“Thank you.”

Paula made the rounds of the room again, checking in with the girls at the front desk and making sure they had a chance to have some food and a drink if they wanted. The atmosphere in the room had changed from tense to almost fun. When the power came on an hour later, the lobby erupted in cheers. Paula jumped behind the front desk again and helped to get everyone checked in while David and Marco brought the empty platters back into the kitchen.

Once everyone was settled, Paula and David walked out together.

“Well, that was an adventure, huh?” David said as they stepped outside. The wind had died down and the rain completely stopped, which Paula was grateful for.

“Certainly unexpected. It turned out okay, I think, though. Maybe even a little bit fun.”

David smiled. “I had fun. See you tomorrow, Paula.”

“Goodnight.” As she walked home, Paula smiled to herself. It had been a crazy and chaotic night, but it had been a good one, too.

Chapter 30

“Are you having fun?” Marco’s deep, amused voice got her attention. He was looking at Andrea with such warmth in his eyes that it gave her goosebumps.

“I am. I love this place.” They were at The Gaslight for dinner and Andrea was having the best night. The food, as usual, was great and now they were having a cocktail and listening to live music.

It would have made her top five list of dates except that it wasn’t a date at all. She and Marco were just two friends and co-workers having dinner. She reminded herself that she was also his boss. So, when she felt the occasional hint of attraction, she tried to ignore it.

“I love this song. Want to dance?” He stood and held out his hand and she did want to dance.

It was a slow jazzy tune, and they wrapped their arms around each other and swayed to the music. Andrea leaned into him and caught a whiff of his cologne. She liked the feeling of being in his arms and was disappointed when the music ended, and the next song was a fast one. They stayed on the dance floor and danced several songs in a row before taking a break.

She’d heard from Elaine that morning, confirming the date for her final interview in Manhattan. It was coming up fast, a week from Monday. She still had very mixed feelings about the opportunity. The job itself sounded great. The property was lovely and elegant, and really the perfect size. It was just the location. Could she actually see herself living in Manhattan? Leaving Nantucket?