"Oh, no." She shook her head vigorously and pedaled backward. "That's not necessary. I’m sure it’s nice, but I need to head back to the warehouse."
"Baloney! It's almost five o'clock, quitting time." Gus chuckled at her resistance and put an arm around her shoulders, propelling her forward. "You've been a big part of this renovation and launch so you need to see what we've done. Won't it be cool to see all your furniture in use?"
"No, not really. I've seen plenty of my furniture before. It's not that big of a deal. And besides, I…uh…have a few errands to run." Anna's heart nearly pounded out of her chest as Gus basically dragged her up the wide veranda staircase. "I probably shouldn't be here."
"Why would you think that?" Gus scoffed. "You're practically family."
Gus hauled her through the main doors and Anna audibly gasped at the splendor. The huge open lobby was old world elegant with tall ceilings, white marble floors, oversized steampunk fans pumping down cool air, and countless potted palm trees and other colorful tropical plants adding to the allure. One wall featured an aquarium full of exotic fish.
The overall design was an interesting mix of new and old Key West. She loved it instantly.
Light jazz played over the speakers as waiters delivered water and cocktails to waiting guests. A soft, light tropical scent was in the air. It was a fantastic scene.
"Wow," she breathed.
"See?" Gus's voice jumped an octave in his excitement. "It's cool, right? We nailed it."
"Yeah." Her brain was too busy taking it all in to create any other words. "You certainly did."
Anna jumped, her teeth clenching when a familiar squeal echoed through the lobby. "Anna!" Hazel and Flora shrieked from across the room.
"Oh no," Anna muttered under her breath as she backpedaled several feet. Now she'd never escape.
She heard Gus chuckle, and out of the corner of her eye, saw him move away. Her suspicious gaze darted around the expansive lobby. Something was not right here.
"You made it, dear." Flora pulled her in for a hug. "Isn't this fabulous?"
"We just had a tour, and it's simply the best," Hazel babbled, apparently recovered from the copious amounts of alcohol she had consumed just two nights before. She sipped at an elegant mojito decorated with a large mint sprig and lime wedge.
"Come on. We'll show you around. You're gonna love it." They each looped an arm in hers, leading her deeper inside. "I can't wait to tell people about this place."
"What are you two doing here?" Anna asked distractedly as she was reluctantly guided up the sweeping grand staircase. "Is this an open house or…?"
"Yeah, it's something like that," Flora snickered. "Oh, look! There's Iris and Cornelia," she added as they got to second floor.
The duo stood in front of the large overlook windows and waved them over. "Come see this, Anna. Check out the view," Iris called out. "It's enchanting! Almost like you're looking through a painting."
Just as Anna had suspected from the parking lot, the wall of glass provided a captivating view of the beach and ocean. Thespace featured a cozy seating and reading area where guests could enjoy the scenery or curl up with a good book.
As Gus promised, her furniture was dotted around the space. Short bookcases featured full shelves of books and stacks of newspapers were scattered around. If James didn't own this hotel, she would be tempted to stay here just so she could sit in this spot.
"Yeah, it's gorgeous," Anna answered diplomatically, her eyes darting nervously around the large expanse. Long parallel hallways moved down each side of the hotel. Thankfully, the only people she saw were couples looking for their rooms. She eyed the staircase—she could still make her escape.
"You know, I really need to head back to the warehouse. My truck isn't parked correctly, and I left it unlocked. I don't want to get towed."
"Nonsense!" The word was barked from the top of the staircase above their heads.
The breath left Anna's lungs as her gaze swung to Miriam who stood on the third-floor landing, her dignified pose giving her a regal air.
Dammit to hell!
"Anna, you simply must join Sadie and I up here," Miriam announced. "It's remarkable what they've done with these old bones. I remember when this hotel was in its heyday and it never looked this good."
With an objecting groan, Anna let the group steer her to where Miriam and Sadie waited. "I love your furniture, dear!" Sadie gushed. "I wonder if you'll accept a commission from me."
"Ummm…" Anna winced. She hadn't told anyone, other than Annette, about her plans to travel and really didn't want to share the news with this group. She'd be the talk of the island grapevine in no time. "It'll be a while before I accept any newcommissions, Sadie. But I'll make sure you're at the top of the list when I start up again."
"Oh, thank you." Sadie pulled her in for a warm hug. The comforting scents of vanilla and spice swirled in the air on this floor. "You've had a rough few weeks, haven't you, hon?" she muttered in Anna's ear.
