Page 24 of Be Our Ghost (The Duchess Hotel #2)

Seventeen

Charlie scrambled in to work a full fifteen minutes late, feeling like the frenetic White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland .

While trying to open her office door, she dropped her car keys.

A stack of file folders followed, sending papers scattering across the floor.

She bent down to scoop up everything, only to freeze when an authoritative male voice addressed her.

“Good morning, Charlotte.”

Shit. Of all the days for her boss to arrive early. She bundled the wayward files into her arms and straightened up quickly. “Good morning, Mr. Hargreaves. Sorry I’m late. I…ran into some complications.”

“Nothing serious, I hope?”

“Nope, it’s all good.” I just couldn’t bear to get out of bed with Knox. “Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Laurel just showed me the fliers she mocked up for the Gilded Lily’s costume party. I understand you’re responsible for getting that event on the calendar.”

“Actually, Knox is the one who agreed to host the party. All I did was give him a nudge.”

“Either way, I’m impressed with your efforts. Not only for getting him on board, but also for helping us secure a spot on Canada’s Most Haunted . Rosie told me you did most of the research. You’ve really been going above and beyond.”

Her boss’s praise caught her so off guard she was momentarily tongue-tied.

“Um…thank you, sir. I’ve enjoyed my deep dive into the hotel’s history.

Today, I’m interviewing a woman who worked at the Duchess in the late 1950s and had an unpleasant experience in our haunted storage room.

We’re hoping to use her testimony for the show. ”

“Excellent. When I spoke with the hotel’s owners last Friday, they were delighted we finally have a ghost story worthy of including in the Historic Hauntings tour.”

“They didn’t mind that it was associated with a huge scandal? Back in the day, the hotel tried to cover it up.”

Preston chuckled. “It happened over a hundred years ago. These days, a little notoriety can be highly profitable, if marketed correctly. Anyway, keep up the good work.”

She watched him walk away, slightly stunned she’d earned his favor. And on a day when she’d shown up late, no less.

Thanks, universe.

After unlocking her office door, she shrugged off her jacket and set down her coffee.

Rather than get started on her lengthy to-do list, she decided to pop in on Laurel.

This was the kind of Monday that couldn’t be tackled head-on.

She needed to ease into it, partly because she was still recovering from her incredible night with Knox.

Everything about their date had exceeded her wildest expectations, including the sex.

Especially the sex.

She poked her head into Laurel’s office. “Good morning. Do you have a minute?”

“For you—always. Come on in.” Laurel motioned her inside.

Charlie plopped down on the chair across from her desk. “Preston mentioned you mocked up the fliers for our costume contest.”

“See what you think.” Laurel handed her a couple of fliers. “I made two different versions. The first one will be included in the hotel’s welcome packets, and the second will be posted at places around town. That way, we can draw in a mix of guests and locals.”

As usual, Laurel had done a masterful job. “These look great. We still have to work out the logistics, but I’m thinking we’ll give out cash prizes. Selena also said she’d get us a deal on a photo booth, like the one we used for last year’s Christmas activities.”

“Those are always so popular. Does Knox have any spooky drink ideas?”

Charlie passed the fliers back to her. “Preston’s already been on his case about the menu. Knowing Knox, he’ll come up with something creative.”

Laurel gave her a sly look. “Speaking of Knox…”

“Yes?” Try as she might, Charlie couldn’t play it cool. Already, a sappy grin was spreading across her face.

“How was your big date? It was last night, right?”

“It was. And it didn’t end until…this morning.” Charlie put her face in her hands. “Don’t judge me.”

“Are you kidding? I love this for you.”

“Thanks. I got a disapproving vibe from my mom this morning, so I’m feeling a little sensitive.”

“You told your mom about it? Wow, you two must have a very open relationship.”

Charlie laughed. “Hardly. She saw Knox’s truck parked in the drive and just had to comment on it. I should have had him park a block away.”

That earned her a snort from Laurel. “Back when I was sixteen, I was dating this guy my parents hated, and we always had to sneak around. I used to wait until after dark and climb out my bedroom window to meet him.”

“The thing is—I don’t want to hide my relationship with Knox. I’m glad we’re together.”

“It’s about time. We’ve all been rooting for you.

” Laurel set down the fliers. “Before I forget, I met with my friend from VOS Musical Theatre on Sunday, and we came up with an idea for your big event at the Grand Duke. We wanted to stick with a couples theme, but it was tricky finding a costume that would hide Knox’s face but not impede his vision.

” She pulled out her phone and passed it to Charlie. “What do you think?”

Charlie let out a squeal. “ Phantom of the Opera ? I love that musical. These costumes look fabulous, especially since the Phantom’s ensemble comes with a mask.

” Even if it didn’t cover his face completely, it was a decent disguise.

Not to mention, his appearance had changed since his days on The Hidden Forest ; back then, he’d been clean-shaven.

Laurel beamed. “They’re from a production the company did two years ago. There were a few different outfits for the show’s heroine, but I thought this dress was the most fun. It’s from the masquerade scene, and it comes with a Venetian carnival mask, in case you need a disguise.”

“Thanks so much.” While Charlie wasn’t sure if Knox had ever seen the musical, she could suggest they watch the movie version together. She’d always thought the Phantom was kind of sexy, despite his questionable behavior.

“That’s not all. The company did Peter Pan last summer, so I arranged for you to borrow Tinker Bell and Captain Hook costumes for our party at the Gilded Lily.”

“Awesome! Just let me know how much your friend wants for the rentals. This is way easier than hunting down the costumes on my own.”

“No charge. I’m working with the theater to promote their production of Little Shop of Horrors by offering discount tickets to the hotel’s guests.”

“You’re crushing it. I’ll bet Preston’s thrilled.”

“Yeah, he was in an unusually good mood, which was a much-needed boost.” Laurel’s sunny expression clouded over. “I’m not at my best this morning.”

“Are you stressed because we’re getting so busy? I don’t think it’s going to ease up between now and New Year’s. You remember what last December was like.”

Preston had demanded so many activities that the Damsels had pushed themselves to the breaking point. He’d told them it wouldn’t be as bad this year, but Charlie had her doubts.

“It’s not that.” Laurel picked up a pen and twisted it between her fingers. “It’s my roommate, Celia. She told me she’s moving out at the end of November.”

“Sorry. I thought you two were close.” Though Charlie had only met Celia twice, she’d liked her a lot.

“No, we’re great. Celia’s a bit of a slob, but other than that, she’s been an ideal roommate.” Laurel took a sip from her to-go cup and wrinkled her nose. “Ugh. Too weak. That’s what I get for buying the cheap stuff from 7-Eleven. I need a hit from Alma’s Beanery.”

“Then let’s go. I brought coffee from home, but I don’t think it’s going to cut it. Preston’s in such an upbeat mood that he won’t care if we slip out for a few minutes.”

“Okay, you convinced me.” Laurel stood and grabbed her coat from the back of her chair.

Once they got outside, Charlie wished she hadn’t left her fleece jacket in her office. Despite the bright sunshine, the brisk wind off the ocean made for a chilly morning. Rubbing her hands along her arms, she hustled to keep up with Laurel as they headed to Alma’s.

“What’s up with Celia?” she asked. “Why is she abandoning you?”

“You met Glen, right? The guy she’s dating?”

“Yeah, he seemed nice.” During their meet-up at the Seagull, Charlie had noticed the affectionate way he’d treated Celia, with little touches and shared smiles. At the time, she’d felt a twinge of envy, wishing she and Knox had that kind of relationship.

“Right now, Glen’s renting a studio apartment in Vic West, but his lease is up at the end of November. So, he and Celia decided they’d get a one-bedroom place together, starting in December. On the one hand, I’m happy for her, but on the other…”

“You’ll have to find a new roommate. That’s tough.” Charlie shivered as a gust of wind hit her in the face. “Can you afford your own place?”

“Not really. Plus, I like having someone around. It’s more fun that way.”

As they entered Alma’s, Charlie inhaled the delectable smell of French roast mixed with freshly baked cinnamon rolls. “Maybe you can see if anyone from work needs a roommate.”

Laurel shrugged. “I guess, but it’s not just that. Everyone’s pairing up. Celia and Glen are moving in together. Rosie and Drew are madly in love. And now, you and Knox are a couple.”

While Charlie loved hearing her name paired alongside his, she was scared of jinxing it. “This thing with me and Knox is brand-new.”

“Yeah, but we all know how long you’ve been into him. And it’s obvious he feels the same way.” Laurel sighed. “Sorry for the self-pity. I’m not trying to bring you down on a Monday morning.”

“I don’t mind listening. How about I get the coffee as a thank-you for finding those costumes? And how about one of those fresh cinnamon rolls? Even if it’s a temporary fix, carbs and coffee make any Monday infinitely better.”

“Thanks. That sounds great.”