Once Upon a Summertime (25 page)

Anna was just pouring the pesto
onto the angel hair when she heard someone in the apartment and remembered she'd left the door open. “Marley?” she called out as she grabbed the wooden spoon. Brandishing it in front of her as she peeked out into the living room, she was ready to scream if it was an intruder. “Oh, Sean!” She lowered the spoon in relief. “What are you doing in here?”

“Rodney was out front having a cigarette.” He made a sheepish smile. “He told me to go on into the building. Then I saw your door was open . . . again.” He frowned. “Sorry to just walk in, but when I called out your name and you didn't answer, I got a little concerned.”

“Oh, the music was probably too loud.” She closed the door. “I just wanted to let some air flow. It was stuffy in here.”

“Understandable.” His brow was still creased. “Just don't forget this is a big city, Anna. You're not in Springville anymore.” His countenance softened.

“Yeah, maybe that wasn't too smart. I meant to close it before now.” Anna turned down the volume of her MP3 player. “I sometimes forget.”

“Well, my apologies for just barging in.” He looked slightly uncomfortable, standing there in his stylish gray suit with his hands in his pockets. “I didn't really mean to intrude.”

She pointed her wooden spoon at him. “Well, what are you doing here?”

He made a funny face. “I was, uh, homesick.”

“Huh?”

He waved his hands toward the living room. “I kept remembering how nice this place looked and, okay, I know it sounds pathetic, but I just wanted to see it again. I'm sorry to intrude like this. I'll get out of your hair now.” He turned.

“Wait,” she said quickly. “Are you hungry?”

“Are you kidding?” He sniffed the air. “Do you realize how good it smells in here?”

“Why don't you take off your jacket and tie? Relax while I finish this up.”

“Seriously? You don't mind me crashing in like this?”

“Not at all. Remember, I owe you a meal or two for all your help.” She opened the fridge, taking out a leftover green salad she'd made last night. If she added another tomato and some cucumber and pepper, it would probably be enough for two.

As she set the table, this time putting down the moss green placemats, she was glad to see the flowers Sean had brought her on Tuesday still looked nice. Before long, they were both seated at the table, and once again, Sean offered to say a blessing.

“It's a pretty simple meal,” she said as they began to eat. “If I'd known you were coming, I'd—”

“Do not apologize, Anna.” He looked at her sternly. “This is great.”

“Oh . . . good.” She forked into her salad.

“I missed our meeting this morning,” he said.

“So did I.” She took a bite.

“I really wanted to talk to you. As you know by now, I used your idea to put fishbowls in the rooms. The Newmans loved it.”

She bristled as she chewed.

“I'm sure you read the memo about how we'll do it,” he continued obliviously. “Guests will have the option for fish or no fish. I realize some guests might not be overly fond of fish.”

“Some of the maids aren't overly fond either,” she admitted. “But I think they'll come around.”

“Anyway, I told the Newmans it was your idea, Anna, and they were—”

“You told them it was my idea?” She set her fork down. “Really?”

“Of course. You don't mind, do you? You mentioned you were going to tell Mrs. Newman. We were in a meeting and it just kind of came out. I hope that was okay.”

“Sure.” She smiled. “That's great.”

“They were so pleased to hear that you and I have become better friends. It was kind of like a win-win.”

She felt guilty for having doubted him but inexplicably happy that he had not betrayed her. “I'm so glad we can be friends.” She lifted her water glass. “Here's to friends.”

He looked slightly reluctant as he picked up his glass, clinking it against hers. “To friends.”

“Well, what have we here?”

They both looked to see Marley standing in the living
room, staring at the two of them with an expression of disbelief. “Marley!” Anna jumped up, going over to her. “You're home.
Welcome!
”

“Hey, Marley.” Sean stood politely. “How's the world traveler?”

“Tired.” Marley glared at Anna.

“Are you hungry?” Anna asked her. “I'm sure there's enough for one more.”

“I don't know.” Marley narrowed her eyes as she peeled off her jacket. “It looks like three's a crowd.”

“No, it's not,” Anna insisted. “We were just celebrating our friendship. The Newmans had complained that we weren't getting along too well and—”

“Looks like you're getting along pretty well to me.” Marley reached over to finger a strap of Anna's dress with a suspicious look.

“Sean just happened to drop by,” Anna continued quickly. “I was already making pasta. And I owed him a thank-you dinner.” She waved her arms around to indicate the apartment. “He helped me put this place together. Isn't it amazing?”

“Amazing,” Marley said wryly.

“Come on,” Anna urged. “I'll go fix you a plate. Get yourself comfy and come join us, okay?”

“Well, I am hungry.”

Anna hurried to the kitchen and began fixing a third plate. Fortunately, there was more than she realized and plenty for a makeshift meal. “Here you go,” she said as she set it in front of Marley. “What do you think of the place?”

Marley looked around, then shook her head. “I can't believe you did all this without even asking me.”

Anna felt like she'd been slapped. “I did ask you. Remember, you said you didn't care.”

“Yes, but you didn't take into account what I like and don't like. Seems like I should've had a say.”

“You don't like it?” Anna felt even more crushed now. “Really—you don't like it at all?”

“I don't like being left out.”

“You can blame me too,” Sean said. “I encouraged Anna to go for it. We had our days off on Monday and Tuesday, and we just went kind of wild.” He looked around. “I think it looks fabulous.”

Marley shrugged. “I suppose.” She pointed to the table. “I'm not really a fan of this wooden furniture, though. I think it looks cheesy. I like glass and metal better.”

“I looked up the maker's marks on these Danish modern pieces,” Sean told Anna. “They are very collectable—and valuable. If you decided you didn't want them, you could easily sell them.”

“I don't want to sell them,” she said quickly. “I love them.”

As they ate—and Anna's appetite dwindled—Marley continued to make sharp little jabs. Anna knew it wasn't really about the furniture. It was about Sean. Finally, after Sean left, Anna assured Marley that her relationship with Sean was strictly business. “Just friendship.”

“I don't know . . .” Marley curled her feet under her as she sat on the sofa. “Looked like there were some sparks flying when I showed up.”

“If I got involved with Sean,
I would lose my job
,” Anna said plainly. “Sean and I are just friends, Marley. That's all it can be.”

“You're sure about that?” Marley narrowed her eyes.

“Besides the fact that my savings account has shrunk significantly, I have to get some good work references to ensure my future. I cannot afford to risk everything. I cannot afford to lose my job. Period.” She sighed. “I doubt Sean would want to risk his position either. He's doing an excellent job.”

“Even so,” Marley persisted, “if you really fell in love with him, wouldn't you be willing to take that kind of risk?”

Anna didn't know how to answer that question.

“I know I would.” Marley nodded firmly.

“Are you in love with Sean?” Anna asked, instantly regretting it.

Marley's mouth twisted to one side. “In love . . . ?” she said slowly.

“Really, it's none of my business.”

“But you asked.” Marley studied Anna closely. “The truth is, I suppose I'm not
in
love
with Sean, but I wouldn't mind giving it a try. He's awfully good looking and a truly nice guy.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I'm surprised you don't throw caution to the wind and just go for him yourself, Anna.”

“Really? How would you feel if I actually did that?” Anna frowned. “Not that I ever would. But wouldn't you be upset?”

“If you guys were meant to be, well, I suppose I wouldn't mind too much.”

Anna didn't know whether to believe her or not, but to distract her and reroute the conversation, Anna began to tell her about the upcoming grand opening. Since the big gala on Saturday night was an open house, Anna invited Marley to attend. “Max and Elsie will be there too.”

“Ooh, that does sound fun. I don't have another flight until Sunday afternoon.”

“Great. I'll put your name down.” Anna slowly stood, looking at the painting of the rainy day behind Marley and sighing. “It's been a long day. I think I'm going to call it a night.”

“Thanks for getting my bed moved down for me,” Marley called as Anna headed for the bathroom. “Sorry I was such a witch tonight. I think I must be really tired.”

“It's okay,” Anna paused by the bathroom door. “I'm sure it's exhausting flying all over the world the way you do. I understand.”

“The truth is, this place looks great, Anna. Nice job.”

On Friday morning, the hotel was bustling and filled to near capacity. All of the staff were on their toes just trying to keep up, plus there were preparations for tomorrow night's celebration. The last thing Anna needed was the memo she got from Mrs. Newman, informing her that she was to dismiss one of her maids. Not only that, it was one of her most dependable maids—second in line to Velma. In fact, she was Velma's sidekick, Cindy. Anna knew that she had no right to question Mrs. Newman on this. Yet it seemed that as Cindy's boss, she did have the right to know what she had done wrong.

Because she was scheduled to meet with Sean—although he'd blown off their last two meetings and she doubted he'd be there now—she decided to find out what he knew first. Or else she'd have to stop by and ask Mrs. Newman. To her surprise, Mrs. Newman was already in Sean's office, and her face looked grim.

“Good, you're here,” she told Anna. “I only have a few minutes. I'm sure you got my memo by now.”

“Yes.” Anna sat down. “I felt a bit blindsided, though. Cindy is one of my best maids.”

“I know, and that's a shame. Especially when we're so busy. But rules are rules.”

“What did she do?”

“You don't know?” Mrs. Newman's fair brows arched.

“No. I haven't had a chance to ask anyone.”

“Cindy was discovered with Arnie, the night doorman,” Sean said in a flat-sounding tone. “In a full embrace.”

“Oh dear.”

“They both must be dismissed.” Mrs. Newman looked at Anna. “Let's not let this lesson go to waste. Use Cindy as an example for the other maids. Make them see that we mean business. Here today, gone tomorrow.” She snapped her fingers. “If they value their employment, they won't mess around.”

“Right.” Anna avoided Sean's face.

“Take care of it ASAP,” Mrs. Newman told them. “And get them replaced.”

“I'm on it,” Sean told her.

“Yes.” Anna stood. “So am I.”

“Good.” Mrs. Newman smiled. “I'm glad I can depend on both of you.”

As Anna left, she felt as if storm clouds were gathering. Or as if she were walking into a dangerous minefield. She reminded herself that she had done nothing wrong. Sure, the friendship she shared with Sean felt like it could bloom into something more. But not if she nipped it in the bud. Okay, maybe it was more than just a bud by now. But she would nip it. She would not allow her feelings to derail both her and Sean. In the meantime, she had to go fire someone.

The grand opening party was well attended, and it seemed that the Rothsberg was well on its way to becoming SoHo's next big success story. Anna was glad to see Marley there, dressed to the nines and looking like a million bucks. Marley divided her time between the Newmans and Max and Elsie, as well as the who's who of Manhattan. As Anna watched from the sidelines, she was slightly surprised to see that Marley was such a good schmoozer. No one would ever have guessed that Marley, like Anna, was from a small town like Springville. Of course, Sean shared their humble origins too, but he always seemed so at ease, so comfortable and in his element, that Anna sometimes forgot how similar their roots really were.

With everyone looking all glamorous and glittery tonight, Anna felt like a small-town bumpkin. Especially since she was dressed in her serious black work suit. However, she reminded herself, she
was
working. Although Sean was working too. Yet he was wearing a stylish tux and doing just as much schmoozing as Anna's congenial roommate. Anna tried to watch discreetly from the sidelines, admiring how Sean skillfully worked the crowd. He was hard to ignore—so handsome and debonair, so outgoing and friendly. Almost like a celebrity.

Her spying was spoiled when she witnessed Sean and Marley clinking their glasses of champagne together—visiting and laughing like old friends . . . or much more. Anna knew it was childish, but she couldn't take it. She returned to housekeeping. After ensuring that everything was under control, since Ellen was still there and Anna's shift had been over for a couple of hours, Anna went home and went to bed.

With the hotel at nearly full capacity, Sunday was just as
busy as Saturday had been, and when quitting time came, Anna was thankful to call it a day and looking forward to two blessed days off. She was also thankful to come home to a vacated apartment, because she knew that Marley was going out tonight and then flying to Amsterdam and who knew where else tomorrow morning. Anna would have the place to herself for a couple of days. A couple of days to think some things through.