Page 14 of Dreams That Bind Us
Aunt Louise glared at her with pursed lips. "Fine. Be difficult." She grabbed her phone and tapped the screen with no small amount of violence. "What's his name?"
Anna huffed dramatically, but knew she couldn't dissuade her aunt once the woman was on a roll. "James Armstrong, recently moved to Key West from New York City. He owns The Majestic, a newly renovated historic hotel on the south side of the island. That's all I know." She closed her eyes and listened to the little clicks coming from her aunt's phone, knowing what was coming.
"Oh. My. God."
Anna cringed at the emphasis on each word. She peeked at her aunt who was gawking at her phone, her jaw hanging open.
"Are you freaking kidding me?" her aunt screeched. "You're fighting this?" She shoved the phone toward Anna, a picture of James on the screen. He looking breathtakingly handsome and resplendent in a full suit and tie, leaning against a gray block column, a sexy smirk on his face. "Girl, what is wrong with you?"
"Looks aren't everything." Anna closed her eyes and tilted her face to catch the last few remaining sun rays.
Aunt Louise gazed longingly at the picture. "I wouldn't be so sure of that. Looks are definitely something to talk about, especially his."
"If it makes you feel any better, that photo doesn't do him justice," Anna added.
"Hmmmmm… I can imagine."
Anna heard more clicks from Aunt Louise’s phone. "His birthday is November 5th. Oooh, a Scorpio," her aunt cooed. "And you're a Cancer—those pair perfectly. Damn, girl. Your sex life will be off the fucking charts. Now I'm really jealous."
"What?!?!" Anna sputtered, appalled at the conversation turn.
"Oh, stop being a prude." Her aunt waved her off again. "You know you've thought about it, fantasized about even."
Anna winced. Her aunt knew that she'd had dreams of James, but not what took place in those dreams, and she wasn't about to add that nugget of information. She'd never hear the end of it.
"Now, Ireallywant to read his cards." Aunt Louise tapped her lips thoughtfully with a long, red nail. "Maybe I need to visit Key West soon. It's been a long time since I've been down."
Anna sighed out a long exhale. The thought of her aunt visiting Key West was soothing, even if her motivation was geared toward matchmaking. "It's been at least five years."
"Mmmhmm…" Her aunt was busy tapping away again. "What's the name of that hotel you visited? You know—" She snapped her fingers in the air. "The one with the ghost you connected with?"
"Paradise West," Anna answered, grinning. Her aunt would love that historic inn.
"Ah! There it is. It's gorgeous. They've done a great job."
Anna heard a dial tone and a ring as her aunt activated the speakerphone, then Annette's chipper voice answered. "Paradise West, this is Annette speaking. How may I help you?"
"Hello, Annette. My name is Louise Marlowe and I'm interested in renting a room next month."
"Okay, that’s great. What dates are you looking for?" Annette asked.
"Well, I know this is last minute, so I can be completely flexible. But I need to be in Key West for at least one week, maybe longer."
"All right." Anna could hear Annette typing on her computer keyboard. "I have a suite available from September 15th through the 22nd? Does that work for you?"
"It's perfect," her aunt purred. "Book it for me, please. Oh, you may know my niece—Anna Kingsley. I'm coming down to visit her."
"Oh, yes! I definitely know Anna. She's lovely." Annette's voice brimmed with excitement. "She helped us out a few months ago and I've been meaning to invite her back."
"Coincidentally, my dear, you just did," her aunt commented slyly. "She's sitting with me."
"Hi, Annette," Anna piped in. "I'd love to stop by again. Just let me know when."
"Well, it’s a funny coincidence that you've called." Annette paused for a moment. "The ladies of the Royal Conch Society dropped by to tell me they were starting a book club and asked if they could hold it here. For some reason, it made me think of you, and I wondered if you'd be interested in joining us."
Anna stared at the phone in her aunt's hand and blinked, not sure how to respond. "Ummm…" The thought of being socially active gave her the jitters. Her throat closed up as she considered it.
Aunt Louise nodded, silently encouraging her to accept the invitation. Anna nearly groaned out loud, but knew she needed to get out more. "Yeah, sure. I'd love to join your group. Just let me know when you meet and what book you're reading."
