Marcus Whitmore frowned. He didn’t like the idea of her making someone else money. “Where are you going?”
Randa sighed. “I think it’s got to be Memphis.”
Chapter Fourteen
* * *
TONY WAS WORKING the front desk when he saw a taxi roll to a stop in front of the lobby’s front door. He’d switched shifts with Laura for the previous two days so she could get a handle on the night shift.
Because tomorrow he was headed for Chicago.
For a week.
And if, at the end of that week, he hadn’t convinced Randa to come and work some of her magic here at the Rock’n’Rolla Hotel, Willodean was prepared to bring out the big guns.
Willodean was the big guns.
Apparently she was tired of dealing with him, post-Randa. He didn’t blame her. Misty was just about the only one left who hadn’t given up on him. He was tired of being snappy and short tempered and just a little bit sad. But he was just as determined that if he couldn’t convince Randa to give them a shot, there was no need for the big guns. She had her own life to live. Just because he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head for almost two weeks since she’d been gone didn’t mean she shared the same affliction.
A woman in love wouldn’t steal away without a goodbye, would she? So she’d cried when she’d spoken to Willodean and Laura. But he never would have guessed Randa Whitmore would leave him that way. Maybe the old Randa could be sneaky but she was no coward. And the new Randa, the real woman he’d spent all night with… she should have known he deserved every minute of her messy goodbye. She’d made him a promise that, good or bad, she’d be honest.
So when a tall blond man slid smoothly out of the taxi and shut the door, Tony didn’t think much of it. He had other things on his mind. And when the guy marched into the lobby like he routinely conquered places like this before breakfast, Tony thought he could see a little resemblance to… someone but he wasn’t sure. Maybe a catalog. The guy looked like he’d be at home modeling tube socks.
“Good morning, sir. Are you checking in today?”
The blond was staring fixedly at Misty. She was not returning the favor. Her whistling breaths were stirring the palm fronds. When he finally managed to drag his eyes away, he shot two quick looks around the lobby and straightened his tie.
“Uh, no. I was hoping to speak to the owner. Is she around?” When Tony didn’t immediately answer he added, “Or I suppose if she’s out, I could get a tour from the manager.”
Tony crossed his arms over his chest and felt the weight of the guy’s stare as he took in the ink on his arm. “I don’t think a tour is a good use of your time. Is there anything else I can I help you with?” The blond didn’t seem sure whether to believe him or not. Finally he held out his hand. Tony noted a fine cuff, an unwrinkled suit jacket, and what seemed to be a very expensive watch and suddenly he knew what he was dealing with. He didn’t know which one, but this had to be one of Randa’s brothers. “Marcus Whitmore III.” His voice was pompous, like he was certain Tony would know the name and react accordingly. “But you can call me Trip.”
Tony shook his hand and asked, “What brings you here, Trip? Seems like we’ve already shown everything to the Whitmores, and Randa was pretty convinced to move right along.”
Trip Whitmore smiled. Apparently he shared the same smile repertoire as his sister. Tony would call this one the “All American.” Whereas Randa’s might have worked, Trip didn’t stand a chance. She’d blinded him with beauty, but there was nothing to distract him from the insincerity on Trip’s face. There was something in his eyes though. An intelligence and possibly the question about just what exactly Tony knew about Randa.
“I’d like to speak to the owner. Is she available?”
Tony said, “I don’t believe she’s in. Maybe I could take a message. I know you’ll be in a hurry to get back to Chicago.”
Trip Whitmore crossed his arms over his chest. “So, how well did you get to know Randa?”
Tony didn’t react.
“Because she looked like hell the last time I saw her, like she wasn’t sleeping maybe. And she’s not acting like herself at all.” Trip raised his eyebrows. “You wouldn’t know what caused that, would you?”
A hundred questions were on the tip of Tony’s tongue. He didn’t know where to start. “What do you mean, not herself?”
Trip didn’t smile but Tony had the feeling he’d just shown the guy more than he meant to. “Demanding her own hotel.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I hope she’s not planning to come back to Memphis to manage this one. Father will not be happy.”
While that was not an answer to the question he’d asked, Tony didn’t want to ask for more. He was going to Chicago. He’d just find out for himself. And if he could, he’d pick her up and bring her home. He didn’t know what he’d do with her when he got here, but they’d figure it out. Together.
Tony picked up the phone and dialed Willodean’s suite.
Willodean didn’t even answer with a hello. “For the last time, you’re going on vacation if I have to drive you to Chicago myself.”
“There’s a Trip Whitmore to see you here at the front desk.”
There was silence for a second before Willodean said, “His name’s really Trip Whitmore? Good Lord.” She sighed. “I’ll be down in just a second. You boys play nice.”
Obviously feeling no need to make polite conversation while he waited for the real player to make it downstairs, Trip wandered the lobby and read the plaques outlining different attractions at Graceland.
Tony watched Trip not look at him and dissected his clothes, his haircut, and his general moral failings while he answered the phone and assisted a couple of Japanese Elvis fans who wanted to get out for lunch.
After they left to grab a taxi, Misty rolled up with a sigh and padded over to stand by the elevator. And when Willodean Jackson stepped off, it was clear she was ready to do her thing. Her black hair was perfectly teased into a large pouf, her green denim jacket had enough sparkle to blind a man, and her lips were bright red to match her nails. She looked a whole lot of rich with just a smidge of eccentric thrown in.
She waved at Tony and sashayed across the lobby, her faithful hound drooping along at her heels. “Why, you must be Randa’s brother. It’s quite a surprise to see you here. Y’all really ought to learn to call ahead, maybe set a little something up so I’ll know you’re coming. I believe in the business world they call ’em meetings.”
Trip held out his hand and Willodean shook it before she wrapped her arms around his neck. Tony watched him open and shut his mouth like a catfish looking for air. “I feel like we’re about to be family. Let’s not stand on ceremony.”
And the look on Trip’s face said he was off kilter. Tony shook his head. Now she’d go in for the kill. He’d seen it over and over, usually when Willodean was trying to help someone. This time, he wasn’t sure who that was, but Trip followed her across the lobby like a lamb to slaughter.
“I’ll bet you’re wanting a tour of the place, aren’t you? Randa said such nice things that y’all want to take a page from my book. That’s all right, hon. I can stand some healthy competition. Let’s start out by the pool, why don’t we?”
Willodean’s voice slowly died out and Tony wished they’d stayed right where he could hear them. He wanted to know every detail about Randa, what she was doing, why she was tired, and why her brother had shown up to reinspect the place.
Before she’d left, he’d tried to convince himself Randa was just for fun. There’d be another girl who was perfect for him. Since she’d been gone, he knew better. And he was even angrier at himself and a little more peeved with her as every minute on the clock ticked by. He’d gone back to his usual insomnia but something about it felt different, like it wouldn’t last forever. He just had to keep working at it and things would get better. No matter what happened with Randa, he owed her thanks for showing him there was more to hope for.
“Sam, get Mr. Whitmore a taxi. He’s not staying.” Tony watched them without watching them, wondering what they’d talked about. Whether Willodean had thought to ask about Randa. What Trip thought now that he’d seen the hotel.
He gave up on surreptitiously watching because they were headed his direction. “And this guy’s my secret weapon. Keeps the hotel running regular and has a very nice way with the ladies.” Willodean’s eyes held a twinkle and he frowned. Since when did he have a way with the ladies?
Trip frowned too. “Ladies? Like my sister? You don’t seem her usual type.”
Tony crossed his arms over his chest.
Willodean patted Trip’s arm again. “Oh, now, Trip, from what you said, sounds like maybe y’all don’t know Randa as well as you thought you did.”
He pursed his lips. “Maybe you’re right.” Tony thought he looked a little worried about it too and felt a little less ready to toss him out into the sizzling sunshine.
Willodean sighed. “Too close. It happens that way sometimes. Maybe a little space is all you really need to get to know her better.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’ll have to see what I can do to get her a hotel. A Whitmore hotel. She’s confused now, but that’s what she’s always wanted. Maybe that’s all it will take to make her happy.” Trip smiled. “But not here in Memphis. I don’t think I’d want to compete with you, Willodean.”
“As smart a businessman as you are good-looking, Trip Whitmore.” She led him over to the door where a taxi waited. “Better work quick, hon. And you be sure you tell Randa I’m looking forward to seeing her again.”
“I will.” He stared hard at Tony again and then left. Willodean looked happier than the cat that ate the canary. She looked as happy as the cat that ate the canary and washed it down with a bowl of cream. “Poor guy. He didn’t even get his own first name. That’s just sad.”
“How’s she doing?” Tony couldn’t help but ask. He was dying to know.
“Good. Sounds like she’s doing good.” Willodean tilted her head.
Tony sighed. “Come on, Willodean. Tell me.”
She tapped her fingernails on the desk. “She asked for her own hotel. Her daddy said no. So now she’s shaking things up.” She smiled. “What time did you say you’re leaving for the airport tomorrow?”
Tony didn’t like the look on her face. “Eleven. Why?”
Willodean shrugged. “Oh, no reason. I think that’ll work out perfectly.”
Tony frowned. “Perfect for what?”
“I’m going to head on back upstairs, maybe take another look over the drawings for the expansion. Can’t hardly wait to see the walls go up.”
Tony nodded. “Yeah, when I get back, we’ll need to figure out what we want to do for the spa manager so we can get some input once the building’s framed.”
Willodean winked. “Put that at the top of the list of things to do when you get back. And then don’t you think another thing about it. We got plenty of time.”
Tony bit his tongue. Thanks to Willodean’s charm and open pocketbook, they’d have the building up in four months or less. Knowing Willodean, she’d have it decorated in two days. And then she’d want the doors flung open to welcome the world in. That was how she did everything. She was already advertising and booking the conference rooms and the building didn’t even exist yet.
“See you in the morning, all right?” Willodean and Misty got on the elevator and Tony was left trying to figure out just exactly what he was going to say to Randa. His charms wouldn’t stand much chance against a hotel of her own and the opportunity to do what she’d always wanted.
But he’d never been a quitter. He wasn’t about to start now.
WHENEVER HE SPENT time in street clothes, T-shirts, and jeans that had nothing to do with Elvis or Hawaii or anything except comfort, Tony had to adjust. So he was standing on the wrong side of the front desk, his duffel by his feet, and shifting from one foot to the other while he tried to go over his list of things that had to be watched, fixed, paid, booked, returned, and filed while he was gone. Willodean was paying almost no attention to him. He’d been pretty sure that was going to happen so he’d left a more detailed list for Laura.
When she showed up and leaned against the desk, he was glad to have the chance to show the list to both of them.
“Now, Consuela’s ordered some new housekeeping items. They’re supposed to be delivered on Wednesday. Somebody needs to check the delivery before they sign. If she’s around, she’s the best option. If not, whoever’s on the desk will need to…”
He trailed off when he noticed Willodean and Laura smiling at each other and clearly paying zero attention to what he was saying.
“What’s going on with you two? I’m going to be gone for a week.”
Willodean patted his hand and yanked the list away from him. “And we may not do everything like you would, kid, but I was running this hotel while you were acing trigonometry. We’ll be okay.”
Tony wanted to argue. He wanted to be impossible to replace. But he knew better.
“Fine. Just tell me you’ll miss me while I’m gone.”
Laura said, “Sure thing, boss. We’ll miss your lighthearted disposition and easy smile. But we’ll be here when you get back and just imagine the mess you’ll have to straighten out.”
Tony didn’t want to smile at her but he couldn’t stop it. He looked down at Misty, the only one there who seemed to be mourning his departure. That might have just been her skin though. Most of the time she looked like she was mourning.
“See you in a week, Misty. Don’t let the place fall down around your ears, okay?”
He scratched her behind the bows and she gave his hand a delicate lick.
He straightened and pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. “Guess I’ll just head out.”
“Shuttle’s almost here.” Willodean walked around the desk to give him a hug. “Have Bernie drop you instead of taking a taxi.”
He hugged her back. “Good idea.”
Willodean nodded. “I’m just filled with ’em.”
All three of them laughed, and Laura whistled. “Shuttle’s here, but get a load of this.”
Willodean and Tony leaned over the desk to see the security monitors. Randa Whitmore was standing beside the lobby doors. Even in black and white, Tony could tell she was wearing a killer business suit and sky-high heels. They watched her shift her suit jacket, smooth her hand over her hair, and pick up the briefcase at her feet.
Sam pointed to the small rolling bag next to her. Randa nodded, straightened her shoulders, and walked through the doors.
All three of them swiveled to watch her walk through the automatic sliding glass doors.
Tony’s mouth went dry and he felt his temperature rise as she did the prowl again. One foot right in front of the other, her hips swaying and long legs bared by a skirt. Her golden hair was twisted in a knot behind her head and she was wearing the acid green glasses.
His naughty teacher, librarian, and secretary, come to life. Right here in the lobby of the Rock’n’Rolla Hotel.
RANDA WHITMORE DIDN’T get nervous when it was time to talk business. Today she could barely contain the nerves. Sweaty palms and a rapid heartbeat made it hard to concentrate on her prowl, but she was determined to be sure that both Willodean and Tony knew that even if they said no to her proposals, she was going to be just fine. Even if she wouldn’t be. She didn’t want them to know it. They needed to make logical decisions.
Th
is was business. Logic mattered.
When she made it to the desk, her large-and-in-charge invasion stuttered to a halt as Misty intercepted her and Randa bent down to murmur “sweet doggy” and a few other choice words into her floppy ears. When Misty was satisfied, she lumbered back over to her spot and settled in for a nap.
Then every eye in the place returned to Randa. She smoothed her hand down her skirt again and pasted on a cool, professional smile.
Willodean was having none of that. “I told your brother to let you know we were waiting. I’m sure happy we didn’t have to wait long.” She wrapped her arms around Randa and gave her a tight squeeze.
“Trip’s already been here?” Randa flailed a little as she tried to figure out how to return the hug. Whitmores were not traditionally a hugging people. Before she got a good handle on it, Willodean stepped back.
“You aren’t here to make another failed attempt at buying my hotel, are you?”
She was hoping to get out of the hotel business for once. The idea turned up the level of nerves again. Hotels she knew. This was a brand new ballgame. Randa licked her lips. “No, I’m here for a job interview.”
Willodean pursed her lips. “Now, I was not aware that we were hiring. Tony, did I miss something on your list?”
Tony didn’t answer. No answer was needed.
Randa shifted one shoulder uneasily. “You may not be hiring yet, but I have all the proof you’ll need to change your mind.” She patted her briefcase. “Give me twenty minutes. That’s all I need.”
Willodean pretended to consider it then waved a hand. “Come on back in my office. Tony’s just on his way out, but maybe he’s got time to listen too.”
Randa looked directly at him for the first time. “You’re leaving?” She’d been doing her best to focus on Willodean. An angry Tony might be more than she could handle right then. And he sort of had the right to be angry. She should have woken him up. She should have kissed him goodbye. She should have told him in that stupid note how much she appreciated everything he’d shown her or how much she was going to miss him or asked him to call her. She might have if she’d known before she left how much all that was going to hit her.
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