Chapter 12

 

Holly’s eyes flickered open. Bailey let out the breath she’d been holding. Her bio mom was awake. It had seemed like weeks even though it was only a few days ago she found her lying on the floor of her apartment. Her hands hurt and she looked down to realize she was gripping the cold metal bars of the hospital bed.

“Holly?” Two nurses were at her side, administering medication through an IV. Whatever it was seemed to bring Holly back to life. After a few flutters, she kept her eyes open. Searching the room, her glassy stare found Bailey.

She wasn’t able to talk at first since they had that thing down her throat for so many days. But, Bailey saw her struggling with words that would not come out. The nurse noticed too.

“Holly, you’ve been intubated for the last few days so your throat is going to hurt and it will be hard to speak at first. Give yourself some time before you try.”

Her bio mom watched the nurse then her eyes fell back to Bailey. She lifted a weak hand in the air. Bailey quickly took her hand. “I’m here, Mama.”

“She’s been here since you came in, Holly. But don’t worry, we’ve taken good care of her too.”

“She’s not lying, Mama. I’ve eaten plenty in the last few days thanks to all the nursing staff. And the Christmas cookies! I don’t know how they don’t gain weight!”

The nurse laughed. “We do, trust me! But, we have plenty to keep us moving all night long so we burn up ninety percent of what we do eat.”

“Thank you for all the goodies.” Bailey turned to her mama. “I’ve saved you a bunch, too.”

Holly cracked a small smile that made Bailey so happy.

The nurse finished and took Holly’s other hand. “We tried to wake you up twice in the last two days but your body was having none of that. At one time you got a little combative so that’s why we kept you in a medicinal coma. I’m sure you slept well. Please, your body must rest. Don’t try to get up. I’m placing the call bell right here. Can you wiggle your fingers for me so I know you can get to your call bell?”

Holly nodded slightly, then wiggled her fingers. She gave the nurse a relieved look. “Hurts,” she whispered.

“Okay, Holly. Save your strength and your voice. I’m going to insist your daughter goes home and gets some rest. She’s been here around the clock and she’s starting to smell pretty ripe.”

Bailey laughed because it was true. “I do need to go home for a while. I’ll come back and see you in a few hours. I wanted to make sure you were out of the woods.”

“Go,” Holly whispered. “You look like a beautiful mess.” Her mama closed her eyes, and Bailey grabbed her bag and some cookie containers the nurses gave her and headed home. She was literally exhausted. The recliner she slept in the last few nights was not meant for sleeping all night. It was way too soft and there was a bump on the backrest that kept digging into her lower spine. She’d be glad to crawl into her own bed at the Inn.

When she got outside the hospital, she sat down on the bench out front and shook her head. She had no way home! Bailey was so tired she forgot to call for a ride. Everyone was so busy this time of year that she hated to take anyone away from what they were doing. Especially her mom, who was getting ready for her wedding day. Her phone buzzed.

How’s Holly?

She’s awake. I’m sitting on the bench outside trying to decide who to call for a ride.

Look no further, I’m almost there. Your brother and I were coming to see if you needed anything.

Thanks, Mom. You mean he isn’t busy annoying Madison?

Cole said you are a brat, and I told him he’s one too.

Bailey shoved her phone in her back pocket when she stood up. Her mom’s car pulled into the parking lot and she waited for Cole to spot her. She got in the back and they headed back to Hideaway Lake. Her adopted mom was always there for her, no matter what.

“I love you, Mom,” she quietly said from the back seat.

Laura turned around and smiled. “Love you, too, honey.”

Cole grinned. “I love you too, sis. Are those cookies you have in your lap?”

“Shut up, Cole.”

They all broke into laughter.

 

 

*****

 

Olivia stayed in her office off the kitchen for most of the morning going over paperwork and setting up a personal event list for all the things she needed to get done. Most of the food was ordered, now all they had to do was wait for the various delivery trucks to arrive in the next day or two. It was only three days until the grand opening and her adrenaline was stirred up like a mixed drink in a blender.

She turned her chair towards the small window and leaned back, staring out at the many trees with bare branches. It was the only thing that kept this small space from making her feel claustrophobic, even if she didn’t spend much time here. The day was cloudy, but the blue sky brightened up the world. Olivia was anxious about this opening for some reason. She’d been away from serving a higher class crowd for sometime now. She jumped into this full speed ahead, not thinking about that part of the job.

Working in the café had humbled her somewhat. She had been working in a higher class atmosphere for almost seven years before making the café her baby. Olivia knew she was able to do most anything when it came to her job as a chef. She knew her job well and could pull off just about anything.

What she longed for was starting to come to the surface. Now that she and James were serious enough they were moving in together and would eventually marry, she wondered how long it would be until her true desire would come to light.

The truth was she wanted a baby.

The ache inside of her was real. She wasn’t getting any younger. And James. The way he knelt down and talked to little Harper touched her soul so deeply she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about a child. Their child. Olivia closed her eyes, wondering what it would be like to bring a child into this world? Was it right to raise a child in a hotel setting? Others had, she knew many who lived on the premises of where they worked and the kids turned out fine.

Would James even want a child at this point of his life? Everything was going well for him. He was out of the big city, away from the glamour of the lifestyle he led for so long and planned to stay here for a long time. The mansion was satisfying him for now.

Would he still feel the same way a year from now?

Warm hands began to massage Olivia’s temples. She almost jumped but the gentle hands were so familiar. “You trickster,” she told him, smiling. “That feels nice. What are you doing down here again?”

“I missed you.”

She grinned. “You always say that. James, you have plenty of work to do. Is there another reason?” She let out a deep sigh. His fingers felt so relaxing as he took away the slight tension headache that had been coming on.

“I do. More and more every time I’m away from you.”

“I think you spoil me, James. I can’t wait to get into that hot tub when we get into our new apartment.”

“Why not crash it tonight?”

“Seriously?”

“Sure. The workers are almost done. Ray, who runs the crew, said they’d be done tomorrow. All we have to do is get Chad Pederson over to inspect it and we can move in. No reason why we can’t test it out tonight when everyone leaves.”

“That does sound like fun.”

He whispered in her ear. “I’ll text you later. Love you, babe.”

She felt empty when he left the office. She also wondered if he came here often to show Chef Robert she was taken? It had crossed her mind several times.

A tap on the door frame had Olivia swing her chair towards the opening. When she saw who it was, she stood and pulled the young woman into her arms.

“Hi, Savannah. I need to give you a hug. I am so sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do?”

Savannah shook her head. “No. The funeral went well and the Russel family gave me support. Also, your mom, who came with Joe. It was a good send-off for Grammy.”

She heard Savannah’s voice crack, so she didn’t want to dwell on such a sad subject. “I appreciate you coming today. Shall we go to the ballroom and go over the place settings and food tables?”

“Yes.”

They passed through the kitchen, stopping long enough to tell Chef Robert he was in charge for the next hour while the two of them went to work on the ballroom. As they got into the elevator, Olivia noticed the sadness in Savannah’s eyes. She didn’t know how to make her feel better.

Savannah turned to her. “Your mom suggested I lease one of the empty spaces in the same building where the café is located. I’d have a storefront where I can meet with clients and have displays for them to choose from instead of a virtual store on my laptop.”

“I think that’s a great idea, Savannah. We also need a bakery and a bridal shop. Especially now. With the addition of the mansion, I’m sure there will be many events in the future as the mansion is the perfect setting for a wedding. I’m not going to cater every single one. I’d rather use an outside option and run my restaurant.”

“Really? Why would you want to give that part of it up?”

Olivia laughed. “I’ve done it, Savannah. Catered events, private parties, you name it, I’ve tried it once. My passion is my kitchen and feeding my customers. I can whip together the food for an event, but I don’t want to hire extra staff to do everything else. If you do open a shop, I will certainly consider you for any events here.”

“Thank you. I’ll do a great job, Olivia. I want to open a shop, but I’m terrified.”

The elevator opened up and they made their way to the ballroom. The doors were wide open as several staff members were doing some last minute decorations. “Why be afraid of a new opportunity?” Olivia didn’t understand and yet she did.

“If I open a shop here, I’ll have to drive forty minutes every day. I’ll have to keep my job at the candy factory, so there will only be a block of time to meet with clients. Right now, the house grammy left me is free and clear so all I have to pay is taxes and upkeep. The neighborhood is getting worse. I can’t stand being there. Every night I lie in bed waiting to hear her calling me. I can’t sleep. Julia has been checking on me every day. She told me it’s time to make up my mind and do something with my life instead of working in a freaking factory. Her words, not mine.”

“She is your aunt. You may want to take her advice.”

“We don’t know if she is or not. That’s a whole different subject. I’m sure your mom told you about that, too.”

Olivia nodded. “My mom tells me everything. Don’t trust her with a secret.” Olivia was teasing, of course.

“Seriously?”

“No. She has kept many things secret if you need someone to trust, it is her. But we do talk every day and tell each other almost everything.”

Savannah noticed a few things that needed changed and suggested them to Olivia. Her ideas made sense. “I’m impressed.”

“Thank you.”

Olivia stopped and slapped a hand against her thigh. “Oh, Savannah! I can help you!”

The younger woman turned to her. “How?”

“I will be moving into the apartment here at the mansion. That means the studio above the café will be open. I’m sure my mom would work out an affordable lease for you for both the apartment and the shop. You won’t have to drive far at all. And, you can get out of the crappy neighborhood.”

“It sounds too good to be true.”

“It is and that’s why you need to take it. Savannah? I want you to take some time and ask yourself a serious question.”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

Olivia didn’t like to beat around the bush, but she knew Savannah had to consider what if. “Let’s say the DNA comes back and you are a Russel. I already think you are since you have the nose. But if the test is positive, then you have to consider that your life has changed. You will come into money like you’ve never had before.”

Savannah was shaking her head. “I don’t need anyone’s money. Just because I may be a Russel has nothing to do with what I want to do for myself. It won’t change a thing.”

Olivia placed both hands on her hips, cringing when she realized she was acting like her mother again. She didn’t want to scare Savannah, but she needed to hear this. “It will change, Savannah. Your biological father will want to get to know you. Joe is a warm, loving man and he has become a member of our family without even trying. I’m sure his siblings are the same way, except maybe for Julia. You want that in your life. There is no reason to live life alone, shut away from people.”

Savannah nodded. “I’ve got so much to think about it makes my head crazy. It’s only been a few days and I’ve had brokers at my door wanting to purchase my grammy’s house.”

“Your house? Of course. They know it’s paid for and want to offer you a portion of what it is worth, Savannah. If you sell, don’t fall for that. Go through a realtor or lawyer and get the best price you can.”

“Julia chased one of them off yesterday evening when she stopped by. He was arguing with me through the storm door. She came up behind him and stuck her finger in his back, telling him to hand over all his money. He never even looked back at her, just pushed his way off the porch and ran into the night like a scared rabbit. We laughed about that over tea.”

“You still have to be careful. An offer too good to be true in your vulnerable state may get you in trouble. Please promise me you will let a professional take care of things for you?”

Savannah nodded. “You don’t have to worry. Julia told me the same thing.”

“Good. At least someone is looking out for you who is close by.”

“I really do want to leave the city. There is nothing there for me. If it hadn’t been for Grammy, I’d never have stayed.”

“I believe now is your chance to change all that.”

“I do have a small insurance policy I was going to use to pay her funeral with. They called me this morning and told me not to send the check to them when I received it.”

Olivia was confused. “Why? I mean, that’s great news, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know. The funeral director said the funeral had been paid for some time ago. He said my grammy already made arrangements with him. I knew that, but she also told me this small policy was to be used to bury her. I do not want to be beholden to anyone and if the Russel family paid it, I will cash the check and pay them back every single dime.”

“If they want to help, you should let them.”

“I can’t. I’ve been on my own finding my way for too long. If I want a family like the Russels, I have to show them I’m not here for money, but because they are my family. Does that even make sense?”

Olivia gave her a hug. “Oh, Savannah! I so get you! But, take the check and lease the building, move into the apartment and if you need a job, I’ll see if we can use you to wait on tables until your shop is up and running. This is an open opportunity for you. Don’t let it pass by. Your grammy would want you to, I know she would.”

“At least I’ll know I’ve done it on my own.”

Olivia shook her head back and forth. “No, Savannah. You did not do it on your own. People that care will always come together to help each other. Hideaway Lake is all about that. Just wait and see.”

“Thanks. I need to be around more positive people. Julia is such a bitch but she does try to steer me the right way.”

Olivia laughed. She heard many stories about Julia from Joe. They were quite entertaining, but Joe had told them with a high regard and respect for the woman. She was anxious to meet her. From what Joe said, she held the family together when they were struggling many years ago, keeping the wolves at bay. Maybe she had a right to have an attitude.

“I think that’s it for now, Savannah. Thanks for the suggestions. Go home, get some rest and get ready for the grand opening in two days time. I’ll see you about nine in the morning to go over any last minute changes.”

Savannah turned to her and gave Olivia a hug, which surprised her. “Thank you for letting me get some things off my chest.”

“Hey, we are all family here and you’ve found the secret of Hideaway Lake.” It sounded so silly and yet it was the truth. For those in this circle of friends and family, life always worked out somehow.

 

*****

 

“You can come to the wedding.” Laura stood at the edge of the hospital bed while Holly finished dressing. She hated to blurt it out on the day Holly was going home, but now was as good of a time as any.

“Okay. Thank you.”

Bailey gave Laura a hug. “Thanks, Mom.”

Laura had been having serious issues before Holly went to the hospital. “I want you to know that it isn’t because you got sick that I am now inviting you. Our daughter has been hounding me for weeks to allow you to come.”

Holly turned to Bailey. “That was not nice to hound Laura.”

“It’s what I do best,” Bailey bragged, causing chuckles from both moms.

Laura eyed Holly carefully. “I have not totally forgiven you and now is not the time to bring this up. I want you to get better. I’ve realized that when you became ill, there was no reason to throw away a long friendship because of Kurt. He’d win and even though I feel betrayed, there’s no way, not as long as I can breathe, that I’d allow him to interfere in any part of our lives.”

Holly seemed to understand. “I know, Laura. I was young and stupid. I never gave a thought to how you would feel. My actions always kept me from being as close to you as you and Shar are.”

Laura nodded. “Now, I understand why, too. Look, we can never go back to the way things were. It’s too late for that, but Bailey is a huge part of both of our lives. We may as well tolerate each other.”

Holly smiled. “I love you, Laura. No matter what.”

Laura turned. “I love you, too. Now, are you ready to go? I have a ton of stuff to do today. Joe and I are meeting with his family in an hour. They will be coming in for a late supper.”

“I’m ready.” The nurse helped Holly into a wheelchair and pushed her to the front entrance, where Cole was waiting with the car. Holly looked around, breathing in the fresh air and letting out a huge laugh. “I didn’t think I’d ever see the outside again.”

“Let’s get you home,” Laura told her, taking an arm and helping her from the chair. “It’s going to be some time before you can get back to normal. Your doctor said it would be best if you had someone close by to care for you so we are taking you to the Inn where you can stay in the room beside Bailey. Please tell me you will agree to that?”

“Only for a few days, then I want to go home.”

“Bailey will be leaving a few days after the wedding for her new position. I’ll be on a honeymoon, so it may be Shar checking in with you.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Holly teased.

Cole spoke up. “Don’t let them scare you, Holly. I’ll make sure to check in on you. So will Olivia.”

Laura helped her with her seat belt. “See. You don’t have anything to worry about. It looks like everyone has plans to look after you.”

“Thanks, Laura.”

“You’re welcome.” Laura got in the front seat and busied herself with her own seatbelt. This was quite difficult even though she told Holly she didn’t want to lose their friendship. Every time she looked at Holly she was reminded of the betrayal. She’d never be able to forget what happened.

She could forgive. That was her goal. There was no reason not to forgive someone. Things would never be the same, but they would go on. Kurt was a whole different story. But, she also had to put him behind. She was marrying Joe in a few days.

Starting over.

Again.

She had the window cracked open slightly and closed it as they began to drive along the mountainous road. The chilly air was cut off when she hit the electronic button. Holly did not need to get a cold on top of her condition. The doctor said the meningitis had weakened her and she’d need lots of care and rest to recover totally. He said she was lucky to be alive.

That’s what Laura knew life was all about. She watched as her son took the curves and turns easily and drove them all back to Hideaway Lake. Bailey had slept in a hard recliner for days so her biological mom didn’t have to wake up alone. She was offering her home to someone who had betrayed her.

Forgiveness. Love. Family. Friends. That was the message she kept trying to instil in her mind. So whenever that little red-horned devil tried to hit her hate button all she had to do was look around her. The people she loved and who loved her were right here, showing her how to move on.