Page 78 of Room for Improvement

“Hi, Mia. No, my lovely, of course I hadn’t forgotten you. It’s just that the number you are calling from is not the one I have in my contacts.” Vivian moved closer to the window in order to catch the last light from the day.

“Oh yeah. Sorry. They gave me a corporate cellphone and a new number when I started travelling a lot. This baby has global roaming which has to be the best thing since sliced bread,” replied Mia.

Staff at LHRW were always complaining about having to buy international sim cards. Lionel was too tight fisted to pay for an international corporate phone plan.

Mia, her former work colleague from the magazine had moved on and taken a job at the House of Royal.Shit. She works for Royal Resorts.

Vivian’s mouth went dry. Was Mia’s phone call designed to give Vivian the heads up on the news of her employer launching legal action against the magazine? To sue Lionel and his people into submission. If it was, she was a day too late.

“Are you still working at Royal Resorts, is that why you are calling?”

She and Mia had been close friends at one time. Work and travel commitments had seen them drift apart. Vivian hadn’t seen Mia in almost two years.

“Yes, but it’s not about what you might be thinking. Scratch that, yes, it is— but it’s not bad news.” Mia sighed down the line. “Have you seenLeisure Linethis afternoon?”

“No, I haven’t, what’s happening now?”

“Could you please log on and take a look. I think it’s better if you read the article first.”

“Ok, hang on.” Vivian’s eyes took a minute to focus as the screen on the laptop came to life. Setting the phone down, she wiped the crusts of sleep from her face.Urgh, I need a shower. The odd need for a strong coffee stirred in her blood.

After hitting the link forLeisure Line, Vivian dropped into the chair. Her gaze took in the header line.Royal Resorts backs down on legal action.

She picked up her cell. “So, what happened?”

“There was never going to be any lawsuit against LHRW. The executive team here in New York is trying to figure out how and where the rumor started. It’s the closest thing to a full scale witch-hunt I’ve ever seen.”

There hadn’t ever been a lawsuit. Shock at the realization of how that now sounded in light of the way things had ended between her and Bryce in Texas had Vivian’s hands trembling. She read the official press release letter which had been signed by Royal Resorts CEO, Edward Royal. Bryce’s father made it clear that at no time had the company threatened to sue.

“Thank god,” she whispered. At least Lionel and the magazine were going to be spared the wrath of the House of Royal, there was that much to be grateful for, but at the same time she sensed any hope of her and Bryce salvaging what was left of their friendship was now long gone.

I threatened to take out a court order if he ever came near me again.

“Hello Vivian, are you still there?”

Vivian wiped at the tears which rolled down her cheeks. “Yes, I am. Thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it.”

“Vivian. That’s not the main reason why I am calling. It’s about Bryce. He wants to see you.”

A snort of disbelief escaped her lips. After standing him up at breakfast, and then leaving him that nasty note, she couldn’t imagine Bryce would have anything pleasant to say.

“I don’t think that is a good idea. Could you please let him know I’m sorry about everything? And when I’m back in New York, I’ll try to come by the office.”

The coward’s way seemed the best. If she did make time to visit the offices of Royal Resorts, she would make doubly sure Bryce was out of town when she did.

“Vivian sweetheart, please write this down. Beach front villa number twelve. Apparently, it’s at the end of the row in a private area of the resort. There will be a security guard at the gate, but he has your name.”

Vivian roughly scrawled the address. “What’s this in aid of?” Her voice cracked as she struggled to hold back the tears. Her composure was rapidly coming undone.

“That’s where Bryce is staying. He doesn’t have your room number or your cell. When I spoke to him a little while ago, he said to tell you this, and I quote. ‘The local Starbucks delivers in under ten minutes, and I have them on speed dial. I’m ready to set aside all my self-respect and share with you whatever sort of caramel, white chocolate, or mocha mess you think best.’”

Her hand went to her heart. Bryce was in Florida, and not only did he want to see her, but he was offering the sweetest of peace deals.

I need time to think.

“Mia. I’m going to go and have a shower and change. Would you please let Bryce know you and I have spoken, and that I will get in touch?”

“Ok. But before I go, can I just say this, Vivian. From the little that Bryce has told me I gather he’s done some stupid things. But it’s clear he deeply regrets each and every one of them. Bryce Royal is a good man. Please give him another chance.”

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