Page 110 of Redemption
Greer laughed as we headed out to the parking garage. “He really is all up in your business, huh?”
I laughed, though there was a nervous edge to it. “You have no idea.”
“It must be annoying,” she said while he loaded her bag into the trunk.
“Honestly, it’s been nice having Jackson around.”
“Good. I know this is a dream trip for him, and I’m glad you got to experience it together.”
I smiled. “Me too.”
She leaned in and lowered her voice. “Do you know if my brother’s dating anyone?”
I swallowed hard, glancing away. Was this a trick question? Did Greer know?
“Why do you ask?” I tried to evade the question. Jackson and I had planned to tell Greer about us while we were all together, but this wasn’t how I’d imagined the conversation going.
“Because he never brings anyone home to meet us. So I’m wondering if he told you about anyone or if he’s just as much of a player as he ever was.”
“You ready?” Jackson called.
“Yep,” I chirped, grateful for the interruption.
While Jackson drove us back to the hotel, I texted the staff about spa treatments and responded to a quick email from Halle. Despite Greer’s cheerful demeanor, I could feel the stress radiating off her in waves. I hoped the spa would be more relaxing and restorative than a rum tasting.
I would’ve asked Jackson if he wanted me to schedule him a massage, but I knew he would never agree. We’d enjoyed a couple’s massage in Turks and Caicos, but he’d only relented because we’d been together.
When we reached the hotel, Jackson pulled into the VIP entrance. One of the bellhops took Greer’s bag to our suite, and Jackson accompanied us to the spa.
“This is gorgeous,” Greer said as soon as we stepped through the large doors. I followed her gaze to a huge bowl that had orchids cascading down in rows. “Mm.” She closed her eyes with a smile. “It smells so good. I love that scent.”
“You can thank Jasper for that. And—” I headed over to one of the shelves where various beauty and self-care products were on display “—you can even take the smell home with you.” I picked up one of the candles and handed it to her.
Greer removed the lid and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes with another smile. She already seemed more relaxed, and for that, I was grateful.
“That’s divine. What is it?” She scanned the candle for information.
“It’s our own custom scent.” I leaned in and whispered, “It’s oud wood, bourbon, and vanilla. We pump it through the public spaces in the hotel.”
For all the times Graham razzed Jasper, he had good ideas. The intimacy kits provided in every room. The allergy-friendly menus. And the signature scent that created a sensory moment and an olfactory trigger of good memories.
He was good at creating an experience. At making people feel welcome and at ease despite the opulent surroundings, just like Gran had always been. He was also passionate about sustainability. We all were, but Jasper especially.
“Damn. That’s clever.”
“Right?” I turned to the front desk employee. I scanned her name tag. “Alondra, can you please add several of the candles to my tab?”
“Sloan, no,” Greer said. “You know I’m paying for my portion of the spa, right?” She stepped up to the counter and opened her purse.
“Greer.” I placed my hand on hers. “I’ve got it.”
“You sure?” she asked.
“Of course.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Please add them to my bill, Alondra,” I said, to avoid any confusion. “And anything else my guest would like.”