What to do first? Relief flooded her that she actually had something to do for the next week. She went to Donut Hole and ordered a large container of broccoli soup with whole wheat bread to go, and purchased the gift card for her neighbor. Before going inside her apartment, she knocked on number 312, and Simone answered.
“You’re home,” she said. “Did you find everything all right?”
“Perfect as usual,” Jolene said. “I had some unexpected good news – a birthday present, of sorts. I am booked at a resort for an entire week, so I won’t be staying home. Can I bother you to continue picking up my mail and give my plants your usual green magic-touch?”
“Certainly; I’m stuck here anyway. It gives me a purpose to my day,” Simone said.
Jolene refrained from hugging the woman – she was so excited. Instead, she pushed the gift card toward her. “Well, enjoy more trips to your favorite haunt, on me.”
“Oh, dear, you spoil this old lady. Doctor says sugar is not good for me, but what does he know? I’m addicted and not going to meet my Maker one day before He plans.”
“That’s a good attitude, Simone.” Jolene lifted her take-out bag. I’m going to eat this delicious soup, then start to pack. Not at all what I planned to do this evening but I find myself rather excited about the adventure.”
“You have a nice time, dear. You work too hard.” The spunky old lady grinned. “Maybe you’ll find yourself a man to keep you home more often.”
“I had one of those,” Jolene said as she shrugged her shoulders. “Gave him away.”
“Well there’s more than him out there,” Simone said as she sniffed the air. “I think I like the smell of your soup. I might take this card and get myself a bowl, and maybe a cookie too.”
The rest of the evening was a blur. Jolene kept pinching herself to see if she was dreaming. Beach attire, a jogging suit, exercise shorts, clothes for town trips, hikes, and summer dresses for social events or dining out, and a cowboy outfit she threw together for the themed country-Christmas dance in Pineville. She’d grown tired of wearing uniforms almost from day one on the job, so she found herself overpacking, but having a blast imagining the opportunities to wear normal attire. She added dress pants, capris, jeans and an assortment of tops and at the last minute squeezed in two favorite sweaters for cooler evenings. Toiletries and undergarments went in the smaller carry-on with her kindle and a couple softcover romances for the beach. Jolene saw the benefit of digital books in saving space in a physical library at home, but she still loved the feel of turning paper pages. A hopeless old-fashioned romantic her father had said many times. Yet, here she was: twenty-three, single, with no prospects in sight. So much for romance.
When she snuggled herself beneath the sheets that night, she felt an excitement she could not fully comprehend. It was deeper than simply going to a resort – she’d done that many times with her father. Maybe it was the mystery of going as a guest of Mrs. Claus that got her heart pumping. Whatever it was, it felt good to be alive.
Chapter 3
The cab pulled up in front of Heritage Inn and Craig nudged Selene awake. “We’re here, sleepyhead.”
She moaned, stretched and opened her eyes. “Did I fall asleep again?”
“Sure did, snored all the way from the airport. Must be the company you keep,” Craig said glibly.
“That’s not true, Craig. I must be more exhausted than I thought. My body is still in shut-down mode.”
“I hope not. I saw paddle boats and canoes at the dock when we drove by.”
“Canoes? No way – you’d just tip me in the water and think it was fun.”
“Not me. I promise to be the perfect gentleman; do all the rowing and let you stretch out in the sunshine, and sleep.” Craig tried to hide the disappointment and wondered if his city girl was going to drag around all week.
She smiled appreciatively and kissed his cheek. “Now that’s what I wanted to hear.”
He paid the taxi driver and got out of the car. When she remained seated, he came around and opened her door, ushering her into the bright sunny afternoon. She feigned blindness and pulled her sunglasses out of her enormous purse. “It’s hot. I sure hope they have air-conditioning.”
“Of course they do,” Craig said. “It is a five-star resort. I understand people come from all over the world.”
“Perhaps a dashing Italian will be here,” she teased. “I’ve heard they know how to treat a woman and make a vacation one to remember.”
He stared at her in surprise. She had no filter and seemed oblivious that she might be stepping on his feelings. He tried a comeback.
“And maybe there is some country gal-next-door type who knows how to embrace mother nature and have a bit of fun.”
That got her attention. “Don’t start on me, Craig. I’m here to unwind after the enormous disappointment I suffered at work. Where has my last-fan-standing gone?”
“So, we’re here to simply wallow in yesterday, when this wonderful Inn has so much to offer? Is that your idea of fun?”
“No! I noticed a spa, and the brochure says an excellent chef provides a fine dining experience. And look,” she pointed, “A yacht – well sort of – at least a vessel bigger than the canoe you
