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Her smile warmed. “It might send the wrong message. Better put the catnip back in the drawer. Who’s the other prospect?”
Sara lifted her chin. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Nothing’s happening there either. But there’s definitely a glimmer. And you’d like him—he’s a businessman. But that’s all I’m saying.”
“Fine. As if you ever let me keep any secrets.”
“You’re not as nosy as me.”
Hope glanced at her watch. “It’s almost time for our spa appointment. You ready to head over?”
“More than ready. Lead on.”
The spa Hope took her to wasn’t as impressive as Orchid, but it was still much bigger than their facility. Instead of soothing greenery, Tranquil Touch had a subtle tropical theme, with abstract paintings on the walls and tapestries in bright, yet relaxing colors. Purple and white potted frangipani trees were spaced throughout.
The two sisters sat at mani-pedi stations and slid out of their sandals as two local women got busy with their pedicures. Across from them, a walk-in stood at the counter and enquired about a haircut and style. With a smile, the hostess led her back, and Sara shook her head, poking Hope on the arm. “That’s what I mean about a bigger facility. Last night I had to stay late to style a woman’s hair because I couldn’t get her in sooner.”
Hope sighed. “I know—there’s so many possibilities. Now I’m thinking about upgrading the bathrooms in the beach bungalows. The other night, I watched a show that took place in a resort in Bali. The showers were incredible. Outdoors, with a privacy wall all around. My head is spinning. And I don’t want a spa being too close to them or it will ruin the quiet ambience.”
“You need to do what’s right for the resort. And luxurious bungalows will bring in more revenue, no doubt about it.” Sara stopped there, keeping the rest of her thoughts to herself.
I don’t want to just manage a spa. I want to have a stake in one, some skin in the game. Experience both the risks and the rewards.
Sara hadn’t quite found her place at the resort. She felt like a pawn when she wanted to be the queen. Looking at Hope, she wondered if there was room for two queens at Half Moon Bay. Maybe that was why the $100,000 was still sitting in the bank. She didn’t want to ride Hope’s coattails.
The image of Wayne’s business card flashed into her mind.
* * *
As Sara opened her front door, the sunset bathed her great room in crimson-tinged light and she froze, her breath catching. I need to paint this! Dumping her purse on the couch, she hurriedly grabbed a fresh easel and paints and moved to her deck. A low cloudbank obscured the horizon, blocking the sun but creating stunning hues of red, orange, and lavender, with sunbeams gliding across the ocean.
She caught movement below and didn’t need a close look to recognize Jack heading down the beach. His shape and stride were so familiar. He hunched his shoulders as he trudged with his head down, sketchbook tucked under one arm. A sad smile crossed her face. We both had the same idea... why does he look so unhappy?
She turned back to the canvas, working quickly in broad strokes to capture the colors. It quickly became an abstract work, and she was able to finish within half an hour. Stepping back, she studied the painting, pleased that she’d captured the vibrant colors. Sara swept her gaze over the empty beach. But Jack had disappeared. To their private cove, perhaps? Though it wasn’t theirs anymore.
“He doesn’t want you, so put that out of your mind. Put him out of your mind.” But the last thing she wanted was to sit around her apartment all evening. Inspiration struck, and she headed out the front door.
It was dark now, and soft landscape lighting accented the path to the pool and restaurant. Sara headed into the bar, her sandals clicking against white marble floors. The tables and bar top were composed of gray slate with orange glass accents. She sat on a stool at one end and ordered a Chardonnay from the same woman who had worked the other times she’d been in.
The bartender’s long dark-copper hair hung in a lustrous sheet down her back. This was complemented by moss-green eyes that crinkled as she smiled. She set a generous glass of wine down on a cocktail napkin. “Sara, right?”
“Oh boy.” Sara laughed and rested her forehead in her hand. “I’m already a regular?”
Smiling, the woman wiped the counter with a rag. Her crisp, white button-down shirt was spotless. “You’re a resident, so I make it a point to remember. I’m Heather, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you.” Sara took a deep sip, rolling the thick, buttery wine in her mouth before swallowing. “Nice wine.”
“We stock the good stuff here. Even for the house wines.”
“Yes, we do,” said a voice from behind Sara. Wayne appeared at her side. “We’re creating an elegant, tropical destination and the wine selection is part of that.” He held a hand out to the seat next to her. “May I join you?”
“Please do.”
“What can I get you, Wayne?” Heather asked.
He’s on a first-name basis with the staff. That’s good.
“Gin and tonic, Hannah.”
Well, maybe not. “Heather, you mean,” Sara said.
