Page 10 of Love, Morgan

I nodded, registering the scent of the place—something sweet and subtle and warm. Vanilla, perhaps, but the expensive kind. Every single part of this experience was curated. That’s what the money got you. And she was right—it was massively overwhelming if you weren’t used to it.

“We endeavor to take care of our guests to the highest of standards. You have two weeks to enjoy it and you deserve it.”

I stared at her. I didn’t even know her, and I was certain this was all just a part of her corporate training to make the guests feel seen, understood, and perfectly attended, but I still couldn’t help myself from whispering, “Do you think so?”

She smiled warmly again. “I absolutely do. And we’re happy to help take care of that in any way you need. Even if that’s seeking out a little encouragement to feel like you belong here.”

I glanced around again, knowing I was being ridiculous. This was the vacation of a lifetime, and I had been saving for it for years. I wasn’t supposed to be wasting it by having an anxiety attack.

The only thing that brought me comfort was the fact that she didn’t seem remotely concerned or put out by the conversation we were having. She’d done this before. Which really meant I wasn’t the first to feel this way. Which was better than being the only person in the world having a breakdown over something objectively wonderful.

I took another deep breath. “Okay. Sorry. Thank you. My apologies for…that.”

“It’s really okay,” she said, sounding perfectly genuine. She was either the nicest person ever or she was impossibly great at her job. Maybe both. “My name’s Thalia. I’m going to write it right here, so you can call and ask for me if you need anything.”

I watched as she slid the key card wallet back over to herself, writing her name on the back, next to the number for the front desk. “Thank you. I promise I’ll try to be less… yeah… soon.”

“It’s really okay. Call anytime you need anything. We’re here to help.”

I smiled back at her, not sure it was the most genuine smile I’d ever managed, but feeling a slight soothing of the tension that was eating me up. After a day of traveling and all of this, I was going to crash hard later. Which was probably a good thing. I needed a good night of sleep if I was going to get remotely used to the fact that this was my life right now.

But, at least Thalia was nice. That was something good in all the chaos. I didn’t care if it was her job. She was nice to me. And maybe that counted as being friendly with people and I’d made good on my promise to my dad.

Probably not, but what he didn’t know didn’t hurt him.

“Thank you so much,” I said, forcing my voice to be steadier. This was my job. Put on the performance and crash later. I knew how to do this. I could get through it if I was The Pretty Gift instead of Iona. I could be Iona later, as soon as I was alone in my room.

“Feeling better?” she asked with another smile.

“Yes. Sorry. This is just—as you correctly spotted—all new for me.”

“It’s really okay. As I said, this is hardly the first time a guest has been stunned upon arrival, and I dare say it won’t be the last. We’re very good at what we do here, and being stunning is one of those things.”

“Yeah, I’ll say,” I muttered, looking from Thalia to the window wall. This place was paradise. Not one of the reviews had lied about that.

She laughed. “And, if it’s helpful, you’re not the only first-time guest here with us this week. I can’t get into specifics, obviously, but rest assured, you’re not alone.”

I breathed out slowly. Despite the promise I’d made to my dad, I really wasn’t trying to get to know people here. I was happy to greet them in passing, but I wasn’t nearly outgoing enough in real life to start befriending them. However, knowing that there were other first-time guests here was comforting. It was like I belonged to a little club—even if it was a little club I knew none of the members of. There was just something nice in not being the odd one out.

“Are you ready to go over to your room?” Thalia asked patiently.

It was only then that I realized people didn’t typically spend this much time checking in or hanging out with the person checking them in.

“Oh. Yes. Sorry. So sorry,” I said, my eyes wide again.

She waved me off. “It’s really okay. Just checking.” She gestured to another member of staff before looking back at me. “Call if you need anything. All of the information you need about the resort is available on the intranet from your residence. And Cali here will show you to your room.”

Cali appeared beside me right on cue. “Welcome to Pax. I’ll be delighted to show you to your room.”

He glanced at Thalia and she smoothly supplied him with the information on where we were going. This whole place was such a well-oiled machine, and I felt like a creaky wheel.

“Nice to meet you,” I said, more out of politeness than any actual joy at meeting him. I was sure he was lovely, but it felt like my skin was on wrong, and I needed to get to a private space and collapse for a while.

He grabbed onto my suitcase. “Shall we?”

I nodded and he was off immediately, leading me through the main building. I knew from the website that this building also contained a number of more traditional hotel rooms, but there was nothing about walking through it that felt like any hotel I’d ever been in.

Cali smiled and greeted everyone we passed, gesturing the way to various restaurants, bars, and services I was allowed to avail myself of. The whole thing was ridiculous. My dad had made comments about how the other half lived on more than one occasion. I’d never fully understood what he was getting at until now. I couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be so used to this level of service and attention that it just became the norm, it became what you were expecting to happen. How did anyone come here and not feel completely confused?

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