Page 11 of Tasty Cherry

And get to my new job at one of the best hospitality workplaces in the country. The Castle Hotel, nestled in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado.

But first, I text Camille.

Me: Did it. Cherry busted.

Camille: What! Really?

Me: Went to a bar. Found a guy. Super cute. Thirty-something.

Camille: An old! Was he experienced?

Me: Quite. He only noticed at the end.

Camille: Did you tell him?

I hesitate. I consider lying to avoid the embarrassment, but this is Camille, my best friend.

Me: Yes.

Camille: What did he do?

Me: Just cuddled up and fell asleep.

Camille: Adorbs! Are you going to see him again?

Me: Of course not! That was the whole point.

Camille: Right. Too bad, if he’s a hottie old. You could call him daddy.

Me: Grrrrl!

Camille: Break a leg on the first day! Cherry’s already broken!

This makes me laugh, and the high feeling lasts all through the prep and the drive to the Castle Hotel.

When I arrive at the narrow road to the immense property after turning off the highway, my heart nearly skips a beat.

It’s so beautiful, so majestic, all gray stone and turrets with flags flying. The mountains rise behind it. You can almost imagine you are living in some other era.

It has everything. Two towers. Themed wings. Multiple restaurants. Hiking expeditions. There’s even a gorgeous waterfall and each night, one lucky couple gets to stay nearby in a glamping tent. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular marriage proposal destinations in the world.

It’s a dream, and for the briefest moment, I imagine Sebastian down on one knee, the sun on his wind-blown hair, holding up a ring.

Ha. Hilarious. Time to move on, Mila.

The parking lot isn’t packed. It’s early September, the slow season for travel since families are starting school and most people took a vacation during summer.

Even so, a few guests have pulled into the circle drive, bell hops loading their suitcases onto rolling carts. The immense front doors, made of heavy wood and two stories tall, are straight out of a movie set. In fact, I heard that three upcoming holiday specials are going to be filmed here. That will be exciting.

A thrill darts through me. I’m so lucky! Everything is working out perfectly.

I follow the signs to a service road around the back side, where staff members park. The lot is so full that I end up with a slot in the far corner.

I debate how much to haul inside since I don’t know exactly where I’m going. I choose a rolling carryon and a shoulder bag and start the trek to the back door.

I was probably not as practical as I should have been for moving in, thinking I should dress to impress. My black heels, wide-legged silk pants, and loose cashmere sweater are a stark contrast to the hoodies and jeans of two people who exit the back door and head for the lot.

Maybe they’re current staff getting off shift. There are only five of us in the new crew. These two could be anything. Line cooks. Room service. Housekeeping.