Raindrops on Roses: Book One of the Favorite Things Trilogy Read Free

as
she joined them. "It’s so nice to see you again, and I'm very sorry
for your loss."
    She nodded. "Thank you. And thanks so much
for coming. We're really big fans of your work, Mr. Frost. Your
designs have basically become synonymous with the hotels."
    They exchanged a few other pleasantries
before Priscilla excused herself to find something to eat. Michael
took the opportunity to excuse himself as well and joined her. He
felt his father's piercing glare as they walked away.
    The catering was elegant and varied; and
while most people merely pecked their food, Michael did notice a
few gorgers—people with plates piled so high it was ridiculous!
    He watched Priscilla closely as she sipped a
glass of red wine in a dimly lit hallway off the kitchen. She
looked both well put together and fragile at the same time.
    "Were you very close?" he asked. "To your
grandmother?"
    She nodded. "Yes, very.
I've lived in this house with her since I was nine. And she was
the perfect Grandma—always happy and supportive. But she'd been working
so much lately. I just…I just wish I'd had some warning this was
about to happen."
    Her words were flowing a little easier now
and Michael was encouraged. He loved the velvety tone of her voice.
It made him want her. A lot.
    "I didn't get a chance to meet Mrs. Bauer,"
he said quietly. "But I wish I had." He smiled at her then, wanting
to encourage her to smile back.
    But Priscilla only nodded graciously,
sipping her wine and eyeing the catering. She seemed unsure of what
she wanted, looking down at her strappy black heels, then back up
again.
    As she fidgeted, Michael’s eyes swept the
length of her. Her fingers were stroking the wine glass. "Let’s get
you something to eat," he said with another smile. "I'm guessing
this'll probably be the first you've eaten all day, right?"
    "Yeah, good guess," she replied, rewarding
him with a half smile. "It's been a pretty crazy day, as you can
imagine."
    "I can imagine, actually," he said,
looking away briefly. "I lost my mom and my sister several years
ago"—he watched her eyes widen—"in a car accident."
    "Oh, my God," she said,
touching his arm. "I'm so sorry."
    "It's been a while now,"
he said, covering her hand with his, "but thanks. I just know a
little bit about loss, so I do know what you're facing."
    "Yeah," she said, shaking
her head. "But to lose both your mother and your sister at the same time? I
can't even imagine that."
    Feeling a little uncomfortable, Michael
said, "So you like Otis Redding? I'm loving these songs that are
playing."
    "They were Gran's
favorites. They've really become a part of me over the years, so I
absolutely love soul music now myself."
    "Is it awful that I've never seen a Veronica
Bauer movie?" he asked, slightly embarrassed.
    Priscilla smiled, saying not at all.
    They spent the rest of the evening together,
drinking plenty of wine and enjoying each other's company. She told
him stories about her grandmother's time in Hollywood, and how she
had given up acting to open her own boutique hotel in Europe, Hôtel
Blue Satin. But after a while, Michael noticed her words began to
slur. "Whoa, whoa, whoa," he said, steadying her. "I think we need
to get you a seat, and a cup of coffee."
    "Thanks," she said. "I just..."—she gave a
nervous laugh—"I didn't realize I was drinking this much. Now I'm a
little embarrassed."
    "No, it's okay, really.
Don't be embarrassed—it happens." He could see she was indeed
feeling awkward, and maybe even on the verge of tears, but he
wasn't sure where to go from there. "Your grandmother's watching
over you, you know," he blurted, immediately wishing he
hadn't. What a cliché! But Michael felt so eager to connect with her; he didn't want
the night ending just yet. He had to keep her talking to
him.
    For a moment Priscilla just sat there gazing
at him, looking quite delicate, but he saw lots of strength in her
eyes.
    "You know, you're right,"
she finally said. "I believe she is watching over