It Had to Be You

Attention to Detail

Nina followed Walker up the steps of the Coal Hole and back onto the street. He hung a right and she followed him down a driveway.

"This is The Savoy." He pointed to the larger marquee above the hotel door. "A fun fact about The Savoy is that this is where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant fall in love in Notting Hill. That scene where he crashes the press briefing when she's about to quit acting? Right here. He comes bursting through the rotating doors and goes to get the girl." Nina was about to ask a follow up question when a hotel employee greeted Walker by name.

"Mr. Andrews, how have you been sir? Long time so see!" Walker extended a hand.

"Garrett, always a pleasure. How have you been?"

"Fine fine. Are you joining us for a stay?" He gestured between Walker and Nina.

"No unfortunately not this time around. But I was hoping you'd be able to help us fetch a cab."

"Of course sir." Garrett took a whistle out of his suit pocket and blew into it. Nina could barely hear the tone itself as it was so high pitched it didn't register to her ears. But sure enough, a cab pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of them.

"Woah." She said out loud.

"Pretty cool right?" Walker leaned in conspiratorially, whispering into her hair.

"Very cool."

"Thank you Garrett. Nina and I will be back sometime soon. She's never experienced the hotel before and apparently loves martinis so there's only one place to go."

"Of course sir. We look forward to receiving you at the bar when your schedule allows." Garrett opened the door to the cab.

"Pleasure to meet you Nina. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you." She climbed into the cab and shuffled over to make room for Walker.

"Thank you Garrett." Walker shook his hand. "Tell Lydia and the kids I send my regards."

"With pleasure sir."

As the cab pulled away, Nina watched as Garrett raised his hand in goodbye and Walker did the same.

"Okay so you're basically a regular at The Savoy?"

"Ha, I wouldn't say a regular. I did happen to live here for a month though when my apartment flooded. Garrett and the entire team got used to me because I was always around. They were really kind and accommodating and over the years I've made it a point to swing by and say hello."

"You even know his wife and kids names?" Nina's curiosity had been piqued.

"Yea, I met them at the Christmas Party. Santa's elf had fallen through so I offered to step in."

"Who are you?" Nina laughed.

"You know, just your local Eloise. Living in hotels and getting up to no good."

"Sounds the opposite to be honest. Sounds like you were doing a lot of good." Walker glanced at her from across the cab.

"Don't tell anyone, it'll ruin my reputation as a hard ass."

"Ha, not exactly the words I would ever use to describe you."

"Maybe that's a good thing." The cab pulled up to Nina's flat. The building was dark. At this hour, no one had their lights on anymore.

"This is me."

"Want me to walk you inside?" He moved to open his door.

"No no it's okay. I appreciate it though. I had fun tonight. Thanks for showing me London and thank you for all the help. I'll call Yujin tomorrow."

"No problem, if you need anything just text me."

"Will do, night!"

"See ya." She closed the door and heard Walker give the cabbie directions to his flat. The car idled outside as she dug through her purse to find her keys. Once inside her building she gave a wave through the front door and watched as he drove away. Tonight had been a whirlwind of emotions. She had thoroughly enjoyed his company. She learned more about him than she ever knew but felt more confused than ever about what secrets were lurking in James Buchanan's closet. How was she going to handle this mess?