My godfather rolled down the window of his shiny truck. It had to be one of the newest models, given how nice it was. My godfather, Phil, has been my dad's best friend since they met in first grade. Even though they lived very different home lives, they considered each other brothers by heart, not by blood. My dad told me about the time when they were 18 and had just graduated from high school. Phil told my dad about a blood pack he had read about, so they could be blood brothers. My dad laughed when he told me about it. After a few beers, Phil had my dad agreeing to it. Dad had to practice saying these Latin words, but he didn't know what they meant. My dad stumbled for weeks trying to get the pronunciation correct. Once Phil was satisfied with my dad's pronunciation, they set a day they were to sneak out to the woods by the hotel on a full moon to perform it. My dad laughed about how silly it felt to cut the palms of their hands and then hold them as they said the Latin words. He still had no idea what they were or if he ever truly said them right. 

I also always considered Phil a second father to me. So much of my childhood was filled with doing dumb and silly things with both of them, from lighting old golf balls on fire to see if they spun, to lighting off fireworks in crazy but safe ways. Phil's two sons even joined in the fun. They were like the older siblings I always wanted but never had. I remembered this one Fourth of July, my dad brought fireworks called roman candles over to Phil's house. We used them to play a crazy version of baseball. One person would hold and aim the Roman candle at the person at bat. The person at bat would try to hit the firework that came shooting out. If they did, they got a point. I smiled a little at that memory as I climbed into the passenger seat. My godfather Phil gave me a big hug that filled me with warmth that only a dad could provide. It felt so good to be hugged by a father figure again that I almost broke down crying.

"Hey, little hippie, how are you?" Phil asked. I could tell by the way he was holding me so tight that he felt the same way. He always told me I was the daughter he always wanted but never got to have. I know he was also struggling with his own grief over my dad's passing, and all we had left of him was each other. His voice cracked a little when he spoke. If he cried, I was going to break down with him.

"I am getting by," I choked out. I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. One wrong move and a tidal wave of tears was going to break loose. I know I could just let my feelings out, and he would be there for me. I didn't want to be a burden to him. He had already done so much for me. I know he would do anything in his power to make me happy. If I were being honest, he was the reason why we still had a home to live in. He took care of the expenses when my mom wouldn't snap out of her ghost-like state, as if she were stuck in it. He was also the reason I got the good-paying job I have. His family owns and runs the hotel, The Hallow. I work in the restaurant attached to it, called The Den. It is a great place to work. The only way anyone could get a job was if they knew someone. No matter how short-staffed they were, at the hotel or restaurant, they only hire family or people close to the family. That didn't stop the local rumor mill from spreading crazy theories about why getting a job there was all about who you knew.

 "I miss him too," Phil said, not looking at me. His eyes were back on the road. I am sure he knew I was going to work. If the uniform didn't give it away, I'm sure it was because I barely did anything since my dad passed. It was still hard, but I was trying to get back to some normal. We sat in the silence with only the hum of the truck keeping us company. Thankfully, it wasn't the same as the kind at my house. I could deal with this. It was safe and comforting. After a few minutes, Phil spoke up.

 "How is your mom doing?" Phil asked gently. He was one of the only people I could be honest with, without it getting into the town gossip mill. For that was one of the many reasons why I love him.

"Not good, she still just stares at the shed and quietly cries to herself. I haven't heard her say anything in months. No matter what I say or do. So, I just stopped trying for now." It felt good to be able to say it out loud, even though the whole thing makes me feel worthless.

"I see, we might have to do something soon if she does not snap out of it. It is not good to go on like that. Your father would..." Phil began, but I cut him off by raising my hand. Like that was going to stop the tears, but the tears were already forming. I knew I could trust him. It was just so damn hard to get the words out, to talk about the things that needed to be talked about.

"I know... I know..." I was not ready to get into that. Or even start trying to figure out how to get her out of it and what that could mean. It was just too hard. Why was it so hard? Phil just looked at me with fatherly love in his eyes; it nearly broke me. I looked away, trying to hide my own watery eyes. It was not long after that that we pulled into the parking lot of my work. Phil hugged me and kissed me on top of the head. Just like my dad used to do, and that was it, the straw that broke the damn. I just began to sob and shake uncontrollably in my godfather's arms.

"I know... it is okay. I will always be here for you." Phil whispered in my hair. "You just take your time and tell me when you are ready."

Once I stopped sobbing, he let go and handed me a napkin to wipe my face. I nodded my thanks and proceeded to clean my face, trying not to ruin the little bit of makeup I put on. It wasn't going to really help now that my face was red and puffy.

"Thank you... And thank you for the ride to work." I said before getting out of the truck.

"Anytime, but hey, what are you doing for your birthday in less than two weeks? You're turning twenty-one," Phil asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. I haven't even thought of it. Maybe hang out with my friend Jess." I answered honestly.

"If you're not doing anything, Mary and I would love to have you over for dinner. We can do something small, if you're not up to a big birthday party, and bring your friend Jess and anyone else you want. The more the merrier." Phil looked at me with such warmth that it made my heart ache. I loved him for that, but it hurt too. It made me miss my dad more. I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. 

"I will think about it and get back to you later, okay?" I told him as I climbed out.

 "Let me know soon, okay? If you need anything, let me know! Love you, little hippie." He called out as I jumped out of his truck.

"I know, I will. Love you too, big hippie," I told him, waving as he drove off.

Work started normally. Busy, but normal, and I needed some normal to ground me after that mental breakdown I had with my godfather. After completing all the morning prep, I got breakfast ready for the restaurant before it opened to the public. My manager, Kelly, called me over to her back office as I finished the last table that needed to be done before opening.

"Hey, is all the morning prep done?" She asks without looking away from her computer and whatever she is working on. I don't mind it. A lot of people here get very annoyed when she doesn't stop what she is doing to talk to them face-to-face. I know she doesn't mean anything rude by it. She is just very good at multitasking the many tasks she has to do in a day. That was something I could never do.

"Yes, all set. I even have the Hotel's Breakfast Muffins cooling, so they are ready for someone to bring over to the hotel soon." I answered.

"Awesome work as always. I don't know what I would do without you. Well, I called you in here because I need you to bring half the breakfast muffins to the VIP floor and set them up in the lounge for me." Kelly told me as she handed me a VIP access card. Still not looking my way. I was stunned. In my almost five years here, I had never been granted access to the VIP area. Only Kelly and one other person, whose name I didn't know, had that privilege. It was a realm of mystery and exclusivity, and now, I was being invited in.

"Arrree... you sure?" I stumbled on my words a little as I was in complete shock. It was nearly impossible to get a job at the restaurant or the hotel unless you knew someone from the owner's family, and accessing the VIP area was even more complex. Black SUVs would pull up to the back of the building. Beautiful men and women dressed in the best suits and dresses would be escorted from the black SUVS and brought to the secret elevator to the VIP area.

In this small northern town, it was the cause of some of the significant and continuous gossip that circled the town. The rumors often spoke of hitmen and mafia sorts coming to talk shady business on that floor, and that's why it was so private and well-guarded. I'm sure it's not true, just something the bored townsfolk like to make up. Granted, Jess and I were no better. We would sit in some of the trees not far off as kids and teenagers with binoculars, trying to spot a celebrity coming to a quiet town to relax from the fast pace of city life. If we did, we didn't know what they were in; we never got that good a look. Those were simpler times, filled with innocent curiosity about the unknown.

"Yes, of course. You are my best employee, and on top of that, you are Mr. Holloway's goddaughter. I know you would never embarrass him and his family." Kelly finally looked up and smiled. Her honest smile eased the tension building in my muscles. "It's nothing to be scared of, just relax." Kelly laughed. "Mafia men up there doing shady business, or whatever crazy rumor going around right now about the VIP area is not true." Kelly gave me a knowing look before I could argue. "Don't try to deny that those thoughts didn't cross your mind. I know what the rumor mill has to say about the VIP area, now, go on."

I didn't argue. She had a point. I did have those thoughts. There was no point in denying it. So, I took the cart and went to work quickly. As soon as I was done, I went on my way. I put together a diner cart with half the muffins and other breakfast goods. I made my way to the VIP elevator that was around back. The VIP elevator was a sleek, silver door, standing out against the plain walls of the back hallway. Kelly didn't tell me if there was a specific card or password I needed to access the VIP elevator, besides the card she handed me. I hope the cart I used was okay. I didn't even think about it and just went for it. I needed to calm down. I was overthinking things again. Besides, it was too late to turn around now. The elevator was just down the hall, and I could already see two guards standing out front of the only door in and out of the VIP section.

I recognize one of the door guards to the VIP elevator as Matt. He was the high school football captain back when I was in high school. He was a handsome, well-built man. He was around two years older than me, so I doubted that he would have remembered me from high school. I held out the Pass that Kelly gave me as I approached. The other guard, who I would guess was ten to fifteen years older than me, put up a hand for me to stop.

"You are not Kelly. What is your name?" The older man asked in a deep voice that rang with dominance. It set me on edge.

"My name is Danniella Ashworth. Kelly asked me to bring the muffins to the VIP lounge." I answered as coolly as I could manage. Man, I was so nervous. I hope my nervousness didn't show by how much I was probably trembling. The fear was palpable, and I struggled to maintain my composure in the face of such intimidating authority.

"I don't know you. How do I know you're telling the truth?" The older man's voice was laced with cold anger, sending shivers down my spine. I tried to speak, but fear had stolen my words. He was intimidating, and I found myself instinctively stepping back, a desperate urge to flee rising within me. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. The guard's eyes bore into me, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"Oh, chill out, Garrett. You're scaring her. She is Mr. Holloway's goddaughter. Don't you know that? I am sure it's fine." Matt's words were a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. His defense and reassurance were like a warm blanket on a cold night. "Go ahead, Danni," he said, stepping aside to let me pass with the cart.

"NO!! STOP!! Not until I get an okay from a higher-up. Kelly should know better." Garrett bites out, and I am unable to move again. Then a deep, even more dominating male voice spoke behind me, sending shivers down my back, but it didn't scare me like Garrett did.

"Matt speaks the truth. Let her up. I give her permission to enter as she needs."

Both men in front of me stood a little straighter. My spine stiffened a little bit, too, at the authority he held in his voice. I was not afraid, though. I knew him better than most people would realize. Even though I haven't really seen him since my father's funeral. Phil Holloway's Oldest son, Joel, stood behind me. He was easily six foot five with a broad, muscled chest. He looked terrific in his dark grey suit. His dark hair and dark eyes were a cold mask that scared and intimidated many. If I did not know it was just a mask, I would be terrified of him. He was very handsome, but many women were scared, even when they attempted to talk to him. To this day, I still do not know why he always puts up this front with the world around us. It has been like this since he got back from college. It was a shame; he was a deeply caring man. He always takes care of the people he loves and cares about.

"Of course, Mr. Holloway, right away, sir. You may go through Miss Ashworth." Garrett responded and moved as if he were serving in the military. I wondered what branch he might have served in. He seemed like a Navy Seals guy to me.

"Thank you," I said to no one in particular as I made my way to the elevator. I was just glad I could move my legs after that. Garrett was unreasonably terrifying to me.

"Here, I will get the door for you, Danni." Matt moved to help me by getting the door so I could easily push the dining cart through. He gave me a very flirty smile and a wink as I passed him. No surprise there, He was always a playboy at school, flirting with all the cheerleaders. I just never realized he noticed me. No one really did. I made sure of that, especially considering what my ex did to me and the lengths I went to trying to put what he did behind me. Ewwww. What was I doing letting him cross my thoughts?

I felt Joel close behind me as we made it past the doors and into the elevator. His warmth and cedar scent enveloped me like it was a shield. I felt a bit stronger and safer when any of the Holloways were around. Being the gentleman he was, he let me go in first. He held the elevator door for me. I didn't meet his gaze as I walked into the elevator. I knew he had his cold mask on. I didn't want him to think I was afraid of him when I wasn't. Doing this muffin run was oddly nerve-racking.

"Thank you," I tell him as the door closes to the elevator. He just grunted an acknowledgment to me. We began climbing up in the elevator. A heartbeat of silence sat between us. I was not as close to Joel as I was to Jordan. Joel was ten years older than I was. Where Jordan was only five years older, he was the protective older brother I never had. We lost touch a bit when I was a teenager, and he was off to college. It had been a few years since we really talked, not including my father's funeral. I was such a mess then. I don't really count it; those few weeks were filled with grief and way too much alcohol.

"So, how have you been?" I asked, wanting to break the silence. I've missed him. I hope he has been well.

"You and Matt do not have a thing going on, right?" Joel gruffly asked, not answering my question.

"Uhh... what...? No...?! He just went to High school with me. He is two years older. I didn't even think he knew who I was." I replied, confused.

"Good, he is a playboy, you deserve someone better than him," Joel replied.

"What?" I stared at him. I was baffled, but he didn't explain. The doors to the elevator opened. He held the door open so I could easily push the cart through onto the VIP lounge.

"You can just display the muffins right over there." Joel pointed to a corner where an empty pastry display stood.

"Huh?" I looked at him, still confused.

"It is your first time up here, correct?" Joel stated,

"Otherwise, Garrett wouldn't have given you a hard time."

"Ahhh... Yes, sorry, I was distracted." I mumbled out.

"Not a problem, Danni. You'd best get to it. I will see you around." Joel said as he walked off in the opposite direction towards what I guess was his office.

I quickly got to work setting up the muffins and making sure everything was labeled correctly and looking as lovely as possible. It was the VIP lounge. I wanted to ensure I did a good job and made it look nice. Surprisingly, it did not take me as long as I had thought it would. I began cleaning things up. I was getting the cart ready to head back to the restaurant. I turned to toss out a paper towel I used to wipe the counter and ended up hitting a brick wall. Well, it felt like a brick wall, but it was not. I looked up to the most handsome-looking man I have ever seen. He was probably taller than Jordan. I never thought I would ever see a man taller than him, and oh man, he was built with so much muscle. No wonder I thought he was a brick wall.

"Oh, my god, I am so sorry," I quickly apologized to him.

"It is my fault; these blueberry muffins that are served here are my favorite in the area. I couldn't wait to grab one." The beautiful man said, his blue eyes were breathtaking. I could not stop staring. I did not know him, but something in my chest stirred in his presence. A strange, shocking sensation shot through my body as we locked eyes. His eyes seemed to widen in shock at my rude staring. He probably was thinking, Man, this girl was crazy, and I regretted bumping into her over a blueberry muffin. I felt like nothing would break me from this strange trance that I seemed to be stuck in. Until a voice rang out behind me, filling me with dread.

"Wow, the VIP lounge has really gone downhill if they are letting your kind up here."