The sounds of the airport echoed through the terminal. Families laughing with exciting greetings. The overhead announcements about flight status and passenger information. Jeannie tugged her rolling carry-on behind her. The flight had been quick and painless. After her first time in first class, it’d be a challenge to go back to economy. She followed the signs to baggage claim where a driver would be waiting to whisk her off to her hotel.
Jeannie’s stomach continued to flutter. Having never been on a blind date, she didn’t know what to expect. Would he want to have sex right away? She hoped not. Jumping in the sack with a stranger was outside her comfort zone. She wanted a connection, friendship, mutual caring.
An older gentleman in a black suit stood by the doors. His cherubic face reminded Jeannie of her grandfather. He held a sign with her name sprawled in large black letters. Heading toward him, she thought she caught sight of someone familiar out of the corner of her eye. But who would she know here? She paused then turned and smiled at the driver.
“Hello. I’m Jeannie Hall. Are you waiting for me?”
“Yes, ma’am. Welcome to our little town. Let’s get your luggage, and I’ll drive you to the Chancellor. It’s one of the oldest and finest hotels in San Antonio.” He folded the sign under his arm.
She pushed her carry-on in front of her. “This is all I brought.”
He released the handle and picked up her bag. “A woman after my wife’s heart. She packs light but tells me it’s to leave more room for purchases and gifts to bring home. If you’ll follow me, ma’am.” He led the way through the sliding doors and paused beside a long black limousine where he placed her bag on the curb then held open the rear door for her. The driver tipped the valet and retrieved his keys.
Positive her eyes were as big as dinner plates, she climbed inside, sank into the plush leather seat, and marveled at the luxury. She’d never been in a car so sumptuous before, let alone a limousine. Being treated like a queen was already one of the perks of this getaway. Even if the date didn’t work out, she’d be able to check quite a few firsts off her bucket list.
The driver loaded her suitcase in the trunk then climbed in behind the wheel. The divider between the front and the rear rolled down. “Are you comfortable?” When she nodded, he continued. “We should be at your hotel in about twenty minutes. Please help yourself to a soda, glass of wine, or a cocktail. The minibar has a little of everything.” The divider slid back up, and Jeannie relaxed into the seat and watched the cityscape pass by.
***
Hank tossed his car keys to the hotel valet. Grabbing his duffel, he swung it over his shoulder and entered the hotel to find tall white columns and a marble floor. Black-and-white photos of the stately hotel and its guests lined the hallway walls as he strolled toward the check-in desk. A couple of times, he paused to examine an image. Who would have thought that former presidents and old Hollywood stars frequented this hotel? He’d recalled the research he’d done on the hotel, the floor plans, access points, and security. Even a few ghosts were mentioned. However, the hotel didn’t boast about the rich and famous who’d visited. Hank rubbed his hand over his chin. I guess they like to have some anonymity, too. I wonder if any Hollywood bigwigs or political powerbrokers are in attendance this weekend. It’ll mean additional security if anything goes wrong. But I won’t count on it.
A beautiful dark-haired woman stood behind the desk. “Welcome to the Chancellor. I’m Maeve Mori. How can I help you?”
“Hello, I’m Hank Walker. I have a reservation.” He laid his duffel on the floor.
The woman tapped on her computer. “Yes. Mr. Walker. I have you and your guest in the Roosevelt Suite. It has two bedrooms and a sitting area with views of the Riverwalk.” She placed a map on the counter and pointed to each location. “Here’s the elevator to your room. You can also take the stairs if you prefer. There is also a full-service restaurant overlooking the river here. Our award-winning bar features nightly specials.
“In addition, full room service is included in your suite. Just call Star 9 to place an order. I must warn you that cell phones don’t work here at our hotel. With the large number of high-profile guests, special jamming capabilities were put into place. We also have hidden cameras in the elevator and on each floor to prevent unwanted guests. Your key is coded to your room as well as the guest amenities, like the bar and restaurant. However, only guests of the hotel will be allowed inside. I must assure you, Mr. Walker, we take our clients’ privacy very seriously.”
“Nice security. I bet it keeps the paparazzi away.” Hank folded the map and tucked it into his shirt pocket. “Thank you. Has Miss Hall arrived yet?”
The young woman tapped some more on her computer. “No, sir. She’s landed, and our driver has picked her up, though. She should be arriving in about fifteen minutes. Would you like me to call the room when she arrives?”
“No. It won’t be necessary. Please don’t mention my name.” He didn’t want to go into details with the concierge about Jeannie’s date. Smiling, he continued. “It’s a secret.”
“Sir, we’re very familiar with Master Draikoh’s requirements. Our driver and his wife met on one of his dates. They’ve been married for forty years now. Miss Hall will only be told her partner has arrived.” She handed him a plastic keycard in a folder with the suite number on it. “We’re so happy to be partnered with Draikoh’s matchmaking business. It’s why we have so many famous clients. They appreciate our circumspect nature with regard to privacy.”
Hank grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder then picked up the key folder, sliding it into his pocket along with the map. “Thank you, Ms. Mori. You’ve been very helpful.” With a little bit of time before Jeannie’s arrival, Hank scoped out the exits before heading up to their room.
***
The limousine stopped in the drive of a beautiful stone hotel. Oxidized gratings lined the second-floor windows, the iron’s greenish tinge in dark contrast against the light stone. Two large doors with stained glass windows welcomed visitors.
As the door opened, Jeannie climbed out of the car. The driver had already placed her suitcase on the curb. “Thank you for such wonderful care.” She’d reached into her purse for a tip when she felt his larger hand on hers.
“No, ma’am. Please, no money. Forty years ago, Master Draikoh arranged for me to meet my wife, and I couldn’t be happier today. It’s been my pleasure. Please open your heart to love. You never know what might be waiting for you.” With a twinkle in his eye, he tipped his hat then climbed back into the car and drove away.
Jeannie gaped like a fish on a hook. Her face heated at his words. Does everyone know my business? Do they see me as a woman in need of a man? She’d walked with a million others after the president had been elected to put a focus on equal rights. As a local business owner, she helped other women through donations to shelters and fundraisers. But she’d never seen herself as less of a person without a man.
She shrugged then straightened her spine. So far, the adventure had been fun. She wouldn’t let one small thing bug her. Extending the handle on her bag, Jeannie strolled into the beautiful hotel.
The gorgeous entryway boasted a grand piano along with a stained glass skylight. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over a beautiful garden where a fountain sparkled in the sunshine and half a dozen rocking chairs and bistro sets stood among the flowerbeds and stone walkways. From the road, she’d never have guessed at the dazzling brilliance of the colors and sights. She could see herself sitting in one of the rocking chairs with a book, enjoying the scents from the flowers and the warm sunshine. If she didn’t get to enjoy her vision while she was here this weekend, Jeannie vowed to return just to fulfill her dream.
“Good afternoon,” a breathtaking woman called out from behind the counter. “Can I help you? I’m Maeve Mori, the concierge. Are you checking in?”
Jeannie walked over to the marble counter where the woman stood. “Yes. I’m Jeannie Hall. I have a reservation.”
“Welcome to the Chancellor, a jewel on the Riverwalk. Your guest has already arrived and checked in. You will be in one of our finest suites. It boasts two bedrooms as well as picturesque views of the river. The bathroom features a jetted tub and full-surround shower. I’d live in the bathroom if I could. It’s my favorite spot in the hotel.” She handed Jeannie a key-card. “You can also use this for food and drinks in our restaurant or bar as well as full access to the pool and common areas. Security is tight here, so please be sure to keep it on you at all times.” She withdrew a map from behind her desk and pointed out the suite’s location. “Here’s the way to your room, by stairs or elevator. Do you need help with your bags?”
Jeannie grabbed the handle of her rolling suitcase. “No, thank you. I have it. The hotel sounds amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your fine city as well as that beautiful garden.” Sliding her key into her purse along with the map, she turned and headed toward the elevator, her heart beating against her chest wall. The moment of truth.
As she stood in the elevator and watched the numbers climb to her floor, Jeannie placed her hand over her stomach. Butterflies were having a Zumba class in there. Sweat broke out on her forehead. As the door opened, she took slow steps toward her room. Each step sent the butterflies into a frenzy until she thought they might try to escape. I feel worse now than I did after the night at the Martini Bar.
When she inserted her key into the slot, the green light flashed. She swung the door open. A man stood in silhouette in front of the windows. She took a deep breath and entered the room.
“What are you doing here, Deputy Dan?”