Oliver’s eyebrows shot up. ‘What!? Are you serious?’
Sydney nodded. ‘Didn’t you see all the commotion?’
Oliver ran a hand through his hair, processing the information. ‘No, I was in a meeting. This is not a good look for the hotel. What if people start thinking there’s drug dealing taking place there?’
Lauren shrugged. ‘Is that likely? There’s no evidence to say he didn’t just bring the drugs with him, or take them elsewhere first.’
Oliver’s expression grew thoughtful as he considered their options. ‘All right, listen,’ he began, his voice calm and measured. ‘In case there is some dealing going on in the hotel, I think we should try to keep a lid on it for now. We don’t want to let anyone know we’re aware of it. It could tip off the wrong people and make things worse.’
Sydney frowned. ‘No, we should just report it to the police and let them investigate.’
Oliver held up a hand. ‘I know, I know. But let me do some digging first. I’ll try to find out more about what’s going on and who’s involved. We need to be smart about this. We don’t want the hotel’s reputation ruined if it’s simply a dealer delivering to the hotel from the outside.’
Lauren reached out and squeezed Oliver’s hand. ‘Thank you, Ollie. Despite everything, you still care about this hotel as much as we do.’
His repose was a reassuring smile. ‘That goes without saying. Right, I’ll leave you ladies alone. I need to get on with some paperwork.’
Giving Sydney another quick kiss, he grabbed a drink from the fridge and left the room.
‘You’re so lucky to have him.’
‘I know. I tell myself that at least a hundred times a day.’
Lauren’s phone buzzed catching her attention. Glancing down at the screen, she smiled as she read the message from Rain.
Sydney, ever observant, arched an eyebrow at Lauren’s sudden change in demeanour. ‘Well, someone looks happy.’
A delicate blush crept up Lauren’s cheeks as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her mind already racing ahead to the promise of seeing Rain again. ‘It’s Rain. We’re meeting for a drink when she finishes work.’
Sydney gave Lauren a playful nudge. ‘Wait, hold on. I thought you said you weren’t gonna go there.’
Lauren still wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing, but she had decided to play it by ear and see what happened.
‘It’s just a drink, Syd.’
‘If you say so,’ Sydney studied Lauren for a moment, then reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. ‘All I want is for you to be happy.’
Lauren smiled, returning the squeeze with one of her own. ‘I know. I want to feel like I’m actually living my life.’
‘I get it. Tell you what, I’ll take Ben out for some quality auntie-nephew bonding time.’
‘Really? That’d be amazing. I think he’s starting to sense that things aren’t right between me and Jake.’
‘He’s a tough little guy. You just focus on having fun tonight.’
‘I’ll do my best. I should probably start getting ready,’ Lauren said, getting to her feet and giving Sydney a hug. ‘And remember, not too much sugar, otherwise Ben will be climbing the walls later.’
‘Cross my heart,’ Sydney said with a wink. ‘Now go!’
‘All right, I’m gone.’
By the time it neared seven-thirty, Lauren’s nervous excitement had grown. She showered and slipped into jeans and a sleek black top, the plunging neckline teasing at the possibilities of the night ahead. Checking herself out in the mirror, Lauren barely recognised the woman staring back. When was the last time she felt this alive?
Makeup on point and hair artfully curled, Lauren took a deep breath. Tonight was about new beginnings, stepping outside her comfort zone. No more playing it safe.
When Lauren arrived at the bar, she scanned the room, searching for Rain amongst the crowd. Finding no sign of her, Lauren ordered a bottle of wine and made her way to a secluded table. As she sipped, her mind drifted to the rollercoaster day she’d had. From crisis management to . . . whatever this was with Rain.
‘Hey, you getting a head start?’ Rain slid into the seat across from her, all smiles.
‘Guilty. It’s been quite a day.’
‘To be honest, I’m shocked you’re not doing tequila shots after playing superhero.’
‘It was pure adrenaline. If I’d stopped to think, I would’ve frozen,’ Lauren said, pouring Rain a glass of wine.
‘Don’t sell yourself short. You saved that man’s life. It’s a good thing you’re impulsive.’
Lauren laughed. ‘That’s not me. I’m the least impulsive person ever.’
‘Nope, not buying it,’ Rain said teasingly.
‘It’s true.’
Rain took a sip of wine and sighed. ‘Just what the doctor ordered. Talking of doctors, have you heard anything from the hospital?’
‘Not a thing. No news is good news, as they say.’
Rain set her glass down and leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ‘So, how long did you debate asking me here tonight?’
