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“Is there anything I can help you with?” There were a few high tables already set up in the lobby for those who wanted to sip champagne and mingle before the movie started. “Maybe I can run a vacuum through the lobby one more time.”
Charlotte held up her hands. “Aiden, everything is perfect. Why don’t you take a break, maybe a nap, shower, eat something, and come down when it’s time.”
“I don’t know—”
“I’ll take care of things here, and if there’s an issue, Marley can help. But you need to relax.”
“I don’t think I can.” I hated being in my apartment alone. Everything reminded me of Fiona.
Charlotte bit back a smile. “Everything’s going to work out with Fiona.”
I stiffened. “What do you know about that?”
Charlotte’s expression shifted to one of sympathy. “I know you two were spending a lot of time together, and she’s gone.”
“Marley assured me she’d be back for the party.”
“Are you planning something?”
“I’m going to introduce her this evening. It’s my chance to win her over. I just don’t know what to say.”
Charlotte smiled. “Oh, you don’t have to plan it down to the words. When it’s time, let your feelings guide you.”
Could I relax and do what felt natural? I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t screw up again.
“If you go into it with a pure heart, you’ll be fine. Don’t you love her?”
I nodded. “I don’t know if she loves me.”
“I’m sure of it. I saw enough of you two interacting to know that much.” She put her hand on my shoulder and turned me until I was facing the exit. “Go on. The inn won’t collapse while you take a quick shower.”
I went to my room without arguing any further because Charlotte was right; I was a nervous wreck. But her words helped me to calm down and to trust that it would be okay. The worst-case scenario was that Fiona didn’t love me. Everything else was fixable. If she wanted to continue in her current job, I was prepared to move with her. I didn’t want to, but I’d do whatever was necessary to keep her in my life.
I wasn’t a nineteen-year-old kid needing to prove myself to the world. I only needed to prove my love to Fiona. That was infinitely easier, or at least I hoped it would be.
I took a shower and risked laying down, positive I wouldn’t be able to relax enough to sleep. Hours later, I jerked awake and looked at the clock. I had exactly ten minutes to get dressed and get to the lobby where I needed to greet guests.
Not seeing any messages on my phone, I dressed in a tux Marley had delivered. I was fairly positive she bought it, but I wasn’t questioning her tactics. Not when I needed her help.
I took one last steadying breath before I left the apartment and headed downstairs. I could hear a crowd forming in the lobby. I found Marley, who said, “Were you able to take a nap?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I was.”
“Good. You needed it.”
I searched the crowd for Fiona.
Marley rested her hand on my arm. “She’s not here yet. Her flight was delayed.”
“What if she doesn’t make it?” It physically hurt to ask.
Marley held her hand up. “We’ll figure it out.”
I wanted to get it over with now. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin despite the shower and the nap.
I moved to the door so I could greet the guests we’d invited.
When most of the guests had arrived, Heath said, “I’m going to the projector room. I’ll handle that tonight.”
