Page 14 of Mr. Almost

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch a pale-faced Olivia fold into herself.

“Mother,” I warn, my tone harsh. “Miss Knight has done nothing to warrant security.”

“Well, I don’t want her here.”

“Last I checked, that’s not your call to make. This hotel is mine, and Max is in charge of the staff.”

She huffs and opens her mouth to say something, only to be cut off.

“Mrs. Williamson, lovely to see you,” Eli says smoothly.

Mother’s eyes brighten. “Eli, how lovely to see you! Would you be so kind as to talk some sense into my son?”

Eli chuckles. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Both of your sons have minds of their own. Now, I hope I didn’t overstep, but when I saw you, I booked you an appointment at the spa for a massage and facial, since I know how much you love them.”

Mother perks up. “With Juan?”

“Of course. Would you like me to escort you?” Eli confirms that he got her in with her favorite masseuse.

“Such a gentleman,” she coos before turning back to me. “Fix it, Mason.”

I keep my mouth shut. Once they are a safe distance away, I turn back to Olivia.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly.

Olivia avoids looking at me. “I’m fine, Mr. Williamson. Disgruntled customers are a part of the job.”

“Are you sure?” I press, narrowing my eyes.

Olivia looks up at me with cold eyes. “Yes, now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

Sighing, I watch her walk into the back room behind the counter.

What in the hell was that about? Why was my mother so startled by seeing Olivia? Truthfully, I’m surprised she remembered her, and what was up with Olivia’s reaction? She seemed petrified before she shut down. Have they run into each other since that Christmas party?

My instincts are telling me to push and figure this out. I’m missing something, and I just don’t know what.

“Ready?” Eli claps me on the back.

I bite back a growl. As much as I want to solve this now, it will have to wait. Eli and I have bigger matters to discuss.

I shake my head. “Yeah, let’s go.”

“Women, am I right?” he quips.

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know how you get laid as much as you do.”

Eli winks. “I’m fucking irresistible.”

We step up to the hostess stand. “Just the two of you today?” she asks.

“Yes,” we say in unison.

“All right, follow me, please.”

The hostess leads us to a private table in the back.

“Your server will be with you soon.”

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