Long Journey Home by Ashley Farley

Author:Ashley Farley [Farley, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ashley Farley
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

TWENTY

I leave my troubles behind as I drive down the palmetto tree-lined entrance to the resort. The main building is a three-story, lowcountry-style building with deep porches offering sweeping views of the May River. I park under the portico in the brick-lined driveway and turn over my keys to a valet attendant. When I enter the lobby, I pause momentarily to take in the opulent furnishings—plush seating, grand chandeliers, marble floors, and an upscale bar.

I give my name to the front desk clerk, and she prints an itinerary for my stay that makes my mouth fall agape. Dinner reservations and spa treatments. A wine tasting and sunset cruise. My mind reels as I mentally add up the expenses.

At a loss for words, I lift my gaze from the itinerary to the desk agent. I’m considering canceling my reservation when the agent leans across the counter and says in a low voice, “The Mathesons are picking up the tab for everything. That must be some house you’re designing for them.”

Her words bring a smile to my face. I fold the itinerary and slip it into my purse. “They are excellent clients. They know what they want, which makes them easy to please.”

After a leisurely lunch—grilled shrimp over mixed greens with a glass of crisp white wine—I change into my swimsuit and search the pool deck for a vacant lounge chair. I’m on the verge of giving up when a couple abandons two lounge chairs near the infinity edge of the pool.

I spread out my towel on the end chair, overlooking the May River, and make myself comfortable with my Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. I only read a couple of pages when the warm sun and wine buzz make me sleepy, and I doze off. When I awaken, an attractive redhead is occupying the chair beside me, reading my book’s back-cover copy.

I clear my throat, and she looks up, startled. “Oh! I’m so sorry. Your book fell onto the pool deck while you were sleeping. I picked it up so it wouldn’t get wet. Here.” She hands me the book. “Looks good, by the way.”

I smile as I take the book from her. “I just started it, but Reid is one of my new favorite authors. She wrote Daisy Jones & The Six. You may have seen the Amazon Prime series.”

She sips the green concoction in her tulip-shaped glass as she considers my question. “I don’t believe so. Then again, I don’t watch much television.”

“What brings you to Palmetto Resort?” I ask.

“I’m on my honeymoon.” My face must register shock, because she quickly adds, “My second marriage. What about you? Are you here with your significant other?”

Unexpected tears fill my eyes. “I’m recently separated.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. How recently?”

“As of this morning.”

“Girlfriend, you need a drink!” Sitting straight up in her chair, she flags down a young woman wearing a blue polo bearing the resort’s logo. “My friend here would like a drink.”

The waitress hands me a cocktail menu. “What can I get you?”

I eye the redhead’s drink.

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