Spring: Seasons de Santa Fe, #2

By Jo Carey

Two star-crossed lovers cross paths in Santa Fe…again and again.

Lanie's got a great opportunity to build her career as an event planner at the Seasons de Santa Fe Hotel. She's trying to focus on her career but it's springtime in Santa Fe and love is in the air.

Gil just completed his PHD in physics at Berkley. He's excited about the possibility of working at Los Alamos National Labs where his grandfather worked during the Manhattan project. Gil's mom is hoping for grandchildren, but she knows that her son's IQ doesn't help him figure out the intricacies of dating.

Fate keeps throwing Lanie and Gil together, but circumstances keep pulling them apart. Who will win this tug of war in the end? Find out in the second book of Jo Carey's Season de Santa Fe series. 129 pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Carey
• Release date: Apr 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386767848

Jo Carey

Jo Carey grew up in the Midwest but her curiosity and gypsy-spirit has kept her on the move. She's lived in eight US states and spent three years living in Ireland. She has always loved creature movies, so creatures and bugs often show up in her books. Jo, a former information security compliance guru, writes fast-paced, character-driven stories in a variety of genres from medical thrillers to space operas and cozy mysteries. Her novels are filled with humor, romance, and sometimes creatures or aliens, or maybe even all of the above. She often builds her stories around a strong female lead character surrounded by plenty of hunky male heroes. Jo's been under fire on a golf course and climbed out the roof of an elevator in the Netherlands. Life hasn't been boring. Now residing in Texas, setting often plays a huge role in her stories. Jo was intrigued by the League of Planetary Systems, a world her husband, Frank, created for his science fiction books, and she now writes mysteries and other types of tales sets in that world. Jo was bitten by a cat, a fire ant, and a snake, before succumbing to the bite of the writing bug.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Los Alamos, New Mexico? Don questioned. Really?

I know it’ll be a dramatic change from California, but they’re doing research in my field, and I have family history there, Gilbert said.

Well, I guess you should check out all your options, Don said, but I was hoping we’d both find jobs in the same city.

It would be ideal if we could stay in the same area, but I doubt there’s much call for an AUV designer in New Mexico, Gilbert said. His friend and roommate, Don, designed autonomous underwater vehicles called AUVs.

There are some great research firms right here in Southern California, Don said.

I know. I’m going to check out my top three offers, but right now I’m intrigued with the thought of working in Los Alamos. You know my grandfather worked there in the 1940’s, during the Manhattan Project. There’s so much history there.

I know how much you love to immerse yourself in the history of scientific advancement, Don said. I’ll be lucky if you even come back from the interview.

Gilbert and Don first met at space camp when they were twelve. They kept in touch and were thrilled when they both decided to attend graduate school at Stanford. They shared an apartment for the past three years.

As the two friends walked along the beach heading back to their apartment, Don said, Don’t you think you’ll miss the California girls?

It’s not like any of them are going to go out with us. Let’s face it, my chances with the California girls won’t change whether I’m here or in New Mexico.

When they got back to the apartment, both men headed to their computers as usual. Gilbert replied to an email he received regarding a post-doc position at the Los Alamos National Laboratory just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although the graduation ceremony wouldn’t take place for a few more weeks, Gilbert had already completed his PhD in physics, and he was anxious to start the next phase of his life.

He loved school, but after completing dual masters degrees in history and physics, his scientific curiosity won out, and he’d gone on to complete his doctorate in physics at Stanford. There were only a few places in the US where he would be able to continue his research, and he received job offers from all of them. But it was the history of Los Alamos that intrigued him. He couldn’t wait to fly out for his interview.

XXX

On Sunday morning, Don carried Gilbert’s duffel as they rode the Caltrain to the airport. I guess I should say good luck, Don said, but I’m still bummed that you want to split up the dynamic duo."

I hope I like it, Gilbert said. I’ll be back in a few of days, and we’ve still got a few weeks before graduation.

Gilbert made his way through the security line and disappeared into the secure part of the San Jose Airport. While he waited in the gate area for his flight to board, he called his mom. I can’t believe you’re going to Los Alamos, she said. I know it’s a big thing for you.

I think it would be cool to find out more about where Grandpa lived when he was there, but I’m trying not to let the history affect my decision.

I can see that it might be hard for a history buff like you, but you shouldn’t let the past dictate your future. You’re a smart boy. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice, she said. I just worry about you going to such a small town. Even Santa Fe isn’t very large. How will you ever meet a girl and settle down?

Mom, Gilbert said, giving the word at least three syllables all filled with angst. Who knows if I’ll ever have a girlfriend. I’m not exactly tall, dark, and handsome, or athletic.

Don’t sell yourself short, son. You’ve grown into a handsome young man. You look a lot like your dad did when he was young, and I’ve heard girls these days like men with big brains.

Sure, Mom. Maybe I’ll meet someone in Santa Fe.

XXX

When his plane landed in Albuquerque, he picked up his rental car and headed north on Interstate 25 to Santa Fe. The man he’d spoken with at Los Alamos to make the arrangements had explained that there weren’t a lot of hotel options in Los Alamos, so they reserved a room for him at the Seasons de Santa Fe hotel. Gilbert was happy to spend a few days in Santa Fe—the oldest state capital in the United States.

He had programmed the address of his hotel into his phone so he could follow the voice commands. He pulled into the parking lot, retrieved his duffel from the trunk, grabbed his laptop bag from the back seat, and headed into the Seasons de Santa Fe lobby. His online research said the hotel was new and supposedly quite nice. He was drawn to a large picture hanging in the lobby. It was an oil painting of the Taos Pueblo according to the sign. That was one of the things he thought he’d love about living in New Mexico—there was so much history to explore.

Welcome to the Seasons de Santa Fe, Lanie said from behind the reception desk. How can I help you?

I’m checking in. You should have a reservation for Gilbert Anaya.

She took his credit card, had him sign a form, and handed a keycard across the desk. Are you here for business or pleasure, Mr. Anaya?

I’m interviewing at Los Alamos tomorrow, Gilbert said proudly. But I’m sure I’ll enjoy my visit too.

Best of luck, she said, giving him a sweet smile.

Chapter 2

Lanie was pleased to check in Mr. Anaya. He was younger than their usual guests. He was closer to her age and nice looking. She watched him walk to the elevators. He must be a mega nerd if he has an interview at Los Alamos, she thought to herself before returning to her work. She checked the reservations that would be arriving that evening to make sure she had everything prepared.

Hi, Lanie, Jose said, stopping at the desk after returning the luggage cart to its alcove off the lobby. How are you tonight?

Jose was one of the bellhops at the hotel, and he’d been flirting with Lanie since she started working there. Lanie thought he was cute, but too young for her. Besides, his mom, Maria, was the hotel manager. No way could she get involved with her boss’s son. That could only lead to disaster. Hi, Lanie. Are you ready for your break? Neil asked. I can watch the desk.

Sure, Neil. Thanks. Have a good night, Jose, she said as she disappeared into the office behind the desk to retrieve her jacket and purse. She pulled out her cell and called her friend Lynn. I’ll meet you in five, she said.

Lynn worked at a wood oven pizza place on the plaza. Lanie tried to visit her BFF whenever she had a break at the hotel. Hi, girlfriend. Lynn said, bringing her friend a soda and pulling up a chair. Anyone hot at the hotel tonight?

As usual, no. I checked in one young guy about our age, but he’s a nerd interviewing at Los Alamos.

Too bad. Not a lot of young eligible males in Santa Fe. Maybe we should move somewhere that attracts a younger crowd.

We may have to. My mom would hate the thought of me moving, but if I told her I was doing it so I had a half decent chance to meet a guy and fall in love, she’d probably even buy my ticket, Lanie said.

I bet she would. Why didn’t we realize this in high school?

There were single guys in high school, Lanie said, but after graduation they either left for college and didn’t come back or married their high school sweethearts which weren’t us. But I’m in no hurry.

Lanie and Lynn were in their mid-twenties, and they’d lived their whole lives in Santa Fe. They’d been friends since elementary school, but lately Lynn’s constant focus on finding a man was wearing on Lanie.

I’d better get back. Who knows who might check in? Lanie said.

Lanie put her jacket and purse in the office and relieved Neil so he could make his rounds of the property. She was glad to have her job at the hotel, but she hated having to work the night shift. Besides being an assistant manager, she was also the hotel’s event planner, but the hotel had only been open a few months, so their event calendar was still pretty empty.

Any events coming up? Neil asked before he walked away from the desk.

Rod and Ellie are coming in next week to talk about their wedding, but that’s about all we have scheduled in the next few weeks. Are there things we can do to increase our event business? Lanie asked.

Let me work on it, Neil said. I think we just haven’t focused on it, but there are a lot of things we can do to improve that now that you’re onboard. How do you feel about planning the boss’s wedding?"

I don’t really know Rod. He’d already left by the time I was hired, so to me Maria’s the boss. From what I’ve heard, Rod and Ellie are both nice, so I think it’ll be fun.

I guess we’ll soon find out, Neil said. I’ll be back before you leave.

Lanie had just finished checking in the last of the reservations for the night, when Gilbert Anaya approached the desk again.

Hello, Mr. Anaya. Is there something I can help you with?

I was hoping you’d suggest someplace I could walk to for dinner. I know you have a restaurant here in the hotel but I’d like to stretch my legs after spending so many hours on the plane today.

Certainly, sir. Did you have a particular type of food in mind?

Is there any place that’s in an historic building? he asked. I’m a bit of a history buff.

Geez, Lanie thought to herself, a nerd and a history buff. This guy doesn’t stand a chance. "I’m sorry, I’m not up on local history as much as I should be. I can’t think of anyplace like that here in Santa Fe, but there are lots of good restaurants within walking distance."

She gave him a copy of a local walking map that had various restaurants on it, and he headed out. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be that smart. She’d had to work hard just to get through high school and two years at the community college. She was glad the local college had a hospitality program. She’d grown up living next door to Maria Tyler. Maria was always encouraging Lanie to study hard so she could get a good job after she finished her schooling, and when Lanie graduated with her associates degree in hospitality management and a certificate in event planning, Maria was happy to recommend her for a position at the newly opened Seasons de Santa Fe.

Lanie was just waiting for Neil to come back, so she could leave. Her shift was over, and she was glad to be heading home. She wanted to do some research online about Ellie Bancroft and Rod Garcia. She knew Rod’s family owned a bunch of hotel’s including the Seasons de Santa Fe, but that was all the info she had on the couple who she’d be meeting with the following week. She was hoping she could find enough information online to give her a sense of what type of wedding they might want.

Hi, Lanie, Gilbert