The Desert Flowers - Lily
CHAPTER ONE
LILY
In the early morning light on this March day in Palm Desert, California, Lily Weaver jogged in nice, easy steps on the path beside the Desert Sage Inn golf course. Her life, which had seemed so settled, had recently gone through a dramatic shift. Alec Thurston, her former employer and lover, was dying and had asked her to leave her job in New York and come to his home in California to help with the sale of the inn and its transition to the buyers, The Blaise Hotel Group. Here, she’d formed friendships with Rose Macklin and Willow Sanchez, two other women he’d asked to help him as well. Alec called them The Desert Flowers. They had separate jobs to help Alec, a man they each dearly loved.
Rose was working with a consultant for the Blaise Group to ensure that all social media and other PR going forward did nothing to destroy the panache of the upscale inn Alec had worked so hard to create.
Willow was working opposite the two young men in the hotel company’s ownership family who were vying for the position of managing the inn after the sale went through.
She herself, as someone who had once been Alec’s assistant, was on hand to take careful notes of meetings and to oversee and control the paperwork involved while the hotel company did property inspections, market research, and other due diligence activities. She worked alongside Brian Walden, another consultant hired by the Blaise Group to head their transition team.
As she followed the path by the golf course, she admired both the greens and the desert landscape. Some thought the bland colors of the desert were boring. She loved seeing sandy, rocky areas accented by green cacti and a variety of desert flowers. It made each color seem special. Hummingbirds were in abundance, their tiny bodies airborne by the constant fluttering of their wings, allowing them to hover about the bright flowers among the growth. In the distance, snow-capped mountains glistened in the sun, adding color to the purple-gray hue of their textured surfaces.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to see Brian approaching. They sometimes met in the morning as they were jogging. At one time she’d entertained hopes of his being more than a co-worker. On their one so-called date, they’d ended up meeting a whole group working at the Desert Sage Inn, and he’d made it clear that this gathering was all business. Since then, she’d kept her distance. But despite telling herself not to dream foolishly, those secret hopes still lingered.
As he moved toward her, she observed his thick brown hair, handsome, athletic body and the ease at which he handled his prosthetic lower left leg. Brian was the sort of man she hoped to marry someday —kind, thoughtful, and smart.
“Morning!” Brian said, coming to a stop beside her. “How’s it going? I haven’t seen you in a while. Keeping busy with Alec?”
“Actually, I’ve been waiting for you to call a meeting. As lovely as it is to be here, I like to feel as if I’m doing my job.”
“Ah, well, things have been put on hold while details are being worked on for the conversion of Desert Sage Inn to be the lead property in the new Corona Collection. I’ve missed those meetings myself.” He smiled at her.
Her heart rate kicked up. That smile was lethal. Telling herself to be professional, she said, “I’m thinking of taking up Bennett Williams’ offer for me to apply for a job in his law office. Part-time, of course, until the sale of the inn takes place. I’d still help with that and any other projects Alec might have for me.”
“So, you’ve really decided to move here?” Brian said, his hazel eyes drilling into her.
“Yes,” she said. “I’ve already put my condo in New York State up for sale. I still have to convince my sister to move here, but the rest is underway.”
“I’m scouting around for places to live here on at least a part-time basis. At the moment, Austin is still home.”
She gazed up at him thinking Texas suited a big guy like him. She could even imagine him in a Stetson.
“I’d better go,” Brian said. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when the next big meeting takes place. And if you need any help getting that job with Bennett Williams, call me. He owes me.”
“Thanks.” She lifted her hand to say goodbye as he jogged away. His steel blade made a distinctive sound as it hit the pavement in syncopation with his other foot. She sighed. The man was dreamy.
Lily watched him for a moment and then headed back to Alec’s house where she and the other Flowers were living. Life here was so pleasant. Her childhood had been tough with an absentee father and an alcoholic mother who was distant, even cruel, a lot of the time. She’d been forced to be strong and self-sufficient even when she had the care of her sister, ten years younger and the daughter of a different father. A teacher had given her some guidance, but pride had kept her from asking for more help, which is why as an adult she’d sometimes found it difficult to maintain relationships. Now, at forty-two, she was hoping to find the love she’d missed so much in her life. Alec had been the one to introduce her to a calm, secure, loving lifestyle. She longed to have that again.
She sighed and picked up speed. Enough of fairy tales about finding a prince. It was time to get real.
###
Back at the house, Lily freshened up and then went to talk to Alec. At one time, she’d hoped he’d ask her to marry him. But Alec had been honest when they started dating, telling her marriage was not part of it. She should’ve known he’d stay true to his word. He was that kind of man. But their relationship was a gift. He’d taught her to open her heart to love, to find respite from the chaos that had always surrounded her. Prior to that, she’d been cautious about letting a man into her life. God knew, she didn’t have the example of a wise woman to follow. She’d never known her own father, and the men her mother had hung out with were unreliable creeps she’d never accept.
As she walked toward Alec’s wing of the house, sadness filled her at the thought of him dying. She considered it a real honor that he’d trusted her, along with Rose and Willow, to help him get his hotel safely sold before he died. The Desert Flowers act was like that television show with the man and his three angels, Charley’s Angels, on a mission to save the inn. Lily loved being part of it.
At the entrance to his private space, Lily knocked gently at the door and cracked it open.
“Alec?”
“Here,” came a voice weakened by the cancer that was slowly stealing his life.
Lily stepped into the living area to find him reclining on a lounge chair and smiling up at her. “Lily, my dear. How are you?”
Normally a large, rangy man with thick gray hair and startling blue eyes, a Sam Elliott look-alike, Alec’s thin body and weakened state tore at Lily’s insides.
She pulled a chair up next to his and took hold of his hand. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you. I’m left doing almost nothing while meetings have been put aside. Rose and Willow are very busy, but not me. I’m used to doing my share of work and am thinking of taking Bennett Williams’ offer for me to come work for him on a part-time basis. With my upcoming move here, it might be wise to have work outside of the project for you. How would you feel about that?
Alec’s blue-eyed gazed rested on her. “I think if it suits you, it’s something you should do. Believe me, Bennett wouldn’t ask you to work for him if he wasn’t serious about it. He told me he was very impressed with you. And you couldn’t find a nicer guy to work with. Not only is he my lawyer, he’s a friend. He now has a young partner working with him. Another great guy.”
“The transition period you hired us for is three months. But you know I’d be happy to stay for as long as you wish and do anything I can to help you.”
“Yes, I know. Three months seemed like such a long time. Now, I’m trying to make it through these last two months before the sale goes through,” said Alec. “Any day beyond that is an unexpected gift.”
Tears filled Lily’s eyes. “I wish this hadn’t happened to you.”
His lips curved into a crooked smile. “So, do I. But after I get through all this, I’ll be with Conchita and the baby. At least, I hope I will.”
Lily nodded. It was a well-known story that Alec’s wife and baby had died in a house fire for which he’d always blamed himself. That’s one reason he had vowed never to marry again. Some people thought it was twisted thinking, but Lily understood his devotion to them. He’d shown her what love could mean, and though she’d asked for and wanted much more from him, she knew deep down it wasn’t ever going to happen. After he ended their relationship, he found her a job with a business associate in Phoenix and helped her move on with her life. But he could never erase the love and gratitude she felt for him.
Juanita appeared. “Hi, Lily. Time for your medicine, Alec.”
Lily got to her feet and kissed Alec on the cheek. “Have a nice day. I hope to see you tonight.” She moved the chair back into place. “See you later. ’Bye, Juanita.”
Juanita gave her a smile and turned back to Alec. Juanita Sanchez was a cousin of Alec’s wife, Conchita. She and her husband, Pedro, were Willow’s parents and had worked for Alec for years. They were lovely people. Juanita and Pedro were exactly the kind of people Lily wished she’d had as parents.
Back in her room, Lily looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was of medium height with curves in all the right places—curves she’d once done her best to hide. Her shoulder-length, blonde hair was highlighted by both her hairdresser and the desert sun. Freckles, few enough to be of interest, were sprinkled across her nose. She’d always thought she was drab. But Willow and Rose had helped her change—not only with her wardrobe but in believing in her self-worth.
Taking a deep breath, Lily called Bennett Williams’ office and asked to speak to him. Her fingers were cold with nerves, and she almost dropped her phone. She was uncomfortable putting herself out there.
“Well, hello,” said Bennett after her call went through. “I’m glad to hear from you. I hope you’re calling about a job because I’ve just learned that one of the women in the office is going on maternity leave.”
Lily’s breath left her in a puff of surprise. Things didn’t usually come that easily to her. “As a matter of fact, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve decided to stay in Palm Desert following my work for Alec and will need a job. May I make an appointment to meet with you?”
“Absolutely. Send me your resumé, and I’ll have my assistant schedule a time for you to come into the office.” He paused. “I’m glad you called Lily. As I mentioned to you earlier, I’m impressed with your work.”
“Thank you.” Lily ended the call and sat down on her bed, struggling to accept what had just happened. The arrangements had fallen into place so quickly it almost seemed as if it had been preordained. That, or maybe her luck had changed. Either way, she was going to update her resumé and send it along as soon as possible.
###
Two days later, Lily dressed carefully for her interview with Bennett and his staff. In New York, the law firm for whom she worked had insisted on conservative clothes. Here in the desert, Lily agreed with Rose and Willow that brighter colors were acceptable.
Her black skirt, white-on-white print blouse, and hibiscus-colored soft jacket looked both professional and light-hearted. Studying herself in the mirror, Lily smiled at the changes living here had made to her appearance. The tan on her skin and the lack of stress lines on her face made her appear younger than her age and healthier than she’d ever been.
When Lily walked out to the kitchen to face the inspection Willow and Rose were sure to give her, she felt confident.
“Wow! Look at you!” said Willow, smiling at her.
“You look terrific,” Rose immediately agreed. “Good luck with the interview.”
Lily smiled. “Thanks. For once, I’m not a nervous wreck. Bennett made it seem as if it were a mere formality. I’m hoping so, anyway.”
“He’d be lucky to have you on his staff. How many texts and calls have you received from your old job in New York?” said Rose.
Lily laughed and shook her head. “Too many. They keep promising to raise my salary if I come back. They increase the amount each time they call, but I finally told them I’m staying here no matter what they offer me.”
“I’m so glad you are,” said Willow. “Sarah is too.”
Lily filled with pleasure. While Rose was spending time with Hank Bowers, the consultant the Blaise Group had hired and who was now her fiancé, she, Willow, and Sarah Jensen spent time in the evening together whenever they were all free. Sarah, a part-time assistant manager at the inn, was living at home with her parents and two-year-old son while her husband was serving in the military in Afghanistan. They’d quickly become friends. With this kind of support, Lily felt comfortable about her decision to move here. She hadn’t yet chosen a place to live because she needed to sell her condo first. Her sister, Monica, who lived nearby her had promised to make sure the condo was ready for showings. So far, no luck, but Lily felt uncharacteristically optimistic.
###
Driving through the town, Lily bypassed the usual tourist places on Route 111, turned onto Cook Street and easily found the law office of Williams and Kincaid. She parked the car and entered the modern building trying to stem the nervousness that threatened to break through her shell of calmness.
She took the elevator to the third floor and exited into an attractive reception area. A young man smiled at her from behind a long desk.
“Good morning. May I help you?” he asked.
“I’m here to see Bennett Williams,” she answered politely. “Lily Weaver.”
He smiled. “Of course. I’ll let Mr. Williams know you’re here. May I get you something to drink? Water? Coffee?”
“Water would be nice,” said Lily. “The weather has turned hot.”
“It’s going to stay that way for a few days,” said the receptionist whose nameplate said Jonathan Waite. He left and returned with a small, chilled bottle of water, which he handed to her.
Right then, Bennett appeared in the reception area, filling the room with his presence and his booming, jovial voice. “Ah, Lily. I’m so glad to see you. Come on back to my office. We’ll talk there.”
Lily followed him down a hallway to a corner office whose windows looked out at a landscaped garden below. The fronds of nearby palm trees danced in the playful breeze. But it was the beautiful fountain sitting in a small pond that caught her attention. The free-form shape, like high desert boulders that had tumbled together, was the kind of thing she’d been researching for the Blaise Group’s two hotels in Arizona—the hotels they hoped to bring into the Corona Collection of Fine Hotels.
“Something peaceful about water flowing, especially in a desert setting,” said Bennett standing beside her.
“Yes. Very refreshing.”
“Have a seat,” said Bennett. “I’ll chat with you, then I’ll ask my partner to join us. Okay with you?”
“Sure,” Lily said. Bennett, with his easy-going manner and lack of airs made her feel comfortable. She knew enough from being in a couple of meetings with him, though, to understand he was a stickler for detail, much like her old boss.
“As you probably are already aware, our firm deals with trusts and estates, probate, and civil litigation. We’ve been in business here for close to forty years. Our company is hands-on, which is why we maintain a small staff of ten. It’s a close-knit group.”
“I like the sound of that,” said Lily. “Some law firms get so big you lose some of that close feeling.”
Bennett looked over her resumé. “You’ve got an impressive background. I took the liberty of going ahead and getting a reference from the law firm you worked with in New York.” He smiled. “They’d do anything to get you back.”
“I know,” said Lily. “But I’ve decided to stay here. I’ve put my condo in New York up for sale.”
“Great.” Bennett discussed what he was looking for, how he saw someone like her fitting into the office, quizzed her on strengths and weaknesses, and asked the normal new-hire questions.
Finally, he leaned back. “I’m more than satisfied. Let me call my partner and have him come meet you. His name is Craig Kincaid.”
Lily nodded politely and waited while Bennett called him on the intercom.
A low voice said, “Be right there, Ben.”
Lily waited quietly for him to appear, imagining him as much of a cowboy as Bennett, whose brown cowboy boots were worn with age and activity. They and the turquoise and silver bolo tie around Bennett’s neck against his crisp white shirt gave him an undeniable Southwestern flair.
A knock at the door signaled Craig’s arrival. Lily turned to see a young, broad-shouldered man with caramel colored-hair studying her with a green-eyed gaze that made her catch her breath. Struggling to maintain her composure, Lily thought he was one of the most handsome young men she’d ever seen.
He came right over to her and shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Lily. I’ve heard a lot about you and have already reviewed your resumé.”
The three of them sat together and talked for a while. Craig asked some of the same questions Bennett had, but she cheerfully answered them.
Finally, Craig rose and turned to her. “I’m satisfied by everything I’ve heard. I think you’re going to make a nice addition to our staff, Lily.”
She shook herself mentally. He looked like one of the heroes on the cover of an historical novel, one that showed a man in a kilt. That thought brought a flush of heat to her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she finally managed to say. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“You may occasionally be asked to help me out, but I have an assistant who’s quite capable of taking care of me.”
Bennett chuckled. “Loretta Morales is the boss of not only Craig, but the entire office. In fact, I thought you and Loretta should have a chance to talk. Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” said Lily.
“Why don’t I show you the way? Her office is next to mine.” Craig stood and waited while Lily got to her feet.
“Thanks,” said Bennett. “After you’re through with Loretta, you and I will go to lunch and make final arrangements.”
“That sounds nice,” said Lily, hoping Bennett hadn’t noticed her reaction to Craig.
Leaving the office, she walked beside Craig down a hallway, studying his easy gait from the corner of her eye.
With her short, comfy body and gray hair pulled back into a bun at the back of her head, Loretta was the image of an old-fashioned grandmother. Her dark eyes sparkled as she got to her feet. Names were exchanged, and Loretta greeted Lily with a quick, firm handshake.
“This woman is the one I can’t live without,” said Craig, with a teasing smile. “I’d ask her to marry me, but she’s already taken.”
Loretta’s laugh rose from her belly. “No woman would ever put up with your shenanigans. Not me, for sure.” Still smiling, she turned to Lily. “This young man has to learn to make up his mind. Every woman in the area is after him, but he still hasn’t settled down.”
Craig’s fair-skinned cheeks turned pink, but he gamely nodded. “I’ll know when the right one comes along.” He winked at Lily. “Loretta treats me like a son.”
Loretta’s expression turned serious. “Craig’s mother and I were best friends. She died way too young. But I’m here to take over for her.”
His face softened with affection. “Yeah, Mom would be pleased. I’ll leave you two alone to talk. Then Ben is going to take Lily to lunch.”
“Okay,” said Loretta. “Sounds like a plan.”
As Craig walked into his office, Loretta waved Lily to a chair in front of her desk. “Have a seat, and let’s get to know one another a bit. Bennett already had me look over your resumé, but I like to meet people face-to-face, see what they’re all about.”
“I agree,” said Lily. “So far, I like what I see here. How long have you been working in the office?”
“For over twenty years. Ben, Alec Thurston, my husband, Ricardo, and Craig’s dad, Ken, play golf together. They became friends back when Bennett was growing his business and my husband was a professional golfer. When Ben knew I was looking for work, he suggested I give his office a try. I’ve been here ever since. The time’s coming, though, when I’ll want to retire.” She leaned forward. “Tell me a bit about yourself. I hear you’re helping Alec out. How’s that going?”
“It’s a sad time for me. Alec is a friend. I hate the thought of him dying. We dated for a couple of years. I moved to Arizona and then to New York to help out my sister who has a precious three-year-old daughter whom I adore.”
“Ah, so you like children?” Loretta said, smiling.
“Very much. I’d still like to try for a child of my own,” Lily said, then wondered why on earth she’d say something like this on a job interview. It was just that Loretta made her feel so comfortable.
“I’ve got three boys, all decent men,” said Loretta with obvious pride. “I count Craig as one of them. Ben tells me you’ve decided to relocate here. May I ask why?”
Lily hesitated, not knowing if this was some sort of trick question. “In the time I’ve been here, I’ve been happier than I’ve been in years. I’ve learned to enjoy being outdoors, have already made great friends, and I want a better lifestyle.” She cleared her throat and recalled the words she’d rehearsed with Rose. “I’m very good at my job and can work anywhere. I choose to do it here.”
Loretta nodded. “Smart answer.” She got to her feet. “I’m sure we’re going to get along just fine. I mostly work for Craig, and you’ll be on Ben’s team, but it’s important for all of us to be able to work together. Welcome to the group.”
“Thank you so much,” said Lily, feeling as if she’d just joined some kind of exclusive club.
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