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The gentleman clears his throat, and I push my thoughts to the side. Once I’m in my room, I’ll let myself wallow, and then tomorrow, I’ll wake up and start from square one once again. Only this time, I’ll think twice before I give myself to a man who doesn’tdeserve it.
“What’s your name?” I ask, needing to put a name to the face of the kind man.
“Nate.”
“Thank you for everything, Nate.” I stand, and he backs up to give me some space. “I don’t know how to repay you for your kindness, but thank you.”
“It was my pleasure,” he says with a small nod. “Enjoy your stay at the Bradford Hotel.”
chapter three
PAIGE
“This can’t be right.”
I glance down at the envelope that specifies my room number and compare it to the door number I’m standing in front of. They match, but something must be wrong because this is the penthouse suite, and I know I didn’t book this room. I make a good living as the CMO at Kingston, but notthatgood of a living.
Pulling the key card out, I place it against the door, and the green light instantly appears, the door clicking open. I push it all the way open and step inside, letting the door close on its own while I take in my surroundings.
This isn’t a room. It’s a goddamn apartment. The living room is almost the same size as mine at home, and the kitchen is sleek with state-of-the-art appliances.
I leave my luggage in the foyer and go on a quick tour, finding there are two gorgeous, massive bedrooms and two full-size bathrooms—one of them complete with a Jacuzzi tub that could fit five people.
When I pull the curtain open in what appears to be the master bedroom, I’m hit with the most stunning view of London, making my heart swell. It’s been over a year since I’ve been here, and I didn’t realize how much I needed to see this to remind myself that despite the bad that’s happened here, it’s still the place my mom loved. The last place I felt like was home. And I’m not going to let shitty situations, like my dad moving us away or John screwing my ex-friend, ruin the magic my mom felt here.
I unlock the French doors and step outside, inhaling the crisp, fresh air. It’s almost ten, so the sun is shining, helping to warm the chill in the air.
“I miss you, Mom,” I murmur, hoping she can hear me.
I stand on the terrace for several minutes, taking in the city, and decide that I’m going to make the most out of this trip. It might be the end of a chapter in my life, but it’s also the start of a new one.
But first, I need to get the room mix-up handled. I find the phone and dial the front desk, hoping they can find me a different room. While I appreciate what Nate did, I can’t afford to stay here for five nights.
“Good morning, Miss Abrams. My name is Jennifer at the front desk. What can I help you with?”
“Hello,” I say, already missing the room before I’ve even lost it. I mean, can you blame me?
After what I witnessed this morning, the perfect way to start my next chapter would be in style. Hell, ifJohn’s card was the one on file, I might’ve considered keeping it…
I know. I know. That’s immature and petty, and I need to be the bigger person.Sigh.
“I think there’s been a mix-up,” I begrudgingly tell the woman. “I’m in room 1901, but it’s the penthouse, and I booked a standard room with a king.”
“According to the notes, you’ve been upgraded,” Jennifer says sweetly.
“Yes, I can see that. However, I can’taffordthe upgrade. So, I need to be moved into a standard room, please.”
Please let there be a standard room available,I plead silently.
“Hmm, can you please give me one moment while I look into this?”
“Of course.”
The music starts up, and I wait patiently. I probably should’ve gone down there since I’m going to have to anyway to get my correct key card—unless this is the only room available, which is how Nate got me a room after I was told they were completely booked.
Damn it, that’s probably what happened.
I’m about to hang up and go down to the lobby when Jennifer comes back on the line.