We’re surrounded by palm trees and water features. It’s hard to believe we’re still in San Diego. It looks like Hawaii.
“Special occasion?” Howie asks.
“No,” Kyle answers far too abruptly for my taste.
“Just a weekend away,” I add.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Howie replies. After a long meander through the courtyard, he stops in front of a door. “Here’s your room. You have a pool view, and the hotel restaurant is just down this walkway and to the left.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. If you need anything at all, just press zero on your phone and let Lani at the front desk know. Enjoy your stay.”
“Thanks, Howie.”
He walks off, leaving Kyle and me in the entrance. I push the door open, immediately hit with a musty smell. Kyle scrunches his nose as he walks in behind me. Other than the smell, the room is decent. It’s clean and looks like the online pictures.
“Maybe it’s been a while since anyone has stayed here.”
Kyle nods, tossing his carry-on onto the bed. “Yeah.”
I open the drapes, taking in the view of the grounds. An ocean view would’ve been nice, but ocean-facing properties weren’t in our budget this time. Kyle is already looking at his phone when I twist around.
“Do you want to go walk around the property?”
“Why?” he asks, not even looking up at me.
“To check it out. Or we can grab a ride and go to the beach for the day. Unless you’re hungry. We could get lunch.”
Kyle sighs. “I have to make some calls.”
I cross my arms. “For work?” He nods. “You said you wouldn’t work this weekend.”
“I know.” He walks over to me, putting his hand on my waist. “I’m sorry. I really tried to tell them I wouldn’t be available, butone of the clients is being a total asshole. He’s threatening to pull his account if he doesn’t hear from me. Give me an hour to deal with this, and then I promise I’m yours the rest of the weekend.”
I nod. I’m disappointed, but he’s the VP of his department. There’s always a fire or two. “I can leave the room.”
“No,” Kyle says. “Rest. You were up late finishing your project. A nap wouldn’t kill you. By the time you wake up, I’ll be done, and we can go explore. How’s that sound?”
“Good.”
He smiles, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “I’ll do my best to make it quick.”
“Thank you.”
Kyle grabs his computer—the one he said he wasn’t bringing—from his bag before waving at me as he heads out the door. Well. This is great. I kick off my shoes. Not exactly how I envisioned our romantic weekend starting, but I’ll deal with it. Kyle’s job is important. I shouldn’t complain since he funds a lot of our life together.
A nap isn’t a terrible idea though. I lie back on the bed, slightly bouncing on it. It’s a little lumpy but not bad. The place is a little more rundown than the online pictures, but it’s got an appeal to it. It’ll do for a three-day stay.
Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, Kyle and I will find our way back to the bliss we enjoyed at the beginning of our relationship.
Chapter Two
TIGO
“Here’s your pomegranate margaritas.” I place the colorful drinks down in front of the friendly couple sitting at the bar. It’s still early for a Friday, but I’m sure business will pick up soon. At least, I hope it will. It’s no secret it’s been steadily declining for months. I could use a little more income, but I just can’t bring myself to bail. It’s the only place I’ve ever worked that’s felt like home.
“What’s good, Tig?”