She pressed a generous tip into his hand. “Thank you, Johnny. Enjoy your night.” She smiled big at him, the smile she was so famous for and it flustered him. He was adorable, like an enthusiastic puppy.

“Th-Thank you!”

Bella was still smiling as a bellman came rushing over to help with her luggage. She handed it off to him and stepped inside the lobby, stopping for a moment to admire its beauty. The cool, white marble and gorgeous flowers had an instant calming effect. And calm was good. Bella had been in the eye of the storm for so long, she welcomed the serenity. She made her way to the reception desk and a woman who looked to be about her age, thirty, smiled when Bella walked up.

“Welcome to The Whitley. I’m Lucy. How can I assist?”

“Bella Bryant. I’m checking in.”

Lucy looked her up in the system and Bella saw the surprise flash across her face. Just for an instant. She could tell Lucy was far too professional to react more than that. Bella gave her credit card, the one with her real last name, and Lucy ran the card then handed it back, along with her room keys.

“You’re in the Siasconset Rose suite. It’s on the second floor and is an end unit, so it’s extra quiet. I think you’ll love it. There are complimentary pastries and coffee in the lobby in the morning and you have a Nespresso machine in your room, and room service of course if you wish to order anything. Our restaurant is open until ten, as well.”

“Thank you, Lucy.”

Bella took the elevator up one floor, then walked down a long hallway and around a corner until she came to her room. She opened the door, stepped inside and breathed a sigh of relief. The room was perfect. It had two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, two bathrooms, and a small deck with a stunning view of the ocean. She could drink her coffee there in the morning. The bedrooms were all white, with puffy comforters and bathrobes and matching slippers. She was tempted to fall into the bed. But she knew if she did, she’d fall fast asleep and wake in the middle of the night.