“What about real love? Finding someone who genuinely cares for you?”
“That stuff doesn’t actually happen in real life when you’re me.”
I rolled my eyes. Movie stars, honestly. “It actually does, you know. I’ve planned weddings for celebrities just like you who’ve been in love – heart-stopping, can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, love.”
“And you’re the expert, I take it? Have you been in heart-stopping, can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, love recently?”
“Well…”
“Well, what?”
“Well, not exactly.”
“Not exactly?” His voice was incredulous. “Yet you dole out advice like you know it all. You’re one of those types who always plays Cupid, yet has never really been in love. Am I right?”
Was I? He had hit a nerve, as the truth of his statement struck me. All I did was focus on other people’s love affairs, but that was my job, my passion… I swallowed hard and said haughtily, “I’ve seen it happen to those around me. And it’s not something you can rush, it has to be the right person…”
“Fairy tales.”
“What you need,” I said, feeling bolder as the conversation went on, “is to find a person who isn’t wowed by your celebrity status. A person who knows your profession is a one-way trip to ego land. A girl who won’t kowtow to you or let you get away with any foolhardy behavior just because you can.” Good advice, whether I was a meddler or not.
He let out a guttural laugh. “Yeah? She sounds peachy. And where would I find a girl like that?”
“Who knows, but isn’t that the fun part? The anticipation?”
“Look, I’ll talk to Monica’s people about the lawsuit, OK? She doesn’t have the money to actually fight you, so I wouldn’t worry. It’s all smoke and mirrors. But keep in touch, yeah?”
Oh, God, he did have a heart! Wait. “I’m not that girl, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Had I given him the wrong impression? What was with the about-face?
He let out a bawdy laugh. “Well, that’s good to know, Clio. Maybe I’ll hire you again one of these days…”
Clutching my phone, I sat on the back porch of the lodge and watched the sun rise. I thought about all the things that had led me here, not just to Cedarwood but to this point in my life. My focus had been on celebrating other people’s love stories, making sure their weddings, anniversary parties, vow renewals went off without a hitch… but in the meantime I’d put my own love life to one side. Would I run out of time, if I didn’t put myself first every now and then? But did I want love – messy and complicated and time-consuming, when the lodge was like an unruly child demanding my attention?
My mind drifted to Timothy and what he was left with. He had responsibilities now, real commitments, little people who needed him, trusted and relied on him. Even if I wanted to pursue something with him, it wouldn’t be breezy. There’d always be little people to consider.
Kai’s truck rumbled up the driveway, and he grinned at me through the windscreen before pulling up and jumping down from the cab.
“Morning, sunshine,” he said. “What’s with the long face?”
I gave him a slow smile, wondering how the man could be so happy so early in the morning. All that yoga, I guess. “Just thinking.”
“That’ll do it,” he said, joining me on the porch. “Close your eyes.”
I turned to him.
“Just close them.”
I did as instructed. Tingles raced down my body as I tried to anticipate what he was up to. He didn’t touch me, but I could feel his energy radiating over me somehow. My skin broke out in goose bumps. I was certain his hands hovered above, moving slowly over my head and down my chest. All my anxiety drifted away in a cloud, and I was left with a warm feeling of total contentment. I was so relaxed I was almost supine, as Kai stepped away, his footfalls squeaky on the deck.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Reiki.” He smiled and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s the best way to get rid of all those negative emotions that pull you down. It’s one of those things people scoff at, but until you’ve tried it, you just don’t know.”
I couldn’t speak. I was lost somewhere in the deep blue of his eyes.
I tried to blink the sudden attraction away, but all I could feel was his presence. Something deep inside me rose up, the tingle of expectation touching every nerve as it traveled the length of my body. In his eyes, I could see myself reflected. Before the moment could get any more awkward I stood, brushing the dust from my trousers.
“Well, I’d better…” we said in unison.
“Yeah,” he laughed.
“Don’t fidget!” Micah admonished me.
“Well, you’ve got your hand clamped over my eyes so tight I bet my eyelashes are going to snap clean off!” I laughed and took some ungainly shuffles forward.
“You can walk normally, you know, I’ve got you.”
I tried to walk but, shrouded in darkness, I couldn’t seem to remember how to do it, worried I’d trip on something.
“OK, you ready?”
“Ready,” I said.
“One, two, three,” he said, taking his palm from my eyes. “It’s done! Again. And ready to decorate. So get your skates on and let’s do this!”
I gasped, and put a hand to my mouth. “Micah! How did you get it done?” The ballroom stood empty before me. The ceilings had been redone, the new reproduction chandeliers hung. New downlights had been fitted, and the scorched smell had evaporated. The walls were fixed and painted. The ash and rubble had been removed, and the floors waxed to a shine, ready for the tap of dancing shoes.
“It wasn’t me,” he grinned. “Kai got everyone together, and with all hands on deck…”
“But yesterday… I just thought there was too much to be done.” I guess I’d been the one who’d given up hope, and hadn’t noticed they’d all pulled together one last time.
“Where is he?”
Micah pointed to the ceiling. “Upstairs. Mentioned something about measuring up the suites.”
“You guys…” A group of the tradespeople had clustered by the doors. “…Are the best! We can get this party started now!”
They let out a cheer, and I hugged them one by one, promising them free holidays at the lodge with their families once we were open for guests. Tears stung my eyes
