Page 11 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“It’s okay,” Anna whispered when Lori started to apologize. “Relax.”

Lori closed her eyes and felt her mind drift back to the day she’d married Nick. It was such a happy time. Nick adored her, and she loved him just as much. He made her feel treasured, beautiful, and smart. They were a team facing the world. Little did they know how cruel that world would become.

As Anna continued rubbing her skin with oils, massaging her neck and shoulders, Lori let out a sigh. When he knew he didn’t have much longer to live, Nick remained as sweet and kind as ever. Keeping him company, assuring he was as comfortable as possible, she’d helped maintain a sense of peace and love for him, though she raged inside at the injustice of such an illness at his young age. When it was over, including the funeral and all that went with it, Lori felt as if she’d never laugh or be happy again. It was the children at the school who’d helped her past that stage. Though she wasn’t ready for a new relationship, she’d always known she wanted children of her own.

“We’re finished,” said Anna softly. “I’ll leave the room, and you can put on your robe. When I come back, I’ll bring you some water. It’s important for you to drink it.”

Lori blinked with surprise, wondering where the time had gone. She lifted her hands and touched her cheeks, feeling their softness.

Alone in the room, Lori put on her robe and waited for Anna to return.

A few minutes later, Anna arrived with a glass of water. She handed it to Lori, and then Anna wrapped her arms around her. “Whatever is troubling you, it will be all right.”

Lori looked up into her kind eyes. “Thank you.”

Anna opened the door. “You might want to sit for a while before getting dressed and leaving. I hope to see you again. You’re lovely.”

Lori bit back tears, feeling like a new person in many ways.

CHAPTER SIX

GRIFF

Standing in the lobby, Griff waited for Lori to appear. He was surprised by the pleasure he felt anticipating meeting her for lunch and a walk through town. He was beginning to feel a sense of relief that the wedding hadn’t gone through. He should have been more honest with himself and Cassandra, and for thinking that a wedding would improve their relationship. He loved Grandad but would never put himself in the position of trying that hard to please him again. Now, knowing he had no reason to believe this arrangement with Lori was anything more than friends helping friends pass the time, he felt a sense of freedom. Back home, several families were interested in him making a match with one of their daughters. It was an archaic idea, but the wine industry could be a breeding ground for competition and ambition for some. His grandfather had worked and scraped money together to expand the winery for as long as Griff could remember. Grandad now thought of his vineyard and winery as a kind of “kingdom” to leave to his heir.

Griff looked up as Lori walked into the lobby. Unaware he was watching her, she greeted other guests, bringing a light to their faces. He could well imagine how the children at her preschool must love her.

Lori noticed him and gave him a little wave before heading over. He thought she was … well, adorable. Not like the stunning beauty, Cassandra, who, he knew, spent a lot of time and money to help achieve that look. Lori was down-to-earth and had a natural beauty that didn’t depend on chemicals to enhance her appearance.

“Hi,” Griff said. “Ready to hit the town?”

“Yes.” She patted the small purse she was carrying. “I want to get a few thank-you gifts for members of my family. I promise not to drag you into shops with me.”

“Good,” he said, “because I want to check out the restaurants and see what they offer on their wine lists.”

“We don’t want to be gone too late. I’m looking forward to the New Year’s Eve party,” said Lori. “Thanks again for inviting me.” Her green eyes sparkled with excitement.

Stunned by the effect of her smile, he said, “Thanks for agreeing to go with me.”

“Shall we walk?” Lori asked him. “It’s only a couple of blocks to the main street.”

“Okay,” said Griff. “Let’s go. I’m hungry.”

“Lunch is your choice, my treat,” said Lori. “You’ve already done a lot for me.”

“Deal,” said Griff, relieved she didn’t expect him to pay for everything like many others.

They walked to the center of town, admiring homes along the beach on the way.

“I overheard one of the hotel groundskeepers talking about hamburgers at a place called Ken’s,” said Griff. “That sounds perfect for me. Would that be okay for you?”

“I’m sure I can find something there to eat, and if a local suggested it, you know it must be good,” said Lori.

“I looked it up. It’s toward the harbor at the end of the main street.”

Lori grinned. “That means we have to pass the shops to get to it.”

Griff laughed. “How about we walk slowly and don’t stop? After lunch, you can do your thing, and I’ll do mine.”