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I forget my novel, concentrating instead on Landon’s life, and wondering how his experiences have affected him. I bury myself in reading about him, going from the social and gossip sites to the business reports and online encyclopedia articles, until it feels as if I could write a paper about him if I wanted.

I know instinctively that there’s a lot more to him than even what I’ve read. The people behind the articles and profiles haven’t even scratched the surface of who he is. I doubt that anybody has, and as I finally get into bed, very late, I know I’d like to be the one who does.

THE next day, I spend the morning at the Gold Dust. Most of the refurbishment work is completed, and the project team is slowly giving way for the operations people, who start to prepare the hotel for opening night. I spend most of the morning with the photographers, a husband and wife team who met in art school and established a firm together. They set up and take pictures, while letting me scroll through a folder on their tablet, of the pictures documenting the refurbishment of the hotel from the first day.

Later, I have lunch at a small restaurant close to Union Square, on the advice of the concierge at the Rosemont Royal, who makes the reservation for me. While I eat, I watch the tourists outside at the square. Back at the Rosemont, the manager reminds me that the spa services are available. With nothing else to do, I decide to spend the afternoon being pampered, and I emerge with my muscles loosened, and my hair, nails and brows done to perfection. After that I laze around the apartment, a little sullen that Landon hasn’t called to tell me that he’s back, or on his way. In fact, he hasn’t called at all since he left. I start to feel like I imagine jealous wives feel, and it annoys me.

When my phone rings, I practically pounce on it, thinking that it’s Landon. I’m surprised by the severity of my disappointment when it’s only Jack.

“Hi Jack.”

“You could try to sound a little more excited to hear from me,” he teases.

“I could try, but why should I?”

“Okay, I deserve that.” He pauses. “So, what’s going on with you?”

I look around the empty suite. “Nothing in particular.”

“I’m in luck then. Guess who’s in San Fran?”

I frown. “Not you?”

“Definitely me.” I can hear the grin in his voice. “Let’s hang out. I’m sure you’ve worked so much you deserve to take a break.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it possible that I missed you so much, I flew across the country to see you?”

“No.”

“Well, I’m hurt that you think so, and I’d like to rectify that. So what do you say to a night out?”

“Not unless you tell me what you’re really doing here.”

“I’m here to see you,” he insists. “I didn’t want to leave the country without saying goodbye.”

I’m not buying it. “You could have said goodbye on the phone.”

“I could have, but I chose not to. Come on Rachel. Come out and see me. It’ll be fun.”

I almost refuse. I know how impulsive Jack can be, but I’ve never been on the receiving end of his grand gestures before. A month ago, I would have been over the moon. Now I’m just confused by my lack of interest.

However, it doesn’t seem fair for me to spend the rest of the evening just waiting for Landon, when Jack has supposedly flown halfway across the country to see me.

“Sure,” I tell him, “When and where?”

“Let’s see,” he says, “I’m staying at this excellent hotel close to Union Square. There’s a lounge here I’ve heard a lot about. We can go there.”

He tells me the name of the hotel and I agree to meet him. I dress in a simple pale-blue sheath dress and navy heels, leaving my hair to hang around my shoulders. Downstairs in the lobby, I run into Ralph.

“I hope you’re enjoying your stay,” he says solicitously.

I smile at the man. “I am, thanks.” He’s been attentive to all my needs in my short stay. Of course, I know it’s being paid for, but I’m grateful nonetheless.

Outside, the chauffeured car I’ve had at my disposal since Landon left is waiting under the awning. I tell the driver where to take me, wondering what Landon would think if he found out that the resources he left at my disposal were now being used to facilitate my date with another man.

I don’t fool myself that he would care.


Tags: Serena Grey Swanson Court Romance