Distracted, I handed him my backpack, then had to hold back a smile when he took it like one would accept a bag of rattlesnakes. “I’ll put it in your room,” he said.
I made the mistake of checking Jade’s expression. As soon as Paul turned to walk to my room, she made a face. I shrugged. Don’t laugh. Do not laugh.
We followed Paul to my room where I thanked him and gave him a five-dollar bill. I would have tipped bigger, but it was all I had in my wallet. He blinked a few times, then pocketed the bill. “If there is anything you need, sir, anything at all, my number is on the outside of the packet on your desk. I’m on call for the weekend, so the hour is irrelevant.”
Anything, huh? I let go of Jade’s hand and said, “I do have a question for you.” I shot a quick look at Jade. “Do you mind if I ask him something alone?”
“Alone?” Her mouth rounded. “Oh. Sure. My suite is the next door down on the right.”
“It’ll just take a minute.”
Jade looked confused, but not upset. “Okay. Take your time.” She teetered her way out the door into the hallway.
As soon as she was out, I closed the door. “Paul, it’s pretty obvious I don’t fit in here.”
Paul’s only response was a raising and lowering of his eyebrows.
“I don’t care what people think of me.” I glanced back at the door. “But see that woman? She means the world to me, and I want her to feel confident when she meets my family. Alethea meant well, but Jade has a simpler style. Do you know of any stores on the island where a person with limited, really limited, funds could find something suitable but not as . . . nightclub-ish?”
He gave me a long look. He gave me another once-over. Rather than make him voice the questions I saw in his eyes, I said, “Riley Ragsdale is my sister but that doesn’t mean I could afford this trip.” He didn’t appear to believe me, so I took out my phone and brought up photos of my mother’s apartment in Lockton. “This was my life until recently. That’s my mother, she makes amazing sauce but rock-hard meatballs.” I swiped to another photo. “That’s Riley and me sitting out on the fire escape like it was a balcony. I grew up to the sound of gunshots in the background to the point where it was normal to us.” I put my phone away and said, “All I’m trying to do is survive here, not embarrass my family, and make this a good experience for the woman I love . . .” I glanced back at the door again. Although I hadn’t told Jade yet how I felt, I’d never been more certain about anything. Her leap of faith in coming to the Vineyard to support me had erased any lingering doubts. It was no longer a matter of if we’d be together or if she’d take me back. She’s here.
It’s my turn to step up to the plate.
Paul remained silent.
I shook my head. “I know. None of this is your problem. And the crappy tip? It was all I had on me. Give me your info and I’ll send you something when I get home. I won’t be broke for long. I’m not just dreaming anymore—I’m taking action.”
He cocked his head to one side and pursed his lips before asking, “What kind of action?”
It didn’t take much to get me talking about what I was enthusiastic about. I told him about how the dive in Catalina had opened my eyes to the issues with anchors. I went off on a tangent about how while working a job I hated I kept my sanity by reading up on marine biologists and reaching out to them whenever I could. “My goal now is to parlay those connections into a project that would have a meaningful impact on the ocean floor as well as pay the bills.” I crossed my fingers in the air. “I’m waiting for a callback from someone at Netflix. It’s a wild shot. If I don’t hear from them, I’m not giving up. This project will happen.”
He frowned then his whole demeanor changed. “You’re not at all who I expected you to be.”
I was genuinely curious. “In a good way?”
“Absolutely.” He nodded toward the window. “My sister owns a boutique on the island. She’d probably have something your friend would like.”
“Really? Thanks. If you give me the address . . .”
“It would be closed this late in the day.”
“Yeah.”
“And most of the clothing is expensive.”
“Well, it was an idea, anyway.” I sighed. “I’ll figure something out.”
He took out his phone and sent a text. A moment later he repocketed his phone and said, “Marilyn said she would love to comp your girlfriend a dress. She believes she might also have a suit that would fit you.”
“Oh, I don’t need—”
“You will tomorrow. It would be at no cost as well.” He pinned me with a look. “Just mention Marilyn’s boutique and she’ll be happy.”
“Of course.” I remembered the low quality of the trousers and shirt I’d brought. The only suits or tuxes I owned had clasps that allowed for one pull removals, and I’d left them at the last club I’d worked. “I’ll make sure she benefits from this.”
“I believe you.” He added, “She agreed to meet you at her boutique now if that works for you.”
“Works for me? Are you kidding? This is amazing!” I went to give his arm a slug but held back and composed myself. “If you give me the address, I’ll call for a car.”
“It’s suggested that all guests use the drivers who were brought in for the event. I’ll arrange a car to meet you outside the door closest to your room.” He motioned to the direction Marc and I had entered through.
“Thank you, Paul.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Ragsdale. It’s my pleasure to ensure that your time here is enjoyable.”
I had to ask. “Is it? Do you like what you do?”
His face relaxed and for the first time his smile reached his eyes. “I do. It’s interesting, and I’m not a butler full time. I have a small bistro on the Vineyard. My grandmother was French and when people enjoy her old recipes . . . she smiles down on me.” He cleared his throat. “One of the guests this weekend is Chef Richard D’Argenson. His restaurants are top notch; all have three Michelin stars which is practically unheard of. To be so close to someone I have such admiration for . . . how could I not love being here?”
“Have you had a chance to meet him?”
“Oh, no,” Paul said with a proud rise of his chin. “We’re not allowed to interact with guests beyond the ones assigned to us.”
That was a shame. “What would you say to him if you had the chance to talk to him?”
“Nothing.” Paul’s smile returned. “I’d serve him my grandmother’s bouillabaisse. No words would be necessary. I’d see his reaction and so would she.” He stopped and adjusted his suit jacket. “We all have dreams, don’t we? That’s mine. Now, if you don’t require anything else, I’ll arrange the transportation for you and Miss Tremblay.”
“Thank you, Paul.” As I made my way to Jade’s room, an idea came to me for how I could repay Paul for his kindness. The side mission would not only be a welcome distraction, but I had the feeling it was one Jade would enjoy helping me with.