Page 6 of The Prince and the Double Shot
“It was… enlightening.”
“As will be the rest of your stay.”
“I’m sorry, but… Who are you?”
Her laugh was warm, but the look on her face was anything but comforting. “I’m Sheena. My wife and I own the hotel.”
“And how do you know my mother?”
“Oh, Maugaurite and I have known each other since we were children. We even went to the same boarding school once upon a time when life was very different.”
“You’re friends with my mother.” I nodded.
“No, I wouldn't say that. But I wouldn’t say I’m not, either.”
“Ok…” She was confusing me and obfuscating instead of telling me the truth.
“Everything has been arranged for your stay. It’s just as your mother wanted it. I know that the last few years have not been kind, Phil. Hopefully, an escape to the Runaway PrinceHotel can do you some good. While you are here, your mother suggested that you help us with the grounds and gardens.”
“Oh, she didn’t say that I would be…”
“Nothing in life is free, Phil. Your room and board are covered by the help you will give us. It’s standard practice.”
“I thought I would be a guest.”
“And hide in your room. Maugaurite wanted to make sure that was not a possibility. You’ll enjoy the experience – or you won’t. I suppose that choice is yours. Remember that we value any royal’s anonymity for those who want to escape here. If you see a familiar face – smile and move on. People come here to escape their lives and duties for however long they choose. I hope that this place brings you some kind of peace.” She rang a small bell, and a tall man with a nametag that read ‘me’ stepped into view.
“Room 345, please. He will show you the way.”
I followed him, but the place was a virtual maze. I did notice the coffee shop that I would soon be stopping at. I was exhausted and hadn’t slept in… well, I hadn’t slept well for as long as I could remember. But if I fell asleep now, I would be a total mess tomorrow. I needed to stay awake so I could sleep through the night, and I still had about eight hours to go before it even got dark.
I had to work?
That was a bit of a shock. But I did love gardening. Maybe it would fill my cup, so to speak, if I were able to help the meager green spaces here. I could have a rosebud bloom within a few minutes if I put my mind to it. I had stayed in my room and sulked too long. Mother was right, as much as I hated to admit it, I did need a fresh start. Maybe working in the earth and cultivating plants would be a good beginning. Back to the basics that I had always loved.
“Right this way?” He nodded, and I followed him down a long hallway that was shabby chic. He didn’t speak much and didn’t seem to want to, so I left it. I was tired anyway, and I was sure that I would get more answers when I needed them.
The one question I really wanted answered was how that Sheena woman knew my mother? School, she had said. There had to be more of a story there. I knew very few people who knew my mother before she was queen.
Would my children say the same thing?
ZANE
“You glad your shift’s over?” I asked Justice, who had pulled his apron off and was wadding it up in his hands.
“Yeah, I just want to get home and fall in bed. I was out late last night with my boy. You got any plans tonight?”
“I think you know the answer.”
“Dude, you may be one of the most boring human beings on the planet. What is wrong with you? You’re hot and kind of funny when you’re not trying too hard. You really gotta stop being so boring, bro.”
“Boring keeps me sane.”
“Dude, how’s Di? I haven’t worked with her in months.”
“She’s cool. You know, barely working and always working it.”
“We should all go out again. That was hella fun. I’ll even make Daryl come… maybe. He’s fascinated right now.”
