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“Just taking a walk on the beach is great exercise too. The physical strength it takes to walk on the uneven sand will give your legs a good workout. So enjoy your vacation. The physical and mental benefits are real. If there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know.”
Wow. I think I do like this better than going to a big hotel where I’m totally anonymous. “How’d you know all that?”
“Wikipedia and me, we’re in a relationship.”
“Lucky you.”
Slade places his warm hand over mine briefly. “Really. We’re here if you need us. You’ve had a traumatic experience. You need time to heal.”
One lonely little tear sneaks down my cheek. I practically slap at it. “Thank you,” I whisper. “I appreciate that.” Okay, time to retreat before I tell them my entire life story. Or did I already? “Which way do I go?”
“Upstairs and to the right. I’ll get your luggage and escort you.” Slade grabs my honeymoon suitcase.
The one that’s light because it’s filled with lingerie and bathing suits. Half the contents are going in the trash. “No elevator?”
“Nope. I’m the resident bell boy, chief cook and bottle washer, and everything else that comes up.”
“All right, then. Lead the way. Otherwise, I’ll trip on this hideous dress.” I gather up the excess material and fist it in my right hand.
“Stop. It’s a beautiful dress.” Slade heads for the stairs.
“It was beautiful a few hours ago. Now it’s hideous.” Really. It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.
A serious expression takes over Slade’s face as he stops to look at me. Even though I’ve only just met him, it feels foreign to his true nature. “Point taken. Follow me.”
“Take care, Marin,” Joss hollers after us.
“You too, Joss.”
I still think there’s something between Slade and Joss. They just don’t know it yet. Maybe they feel guilty for their feelings, like they’re betraying the other brother, Dex.
Slade takes me to my room and unlocks the door. Then he hands me the key. No key card here. Real live keys.
“You gonna be okay?” Slade asks in a serious tone. I want to beg him to lighten my mood.
“Eventually.” A relative term in my book. “The next few days will be rough. Not gonna lie.”
“I’ll have your breakfast sent up tomorrow morning, so you don’t have to leave your room.”
I’m overwhelmed by his kindness. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know what to say.”
Slade stuffs his hands in his pockets. “You don’t need to say anything. Just doing my job.”
“No, you’ve gone above and beyond. Thanks again. It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”
He lets out a short laugh. “I’m just downstairs if you need anything. Even if you just need to talk. Day or night.” He leans against the doorframe. “Don’t sit up here and feel alone, because you’re not. Please remember that. Promise me.”
Wow. I’m a stranger and he’s so…nice. The word seems inadequate. “Promise.” Hope I can keep my word. “By the way, I’m not suicidal or anything, if that’s what you’re worried about. I promise I won’t off myself in your bed-and-breakfast and haunt it for the rest of my ghostly life.”
He cringes. “Not what I meant, but good to know.”
I went too far. “Sorry. That was a horrible thing to say. Suicide isn’t a joke. I’m not at my best right now.”
“You get a free pass today. Besides I wouldn’t want you to be canceled or anything.”
For a tiny second, I find myself wanting to laugh again. When it comes to laughter, my gauge is on E.
I nod as he turns to leave. “Slade?”
