Chapter 14

At the hotel desk, Eloise dodges a conversation about her secret marriage until Mateo presses. He reveals their parents are worried and dislike Jasper, suspecting he’s taking advantage. Eloise defends Jasper but privately grapples with shame, the impending divorce, and fear she’s jeopardizing her chance to run the hotel.

Anne arrives and updates Eloise on an old friend, Lydia Mitchum, who has moved to Quincy with her troubled son, Blaze. Concerned about Blaze’s isolation, Anne asks Eloise to give him a part-time job. After initial hesitation about bypassing her hiring process, Eloise agrees, hoping to help and ease her mother’s worry.

Jasper enters and announces a last-minute trip to Las Vegas to interview an up-and-coming fighter. He plans to drive, possibly staying a while to check on his house and gym. Eloise is stunned and hurt by the abruptness, reading it as Jasper stepping back ahead of their planned end. He leaves after a brief, tender goodbye, promising to text updates.

Determined to refocus, Eloise does a walkthrough of the inn to envision future improvements. Returning to the empty cabin and the dinner Jasper prepped, she rejects eating alone and goes to Lyla’s. There, Eloise apologizes for unknowingly dating Lyla’s crush; Lyla admits embarrassment but lets it go, supportive of Eloise’s happiness.

Needing company, Eloise invites herself to a sleepover, bringing the fish tacos. She steels herself to prioritize The Eloise Inn, even as Jasper’s departure deepens her fear of losing him.