Page 6 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

When Griff walked into the dining room with Lori on his arm, he was aware of the looks other men gave them. Women, too. But all he could think of was how glad he was not to be alone. His confidence was at an all-time low.

Damn Cassandra! Couldn’t she have been honest with him from the beginning? She’d used him as a pawn in a game to deceive her parents. While she and Griff had been making plans for a wedding, she was seeing someone else. Someone her parents didn’t approve of. He should’ve known. But he’d been hell bent on pleasing his grandfather, who wanted to know that his vineyard would go to his grandson and his grandson’s future family.

After speaking with the hostess, Griff and Lori were seated together at a table along the wall, where they could have some privacy.

“I’ve heard about the excellent food here at the hotel,” said Lori. “I can’t wait to try it.”

“Me, too. I read an article about the hotel, which is why we chose it as our honeymoon destination. We wanted to escape California and its responsibilities. It turned out to be a wise choice for me.”

“I can imagine,” said Lori. “Let’s see what’s on the menu.” While they studied the menu, water was served, and then a wine steward arrived to see about a selection for their meal.

“What do you think you’re going to have?” Griff asked her.

“Seafood for sure,” she said. “I think I’ll have the grilled red snapper.”

“Excellent choice,” the steward assured her.

“Okay, let’s order a rosé,” said Griff. “Something not sweet.”

Lori studied Griff while he talked to the wine steward and realized he enjoyed his job. The little he’d told her about wine tasting was very interesting. Perhaps because he made it so.

She took a moment to gaze around the dining room. Its dark turquoise walls and rich walnut chair rail paneling gave it a classic look that celebrated its surroundings with colorful, tropical flowers at each table.

“Thank you,” said the wine steward to Griff. He left, and Griff turned to her.

“I think you’re going to enjoy what we’ve chosen. The wine should be light on the palate but with enough body to make it interesting.”

Lori chuckled. “I’m sure I’d be delighted by anything you chose. I can’t remember an evening like this. Even when Nick and I were both working, we didn’t have the ability to celebrate like this, because we were saving our money to put into remodeling our house.”

“You’re very easy company,” said Griff. “Thanks.” He leaned forward. “Have you definitely decided on the snapper?”

They looked up as a waitress approached their table. “Good evening. We’re so happy to have you here. Would you care for bubbling or still water?”

“No, thanks,” said Lori. “I’m fine with your regular water.”

“We have a bottle of wine coming,” Griff explained.

They each ordered their dinner. Lori stuck with her choice of grilled red snapper, and Griff opted for grilled pompano with citrus and olive oil.

The wine steward arrived and opened the bottle of wine Griff had selected. After tasting and giving it a nod of approval, Lori watched the pink, bubbly liquid being poured into her wine glass.

After pouring Griff’s serving, the wine steward left.

Griff lifted his glass. “Here’s to a surprising visit at one of the most luxurious hotels in Florida. I’m glad I came, after all.”

“Thanks,” said Lori, holding up her glass. “You’ve made my first day here fun.”

They took sips of their wine and grinned at one another.

“Yum,” said Lori. “This is delicious.”

“I thought you’d like it,” Griff said with a satisfied smile.

Their conversation was easy as they talked about their jobs.

“How did you get involved with a preschool?” Griff asked her.

“I have a degree in primary education. I believe it’s essential to help toddlers learn about themselves and their world, as well as the importance of feeling both safe and stimulated. They’re awfully cute at that age.”