“Actually, before you do anything, let me phone Stoner. He may have some insight into this.” Nico reached into his pocket for his own phone.
Stoner is a friend of ours back in Hamilton. Stoner is a nickname, of course. It sort of does double duty. His dad owns a company called Stonehouse Security, and Stoner is the computer whiz behind it. Which is all pretty amazing, considering his bad habit.
After a few moments I heard, “It’s Nico. We need your help. Call me back when you get this.”
“He wasn’t answering?” I sat up.
“Nope. Probably still asleep. He keeps weird hours.” Nico pocketed the phone. “Don’t worry, Gina. We’ll get this sorted out. In any case, they can’t order anything more on your credit card. That’s been canceled.”
“I wouldn’t mind a diamond tennis bracelet,” I said. But I wasn’t so keen about paying for one.
There was a knock on the door. Nico looked at me. “Expecting anyone?”
I shook my head. “Only Salvo, maybe.”
There was a second knock.
“I’m coming!” I yelled. I propelled myself off the bed, walked over and opened the door.
A smiling bellhop faced me. He held a long box in both hands.
“Delivery for Miss Gina Gallo,” he said brightly.
I looked down at the box, which was tied with a big pink-satin bow. “Oh, how nice!” I said. “Nico, have you got any money for a tip?”
Nico appeared at my side and handed the young fellow several bills.
“Thank you!” he said with a big grin. “Have a great day!”
“That was generous,” I said to Nico.
Nico shrugged. “They don’t make a lot.”
I placed the box on the coffee table and ripped into it. “Roses!” I exclaimed. “Aren’t they gorgeous?” I picked up one and breathed in deeply. Bliss.
Nico peered over my shoulder. “Red, long-stem. Perfect for a Christmas wedding. Are they from Pete?”
“They must be,” I said. “Oh, here’s the card.” I pulled a small envelope out of the box and opened it.
“That’s weird,” I said. Nico waited. I passed him the card. “Read this.”
Nico read the message out loud. “Love, Ernie.” Then he glanced up at me. “Who’s Ernie?”
“No idea,” I said, truly puzzled. “Do we have an Ernie in the family?”
Nico shook his head. “Not that I know of. Maybe he’s from here?”
“The only people I’ve met so far are Frank and his sidekicks. Micky, Ricky and Bruno. No Ernies, as far as I know.”
“Well, it’s a mystery,” said Nico. He clapped his hands together. “I love mysteries.”
“I don’t know that I do,” I said. This was a bit much. Especially after the whole Amazon thing. I was starting not to like surprises.
“Maybe you have a secret admirer.”
I moaned. “Great. Pete is going to love that.” We just stood there, staring at the box. “More likely they just made a mistake. Delivered them to the wrong room.”
“Except the delivery guy said they were for Miss Gina Gallo,” Nico said. “He used your name.”
“Crap.” I put the rose back into the box. “What should I do with them? I’d actually prefer Pete not to know about this.”
There was another knock on the door. I made a mistake and went to open it.
A little old man stood there. He had gray hair and a great big grin.
“Hi, Gina! Oh, my. You look just like your photo,” he said happily. He shoved a bouquet of flowers in my face.
I backed up and slammed the door.
“Gina! Peaches!” cried the voice from the other side. “It’s me! Jerry!” The knocking continued. “Sweetie, open the door!”
“Peaches?” said Nico.
“This isn’t happening,” I muttered. I parked my butt back down on the bed.
“I really think we should find out what’s going on,” said Nico. He walked to the door.
“Don’t open it,” I ordered. Thank goodness I was here with Nico. He would never open the door if I asked him not to.
He opened the door.