The Fluke

18 - Luke

Instead of drinking the second glass of whiskey I poured, I head to the gym at the back of the property. Exercise clears my head and that's exactly what I need. I don't know what Tessa has planned or what the outcome is going to be but I can't sit around and get drunk while I wait to find out.

After an hour of lifting weights and cardio on the treadmill, I jump off the machine. I couldn't tell if I was running away from the situation or towards Jules. Both, probably. It is agony.

Then I find myself taking out my emotions on the punching bag. Envisioning Gavin's face on the bag has me almost splitting my knuckles after a few minutes, so I stop that too.

I dive into the pool for a few quick laps to cool off, both physically and figuratively. It doesn't work.

In the shower, I go over the morning on repeat. Jules. Tessa. Jules' face when Tessa kissed me. Jules' face when she walked in on Tessa massaging me. It all looked so bad.

For the hundredth time in the last couple of hours I physically shake my head at myself for leaving the situation in Tessa's hands. What if it doesn't go the way she wants, or the way I pray it does, and my chance with Jules is totally shot to hell?

The balm to my aggression and nerves comes when I finish my shower and walk back into my room.

A plain cream envelope sits on the stark navy blue duvet of the bed. An envelope that wasn't there when I went into the shower. As I approach I can see that it has my name on it, written in feminine cursive, with a heart at the end.

I look around the room, like I might see whoever left the envelope here. Obviously I want it to be from Jules, but it's probably from Tessa.

I open the envelope and pull out a note, recognizing the writing as Tessa's.

Dinner for two tonight. The alone time you both need, and you both deserve. Get to know each other. Jules will meet you there at 7. When you arrive, ask for Bernice. She'll take care of you.

P.S. Tell her the truth. I promise, everything will be okay. Trust me.

I flip the card over and see an address written on the back, along with an additional note that dress is casual-elegant.

A quick Google search on my phone tells me that the address is for the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. I imagine it's for a restaurant within the hotel as the note mentioned dinner for two. At seven.

Somehow it's already the middle of the afternoon and I only have two hours until this date. I'm not sure what to expect when I arrive, or whether Jules will actually show up. Is she completely in on this plan or did Tessa give her an envelope, too?

I don't have time to fret over those details. It seems I've been given exactly what I want, which is a chance to explain myself to Jules and hopefully land us back on the right page.

____________________________

Opulence doesn't begin to describe this place. Any Ritz-Carlton is knock your socks off fancy and beautiful, but like much in Palm Springs, it's all elevated beyond compare.

I head directly to the front desk and ask for Bernice. The young woman who greets me lights up and smiles brightly.

"You must be Luke."

I nod. "I'm a little in the dark here. I'm supposed to be meeting someone, but I don't know where." I notice her name tag reads 'Bernice'. "But I'm guessing you know where I'm supposed to go."

Bernice smiles again and comes around from behind the desk. I must look nervous because she reaches for my hand and grasps it in both of hers.

"You're in very good hands, don't worry. Your date has already arrived."