just wanted my van parked. What the heck did Zach say to these men?
Already feeling out of place, I silently follow the manager and discreetly take in my surroundings of the lavish reception area and the grand lobby.
The tiled floors are so shiny and polished that I can almost see my face. For a second, I wonder if my Chucks are leaving dirt on this pristine floor.
The manager leads me to an elevator and presses a penthouse button, but the elevator car stays in its place. Instead, a video screen lights up.
My head jerks up when I see William on the screen.
What sort of James Bond movie is this?
“Hello, William, I have Mr. Teager’s guest.”
“Of course. Welcome, Ms. Davis. Please come up.” William does something and the elevator starts it’s ride.
The manager clears his throat. “You are the first woman I’ve escorted to Mr. Teager’s suite. Except his family and a few friends, no one is allowed here, not even the staff, unless approved by William.”
I smile not knowing how else to reply to his comment.
Finally, the awkward ride is over and the elevator door opens to the most beautiful foyer. I step out. The walls are light gray and a fancy crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There’s a blue couch facing a serene painting of a cyan-colored arch bridge, and beside it sits a small table with some fresh flowers in a tall vase.
