Chapter 24

HAILEY

A fortnight had slipped by, and Valerian was nowhere in sight.

Hailey couldn’t quite put her finger on why his absence gnawed at her.

She’d catch herself mistaking a passerby for him, or her cheeks would flame up as she recalled their night in Paris. It had been a night of enchantment for her.

But she’d pushed him away, which was probably for the best. She didn’t want him to stay out of guilt or pity.

She massaged her temples, trying to shake off the intrusive thoughts.

Clara breezed in, announcing, “Hailey, they’re asking for you at the front desk.”

Closing her laptop, Hailey wondered who could be looking for her. At the reception, she noticed a figure waiting, but couldn’t quite make out who it was. Clara and Maggie were in a fit of giggles.

“She’s here.” The stranger turned. “Hailey.” He strode towards her, arms wide open, and enveloped her in a warm hug.

She stepped back after a moment. “Alex, what brings you here?”

“I came to see you, of course.” He laughed.

“You didn’t travel all this way just to see me.”

“You got me. How about dinner tonight?”

“Sure.”

“Any recommendations?” Alex asked.

“Je T’aime. I work there. You can come by after I finish my shift, and we can have dinner.”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll see you later then.”

“Sure.” She gave him a smile.

With that, he turned and left. “Goodbye, ladies.”

“Bye, Alex.” They giggled amongst themselves.

They’d taken to ignoring her unless they needed something or someone was looking for her. But that was better than their constant pestering.

She returned to her workspace and wrapped up her tasks. At the end of the day, she changed into her uniform and headed to the restaurant.

Upon arrival, she spotted Matt. “Hey, Matt.”

“Hey, how was work?” he responded.

“Just a long day. And you?”

“Same.” He chuckled.

“By the way, a friend of mine is coming here at eight. Is it okay if I join him for dinner?”

“Of course, Hails. Your friends are always welcome.”

“Thanks, Matt.”

They began serving customers. She had three hours until Alex arrived, so she threw herself into her work. When the clock struck eight, she removed her apron.

She spotted Alex entering and waved him over. He chose a table in the backroom outside.

“What can I get you to drink?”

“Aren’t you joining me?”

“I am. I’m just getting our drinks and placing our order.”

“Alright.” He ordered a bottle of champagne and lasagna for himself, which she doubled. She placed their orders.

When the food was ready, she carried the wine glasses and lasagna to their table. Finally, she took a seat across from him.

“I thought you’d never finish.”

“Sorry. I work here, and I’m on duty. But my friend let me have dinner, so I can at least wait on my own table. You know?”

“Smart move. This looks delicious.”

“I’ll pass your compliments to the chef.”

“I’d appreciate that,” said Alex.

“Of course.”

“And my regards to the server.” He winked at her.

“Why, thank you.” She gave a small bow.

She rose to open the champagne, but Alex insisted on doing it. “I don’t want you to serve me. We’re just two friends having dinner.”

“Okay,” she said, laughing. He poured champagne for both of them.

She took a sip—the bubbles danced on her tongue.

“So, how have you been, Hailey?”

“I’ve been okay. Not much to talk about, just working two jobs. What about you?”

They started on their meal.

“Well, I’m here to expand my business and close some deals. But that’s a story for another time.”

“Alright then.” She let the topic drop, but couldn’t help wondering about the nature of his business that brought him here. She decided to ask him later.

“Ever tried surfing?” she queried.

“Absolutely, I adore it. It’s invigorating, a chance to let go and forget about everything else.”

“Wow, that sounds amazing.” She was captivated by the mental image.

“You should join me this weekend.”

“Sure, sounds like a blast,” she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I’m serious.”

“If I had the cash, I’d be there in a heartbeat. But I don’t. Maybe when I can afford it.”

“I could cover your expenses, you know.”

“I know you could, but I don’t want you to.”

“So, you’ll promise to come the moment you have the funds?”

“Absolutely. I’ve always wanted to learn to surf. It sounds like a blast.”

“It truly is, Hailey.”

They continued to eat until they were stuffed, their laughter filling the air.

She had forgotten how much she enjoyed Alex’s company. Her week had been dreary, but he was a beacon of light, making her laugh.

“You’re stunning when you smile, Hailey.”

“Thank you.” She gave him a warm smile.

The sliding doors opened, and a group of men entered. She didn’t pay them any mind, continuing her conversation with Alex.

“Isn’t that Hailey?”

She thought she was imagining things, but she was certain she heard her name. Her eyes darted around the room, finally landing on Colhane. Beside him stood Valerian, his gaze fixed on her.