“Right this way,” he said, leading her to a private table with areservedcard. He pulled the chair out for her, and she sat gingerly like she thought she might fall through it.
She was about to reach for the menu card when he swiped it. “It’s the chef’s special for you today.” He winked at her. “Be right back.”
A server came by shortly to offer her a glass of white wine. She wasn’t even sure what brand it was, but it didn’t matter. She was already loving the experience, and she hadn’t even had her meal yet.
That turned out to be braised scallops as an appetizer, followed by beef Wellington served with sweet potato puree, fingerling potatoes, and fresh herbs. Paul wanted her to try the soufflé, but she was too full.
“I could get used to this,” she said and sank back in the chair when she finished eating.
“This will be your life for the rest of the time you’re here,” he said.
One of the servers hastily approached them with a worried look and whispered something to Paul. His brows knitted, and he turned to Nikki. “Will you be okay getting back to the Nestled Inn on your own? There’s something I need to attend to. Or if you’d like to stick around—”
“No, it’s fine.” Nikki stopped him. “Thank you for the meal. I absolutely loved it, but it has been an overwhelming day. I need some relaxation time.”
“Okay. I’ll check in on you later.”
Paul hurried away, and with nothing else to do, Nikki got up and left. Her eyes were getting heavy by the time she got back, but Kaylyn ran up to her as soon as she walked inside.
“Ma’am, someone’s been here asking for you,” she said.
Nikki’s brows dipped. “Someone? Who?” She couldn’t imagine who it could be and could only assume it had to do with Trish.
“A young woman,” she replied. “She said she knows you from Arlington.”
Nikki was even more intrigued. “What does she look like?”
“Nikki!”
Nikki wheeled around just in time to see Ava with her arms spread and her face glowing. “Ava? What are you doing here?” She laughed as she ran into her friend’s embrace.
“Hey, you didn’t think I’d let you come here and have all the fun, did you?”
“I don’t know what your idea of fun is.” Nikki laughed. She turned to Kaylyn. “Her?”
The woman nodded. “I can see that you’re friends.”
“Yes. Ava, this is Kaylyn, the manager. Kaylyn, this is my best friend, Ava, who I assume will be staying a couple of days as well.”
“Nice to meet you,” they said simultaneously and then laughed.
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Kaylyn said, returning to her post.
“This place is great,” Ava said as she turned around. “Not your average inn.”
“No, indeed. Trish did really good,” Nikki said with a sigh.
Ava grabbed her forearm and turned Nikki around to face her. “How is she?”
“She’s being kept alive by machines and a force of will,” Nikki said with a heavy heart.
“Aw,” Ava said and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, hun.”
“I know,” Nikki replied.
“But that’s also why I’m here. I couldn’t let you do this alone. What are friends for, right?”
“Thanks, Ava.”
