Reservation with Death

by Diane Capri

  She came to pick me up at the airport to take me to my new home. She’d sent photos of a lovely room at the Park Hotel on touristy and historic Frontenac Island, which her family owned and operated. I’d loved the place all of my life. It seemed like a dream come true that I’d actually live there, even under these circumstances.

  “Andi!” Ginny shouted when she saw me, and in seconds, she had enveloped me in her skinny arms and a cloud of vanilla sweetness. I inhaled her welcome, realizing how much I’d truly missed her.

  She squeezed me once more, then pulled back to really look at me. Echoing my thoughts, she said, “God, I’ve missed you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “You’re thinner.”

  I looked down at myself, thinking that I’d probably put on five pounds in the past month, all on my hips. That was one thing I realized during this ordeal—I was definitely an emotional eater. I knew the cashier at the Dairy Queen by her first name. Jada and I had started to become very close. I even knew her kids’ names.

  I countered with, “Well, you seem a lot taller, somehow.”

  Ginny pulled up her boot-cut jeans to reveal platform heels.

  “How can you walk in those?”

  “Very carefully.” She laughed, then her gaze tracked down to the cheap running shoes on my feet. They definitely didn’t enhance the pinstriped cotton pants and sheer blouse I was wearing.

  “My heel broke when I ran to catch my flight. I bought these in Detroit,” I shook my head. “It’s been a long day.”

  Ginny swung an arm around me, guiding me to the only luggage carousel in the terminal. “Let’s get your luggage and get you home.”

  Home. I liked the sound of that. I only hoped it would feel like that when I got there. The last time I truly felt at home anywhere was when Ginny invited me to her parents’ place in Kalamazoo for the holidays back in college.

  My parents, who lived in Hong Kong now, didn’t celebrate our holidays here in the US. Except for my birthday. That did warrant a ten-minute phone call from my mother and usually consisted of the obligatory questions about my job, my eating habits, and if I was in any sort of long-term relationship. Which I wasn’t. Yet another reason why she was forever disappointed in me. I could only imagine how she’d react to my temporary suspension from practicing law. So, of course, I simply didn’t tell her.

  I stood at the carousel as it just started to turn. I heard my fur babies long before I saw them when their cat carriers came around the conveyor belt. The airline wouldn’t let me take them into the cabin with me, and I’d been nervous as hell about leaving them on their own for the long trip. Ginny beamed as she grabbed the carriers. “Oh my God, they’re so cute.”

  I reached in and petted Scout then Jem, and was rewarded with twin purrs. I smiled. They’d weathered the three flights just fine. Like me, they had indomitable spirits. I hoped they would be comfortable in their new home. If not, we’d have to move.

  During the car ride to Frontenac City where we would catch the ferry over to the island, Ginny talked nonstop. I loved that about her, actually. There was never a lull where I felt required to jump in with something mundane or irrelevant. Ginny could always carry the conversational ball.

  Although I already knew the basic story, she filled me in on her parents’ move to the island five years ago to run the hotel after Ginny’s granddad finally retired. It was a family affair. Ginny was the event organizer. Her brother Eric was the accountant, and his wife Nicole ran the restaurant.

  I wondered what it would be like to see Eric again. We’d had a bit of a fling when I was in school with Ginny. After I realized he had a crush on me, we went on a couple of dates, but it didn’t amount to much. He just wasn’t my type, but Ginny told me later that I had hurt him deeply. This made things awkward for him and for me, but it was all water under the bridge. I hoped.

  I grabbed Ginny’s hand as she talked about the hotel, seeing she was starting to choke up a little. Her dad, Henry, had died three years ago, and I knew they’d been close. Actually, the whole family was close, something that I had always envied greatly.

  My parents had literally never been there for me, and I didn’t have any siblings. Ginny was basically the sister I’d never had; her parents the funny uncle and warm aunt I’d never experienced. I still kicked myself regularly for not coming to Henry’s funeral because the firm wouldn’t give me the time off.

  “Are you sure your mom’s okay with me coming to stay?”

  “Oh God, yes. She loves you. She’s always talked about how accomplished you are. She’s very proud of you. I think she loves you more than me.” Ginny laughed, but I could see something troubling in her expression.

  “That can’t be true. You’re the perfect daughter.”

  “I’m just kidding around. I mean, she’s not your mother, right?” Ginny’s smile wavered a bit too much.

  “Exactly right. According to my mother, I’m far, far from perfect.” I squeezed her hand. “You’re an absolute gem, you know that, right?”

  “I know.” She gave me her goofy Ginny grin that I missed so much. “You’re going to love it, Andi. I promise you that. Lots of places you’ll want to explore, the way you looooooove to do. Tons of stuff going on all the time. You’ll never want to leave.”

  I returned her smile, then looked out the window as we neared the ferry station. I loved the water. It was one of the reasons I had stayed in California, so I could enjoy the ocean whenever I had the time. Which unfortunately did not turn out to be as much as I had hoped, but still it was there if I ever needed to see it.

  Lake Michigan wasn’t the Pacific Ocean, but from the shore, it could’ve easily passed because it was so huge. The lake had waves, too. Not as rolling or large as the ocean, but still present with the driving force of the wind. The smell was a bit different, too. Ocean air smelled and tasted salty—not so with the Great Lakes. The aroma was fresher, cleaner, like it had been washed by rain moments ago. I rolled down my window and inhaled it all in.

  Then we were driving into the ferry’s reserved parking lot for the twenty-five-minute ride across the water to the island. Ginny chatted with Peggy, the girl at the ferry station ticket booth, and introduced us when she bought my season pass that would allow me unlimited trips for the summer.

  If I wasn’t excited before, I was now. We walked onto the ferry and went to sit on the top deck. The ferry was full to capacity, but most of the tourists sat below, out of the wind, watching the approach to the grand old place.

  The green of the island was the first thing I noticed. There were trees everywhere. Next was the bay we were docking into. The water was so clear and blue, and the beach sand was actually soft in some areas. The beaches around most of the island were rocky. Maybe they had sand shipped in for swimmers hardy enough to brave the icy water. This was a tourist destination after all.

  But what took my breath away was the huge Park Hotel perched on the cliff side. It was a colonial style, three stories with white clapboard siding and round pillars and a cupola on top that housed a charming old-fashioned bar with spectacular views. Even from the water, I could see the colorful umbrellas dotting the massive garden that spread out from the hotel to the cliff. The sight was breathtaking.

  Ginny nudged me in the side. “What do you think?”

  “I think I’m going to love my new home.”

  Chapter 3

  Once we were tied up, Ginny and I walked off the ferry, each with a cat carrier in hand. She waved to the two old guys sitting at a table on the dock playing a game of chess.

  “That’s JC and Reggie,” she said of the two grizzled men. “They’re permanent fixtures down here. But if you are ever in need of information about the island, they’ll give you the lowdown and then some.” She laughed. “Sometimes they’re in disagreement about the accuracy of the lowdown, but you’ll be wiser for it anyway.”

  I waved to JC and Reggie, just to be friendly. Main Street was filled with locals and tourists riding bicyc
les and horse-drawn carriages. I sneezed. Twice. The aroma of horse droppings in the street was pungent, not to mention the actual traveling hazards presented.

  “You’ll get used to it,” Ginny grinned. “I’m sorry the Park’s carriage couldn’t pick us up, but we’re just too busy this weekend. One of the guys will collect your luggage later. But we’ll need to walk up the hill to the hotel. Are you good with that?”

  I nodded and shifted Jem’s carrier to my other hand. “I could use the exercise. But Jem and Scout will get pretty heavy.”

  “That’s okay. We can stop to rest. It’s not that far, and we’re in no hurry.” Ginny transferred Scout’s crate to her other side, and we were off to the Park Hotel.

  The walk to the hotel was about half a mile, mostly uphill along a winding road lit by old-style streetlamps. Ginny led the way around to the back where the employees’ entrances were, and we went inside.

  The color scheme was the first thing that hit me. It was all papered walls, green velvet chairs and sofas, and red floral carpeting. Technically it should’ve been a disgusting color combination, but it actually really worked well together, giving the place a rich, vibrant, historical vibe.

  “Welcome to the Park Hotel.” Ginny did a twirl with her arms out. “What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “Right? I couldn’t believe it when Mom and Dad decided to buy the place with Grandpa Sam. Like, honestly, I don’t know how they did it. It wasn’t like we’re rich or anything. I think maybe Grandpa fronted them most of the cash.”

  I looked around, taking it all in, just as Lois Park, Ginny’s mother, came around the corner with her arms open wide to greet me.

  “Andi!” She hugged me tightly. Lois always gave the best hugs. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “Me, too,” I said, meaning it with my entire soul.

  Then her gaze flitted over the cat carriers. Scout and Jem were meowing loudly. They hadn’t eaten in quite a while, so they were both hungry and letting us know about it. “What are those?”

  “My cats.”

  She tapped a finger to her mouth. “I’m afraid you’re not going to be able to keep them here.”

  My heart sank. I’d come so far. And there was no way I would give up my cats. Jem and Scout were much too dear. Most days, they felt like the only family I had. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Ginny grabbed her mother’s arm. “I’m sure we can make an exception for Andi.”

  “You can keep them here for a few days until you can make arrangements, but we can’t have pets in the hotel. A rule you are well aware of, Ginny.”

  “It’ll be fine.” Ginny grabbed my hand. “I actually know a great person who can take care of them for you. Her name is Daisy, and she runs a kennel and grooming place. She’s great.”

  Lois frowned. “Mmm. Are you sure about her? She’s a bit flighty, don’t you think?”

  My face must’ve given away my emotions, because Ginny squeezed my hand harder. I glanced at my darlings and couldn’t imagine my life without them. Maybe this whole plan, this whole move was not a good idea. I would never have made the leap if I’d known Scout and Jem weren’t welcome. But then we’d all be sleeping in a cardboard box under the freeway, probably.

  “Mom, you think everyone is flighty. You think I’m flighty.”

  Lois pursed her lips. “Yeah, well…”

  Before she could finish, Ginny pulled me away. “C’mon, I’ll show you your room.”

  “We’ll talk later,” Lois said to me in a tone that was more like a promised appointment with doom than a pleasant invitation.

  Ginny led me past the huge lobby, which had chandeliers hanging from a domed ceiling and black and white tiles on the floor. Everything was bright and polished and extravagant. The Park Hotel felt like a historic palace. I knew I’d love it here, just like Ginny promised.

  She turned the corner and took us to the far side of the hotel where she and the family had their suites overlooking Lake Michigan and the Frontenac Bridge that connected the state’s upper and lower peninsulas. The views were stunning.

  “Here’s you.” She stopped in front of suite 108.

  “I’m down that hall,” she pointed, “and Eric is down the opposite way with Nicole. Mom has a separate cottage on the west bluff overlooking the water.” She swiped the key card and opened the door for me. We shuffled in with cats in tow.

  I was pleasantly surprised to see black and white tile at the entrance and pretty wallpaper with white and purple flowers everywhere.

  Ginny smiled when she saw my expression. “It’s called the Lilac Suite, and I thought it was perfect for you.”

  There was a small foyer with a closet and decorative table and mirror. Then we entered a cute living room, with a deep-purple velvet sofa and chair, and a glass coffee table with a beautiful decorative rug underneath.

  To the immediate right was a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, sink, counter, and some cupboards. A couple of feet over was a raised area with two steps that led to the queen-sized bed and dressers. And beyond the living room along one wall were just windows and a French door that opened up onto my own private patio facing the lake.

  I felt like I’d landed in a fairy tale. Cinderella-like, almost. But without Prince Charming, thankfully. A prince would complicate my life way too much right at the moment.

  “It’s nice, right?” she asked, anxious for my approval.

  I blinked away tears before I turned to my friend. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Ginny.”

  She opened the cat carriers and proceeded to pick up Scout and rub her little black head. “And don’t worry about these guys. I’ll talk to Mom. I’ll convince her they won’t be a problem.”

  Jem must’ve liked that idea, because he immediately started to purr and rub against Ginny’s legs. He was basically a little flirt. He was tan and beautifully marked almost like a Savannah, which made him irresistible, of course.

  I walked to the windows and smiled. The tension in my shoulders and neck released a little. Everything was going to be okay. My life was just experiencing a little hiccup, a tiny setback. And this was not a bad place to ride it through. I had my best friend, my fur babies, the tenacity to not let anything get me down, and a perfect little piece of paradise to call my home. What could possibly go wrong?

  Chapter 4

  For the next couple of days, as Ginny instructed, I familiarized myself with the hotel and the grounds. I took all my meals in the restaurant, where the food was top-notch. I swam in the pool—the water heated to a perfect temperature—and I indulged in a massage and pedicure in the spa, which was both relaxing and a special treat for myself. I walked through the gardens and attempted the hedge maze. I got lost twice, and that was fun, too.

  This was all good research as it so happened, because Ginny had announced the next day that she’d found me a job. As concierge in the hotel no less, since the current one, Casey, had to take a leave of absence to care for his mother who just had hip surgery. I didn’t know anything about being a concierge, but it was the best she could do for me job-wise, and I needed the money. I was on my last few hundred dollars, and some of that had to go to my credit card bill to pay for those plane tickets that got me out here. I was way too old and too proud to be asking my parents for a loan, and I definitely wouldn’t want to deal with whatever strings they’d attach to the money, anyway.

  Early Friday morning, I showed up in the lobby in a pair of black pinstriped pants and a black-and-white floral silk top, ready to learn just what I had signed up for. I’d stayed at several top rated hotels over the years and had dealt with the concierges to book taxis and tickets to the hottest attractions. I could do this. I was good with people, and I was a stellar negotiator, so I knew I could get the best deals and best prices for the guests.

  What I didn’t expect was to get thrown into a war zone on my first day.

  The hotel was abuzz with activity even at five a.m. as cleaners and hotel
staff prepared for the annual chamber of commerce convention. Something that Ginny had failed to mention when she told me my first day would be on Friday—even though she was the event organizer at the hotel and it should have been top on her mind. My flighty friend. There was going to be four days of meetings and lunches, suppers and drinks in the garden. And as it turned out, I was expected to help set it all up.

  Before I could get out a friendly “Good morning,” Lois marched toward me with a clipboard. “I need you to call June and make sure she’s going to be here with the flowers on time.”

  I took the clipboard she’d thrust at me. “Who’s June, and where’s her number?”

  “June Biddle. June’s Blooms, our florist. Her number is on the computer on the concierge desk over there. Where you’ll be working.” She pointed to the round, white wooden desk located near the main doors that said CONCIERGE on it in gold letters.

  I marched over to the desk and clicked on the computer, determined to prove myself to Lois. She wasn’t as convinced as Ginny that I was a good fit for the job. Honestly, I think it had more to do with the fact that Lois didn’t value her daughter’s opinion than it was about me being unqualified. To my way of thinking, it didn’t take a Rhodes Scholar to be a concierge at a tourist hotel on an island as small as Frontenac. I’d handled much tougher assignments when I was a lawyer, for sure.

  Eric had actually laughed when Ginny told him what she had in mind for me. His laugh seemed a bit forced. Our first meeting after so many years didn’t go well. It was more than a bit awkward, and his wife Nicole gave me the stink eye the entire time we talked. Obviously, Eric must’ve told her some unflattering stuff about me. I didn’t know what it could be. In my mind, we had parted as friends. But I guess not.

  After a few frustrating clicks on the mouse, I figured out where the business contact list was stored, located June Biddle’s phone number, and called it. She answered almost immediately. I introduced myself, explained what I needed, and she agreed to provide it. Piece of cake. I’d completed my first assignment without a hitch.