Saving Grace

Chapter 26: Grace

My luggage sat by my feet, as I stood there, admiring the building once more. I took it all in that time; the presence of my memories flooding through my body as if water was pouring down my throat, suffocating me inch by inch. I choked back my emotions, trying to get them in check. I was a combination of excited, nervous, anxious, and terrified--not knowing where one emotion began and the other ended.

Knowing I could not put it off any longer, I picked up my luggage and stepped inside the resort, making my way to check in. I recognized the pretty blonde receptionist who had once eyed me with amusement. She didn't seem surprised to see me as she checked me in wearing a sweet and seemingly knowing smile on her face.

Once I made it to my room, I placed my bags on the ground and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up. After washing my hands, I looked myself over in the mirror and fluffed my hair. I can do this. Taking a deep breath, I headed back in the room, pacing a moment before sitting down on the bed. However, my attempt at remaining calm failed as my knee bounced up and down until I could no longer take it. I quickly stood up and went for the door, before checking the time. It was only one. I was not supposed to meet Emily until three.

Imagine my surprise when I found out Whisk Me Away was not only opening up in Wyoming, but at Colt's mom's lodge. It was as if fate was laughing at me, because things like that just don't happen in real life. Not in my life anyway. Yet there I was, a little over two months later, back in Colt's world. I just prayed he wanted me to be in it as much as I wanted to be. It was what had my nerves going in every direction. But, while I may have been a mess, I was embracing every single thing I was feeling with a hunger I hadn't felt in a long time. It was scary, but in the best possible way.

Michelle had asked me to look over construction now that they were at the decorating phase. She wanted to make sure the aesthetics of the restaurant were true to Whisk Me Away as well as have a hand in the hiring process. She offered me to take the head chef position and manage it, if I chose to. I was extremely humbled and gracious. But I had not yet decided, as it depended, really, on one sole factor.

Deciding it was too early to meet up, I begrudgingly went back to the bed and sat down. I grabbed the remote and turned on the television to pass the time. When it was around 2:30, I decided to start heading that way. I wanted to get to the restaurant a bit early to have a look around. I checked my reflection once more, smoothing down my navy blouse, and left the room.

Since I was not sure where the restaurant was being built inside of the lodge, I had to ask the front desk. After being pointed in the right direction, I made my way out one of the side glass doors, passing through a beautiful indoor garden that housed gorgeous wildflowers, and into a connecting building.

The layout was phenomenal. The space was huge for plenty of dining. Two large, beige stone fireplaces were on either side of the room, with cream colored couches in front of both. The space was otherwise empty, still in need of tables, chairs, and booths.

"Well you are a sight for sore eyes!"

I quickly spun around, grabbing my chest at the sudden break of silence.

"Sorry dear, I didn't mean to scare you." Emily chuckled as she walked closer toward me.

"It's okay, I scare easily anyway. It's so good to see you." I smiled as she pulled me in for a tight hug.

"You too dear. I was surprised to learn that out of all the restaurants to pick up our contract, it was the one you worked for. Imagine that." She shook her head, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Yes, I was quite surprised myself. Actually, I was wondering if maybe you had something to do with that? I mean, it just seems a bit odd to me that out of all the places for a franchise opportunity, it ended up being here. I don't know, I thought that maybe--"

"You know, in my life experience Grace, I have learned that not everything has or even needs an explanation. Sometimes, the universe just conspires. Questioning it is pointless. In the end, you are exactly where you are supposed to be." She reached out and patted my cheek. "It really is good to see you dear. I am so excited to get to do this process with you."

I sighed. "Me too." Smiling, I looked around the large room. "I guess we should get started then."

Emily walked me toward the front where customers would come in to be seated. There, she had a large book full of decorative pieces and furniture, including everything from lighting to utensils. We sat and discussed what kind of vibe we were going for and picked out most of the décor. We kept it simple, yet classy; a perfect combination of rustic chic to fit both the lodge and Whisk Me Away's style.

I stood up and stretched, checking the time. It was 5:00. We had spent two hours discussing business, and carefully avoiding the subject that I truly wanted to talk about.

"So, how have you guys been? How is Colt?" I asked, trying my best to sound casual.

She lifted her eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with amusement, and gave me a small smile.

"I was wondering when you were going to ask about him. He's going to be really happy to see you, you know."

"He is?"

"Of course, why wouldn't he be?" She peered at me quizzically.

Because we didn't leave on great terms. Because I'm pretty sure I'm the only one to have felt anything between us.

But I didn't voice my thoughts out loud. Instead, I smiled and put on my best poker face; the face that showed I was confident and sure of myself even though I was a complete wreck inside. Leaving Mark and our life we had built took me completely out of my comfort zone. For the first time in a long time, I was traveling blind, allowing my heart to steer me while my brain screamed to slow down.

"Well look what time it is. I bet you are hungry, especially after the plane ride. Why don't you head on down to Wild Whiskey, and grab yourself something to eat. My treat."

"Oh, I couldn't let you do that. I was going to just get some rest anyway."

"Nonsense. You need to eat, and I won't hear another word about it."

My lips tugged into a smile picturing Colt following every demand his mom made, because there was no way anyone could say no to her, especially a mama's boy like him. I would love to know her secret.

"Well thank you. I'll just go change into something a little more comfortable first."

"No problem hun, just make sure to tell them your meal is on me. I have to take care of a few things, but I will see you again soon." She pulled me in for another hug, and left.

I sighed, looking around the restaurant once more, picturing everything we picked out. It was going to come together perfectly. I could picture it all so clearly. Even more so, when I was in the picture. Me being here, it just felt right. Maybe my heart knew what it was doing after all. Maybe Emily was right when she said I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I headed back toward my room to change. I put on a pair of white skinny jeans and paired it with a rose-colored sweater that tied right above my waist. I gave myself a quick once over and exited my room. I took a step only to take one back. Three doors down stood Colt coming out of a room with a leggy blonde right by his side. They headed down the hallway toward the stairs. He said something that made her laugh, and I never hated a sound more in my life.

I completely froze as I stared at their departing figures. Of course he was with someone. It's not like I had some claim on him. He practically told me so himself. But then why did my heart feel completely shattered?