His week with her seemed to go by in an instant. And when she drove him to the airport and they kissed goodbye, he felt a huge wave of sadness. Before, when she left, they both knew he’d be flying out to see her in a few weeks. Now, they didn’t have a plan. She still had at least two months of filming and he didn’t have any more time off to use. He didn’t know when they’d see each other next. He only knew it was much too far off for his liking.

Chapter 37

The bomb-sniffing dogs came first with the secret service security team that arrived the day before the President was due. They were beautiful animals, but it seemed odd to see them roaming the halls and going from room to room along with their handlers.

Paula and the housekeeping team had gone above and beyond to make sure the President’s rooms were perfect. Paula had taken it upon herself to add some extra comforts, such as some sweet-smelling candles, a box of chocolates and a few new releases from local authors. She knew the President was a big reader and thought maybe he’d enjoy them, if he had any downtime to read.

She was surprised and dismayed to see that the President’s immaculately cleaned rooms were pulled apart by the security team as they looked for who knew what in every possible nook and cranny. Beds were stripped, drawers taken out of dressers as the room was thoroughly searched. Finally, she was given the word that they could go clean up again. She immediately apologized to the housekeeping team and pitched in to help them redo the rooms.

And it didn’t help matters at all when later that day she ran into Missy, who was at the hotel for a chamber of commerce luncheon. Paula regularly tried to attend these gatherings as she knew it was good PR for The Whitley, even when they weren’t held at the hotel. Typically, the meetings rotated locations.

This time, at least, Missy appeared to recognize her and at first, seemed sweet enough. “Oh, hello, Paula, nice to see you again. The food here was wonderful, as usual. I bet you’re missing David? I’m sure he was a huge help to you. Have you heard from him since he’s been gone?”

Paula shook her head. “No, not yet. I don’t think he’s expected back for at least another month—to see his parents.”

“Of course. He might be coming back to see his family, but he’s also going to be attending the literacy gala with me at the country club. I don’t suppose you’ll be there?”