Twenty-Eight Days

By Renae M. Gilley

Dreams do come true, no matter how unlikely they seem. Mike has been having dreams every night about a beautiful woman. She comes to him in his sleep, telling him, “Please, find me.” In an effort to unravel the mystery of his dream woman’s identity, Mike hires an artist to paint the image in his head—but she’s just a figment of his imagination, right?

Miraculously, Mike’s housekeeper Katie meets a woman identical to the one in the painting. Her name is Kara, but there is a big problem: she’s married to Don. In order to have a chance with Kara, Mike intimidates Don with financial secrets that could ruin him. Mike convinces Don to let him spend twenty-eight days with Kara in exchange for saving Don’s reputation.

The plan is set. Saying he needs some space, Don leaves Kara at the hotel with no money, phone, or credit card. To help Mike, Katie invites Kara to stay with her for a while and assist with her wedding plans. There, Kara meets Mike and so begins a game of romance and deception as secrets emerge and affections grow. Mike believes he’s found his soul mate, but Kara must decide between two men she has come to love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532058561

Renae M. Gilley

Renäe M. Gilley lives in Kentucky with her husband, Thomas, and their three cats. Now retired, she spends her time writing and believes everyone has at least one good book in them.

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Copyright © 2018 Renäe M. Gilley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-5855-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-5851-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-5856-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018912286

iUniverse rev. date: 10/11/2018

Contents

Prologue

Part One

Chapter 1

Chapter 2 Ben

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10 Meeting Mrs. Smyth

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Part Two

Chapter 28 Day One Thursday

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32 Day Two Friday

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37 Day Three Saturday

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40 Day Four Sunday

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43 Day Five Monday

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46 Day Six Tuesday

Chapter 47

Chapter 48 Day Seven Wednesday

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51 Day Eight Thursday

Chapter 52 Thursday

Chapter 53

Chapter 54 Day Nine Second Friday

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59 Day Ten Saturday

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63 Day Eleven The Second Sunday

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69 Day Twelve Monday Her First Day At Work

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72 Day Thirteen

Chapter 73

Chapter 74 Day Fourteen

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78 Day Fifteen

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81 Day Sixteen The Third Friday

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84 Saturday Day Seventeen

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

Chapter 87 Her Birthday Sunday October 7, 2018 Day Eighteen

Chapter 88

Chapter 89

Chapter 90 Four-Forty-Five Pm The Two Birthdays

Chapter 91 Day Nineteen

Chapter 92

Chapter 93 Day Twenty

Chapter 94

Chapter 95 Day Twenty-One Mike’s Real Birthday

Chapter 96

Chapter 97

Chapter 98 Day Twenty-Two

Chapter 99 Day Twenty-Three Friday Official Opening Of The Gallery

Chapter 100 Day Twenty-Four Saturday The Showing For Ben And Elisa

Chapter 101

Chapter 102

Chapter 103 Day Twenty-Five Sunday

Chapter 104

Chapter 105 Day Twenty-Six

Chapter 106

Chapter 107 Day Twenty-Seven Tuesday

Chapter 108

Chapter 109

Chapter 110 Day Twenty-Eight Wednesday October 17

Chapter 111

Part Three

Chapter 112 Day 29 Thursday

Chapter 113 Thursday

Chapter 114

Chapter 115 Halloween

Chapter 116 The Party And Wedding

Chapter 117 November First

Chapter 118

Chapter 119 The Shower And Bachelor Dinner

Chapter 120 The Wedding December 24, 2018 Monday

Chapter 121 New Year’s Eve December 31, 2018 Two Pm

Chapter 122 Conclusion October

Chicken Or Turkey Tetrazzini

PROLOGUE

I AM GOING DOWN TO the gym, are you sure you don’t want to join me? Kara turned and looked at her husband.

No, I am going back to sleep. I do not have the same need that you do, to work out on our vacation. I can miss a few days and be alright.

You know why I do this, so I do not slip back into those old habits I had. Kara walked over to the side of their bed where her husband laid. She kissed the side of his face as he pulled her to him.

You could stay. We could find a different way to exercise.

She felt his arms tighten around her. I will be back in about an hour, and then maybe I will take you up on your offer.

Kara and Don were having problems, he had an affair, and she was trying to forgive and forget. She was not at that point yet, in fact, she was not one hundred percent sure this marriage was going to survive. She was going to try, but she was unhappy. When you lose the trust, it is hard to go on.

Don also knew there were problems, and the main problem was what he had done with their retirement money. When she found out that all the money was gone, he was afraid she would leave him.

He let go of her, and to the door, she headed. They had saved for this vacation to The Biltmore. The best and most expensive trip they had ever taken. They were staying only in the best hotels and doing everything they wanted to do. This trip was to be a sample of what their life was going to be like when they retired, the vacation of their lifetime only Don knew better.

Kara thought it was a sample of her retirement life.

Boy was she in for a big surprise.

Part

ONE

Chapter 1

D ID HE DREAM ABOUT her again last night?

I think so, I heard him up, Chad replied.

Chad was Mike’s best friend. Two years ago, he came for a visit and met Katie, Mike’s housekeeper. Chad told Mike, It was love at first sight, give me a job because I am not leaving her. That was it, he stayed.

Mike told him he needed a limo driver and a second bodyguard, Chad now had a job. It took Chad over a year, but Katie did fall in love with him. They were going to marry this December, a Christmas wedding, here in Mike’s home.

Good morning you two, Mike said as he entered. Katie, I have a painter coming today. I wanted to let you know to expect him, send him to the common area when he arrives.

What are you having painted? She stood looking at her employer and friend.

A picture. Mike picked up his coffee, took a muffin off the tray and left the kitchen. It will be around ten when he arrives, Mike said as he headed to his quarters.

Katie looked at Chad, A picture of what?

Chad stood up to go talk to Mike, I bet a picture of her.

How can he paint someone he has never seen?

Honey, he sees her every night in his dreams. To him she is real, and he can describe her. He has told me all about her, a short blond with long curly hair. He now has heard her voice, and he said she is from the south. He has not seen her face, but he said he would know her if he heard her voice. Maybe he thinks a picture of her will help him.

Chad, he cannot find a dream.

I agree, but she keeps coming to him, every night asking him to find her. He told me all she says is; Michael, please find me. Katie, it is driving him crazy.

You don’t have to tell me, I see it in his face and his eyes. He is not happy, and he is tired. If you want to know the truth, this scares me. He is getting up in age, around sixty-six years old and his heart does not need this kind of stress.

Chad laughed and walked over to Katie. He is healthy and does not have a bad heart. He is just lonely. She is a dream, his dream. She may be the woman he has never found to love, and now he wants to find her, so he will not be alone.

Katie stood looking at Chad, That makes sense, but he can’t invent her from a picture.

That is true, but the picture may help him to be able to see the woman in his dreams when he is awake. Think about this, every night she comes to him. So, for him to see her, he has to try and go to sleep. No one can make themselves sleep, and this picture might help him. I do not want him to start taking medicine to make him sleep so that he can see her. This picture may be important to all of us.

He only has an hour till his painter arrives.

Let me go talk to him. Chad left to go to the common area outside Mike’s bedroom.

Chapter 2

BEN

H AVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT hypnosis?

Why would I think about hypnosis? I only want a picture of the lady I am dreaming about."

True, but what if you do have a face, just do not remember it? Ben, the artist, was sitting and talking with Mike as he took notes of what this woman looked like and what Mike wanted in the picture.

Aren’t you going to draw her here, today? Right now? Mike sat watching the young man taking notes.

I had not planned on doing that. I was going to work on it at home.

I want you to draw her here so if it is wrong you can fix it. Sort of like a police sketch artist might do. I do not care what your fee is. I prefer it done now, here and correct.

Alright, just let me go back out to my car and get a few things. Then we can get started. Ben stood up, Is that alright with you?

Yes, that is what I prefer.

Chad watched as Ben came out from Mike’s area and went out the front door. Chad went to Mike’s den to check on him, You okay?

Yes, we are about to get started. Ben thinks I might consider hypnosis. He said I might have a face, and I do not know it.

How do you feel about that? Being hypnotized.

I do not have any thoughts since I have never thought about it before.

Ben returned, I know a hypnotist in Ashville, North Carolina, that lives near the Biltmore Estate. If you have never been there, they have built a large hotel on the grounds where you could stay. It is lovely, like going back in time and I think it would suit you better to stay there than at a regular hotel.

Chad stood up. If you go, can Katie and I come along? She hardly ever takes time off, and this would be fun for all of us but a real vacation for her.

Mike Smiled. Let’s plan on going even if I do not get hypnotized. Tell Lewis and make plans for all of us to go. It will only take us a few hours from here, and we can take the smaller limo. Please tell everyone, and we will leave this afternoon. Call and book three nice large suites for three or four nights.

Chad headed to the kitchen to get started on their vacation. For Katie, it would be a real vacation but for Lewis and Chad, just a working trip. Their job was to keep Mike safe and watch over everything for him. They went with him like this often.

Mike turned to watch Ben as he began the outline on the large canvas. Ben if it is not what I want, can we do this again?

Yes, we can.

He was going to have a picture of his lovely nighttime companion. She was a dream, but he also knew she was important to him. He was falling in love with the woman in his dreams.

Chapter 3

I HAVE OUR CLOTHES PACKED and placed in the limo, but I am waiting on Mike to pack his. I have no idea what he will want to take. I have his normal things laid out on his bed, and his toiletries all ready. Chad, I am so excited to be allowed to go along. I always stay home while the three of you go on his trips.

Chad smiled. Not this trip, it is going to be a vacation for you.

Have you seen the picture of her? They have been in there for hours. They only took a short break for lunch, and I thought you said he wanted to leave this afternoon.

That’s what he said. Ashville is only a few hours away we will be fine. I confirmed the rooms for a late check in.

Ben came out of the common area and handed Chad a piece of paper. He asked me to give this to you since you will be driving. It was a name, address and phone number in Ashville.

The hypnotist I assume.

Yes.

Thank you, and Chad folded the paper and placed it in his pocket. How did the picture turn out?

He is happy for now. I will return and see if we can draw another one if he does have a face for it. The lady must be attractive. I drew her from the back as if she was looking up at the moon and stars. Her shape, her back, her hair, he is very adamant about her hair, long, with mounds of curls. She is lovely even without a face.

Katie and Chad stood listening to Ben talking about the picture he had just finished.

Katie walked Ben to the door, Thank you for coming and doing this for Mike.

Not a problem. I hope to come again and paint one with a face. Mike now has me curious as to what she does looks like. Ben said as he left, It was nice to meet all of you.

Chad headed to Mike. He also wanted to see the picture of the strange nightly visitor that came to Mike. Man, I wish she was real. He is sixty-six years old, never married because he could never find a woman that could hold his attention any longer than forty-eight hours or that he wanted to be around. Picky was putting it mildly where Mike was concerned. He had fallen in love once in his life but let her slip away. He had never found love a second time.

Chad stopped when he entered the common area outside Mike’s bedroom. It was a small den, that separated two bedrooms. When Mike’s parents were alive, this was the den between their bedrooms. Mike said that every night his parents sat in here, had coffee and dessert together, talking. He loved this den because of that. His Nanny would take him to that room to tell his parents good night, every night. They would give him a bite of the dessert they had, even if he had already had a treat. He loved his parents very much, and since he was an only child, they treasured him.

Mike was placing the picture above the fireplace.

I would have done that for you, Chad said.

Mike turned to look at Chad. There she is. What do you think?

Chad looked at the picture and saw how lovely it was. The hair was light brown with blond woven throughout, curls were everywhere, and the image was large. Ben made it look like she had a lot of hair. Her body was small, she appeared short, five feet three or four inches tall. She was wearing a long black dress with red, yellow and white flowers on it, leaning at a rail, her arms on it, looking up at a full silver moon. Ben had painted a glow around her head from the moon. Ben was right, this was a lovely picture, and it fit perfectly above the fireplace.

Katie needs to finish packing your things, and then we can leave. She was not sure what all you might want to take for this trip.

Tell her to come here, and we will finish it together. Are we ready to go otherwise?

Everything is in the car and ready, except for your things.

Mike turned to enter his room, It will not take long. Have Lewis come up and get the luggage.

Chad sent Lewis a text: Come to Mike’s room.

When Lewis entered the den, he saw the picture of the lady above the fireplace. He took out his cell and took three pictures of it. He had no idea why he took the pictures, but for some reason, he felt he was supposed to.

Chapter 4

A RE WE GOING TO take a tour of the house and gardens tomorrow? I know we did a lot of sightseeing and shopping today, but we did come to see this big beautiful mansion. Kara glanced over at Don.

Yes, that was the plan. We only have two nights left here, that was all we felt we could afford, remember? Don’t get me wrong; it is worth it. We have never stayed anywhere as nice as this.

Kara stood looking at Don, her husband. She felt that she did love him, but something between them had changed. He was so concerned with finances even though they never did anything wrong with their money. Lately, he seemed to watch every cent she spent. This concern he had was affecting them, how they were around each other. She was always careful and never asked for a thing she did not need. She had even begun to shop in second-hand stores for her clothes, which made Don very happy. She wanted to ask him if things were alright but when she tried to talk to him about finances, he got mad. She was worried about them and their retirement fund. She decided, when they were home, she was going to see what she could find out about it.

What do you want for dinner? Don saw the faraway look on her face, Are you alright?

Yes, I am fine, getting tired. We went to so many antique stores today, and I do love the little dish we bought. I am going to use it in our bathroom for my lipsticks, and it will be perfect for that. I do not care where we eat.

I promised you that we would eat in the fancy dining room. Do you want to eat there tonight or tomorrow night?

I want to dress up and enjoy eating there, so let’s do it tomorrow night. I only brought one long summer dress with me. I will save it for tomorrow. Let’s do something easy for tonight.

You could see the relief on Don’s face. He thought maybe he could talk her into going somewhere different for tomorrow night too. He had made it through tonight, not spending a lot on dinner. This trip was costing too much, but he had promised, and they had saved for it. Okay, I noticed a nice restaurant today on our way back. We will go there, and out the door, they went.

She looped her arm through his, and they walked to the elevator. I think it would be fun to walk down the staircase once before we leave. It makes me feel like I have gone back in time. This morning at breakfast, the way our waiter took care of us when I excused myself and went to the restroom, he placed my napkin on the arm of my chair. We have never eaten in restaurants that did things like that. It was as if he was our personal butler.

That was pretty cool. I was seated there when he folded it. He asked me if he could get anything for me then picked up your napkin, folded it and hung it on the arm of your chair. He asked if I thought the lady might enjoy a muffin or breakfast dessert pastry. He went and fixed the little plate that was waiting when you returned.

I thought you had gone and gotten them off the buffet. I did not realize he did that.

I should not have told you. Did I lose a brownie point?

No honey, it was because you told him to get them that they were there waiting for me. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Once there had been such a strong love between them. Have we been together so long that we are beginning to fall into the old married couples’ syndrome, she thought. He did not do the little important things anymore. It was this year that she had started dreaming about a strange man. She had no idea who he was, and she found herself calling to him in her sleep {Michael, please find me}. Such an odd dream she thought. She believed in dreams, premonitions, and in reincarnation. Could there be something in her past where this man was part of her life?

Hey, where are you? Don was looking at her.

I guess a million miles away in another lifetime. She smiled a soft little smile at her husband. So where are we eating?

You will see, he said as they headed out of the hotel.

Chapter 5

Y EA, WE ARE HERE. Chad did you see the size of that house if you can even call it that. It is as large as a hotel. I want to go and take a tour of it. It was obvious that Katie was excited.

I am sure that can be arranged. I think Mike plans to see the hypnotist tomorrow. I bet I can get Lewis to drive him. They probably have a shuttle from the hotel to the mansion. So, it’s a date. I will take my girl to see how the rich people use to live. I bet your glad Mike did not inherit a house that size.

You’re funny. Mike would need a much larger staff than he has now to care for a house that size. She started laughing. I would like to see Lewis cut that yard. They were laughing together.

Okay, open the window between us, Mike said with a grin. I want to know what the two of you are laughing about. Mike smiled at Chad and Katie. He was so happy for the two of them, falling in love, later in their lives the way they had.

Lewis reached for the button in the back to open the glass that divided the two sections. I know you two want your privacy, but it is time for all four of us to talk.

Mike took over, Lewis and I have decided that the two of you need a real vacation. Lewis will take me to see this lady that Ben thinks can get a face for my picture. I think we will rent a small car for the two of you while we are here, and we can stay longer than three to four days if you want to.

Katie looked at Chad and smiled. I will do whatever you want us to do. I cannot remember the last time I had a real vacation. I was looking forward to our honeymoon because for me it was going to be a vacation.

Mike, I need to talk to you, and Chad turned a little and looked into the back area.

We will talk later on. Look ahead we are here. Mike said as they reached the big beautiful hotel.

Chad pulled the limo into the area for them to park and unload the luggage. Lewis got out just as two porters reached the car. We will need at least three of the luggage carts. Lewis walked to the back as Chad opened the trunk. It was full to the top with the luggage all four of them had packed.

Katie looked at Chad, I only packed for four days.

Honey don’t worry. They have stores here. The problem is going to be if Mike did not bring enough clothing. He is not a shopper, and I do not know if we can find a store here to deliver.

He and Lewis are the same size. Lewis may have to go shopping for Mike. What in the world is he going to find to do here for a week?

Maybe he talked with the hypnotist, and she said he might need to come more than one time.

Could be, I guess he will tell us. Chad walked to the valet and gave them his limo key. Is it possible to rent a smaller car and have it delivered here? All four of us will not be together all the time."

Yes sir, I can call for you. Do you know what size or type of car?

Mike had walked up and joined Chad. I think they need a small sporty car. It will be for them, the only couple in this group of four.

Chad turned to Mike, I do not expect you to pay for all of this. I will pay for Katie and me.

Mike smiled. I don’t think so. As hard as the two of you work taking care of me, this is a small thing for me to do. Just have the car here in the morning, he said to the valet. He handed him his business card. Charge it to the credit card on file for the rooms I have reserved here. If you need any additional information, call the cell on my card.

I will be glad to take care of this for you, and the valet smiled as Mike handed him a large tip.

The four walked together into the beautiful hotel. Katie took hold of Chad’s hand. She had never stayed anywhere as beautiful as this. Chad, Lewis, and Mike were used to places this nice since Mike always took at least one of them with him everywhere he went.

For Katie, this was like a dream come true.

Chapter 6

G OOD MORNING SUNSHINE. HOW long do you plan on being at the gym this morning? Don watched his wife putting on her work out clothes.

She smiled as she turned to go into the bathroom. Same as yesterday. It is a nice gym even if it is small. They have a large variety of equipment that we can use. I know you would like it.

No. I told you yesterday that I am on vacation and I do not want to work out. He was too nervous to try to work out and would be glad when this stupid trip was over.

She was putting her mound of curls into a ponytail. She loved her naturally curly hair and felt that she was lucky to have her hair. She could let it go curly or blow it straight, giving her the best of both worlds. Don liked her hair curly the best, so she had decided that for this trip she would let it be wild and curly. She did not even bring her hot rollers with her. Kara learned early in life that a curling iron would never work with her hair. It was so thick that she just let it go curly whenever she could.

Don laid there watching her. She was walking between the bedroom and bathroom. She never put makeup on when she worked out. Kara came back out into the main bedroom. Don just laid there looking at her. She was a pretty woman even though they were not young anymore, both in their fifties. They planned to retire in six years, and he had blown it. He invested all of their retirement funds into a sure thing that had gone bad. He had lost all of their money and was going to have to find a way to tell her. They were broke. They could not retire in six years. They may even have to sell their home. He was terrified she would leave him when she found out about it too.

Okay, I am out of here. Are we going to eat at the breakfast buffet before we tour the mansion?

Yes, we will. Do you still want to go to the large dining room tonight for dinner?

I do. All we have worn since arriving is jeans and shorts. I want to dress up and look nice our last night here.

Then that is what we will do. I did bring a sports jacket but not a suit.

Kara walked over to the bed, I am sure you will look fine. My dress is not fancy, just a long summer sundress. I will return soon. She turned and left to go down to the gym.

Kara stood and waited for the elevator door to open.

A lady dressed in gym clothes was inside. She smiled at Kara when she saw that she was also going to the gym. Good morning, Katie said.

Kara looked at the pretty redhead, Good morning. Did your husband decide to sleep in like mine? Kara smiled.

I am not married, yet. Katie replied, I am engaged, and we are planning a December wedding.

The elevator opened and the ladies walked out and toward the gym. Katie was telling Kara all about the wedding plans. They spent over an hour in the gym before they realized it. The hour had passed too quickly for both of them.

Katie, I have enjoyed this morning so much. For some reason, Don is in a weird mood, and I have not had anyone to talk to lately.

I enjoyed having a girl to talk to since I live with three men. Need I say more? Katie laughed out loud. They can drive me crazy. What are you going to do today?

Breakfast at the buffet, then to the Biltmore House for a tour. Dinner tonight in the large dining room here. And you?

Almost the same thing. Lewis and Mike have plans for today, so Chad and I are free. This vacation is the first one I have had in a few years. We are staying for almost a week. How long will you be here?

We leave in the morning. I would love to stay longer, but we only planned on three nights.

I hope we run into each other today. If not, will you go to the gym in the morning before you leave?

Oh yes. I gained a lot of weight five years ago, and it has taken me till now to get where I am. I have the last ten pounds to go, and I have decided that it is never coming off. Kara had gotten into the elevator.

Katie walked in behind her, looking at the back of her head and body.

Kara turned around facing Katie, Are you okay?

Katie smiled. Yes. They pressed the numbers to their floors.

They stopped at Kara’s floor, she walked off, turned, smiled and said, Katie I hope we run into each other today. I enjoyed being with you this morning very much.

Katie smiled. Me too. We will be down for breakfast in an hour or so. If not there, maybe we will run into each other at the Biltmore House. The elevator doors closed leaving Katie alone as Kara turned to walk to her room.

Katie stood thinking to herself about the picture Mike had painted of his mystery lady. I wish I had taken a better look at that picture. For some reason Kara makes me think of that picture, she thought. The elevator opened, and Katie walked to the suite Mike had requested for them. She opened the door to find Chad waiting for her and for that moment she forgot all about Kara. All she could think of was Chad, and the love for her, showing on his face.

Chapter 7

C HAD, I MET THE nicest lady at the gym, and we had such a nice morning. She and her husband will be at the Biltmore House taking a tour today too. Tonight, they plan to have dinner in the large dining room here in the hotel. Do we have plans for tonight? Maybe we will run into them this morning or at the house. Chad, I enjoyed talking to her so much. I did not realize how much I miss having a girlfriend. Katie had said all of it without stopping for air.

Chad showered while Katie was out and was ready. He knew that Katie would need the shower when she returned. He was sitting at the desk, reading the paper on his laptop. Chad stopped reading and just stared at her. His beautiful, red-headed Katie was so excited and merely from talking to a stranger. I never thought that you might be lonely.

Katie stood still, Honey, I don’t think I am lonely. I have the three of you with me most of the time, but having a girlfriend is different. Men do not talk to women as women do. We can talk about nothing and everything at the same time and for hours. With men, you say what needs to be said and hope they hear you. You have been different. You talk to me, not at me, and you listen to me and to what I say. You remember what I share with you, ask me questions and remember my answers. You are my best friend.

Chad stood up, walked to her, and pulled her into his arms. Well Katie my love, go get ready so we can eat. Your one hour turned into almost two, and we are going to the Biltmore to spend the day. I heard it takes a few hours for the tour. We can eat lunch on the property, and they even have a wine tour. Chad smiled. How my Katie loves a good bottle of wine. He bent down and kissed her. Now, go get ready. I will go down and get coffee for us.

Katie went into the large bathroom. There was the jacuzzi that they had enjoyed last night after saying goodnight to Mike and Lewis. Mike was such a kind man, getting this large suite for them, not just one for himself. She liked Mike a lot. She had worked for him since his parents died and left him the big house. He had a home of his own, but he enjoyed staying at the larger house with all of them.

Katie was out of the shower and dressing when Chad returned. Maybe we should invite Mike and Lewis to have dinner tonight with us. She took her coffee from Chad, taking a sip.

Okay.

I will send Mike a text. I think his appointment with the hypnotist was at ten this morning. After that, I have no idea what they planned to do. Chad was writing the text as he spoke. He sent it to both of the men.

It took just a few minutes when he received a thumb’s up from Mike. Then he read: 7 pm ok?

Chad answered: Smiley Face-Yes.

Okay, dinner is set for seven tonight.

I am ready. Katie had on a cute pair of green capris with a matching top that had a lighter shade of the same green in it. With her red hair, she looked great, and her green eyes sparkled as she looked up at Chad.

How I love you, was all Chad said as he kissed her. He opened the door of their room for them to head down for breakfast, taking her hand in his. He was going to make sure this trip was wonderful for her. She deserved it.

Chapter 8

L EWIS KNOCKED ON THE door to Mike’s room. Ready to go?

Yes. I wonder if this is going to be like on TV. Look at the locket on a chain and watch it swing back forth. Look deeply into my eyes this lady will say.

Lewis smiled at Mike. That is funny, but I have seen things like that on TV. I have never been hypnotized, and I do not know anyone that has been. You will have to tell us all about it. Are you comfortable being alone with the lady? She could give you a post-hypnotic suggestion to give her all of your money.

Unless Ben told her, she has no idea that I am wealthy. I am going to pay in cash, and I do not think she knows my last name. I will be safe, but I will ask her if you can stay in the room with me.

They had reached the limo Lewis requested be in the pick-up zone. Lewis opened the back door for Mike to get in, then gave the valet a tip. Chad put the address in the GPS for me. He said the address for this hotel was also in it, so, we should not get lost returning.

Mike was reading the text from Chad. They want us to join them for dinner tonight. Is seven alright with you?

Sure, whenever you want is fine.

Mike replied yes and seven for the time. That formal dining room looked nice. I think the four of us should eat there tonight. While I am with this lady will you call and make the reservation for tonight? Have you had breakfast? I had room service.

Yes, I went down to the buffet this morning. Lewis pulled out and headed down the long road to the city of Ashville. Going to see this lady was such an odd thing that Mike wanted to do, but this vacation was going to be nice. Get this hypnosis behind him, and maybe he can forget about this dream lady, Lewis thought.

The three of them had talked, and they were all worried about him. Their jobs were to take care of him one way or another. They knew he did not sleep well at night because of the dreams and hoped this picture of her might help to calm things down for now.

Lewis put the glass down that separated them. Mike, did you dream about her last night?

Mike looked toward Lewis, No. Last night was the first night in six months that she did not come to me in my dreams. I slept all night long and very soundly. I am not sure if I am glad or if I missed her. I thought at first when I woke that I did not remember my dream, but after a while, I felt sure I did not dream about her. I thought maybe the picture might have helped, that getting her onto a canvas so I could see her, might have helped.

Could be. Did you take a photo of the picture and bring it with you?

No. I guess I did not think I would need it. Maybe I should have. The hypnotist might have liked to see what Ben drew. It might have helped her to help me.

Mike, I did take a photo with my phone. After we arrive there, I will send it to you.

Lewis that was smart of you. Thank you.

Lewis drove as the lady GPS system told him where to go. When he took the pictures, he had no idea why he did it. Now it fell into place. Subconsciously he must have known Mike would need her with him.

Chapter 9

K ARA UNLOCKED THE DOOR to her room, entered and found that Don was not there. She went into the bathroom and began getting ready, showered, washed her hair and found some cute shorts to wear. Her hair needed to air dry, so she put on her makeup first. It did not take long until she was ready. She walked out to the bedroom area and over to the desk. There she found a note waiting for her.

You stayed away longer this morning than yesterday. I am hungry, so I decided to go on down to the buffet area. After you are ready, come down and join me. After breakfast we can head over for the tour, maybe get a head start on the crowds. It might not be bad since this is not a weekend. Anyway, come and try to find me.

Kara smiled as she picked up her purse and headed to the elevator. It did not take long for the doors to open and there stood Katie and Chad.

Kara, hey. Chad this is Kara, Kara, this is Chad. You could see Katie was glad to see Kara.

Kara extended her hand to Chad, I understand congratulations are in order.

Chad took Kara’s hand, Yes, and thank you. Katie certainly enjoyed exercising with you this morning. She said there was a chance we might run into you. Chad was overwhelmed with her southern voice, the brown and blond curls and her size. What bothered him the most was that she made him think of the picture in Mike’s den and for some reason, it scared him.

Don went down to eat before I returned. I was gone longer than he expected. He left me a note to join him. Then we are headed over to the Biltmore House.

That is our plan for today also. Tonight, we will have dinner with Mike and Lewis, our friends that are also here. Chad did not feel it was necessary to tell her that they all worked for Mike.

I am looking forward to everything we have planned for today. Tomorrow we will leave for home. Today is the last day of our vacation week. I would love to stay longer, but Don said we’ve spent all of our vacation funds. So, home we go. Kara smiled as she explained.

We just arrived last night and will be here for almost a week. Katie was explaining to Kara.

Oh, wow. You are lucky to stay for a week. Being here is like going back in time. I can hardly wait to see the home he built for the love of his life. Kara had a dreamy smile on her face. She looked at Chad, Men are not always as impressed with things like this, but most women are.

Chad had his phone in his hand and was pulling up the camera icon. Without letting Katie know, he took many shots of Kara from the back. The elevator opened and out they went. Kara, would you mind if I take a picture of you with Katie. It would be nice to have a picture of you two together. She said she wanted to make a little vacation keepsake album of our stay here.

Katie looked at Chad oddly. She had not said anything like that to him. She opened her mouth to speak, and he stopped her with a kiss.

Chad smiled. Now you two, stand close together.

Kara put her arm around Katie, and they looked as if they had been best friends forever. Kara looked past Chad and saw Don seated at a table waiting. I had better run. He is patient for now. That may not last long, and I would like a bite to eat before we leave. Chad, it was nice to meet you, and I hope I see Y’all later on today, maybe tonight. I heard there was going to be a band in the large dining room tonight. I guess in the olden days that was the only form of entertainment. Kara turned to join Don, Bye.

Together Katie and Chad said, Bye.

Chad, I don’t remember saying that.

Well, I do think it would be nice, a picture of the new friend you made here.

Katie joined Don. Have you eaten?

Yes, but go on and get what you want. We are eating a little later, so we may skip lunch.

Alright, and she got up and went to the buffet bar. She saw Katie and Chad, happy and in love. She looked back at her table, at Don, but he did not smile back at her. She fixed her plate and went back to their table. I met the nicest lady today. Katie and Chad, her fiancé, are sitting over there. She motioned to the pretty redhead.

Don looked in that direction but did not say anything.

They are going to the Biltmore House today too. Tonight, they will be going to dinner around seven with their friends. We will probably run into them.

Okay, was all Don said.

Honey are you alright? You have seemed preoccupied this entire trip. Do you feel alright?

Kara, eat so we can go. I am fine.

Chad sat looking at the pictures he had taken. For some reason, he decided to send them to Lewis. He added a note to the photos: {Look what I found, but do not show Mike} then he sent it.

He did not hear back. He must be driving he thought. He looked over at Kara and her husband. They certainly did not look happy. She was eating, and he was sitting there not even talking to her. That is so sad.

What is sad Chad?

Oh honey, I must have thought out loud. Sorry.

Okay, but, what is sad?

Chad did not want to upset Katie, Well, I thought that Mike might never find happiness as we have

Chad that is a sweet thing to say to me. Maybe one day he will find his dream girl. I never thought I would fall in love either. I had given up a long time ago on love and then all of a sudden, there you were.

It was then the text came from Lewis: WHO IS SHE? Why can’t I show Mike?

Chad replied: Just wait. Maybe he can find her on his own. She is here in the hotel. Katie met her in the gym.

Lewis replied: OMG

Chapter 10

MEETING MRS. SMYTH

W E ARE HERE, LEWIS was turning off the car. He got out, opened Mike’s door and together they walked toward the house.

Lewis, here is my wallet and cell. I want you to keep my things until I have finished this session. I still have no idea what to expect.

They knocked on the door, and it opened with an elderly lady standing there, Mrs. Smyth?

No, she is waiting for you in her den. Please come in. The house was lovely, very Victorian, and the furniture matched the home perfectly. Crocheted doilies on the tables with old lamps and antiques sitting everywhere.

Mike and Lewis could not help but notice the beautiful paintings lining her walls. These pictures are exquisite, Mike had stopped walking and was standing in front of one, a beautiful young woman with a field of daisies surrounding her as she knelt down to pick one. Her clothing looked to be of the early nineteenth century, and she was smiling in the direction of whoever was looking at her. The colors were all pastels, with the sky a soft baby blue and the sun shining down on everything making the dew on the flowers glisten.

She is very talented, said the woman that had opened the door.

Mrs. Smyth painted all of these?

Yes, I did. Mrs. Smyth was standing in the opening of the door to her den observing Mike and Lewis.

Mr. Williams, I presume. She stood smiling at him. Thank you for the compliment. After I retired, I wanted to take up a hobby. I had no idea that I could paint. I went back in my mind and painted memories. The one you seem to like the most is me, on my honeymoon, sixty years ago.

Mike was shocked that the lady he came to see was this age and so very talented. She had to be in her eighties. He extended his hand to take her