Diamonds Are Forever - Brooke St. James Page 0,40

followed by a long day of traveling today.

Drew still had no idea I was coming. I had tried to call his hotel room again this morning before left Texas, but he was out. I thought about leaving him a message, but I didn't. It wasn't so much that I wanted to surprise him, it was more that I was nervous. I thought maybe he was hurt by me not showing up in a few days ago. I figured I had the best chance of getting him to forgive me if I could tell him what happened in person.

It was just after 9pm when I made it to my hotel. I asked the attendant about the Four Seasons, and he said it was only a few blocks up the street. I had considered waiting until tomorrow to find Drew, but I just couldn't. I put my things in my room, took a shower, and got dressed again in record time.

I called the front desk and asked them to have a cab waiting for me. I had never been to New York City, and it was surreal arriving at night and doing things like taking cabs from hotel to hotel. I felt like I was in a movie. I wasn't sure if you should tip a cab driver, but he had been nice and I was all pumped up with excitement, so I gave him a few extra dollars.

The temperature was cool out, and I breathed in the crisp air when I stepped out of the cab. The Four Seasons was much grander than my hotel. I walked into the lobby, thinking it was obvious why there was such a price difference.

I felt somewhat small in this city, but at least I was confident in what I was wearing. I had on an outfit I had bought for my first meeting with Jim. It was loose fitting pants, rolled like high-waters with leather loafers. I had on several layers as a top, including a cotton striped black and white t-shirt, layered with two solid colored linen shirts. It was quirky, but dressy-looking at the same time. Also, my parents had approved, so I knew I looked like a lady.

I was comfortable in my clothes, and it was cool out, but that didn't stop me from almost breaking a sweat as I walked through the lobby toward the front desk. I had thought about different things I could possibly say, and still I didn't know quite what would come out of my mouth when I spoke.

"Good evening, I'm Alex, how may I help you?" he said in a British accent.

It seemed that the tall thin man behind the counter was the same guy I spoke to yesterday. I got so distracted by putting a face with a voice that I blinked and stared at him for a second before I continued.

"Oh, hey, yeah. I actually called last night. I don't know if you remember, but I was asking about someone who's staying here named Drew Klein."

"Oh, yes ma'am. Are you here to see him this evening? I could ring his room if you like."

I wasn't sure that he remembered me from the phone call, but he was trying to be helpful.

"Yes, actually. That'd be great."

He smiled. "Who can I tell him is here?"

"Llll-olli-pop," I said, reluctantly.

"Lollipop?" he asked with a curious, serious expression.

I nodded. I smiled inwardly at the sound of the word lollipop being repeated in his British accent, and I had to hold back a laugh at myself for saying that was my name in the first place.

He hesitated as if giving me time to change my mind or tell him I was only kidding.

"I'll ring his room. One moment," he said finally.

"Lady," I added uncertainly, cutting in before he could pick up the telephone receiver.

"Ma'am?" he asked, still wearing a serious expression.

"Lady Lollipop, please," I said.

"You want me to tell Mister Klein that Lady Lollipop is here?" he asked, clarifying.

We were standing in a five-star hotel, and I was pretty sure Alex thought this was one big joke. But he skillfully walked the line between being accommodating and being professional. He gave me a half smile. "I'll ring Mister Klein and tell him Lady… Lollipop is here," he said, moving slowly and giving me one last chance to back out.

I saw his chest rise and fall as he waited for Drew to pick up. Seeing him breathe reminded me to do the same. I took a deep, calming breath.

Chapter 15

"Yes,