Christmas at the Restaurant (The Nantucket Restaurant #2)(31)

“That fits you perfectly. You’re going to the Whitley?”

Gina nodded.

“Well, that should do there. I haven’t been, but I hear it’s lovely. Let’s see how the red one looks.”

Gina went back in the dressing room and carefully took off the dress and hung it back up. She slipped the red dress over her head and immediately liked the smooth feel of the material as it shimmied into place. She turned and looked in the mirror and smiled. It was a gorgeous dress and the bright red color felt really festive. She opened the dressing room door and let Izzy have a look.

“Well, that’s it then. You have to get that dress. It looks amazing on you. The black one did too, but this one is really special. It’s very flattering. What do you think?”

“I agree. I love it!”

Izzy packed up the dress, and Gina paid then stopped at The Corner Table on her way home to get some soup to go. She could relax and take her time getting ready. She was starting to feel excited about going to the Whitley. Most people she knew had only heard about how exclusive and exquisite it was, but none had actually been.





At six thirty, Gina stepped out of her bedroom, feeling confident in her new red dress. She slipped on a relatively comfortable pair of black patent leather heels and found a matching small purse. A rustling sound got her attention. Boots was rolling around under the Christmas tree, trying to knock an ornament off a branch. She stopped that bad behavior by opening a can of food and the cat came running.

Once Boots was fed, Gina stood for a moment and just stared at her tree. It looked magnificent. She’d added some wrapped gifts underneath that she’d be giving out to friends and she still had some more shopping to do. She turned off the tree lights before leaving and pulled into Alex’s driveway a few minutes later.

She was about to get out of the car when his front door opened, and he came bounding out and hopped in the passenger side with a slightly sheepish look.

“Hey there, thanks for driving again. I think I am going to get a car. When I go home for Christmas, I’ll see if I can pick something up and drive it back over on the slow boat. I didn’t think I’d need one, but it will definitely be more convenient.”

Gina agreed. “I like having a car here. I don’t use it much, but it’s nice to have it just in case.”

“Are you excited about the party? The guys have been talking about it all week. Sounds like Cory really throws a big bash. And his partner is coming too—the whole Boston office is flying in and staying at The Whitley.”

“Oh, is the Boston office big?”

“Similar size. There’s about ten people in our office including two assistants. And everyone is bringing their spouse or date. Thanks again for agreeing to come with me.”

“Of course. I have to admit I’m curious to see this hotel. Hardly anyone I know has actually been there.”

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into a long, winding driveway that led to a sprawling resort that had a main white-shingled building surrounded by scattered cottages and sweeping lawns. In the distance, they could see the ocean and hear the unmistakable sound of surf crashing against the shore.

“The guys said there is valet parking, so just pull up to the front door.”

Gina did as instructed and followed the circular driveway to the front door. A valet all in black with a sharp white cap rushed over to help. She handed him her keys, and she and Alex went inside.

The front doors were heavy glass, and two doormen stood by them and each opened a door as Gina and Alex approached. They stepped into the main lobby, which was breathtakingly elegant. The floors were white Carrara marble, and there were waterfall style stone fountains and sky-high ceilings. The whole room was decorated for the holidays with giant red velvet ribbons and poinsettias everywhere, as well as oversized white candles nestled in a bed of seashells and surrounded by glass. It was all so lovely.

Alex led the way to the front desk, where a pretty woman with a sleek brown bob smiled.

“Welcome to the Whitley Hotel. How can I help you?”

“We’re here for the Lawson Group Christmas party,” Alex said.

“Of course. Go straight down that hall and into the Oyster room. Have a wonderful time.”

They made their way to the Oyster room and there was already a good crowd gathered. Stacy from the restaurant and her husband John waved when they saw them. They were standing by a big round table. It was one of five tables.

“Let’s go say hello to Stacy and John. Maybe we can sit with them?” Gina suggested. She was glad to see a familiar face. She really liked Stacy and knew she rarely got out, as she was usually either working at the restaurant or home with her children.

“Sure. John’s a good guy. I want to introduce you to everyone too.”

They made their way over to Stacy and John’s table.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Stacy admitted.

“I just said the same to Alex.” They chatted for a bit and then Alex wanted to mingle. “Can I set my purse next to you? We’ll be back soon.”

Alex led her first to the bar, which was set up in a corner of the room. “What would you like?”

“Chardonnay, please.”

He ordered a scotch on the rocks for himself.

“I didn’t know you were a scotch drinker?” He’d had beer when they’d gone out before.