Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
“We’re all glad to have you back, Eli,” Jane says, coming around her desk and pulling me into another hug.
“I’m happy to be here.” And I am. I never would have thought I’d miss a place like Merlot, California, especially when I was living in the middle of industry and culture in Chicago, but I did. This place is something special, from its laidback vibe and its wine tours. I truly did miss my hometown.
“Your grandpa called for bellhops to meet you out back. You better go,” Jane says, waving me on.
“I’ll see you Monday morning, Jane.”
She gives me a bright smile. “I look forward to it, Eli.”
I head outside and find two bellhops waiting beside my convertible. “Good afternoon,” I say, holding out my hand. “Eli Morrison.”
The older gentleman looks familiar and shakes my hand first. “Roger Deaton, sir.”
Sir.
I guess I’m going to have to get used to that.
“Isiah Brown,” the other says, a nervous grin on his face. This one looks a little green around the gills.
“Nice to meet you, gentlemen. I appreciate you coming to help me unload,” I tell them, popping my trunk and revealing the few boxes and bags I decided to bring with me in my car. Most of it is clothes and personal effects, things I would need for day-to-day.
We’re able to load up my belongings on one cart, and we head back inside. Isiah runs ahead and grabs the employee elevator in the back of the hotel. It’s the only one that goes up to the penthouse. I use my keycard inside and enter my code. In order to go to the top floor, you must have the key and code. It’s a security feature my grandpa had installed, ensuring just anyone couldn’t come up without being announced.
A few seconds later, a ding signals our arrival, and the door opens directly into the apartment. The walls are a bright white and the tile floors gleam with a fresh polish. I glance around, taking in my new living space. The kitchen boasts new stainless steel appliances against the dark contrast mahogany cabinets. The living room is modestly furnished with a leather couch and chair set, along with a television set.
What really catches my attention are the floor-to-ceiling windows along the entire eastern wall. I have the most breathtaking view of the Sonoma Mountains and the valleys of vineyards that make this area famous.
“Sir, where would you like this stuff?” Roger asks, both men still standing by the elevator.
“Oh, let’s just take them into the bedroom,” I reply, glancing toward the open doorway that leads to my bedroom.
The apartment has two bedrooms, one smaller and one large suite, which is where I’ll be sleeping. When I step over the threshold, I find the same magnificent view of the mountain range on full display from this room too. I could definitely get used to this.
After Roger and Isaiah unload my belongings, they leave me in peace. First thing’s first, a shower. I took one last night at the hotel I stayed at in Utah, but I’m desperate for one now. It only takes me a few seconds to find my shaving kit and some clean clothes before I’m stripping naked and cranking up the hot water. Jets shoot out from the wall, which does wonders for the tight muscles in my back.
I end up taking a longer shower than normal, but by the time I’m finished, I feel a hundred times better. Energized, really. Dressed in a pair of dark designer jeans and a crisp blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up a few times, I finally make my way back to the living area. The boxes can wait until later.
My laptop bag is sitting on the kitchen island, and since I have a little time before I’m supposed to meet my family, I pull it out and get to work. I’m able to reply to about a dozen emails and work through an agenda Jane sent me for Monday’s staff meeting when my alarm lets me know it’s time to go.
Powering down the device, I grab my keys and head for the elevator.
When I reach the ground floor, I change direction and head for the front entrance. I haven’t set foot inside this location in a few years, and it’s the perfect time to check everything out before I’m officially the boss on Monday morning.
I pass a few smiling staff members before I make my way to the main lobby of Morrison. The white pillars and burgundy tapestry are just how I remember it, though definitely refreshed and updated since the last time. There are a few couples in line to check in, but what really has my attention is the short line standing outside the restaurant at the hostess stand. It’s busy, even before the usual six o’clock dinner time.