Saving Grace

Chapter 28: Grace

I immersed myself in interviews. I told myself it was solely because I prided myself in doing my job well. But I knew the truth. I was avoiding Colt. He found out my room number. I know that, because he came knocking on it. I stayed quiet, acting like I was not inside. Afterwards, I tried my best to not be there so I wouldn't have to force myself to stay quiet and not let him in. It was physically painful to do so.

I wasn't sure what had gotten into me. I had gone out there because of the job, sure, but I had really went  because of Colt. Because I wanted to see if maybe our short time together had actually meant something more than what he had led on. Seeing him with someone else did something to me I had not ever felt before. Not even the time when I found out Mark was briefly talking to an ex-girlfriend in the beginning of our relationship, did I feel that way.

It was stupid of me though. Colt and I weren't together. We were supposed to be friends. And there I was, pushing him away because I felt I had some unspoken claim on him.

"Grace?"

I looked to Emily who was staring at me with the type of look only moms can give.

"I said, what did you think about her? She was the last interview today."

"Oh, sorry. She was fine. Lacking a bit of personal skills, but her resume is impressive." I looked down at the paper in my hands. We just finished an interview for the executive chef position. Hannah James was the robust woman's name. She had trained at a culinary institute and was a personal chef for Macy Adams, an upcoming actress and fitness model. Overall, she was perfect for the position. "We should hire her."

"I'm sure her vast experience will make for good food. However, I'm more interested in someone who makes, not only the food, but the place feel like home. Don't you agree?"

I stared at her, processing what she had said. I had never approached an interview by looking for someone who I knew would make the restaurant feel like a home away from home.

"I am just not sure who it is you are looking for."

"I do. And I think you do too. Just think about it okay hun?"

Me. She meant me.

I went to protest, but nodded my head instead.

"Wonderful. Oh, and dear? There's a lovely live band playing tonight and an open wine bar. I will see you there."

She left without another word, leaving me with no way to protest. Yep, I definitely needed to learn her ways. But perhaps it could only come from raising a hardheaded son like Colt.

****

I checked my reflection once more. I was wearing a cream, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved dress that clung tight to my body and ended just above my knees. My hair was straightened and sleeked back, and I had a touch of red lipstick on. It was maybe a bit much for live music out on the veranda, but the last time I had been out there with Mark, there were fairy lights hung all around, and it made the night feel magical. I wanted to recreate that magic, and the dress certainly helped.

I stepped out of my room and headed toward the veranda. The soft sounds of music and laughing could already be heard. It was a warm evening; the air was completely still as if it thought that one small breeze would disrupt the peace of the night. The band was playing a sweet melody and just as hoped, fairy lights hung from the roof.

I headed toward the open bar and grabbed a small glass of wine. Sipping it, I turned around and came face to face with a handsome stranger. He wasn't much taller than me, had almond brown eyes and sandy blonde hair.