you to tell my story, but of course, I insist my name is on it.”
“Of course. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
She chuckled and released me. There was something so welcoming about
her. She was so alive that you got swept up in her presence.
“Sofia has the day off, and I have been busy getting everything ready for your arrival. Let’s see if Ben can bring your bags up before we eat. I whipped up one of my favorite lunches for you.” With a smirk, Vivian said, “Ben, please move the rest of the boxes up to her suite when they arrive. I would have unpacked for you, but I thought that would be a bit brazen.”
“It took everything in you to not go through her bags, didn’t it, Viv?” Ben’s
eyes gleamed with mischief.
She swatted at him. “Go on. You know I would never go through someone’s
bags. A lady needs her secrets.”
She smiled at him, and he looked back at her adoringly. I watched their brief
interaction. Now that’s probably part of her story.
“Get her things up to her suite, love,” Vivian ordered, and then gave Ben a
big smile.
“Already on my way,” he said.
“Well, hurry up then. I made my famous chicken salad.”
He grinned and imitated preparing for a race. His arms, back, and body lunged forward; it looked like he was waiting for the starter gun to go off.
“You old fool. Go on.” She chuckled. “All right, come on in. You must be
freezing. You don’t even have a jacket. I didn’t prepare you for our type of weather, did I? I’ll order you some warmer clothes.”
“Well, it’s not that cold in California yet,” I said.
“You thought you were coming to the warm weather of California?”
I laughed. “Yes, it’s easy to live in the world of no seasons when you’re there.”
“Delicious, isn’t it? However, I think you will grow to love seeing the four
seasons here,” Vivian said.
“Will I be here long enough to see them all?”
“That depends on how good my story is, I guess.” Hooking her arm in mine,
she said, “I have been waiting ages to meet the famous Caitlyn Chase
Whittaker.”
“Just Chase,” I corrected. “Whittaker was my married name.”
“Oh, I know all about married names. As long as they ended with a healthy
number of dollar signs after them, I’ll smile at the sound of any of their names.
Did you see dollar bills at the end of your marriage?”
“Papers have just been sent, but I have taken care of myself,” I answered.
“That sounds like a story. A lunch conversation or best saved for a
nightcap?”
“Definitely a nightcap.” I laughed.
Twenty-Six
Taking this chance was exactly what I needed. My new life was off to a
perfect start. The house was large but gave off a cozy feeling. It was filled with exquisite furniture, wall hangings, and tchotchkes. I knew
each item had a story. Most of all, it felt like home.
Glad I had brought a second set of clothing in my carry-on bag, I quickly changed into a sweater and jeans and returned to the entryway, where I followed
