Crossroad To Love (Fab Five Series)

by Kristell, Anna

  She checked in at the desk in the lobby and went on up to her room. The bellhop followed with her bags. After placing a generous tip in his hand, Katy looked around the room. Very nice, she thought. Sage and heather blended to make a gorgeous color scheme for the room. Everything matched, from the drapes to the coverlet on the bed to the pictures on the wall. The furniture was cherry, very traditional and finely crafted. A king-sized bed looked inviting after her drive, with its luxuriously thick comforter and pillows, but there was not time for a nap.

  There was a small fireplace in the corner, a sage and heather floral loveseat, a table and two chairs in front of the fireplace, and on the other side of the room, a cherry desk. There was an armoire for her clothes and a flat screen television set.

  Walking into the bath, she could see that the décor matched the bedroom right down to the sage and heather towels. A Jacuzzi tub was on one wall and a large marble vanity was on the other, with a shower in one corner. A door separated the commode from the rest of the bathroom. There was even a phone and a small television set on the vanity. Whoever had done the original designs for the resort had good taste. Katy was going to have her work cut out for her if she wanted the new part of the hotel to be as swank as the original. But she knew that Angie would never have trusted her with so large a job if Angie had not thought Katy could do it, so she was confident. She glanced at her watch. If she wanted to unpack and freshen up a bit after being on the road for meeting Angie in her office, she’d better get a move on. The plan was for her to call Angie’s office when she was settled in.

  Katy slipped out of the jeans and sweater she’d chosen for the drive and donned a pair of black dress slacks for her meeting. Adding a pale blue blouse and stylish black jacket, she fastened a set of pearls around her neck and slipped into black sling back pumps. She touched up her hair and make-up and. looking in the mirror, gave herself an approving smile. She placed a call to Angie’s secretary, telling her she was on her way down, got directions to the office and prepared to begin working.

  Grabbing her briefcase full of designs and the new Coach purse she had treated herself to before the trip, she was on her way.

  CHAPTER 28

  The week Katy spent working at the resort was very satisfying. She and Angie were able to agree on the décor of the new rooms and Katy felt good about the choices Angie had made. She felt the new rooms would be every bit as nice as the original ones, but in a more contemporary style, rather than the traditional style of the older portion of the hotel. Katy had decided to go with the different style in her designs and Angie had thought that was acceptable. After the work was finished for the week, Katy had a few days to relax before driving home to prepare for her Dallas jaunt. She spent some time reading by the indoor pool, indulged in some spa time, and did some shopping while Angie was working. The evenings were spent having dinner with her friend and catching up.

  Michael was around the first part of the week, but had flown to Texas mid-week to meet with Ryan and Shane, giving the girls some time to themselves.

  “What do you think Ryan’s reaction will be when he sees you, Katy?” Angie ventured to ask.

  “I can’t begin to imagine, Angie. He was so cold and professional on the phone. As if we had never been anything more than business acquaintances. I realize we only knew each other for a week, but it was a very intense week.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  “I can be just as businesslike as he can. I’m a professional now.”

  “You go, girl. That’s the spunk coming out.”

  “I just hope I don’t turn to mush when I see him. The longer I’m away from him, the more I think I really did… do… love him. I thought after I came back home, the feeling would fade away, but it has only grown stronger. I miss him so and crave more time with him. It just wasn’t long enough.”

  Angie felt bad for her friend. She was afraid Katy might never get the time with Ryan that she craved. She patted her friend’s hand and cleverly changed the subject, “Tell me some of your ideas for Chloe’s restaurants.”

  Katy spent the next hour telling Angie what she had come up with so far. Her enthusiasm for her work shone through and Angie was glad that Katy had the work to occupy her time. Otherwise, this ordeal with Ryan might have been her undoing.

  When it was time to go home, Katy hugged her friend and told her she would call her when she was back from Dallas. “We can talk about ordering the materials and furniture then.”

  “Sounds good. You take care of yourself, and don’t let this thing with Ryan bring you down. Enjoy your trip, regardless of what he does.”

  Katy took her keys from the valet and started her journey back to Chicago.

  The next week was spent working. When she was finally on board the plane, it was time to relax. Katy had worked long hours, night and day, for Chloe. She wanted everything to be perfect when she presented her work. She did not know if Ryan would be sitting in on any of the meetings or not, but she was determined that if he was, he would know she was very serious about her work and not just in Dallas chasing a fantasy.

  She might have been a fool thinking she could have a future with a man she had just met. But she had gotten a client out of the deal and she intended to make the client happy, even if she could not make the man happy. When she arrived at the airport, Jon was there to pick her up. “Mari is working today. She should be home by the time we get there. She arranged her schedule so that she can be off while you’re here, so that’s why she worked today.” Jon smiled as he took her bags and walked her to the Lincoln. He loaded her things, opened the door for her, and they were soon on the expressway.

  “How are things, Jon?” she asked, curiously.

  “Things couldn’t be better, hon. Jennifer has moved out of state after being threatened with harassment charges, and Marianne and I are back on track. The weekend in San Antonio was just what we needed. It gave us time to talk everything out. We’re happy as two honeymooners.”

  “I am so glad to hear that. I was worried about the two of you, you know.”

  “Katy, you always worry about all of us. But how about you? Any progress with Ryan?”

  “It’s over. I’m working on a job, that’s all.”

  Casting a sidelong glance in her direction, Jon replied, “Sorry, Katy, but I don’t buy that for a second.”

  “I don’t have a choice, Jon. I’ll admit I have realized these last few months that I genuinely have feelings for him, but his phone call proved to me that he doesn’t share those feelings. He’s written us off as a couple. As far as he’s concerned, we are nothing more than friendly business associates. I have to accept that.”

  “Typical Katy, always strong. No, you don’t have to accept that. You can tell him how you feel. You can tell him you want to try again. Don’t give up, Katy.”

  Katy was surprised by Jon’s outburst. “Why do you think I shouldn’t give up? Have you seen Ryan?”

  “No, not Ryan exactly, but we did finally get together with Chloe and Shane for dinner the other night and from what I could gather, Ryan has not been a very happy camper since this whole thing went down between the two of you. If he didn’t care about you, would it bother him so much? Food for thought.”

  They had arrived at the house and were greeted by Marianne, still in her nurse’s scrubs.

  Katy hugged her friend, while Jon carried her bags to an upstairs guest room.

  “How was your flight? Did you get some rest on the plane? You sounded tired when you called yesterday. Been working a lot?”

  “The flight was fine, and yes, I took a nap. I’ve been working a lot of long hours. But it sure is good to see you.”

  “Likewise. Chloe is so excited to get with you on the décor. We had dinner with them finally.”

  “That’s what Jon told me. So what was said about Ryan?”

  Marianne hesitated before she said, “Chloe says he’s been very moody since you left. He won’t talk about you or what happen
ed. She said he’ll only mention you if it pertains to the work, so she was shocked when he volunteered to call you. She was hoping that was a good sign. But apparently, he’s being very close-mouthed, even with Shane.”

  “Did you mention to her how cold he was to me on the phone?”

  “She wasn’t surprised. I gather that has been his general attitude with everyone lately. Not just you.”

  “You girls up for dinner out? Where would you like to go? My treat.” Jon bounded down the stairs.

  “What about Jordan?”

  “He actually has a date tonight. I know this because he hit me up for money.”

  “Let me get a quick shower and get changed. Katy, if you want to freshen up, I put you in the guest room that has a connecting bath, so feel free. There are towels in the linen closet.”

  “I’ll do just that. And, oh, by the way, Jon, I know where I want to have dinner.”

  Both of the Jacobis looked at her in surprise as she said simply, “I want to go to ‘Chloe’s Place.’”

  Katy turned and ran up the stairs to her bedroom. Her heart was racing. Why had she thought it was a good idea to go to Ryan’s restaurant? He would just think she was looking for him. No, she had every right to go there. She was working with the owners. It was perfectly acceptable. She could get a firsthand look at his attitude. She allowed herself to stand under a hot shower before choosing a pair of creamy slacks topped with a rose and cream striped, cashmere, cowl-necked sweater. The air was cool in Texas, but not cold as it was back in Chicago. The sweater would be fine for the evening. When she entered the sitting room, Jon and Marianne were waiting.

  “Let’s go, hon. I called ahead and told Chloe we’d be there, but I asked her not to tell Ryan. I hope that’s ok.” Marianne smiled conspiratorially.

  What had she and Chloe done? Katy was afraid to ask, so she just said, “Perfect. Let’s go. I believe I heard Dr. Jacobi say he was treating.”

  “That I did. Ladies, right this way.”

  On the way to dinner, Katy and Marianne discussed Lizzie’s last visit to Dallas. Apparently, all was going well with the Harts now that Lizzie was working at the agency. She had been jet-setting back and forth between Columbus and Dallas several times. They had finally met their daughter’s fiancé. He was likeable enough but they were still in shock about the whole ordeal. Katy would be anxious to talk with Lizzie and find out more. She had been so busy the past few months, and she knew Lizzie had too, that they had not touched base since the trip in the early fall. Soon they had arrived at the restaurant. Well, it’s now or never, Katy, steel yourself. It’s likely to be a bumpy ride. They walked into the lobby of the restaurant. Katy let her eyes adjust to the dim light before glancing around the room. No sign of Ryan. Had Chloe told him she was coming, after all?

  Shane was behind the desk and greeted them with a smile. “I see some of my favorite people have arrived. Katy, good to see you again.” He walked around the desk and hugged her.

  “Hello, Shane. I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to start working with Chloe.”

  “Chloe is bouncing-off-the-walls-excited. Jon, Mari, good to see y’all again.”

  “And you as well, Shane.”

  “Let me show y’all to your table. I believe Chloe picked out a private table in the back corner so we can all visit as we get a break.”

  “That would be great. I wasn’t sure if you two would get a chance to visit with us or not.”

  “We’ll make time. After all, you are three of our favorite people. Chloe will be out in a few minutes. She was finishing up some things in the kitchen.”

  No mention of Ryan. And still no sign of him.

  “Katy, darlin’, it’s so good to see you.” Chloe walked to the table and hugged Katy. She turned to Mari and Jon and smiled. “I was so happy when Marianne called and said y’all were coming over for dinner. Shane and I really enjoyed our night out with you. It gave us a chance to catch up.”

  “We enjoyed it too, Chloe. We had a lot of fun that night,” Jon said.

  Chloe sat down. “Katy, I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with. Let’s get together about ten in the morning. Work for you?”

  “That would be wonderful. Marianne has offered me the use of her car. Or, better yet, Mari, maybe you’d like to bring me? You can go shopping or run errands while we’re working and then pick me up later.”

  “That would work for me. I have some things I could do and when you’re finished, we’ll go do something fun, take in a movie or something.”

  Katy occasionally glanced around the room, still seeing no sign of Ryan. Where was he?

  This did not go unnoticed by Chloe. “He’s not here, honey.”

  Katy looked at her friend, “Did he know I would be here tonight?”

  “Oh, no, nothing like that. He went to Austin yesterday to meet with a supplier and isn’t back yet. He actually should be rolling in anytime. He said he would come here before he went home, so I expect him at any time. Won’t he be surprised? He knew you were flying in today, but bet he wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow. I think that’s why he came back from Austin tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow.”

  “I doubt that, Chloe. I think it’s pretty much strictly business for Ryan and me from here on out.”

  “I know it may seem like that. But don’t count him out yet, sweetie. I know Ryan. He is hurting like crazy. And he wouldn’t hurt if he didn’t care about you. As far as I know, he hasn’t had a date since he met you.”

  “You all keep trying to get me to hold on. I know you mean well and that you wish things were different, but I just don’t think it will work out. I need to start getting past my feelings for him.”

  The three people sitting at the table with her all looked at each other helplessly.

  The waiter came and took their orders, giving Katy a chance to regain her composure. The meal progressed, with Chloe and Shane stopping by to chat every chance they got. It was not until they had ordered dessert that the elder O’Grady brother made an appearance.

  Katy sensed he was there the minute he entered the room. She looked up and saw him talking with Shane. His younger brother must have told him she was there, because he glanced back at their table. He strode through the dining room, as devilishly handsome as ever. Heads turned as he made his way to her table. And then he was there, standing right in front of her. Her hands became clammy as she tucked them in her lap. Her heart was racing, her stomach in knots. She looked up into the eyes of the man she so desperately loved and could not have. She could not speak.

  “Katy, you’re here. I trust you had a good flight?” He nodded to the Jacobis. “Hello, Jon, Mari.”

  “Uh, yes, it was fine.”

  “Ready for work in the morning?”

  “Chloe and I are meeting here at ten. Will you be here too?”

  “Not sure. Depends on what Chloe wants. She has her hands in so many projects right now, I don’t know if she’s handling the décor on her own or if she wants help.”

  “I’ve been working on it quite a bit, so hopefully she won’t have to do much.”

  “Well, I need to be getting home. Have a good night, and I may see you tomorrow.” And then he was gone.

  “He was pleasant enough, Katy.” Mari was the first to speak.

  “But it was all business,” Katy sadly reminded her.

  They finished the meal in silence and the girls said goodbye to Chloe while Jon paid the check. The ride home was quiet as Katy sat in the back seat, lost in her thoughts. When they arrived back at Marianne’s house, Katy said goodnight and went straight to her room. She dozed fitfully until around dawn, when she was finally able to catch a few hours’ sleep before having to face Ryan again.

  CHAPTER 29

  Marianne dropped Katy off at the restaurant with a promise to stop by later. Katy carried her briefcase full of designs, swatches, and color palettes into the lobby. Chloe was waiting and waved for her to join her in the private dining room.<
br />
  “We can work undisturbed here.” She offered Katy coffee and they set to work immediately. Chloe was so impressed with Katy’s ideas, she finally sat back and said, “Babe, you have taken a load off my shoulders. I am putting you in charge of all the decorating. You make all the decisions, do it all. Can you take it on?”

  “Well… I am still finishing up with Angie. When I get back home, I need to meet with her and start ordering all her supplies. If I can work it all out, I’d be honored to take over the decorating for you.”

  “It’ll mean spending most of your time in Dallas. Can you handle it?”

  “I’ll have to, now, won’t I?”

  “Good girl. Oh, look, here’s Ryan coming in to check up on us.”

  “I was just checking to see if you needed me for anything.”

  Only everything, Katy thought. I need you for everything, Ryan.

  “No, we’re doing just fine. In fact, Katy is so talented, I have just put her in charge of all the decorating for the O’Grady chain. That’ll free me up to work on recipes and kitchen stuff.”

  “Katy, you can give up your other clients to work exclusively for the O’Grady chain? You do realize this will be a full time job?”

  “I do realize that, Mr. O’Grady. At present, I have only one other client and that’s Angie. I’ve already told Chloe that I need to see that project through and then I am free to devote my time to O’Grady Enterprises. She has agreed to that stipulation. So you see, we really have it all worked out.”

  “And you will be moving to Dallas, then?”

  Katy had not thought of that. “That would be a major, life-changing decision. I have my home and my son to consider. I think it would be a bit much to move to Dallas for a temporary job, when I have no other reason to be here, don’t you?”