Listen to Your Heart

by Mona Ingram

  He shot her an appreciative glance. “What’s what we’ve always believed. My father’s big on niche marketing. Ours is small, discreet hotels with superior service.” The central tower of the hotel loomed ahead and he glanced over at her. “Let’s not talk about work for a while. When we step inside those doors, we’re just a young couple on a date.”

  “You’ve got a deal.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Buffet or a la carte, sir?” Their server deferred to Adrian.

  He looked at Morgan. “A la carte for me, please,” she said.

  “Thank you, Jeremy. I’ll do the same.” Adrian accepted the menu and laid it aside. “I think we’d both like some coffee first.”

  Morgan nodded her agreement and the server left. “How did you spot his name tag so quickly?”

  “Habit, I guess. When I was a kid and worked out on the terrace at Klosters, people yelled at me all the time.” He lowered his voice. “The Germans and the Brits were the worst. Anyway, when someone took the time to notice my name, I appreciated it. Of course as Bernie and I got older, Dad demanded that we acknowledge staff, whether in our hotels or somewhere else.”

  “My father would approve of that. He’s a born salesman and he taught me the value of always thanking the receptionist when you enter and leave an office. It’s a good habit.”

  Coffee appeared and Morgan took a thoughtful sip. “I hate to admit it, but I’ve been so busy since I got here that I’ve scarcely thought about my family.”

  “What are they like?”

  “Well...” She considered her answer. “I told you about my brothers, right?”

  “In general terms.”

  She thought for a moment. “In a way, the men in my family are larger than life. They’re very enthusiastic in everything they do, which mostly relates to business these days. And of course my mother is supportive.”

  He cocked his head to one side. “Does she work in the business or does she have her own interests?”

  Morgan allowed her gaze to drift over the other diners before she replied. “Mom has her own interests I suppose, but to a large extent she lives in Dad’s shadow.” She brightened. “It was because of their travels and hearing about all the places they visited that I became interested in the hotel business.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oops. We weren’t supposed to talk about business.”

  “And what about Dale? She’s part of your family as well, isn’t she?”

  “For sure.” She met his gaze. “I think I know you well enough now to give you a bit of her back-story. Her mother was a drug addict who died from an overdose. She’s lived with us since her early teens. She worships my mother.”

  “Wow.” Adrian was silent for a few moments. “I saw her with Chance, I think it was yesterday. They were walking through the Village, but they were completely wrapped up in each other. They looked happy.”

  “I know. This thing with Chance has really surprised me. She usually pushes men away but he’s really hung in there.”

  “Is that what it takes?” His voice lowered. “If so, I...” He stopped abruptly, pulled out his phone and read the message.

  “We have to go,” he said abruptly, standing up.

  “Why?” He’d gone from relaxed to tense in the time it took to read the message. The bottom dropped out of her stomach.

  “Here.” He shoved the phone into her hand and managed to get her arms in her coat sleeves while she read.

  The message was from Dale. Urgent. Have Morgan call me and come back to hotel ASAP.

  He threw some money on the table and hustled her out. “Do you want me to stay with you or shall I go get the car?”

  She was already holding the phone to her ear, so he gestured to the porte cochere. “I’ll pick you up.”

  Dale answered right away. “Where are you? Why don’t you have your phone on?”

  There was a hint of panic in her voice. Morgan didn’t think she’d ever known Dale to lose it before. “We’re at the Chateau. What’s going on?”

  Dale took a deep breath. “I just had a call from Ken. Mom’s been in a car accident. They’ve taken her to the hospital but that’s all he can tell me.” Her voice lowered. “He thinks someone was killed in the other vehicle.”

  Morgan looked around wildly. Where was Adrian? Oh yes, he’d said something about going for the car. “I’m on my way. Adrian’s gone for the car.”

  “Okay. I want to keep this line clear in case Ken calls back.” She paused for a moment. “I’m going with you, Morgan.”

  “What?”

  “Calgary. I’m going with you to Calgary.”

  Morgan realized that Dale was almost crying. “Of course you are. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  She went out the front door and made her way through a chattering group of Japanese tourists who had just climbed down from a tour bus. Adrian pulled up behind the bus and for a moment she didn’t spot him, but a quick tap on the horn drew her attention and she ran to the SUV.

  “What did Dale say?” he asked as he steered carefully around the bus.

  “Mom’s been in a car accident.” Morgan fought for composure. “They don’t know much yet, but she’s been taken to the hospital.” She stared silently out the window.

  “Are you okay?” He touched her gently on the arm.

  She looked at him through eyes brimming with tears. “I was just thinking about how long it’s going to take us to get there.”

  “Us?”

  “Yeah. Dale’s determined to go as well.” She wiped the back of her hand across her eyes. “Wynn-Jones isn’t going to like this; both of us being gone at the same time.”

  Adrian’s jaw tightened, but he managed a wry smile. “He’s not the most understanding person in the world, is he?”

  He squinted as the SUV went from brilliant sunshine into the relative darkness of the underground parking area. Morgan was out of the vehicle and headed for the elevators before he’d turned off the ignition.

  “Come on,” she said, leaning on the elevator button. “Dale said to meet her in the lobby.”

  The lobby was full of suitcases and ski gear when they exited the elevator. Two couples with teenage children were checking in, and the children waited impatiently by the elevator, room cards in hand.

  Morgan looked around and spotted Dale and Chance across the lobby. Dale was on her cell phone and looked up as Morgan entered, then motioned her over.

  “She’s here now,” she said into the phone and handed it to Morgan. “It’s Ken,” she mouthed.

  Morgan steeled herself. “Hi Ken.”

  “Morgan. I’m at the hospital now with Dad and the twins. They have Mom in ICU and they’re not telling us much. The most we can get from them is that she has a head injury and they’re going to keep her sedated for a while.” His voice quavered and Morgan gave him a moment to recover. “That’s about all they can tell us.”

  Morgan exchanged a look with Dale, who was clinging to one of Chance’s hands. “Okay. Dale and I will make plans and one of us will get back to you. Tell Dad and the boys to hang in there.”

  She turned to Adrian, but he wasn’t behind her. She hated to admit it, but she wanted his support if the manager gave her any grief about leaving.

  And then she spotted him across the lobby, talking to a tall, handsome man. Probably another important guest. He turned, saw her and waved her over.

  “Morgan, I’d like you to meet my father, Bernard Zimmerman.”

  Of course. She should have recognized him, even across the lobby. He had the same dark green eyes and broad shoulders as Adrian, and he looked at her with interest.

  “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. Adrian tells me she lives in Calgary?”

  Morgan nodded.

  “Well, Adrian seems to think that we should help you get home a bit faster, and I agree.”

  Morgan looked from father to son, not comprehending.

  Mr. Zimmerman pulled out his cell phone. “How soon can you be
at the heliport?” he glanced at Adrian. “Son?”

  Adrian grinned. “Oh. Let’s see. Half an hour?” He glanced at his watch, then looked at Morgan for confirmation. “We can dash back to the Lodge, pick up a few things and still get to the heliport by eleven thirty.”

  His father walked a few steps away and began to speak into the phone.

  “Dad’s going to arrange for you and Dale to get to the airport by helicopter. Our jet is at the South terminal, and it will take you to Calgary.” He smiled. “The pilot should know the way; they just came from there.”

  “But...” Morgan looked at the front desk, where Karen was busy with check-ins. “This is all moving so quickly. What about my shift tomorrow? What about Mr. Wynn-Jones?”

  “I’ll cover for you, and don’t worry. Dad doesn’t like to interfere with the hotel managers, but he will override him if necessary. Come on, let’s go tell Dale.”

  Mr. Zimmerman stood by as Morgan filled Dale in on the plans. He stepped forward as she finished her explanation.

  “The helicopter service will make sure you get to the company aircraft.” It was his turn to look toward the front desk. “I just arrived, and I haven’t touched base with Mr. Wynn-Jones yet, but he looks busy. When things calm down, I’ll fill him in about what happened. You can call him from Calgary when you know more.”

  Morgan’s throat closed up with emotion and she couldn’t speak. Dale stepped forward, hand extended. “Thank you, Sir. We appreciate all of this.”

  “We should leave now.” Adrian looked at Chance. “Is it okay with you if I drive them?”

  “Sure.” Chance pulled Dale into his arms for a quick hug. “It will be all right,” he said, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear and staring into her eyes. Something passed between them and he stepped back. “Drive carefully, Adrian.”

  Chance stood beside Mr. Zimmerman and watched them duck into the elevator. “Thank you, Sir. That’s a nice thing you’re doing for them.”

  The hotel magnate looked at Chance for the first time, a smile on his face. “I did it for my son as well. Do you know what he just told me?”

  “No, Sir. What was that?”

  “That young woman just took my son on the Peak2Peak gondola.” He shook his head in wonder. “I was afraid this day would never happen.” He unashamedly wiped a tear from his eye and clapped Chance on the shoulder. “This is a happy day for me.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The rotors were already turning slowly when Adrian pulled up at the heliport. He walked with the women to the small building that served as a terminal.

  Morgan turned to him. “Please thank your father again. This was...” She lifted her shoulders, unable to come up with the right words.

  He cupped her face in both hands, brushed his lips across hers, and then released her. “Go,” he said. “And call me when you know something.” The high whine of the helicopter was drowning out his voice. He pointed to his cell phone. “You have my number,” he shouted.

  She nodded her understanding, then climbed into the helicopter. The steward closed the door, and the earth fell away beneath them. For a moment she could see Adrian, one hand shielding his eyes, then the helicopter turned and he was lost from view.

  The thirty-five minute flight was over before they knew it and soon they were ensconced in the luxurious leather seating of the Zimco aircraft.

  “Welcome aboard, ladies.” The steward greeted them warmly. “The pilot tells me we should be arriving at the Calgary airport at approximately three fifty five local time.”

  Dale muffled a small gasp. “I forgot to call Ken back,” she said to Morgan, then motioned for the attendant. “When can I make a call?” she inquired, placing her phone on the lacquered table beside her chair.

  “As soon as we’re at cruising altitude.” He smiled. “I’ll let you know.”

  “Thank you.” Dale sat back and looked over at Morgan.

  “Did I see Adrian kiss you back there?” She waved a hand in the air. “Back at Whistler, at the heliport?”

  Morgan stared out the window. “You saw that, huh?”

  “Hello! Of course I did.” She leaned forward. “What’s wrong, Mo?”

  Morgan exhaled slowly. “It’s just that...” She turned back. “I can’t see this going anywhere.”

  “Why not?” As usual, her friend wasn’t going to let her off the hook. “And don’t give me some half-assed story about his father owning the hotels. You can’t hold that against him.” She stopped and narrowed her eyes. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”

  “I think he has a girlfriend at home.” Morgan studied her friend for a reaction, but was disappointed.

  “What gives you that idea?”

  “I asked him point blank the other day, and all he would say is that it’s complicated.”

  “Hmmm.” Dale mulled over this latest information. “But he didn’t actually admit to having a girlfriend. And I definitely saw him kissing you.” She grinned. “And you’re here, and she’s not.”

  Morgan groaned. “I don’t want to be a winter romance. He’ll probably go back when the season is over and then what?”

  “Don’t sulk; it doesn’t become you. Besides, it seems to me that you’re overthinking this.”

  “That’s what he said.”

  “And he was right. By the way, where were you when I was trying to call?” Dale tried to look stern. “Your phone was turned off.”

  Morgan rewarded her with a faint smile. “We went up Blackcomb and across on the Peak2Peak.”

  “Adrian? On the Peak2Peak?”

  “I know. Crazy, huh?” The steward had disappeared up front and she filled Dale in on Adrian’s story.

  “My God. That must have been awful.” She turned to look out the window, lost in some memory of her own. “It’s no wonder he doesn’t ski,” she said eventually. “Do you think some day he’ll try it again?”

  “I’m hoping he will.” Morgan took a good look at her friend. “You look different. I dunno, happy or something.”

  She expected Dale to deny it, but was pleasantly surprised. “It scares the hell out of me, but yes, I am happy.” She picked up her phone and looked at it as though she was angry with it. “The funny thing is, I was going to call Mom tonight and talk to her about it.” Her fingers closed around the phone. “And now this. If anything happens to her, I don’t know how I’ll stand it.”

  It was Morgan’s turn to be strong. “Well, nothing’s going to happen. You heard Ken; she’s in good hands. Just think, you can tell her about Chance in person.” She hesitated. “Probably tomorrow.”

  Dale gave her a bleak smile. “You promise?”

  Morgan forced herself to maintain eye contact. “I promise.”

  The steward chose that moment to come back into the cabin with some coffee and pastries. “You can make that call now,” he said, arranging everything on the table between them. “Is there anything else you’d like?”

  “No thanks, Kurt. This looks wonderful.” Morgan spoke for both of them; Dale already had the phone to her ear.

  * * *

  “She’s doing fine.” Ken was all smiles when he picked them up. “The doctors informed us that they’ll start reducing her medications overnight and they expect she she’ll regain consciousness tomorrow.” He gathered each of them in a hug. “But still, I’m so glad you’re here. Dad hasn’t left her side, of course.”

  He glanced outside where a fuel truck had pulled up beside the Zimco jet. “Nice ride. I’ve just begun to realize that I’m working in the wrong business.”

  Dale punched him lightly on the arm. “As if you’d ever change. Cars are in your blood.”

  He picked up their bags. “Still,” he said, glancing back one last time. “It must be nice.”

  Dale and Morgan looked at each other. “We hardly noticed,” said Morgan. “All we could think about was getting home.”

  She pulled her collar up as they stepped outside into a cutting wind. “I’d
forgotten how different the cold is here,” she said. “I’m glad I threw in some warm slacks.”

  “Come on. The car is just over here.” He tossed their bags in the trunk and they piled into the late model sedan. “We’ll go right to the hospital.”

  * * *

  Morgan’s chest constricted when she saw her mother in the hospital bed. Her father had pulled up a chair as close as he could get, and was stroking the back of her hand with one large finger. His eyes were haunted but he looked up and smiled. “My girls,” he said, rising to give each one of them a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Hi Dad.” He sat back down and Morgan laid a hand on his shoulder. “She looks so small, lying there.” Her mother was unusually pale. A bag of clear liquid hung on a stand beside the bad, and a tube led to a cannula which was taped to her mother’s left hand. The heart monitor beeping steadily in the background did nothing to comfort her.

  “Ken says they may allow her to wake up tomorrow.” Dale spoke to Mr. Dempsey. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. “Yes. That’s excellent.” A nurse entered the room and he looked at her defiantly. “He told me to go home, but that’s not going to happen.”

  Morgan and Dale exchanged looks. “Maybe later?” said Morgan tentatively. “You look terrible, Dad. You don’t want her seeing you like this when she wakes up.”

  For a moment, Boomer Dempsey looked uncertain. “Maybe,” he conceded reluctantly. “But not for a while.”

  “Okay.” Dale spoke in soothing tones. “We’ll go home and put together something to eat. If you can come home later, that would be great.” She moved to the side of the bed and kissed Cynthia on the forehead. “We’re here, Mom,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. “We’re here.”

  There was little conversation on the way home; each of them lost in thought. A few blocks from their home, Morgan spoke in a soft voice. “He really loves her, doesn’t he?”

  Ken frowned. “What makes you say that?”

  “It’s just...” Morgan struggled to find the right words. “Dad’s always been this larger-than-life figure in my mind. Boomer Dempsey. Even the name is overpowering. I think of him as being the head of the family and the rest of us trailing behind him like a bunch of little ducks. Especially Mom; I always think of her as living in his shadow.” She looked back at Dale. “I used almost those exact words just this morning when I was talking to Adrian.”