For the first time, I really take him in. His long legs almost touch the top of the table. His hair is jet black, which matches his thick, dark eyebrows and piercing brown eyes. From this angle, his tan, smooth skin reflects the shimmering Christmas lights. Eddie Evans is definitely not bad looking. I’ll give him that. I just can’t figure out if he’s on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
Determination rises in my chest.
Guests Services Handbook Rule #1: Create a welcoming and friendly environment where guests feel valued.
I have never encountered a guest like Eddie, but Lauren trusted me with this job. No matter how Eddie acts, I am going to create a welcoming and friendly environment. I am going to make him feel valued.
“Um, hello, earth to Maya.” I blink and look at Holly snapping her fingers in my direction. “Time to stop ogling your boyfriend and start ushering in VIPs.”
I shake my head at her. “Trust me, he is not interested. The guy barely talks. This is going to be a long week.”
“Oh, the quiet ones are the most fun. They’re like a safe you have to crack the code to. We’ll strategize later.” Holly nudges me to the side door. Then, we begin ushering guests to their tables.
According to the stage countdown clock, everyone is seated, with twelve seconds to spare. It’s a Christmas miracle.
I head back to my spot as a woman with short blonde hair takes the stage. She begins by welcoming everyone and then says, “Now, here’s the one and only, the amazing founder and CEO of Mynt Athletic Clothing, as well as the owner of this resort—your sponsor and biggest fan—Barry Mynt!”
I can’t help but grin as Mr. Mynt walks onto the stage. He’s wearing a dark green suit dotted with tiny peppermint candies. Although he has to be in his early sixties, his hair and beard are completely white. The man is either Santa himself or a close relative, because he is the jolliest person I’ve ever met.
I glance in Eddie’s direction to see his reaction to the ever festive Mr. Mynt. I can’t find him, and I panic momentarily, but I notice Roger is unfazed. He’s happily nodding along to Mr. Mynt’s speech. That puts me at ease as I realize Eddie’s probably just gone to the restroom.
However, twenty minutes later, the panic is back. Roger is trying to nonchalantly glance across the room. Then, he looks down at his phone, which he’s discreetly holding under the table. My spidey senses are telling me he’s texting Eddie. This VIP event is a big deal. It was highlighted and underlined on the itinerary. The only other one that had that much emphasis on it was the Merry Mynt Ball on the last day.
My heart rate increases as I look around the ballroom. Maybe Eddie decided to stand instead of returning to his seat. I do a quick scan, but he’s nowhere to be found. Roger and I make eye contact. He mouths, “Do you see him?”
I quickly shake my head no. But, I hold up a finger and mouth confidently, “I’ll find him.”
Roger gives an “Okay, thank you,” back.
I slowly open the side door and make my way to the lobby. With a deep exhale, I try to steady my growing nervousness.I had one job today. One. And this is only the first event. This is not a good sign.
While intermittently smiling at guests and fellow workers, I attempt to casually speed walk to the most obvious locations for an escapee. There are families and couples scattered about, but no Eddie by the grand fireplace. No Eddie in the coffee shop or the gift shop. I make my way to the elevator. Has hereally retreated to his room? He barely lasted ten minutes at the Mingle Jingle. In all my years as a nanny and now a hotel guest services attendant, I have never lost someone.
I can do this, I try to encourage myself as the elevator door opens. Then, I march toward Eddie’s room. I give a quick and friendly wrap on the door. Nothing. I clear my throat and with my friendliest voice say, “Mr. Evans, this is Maya Torres. Are you all right?”
I wait five seconds, but still no answer. I feel tears coming and blink them away. Lauren is going to be so disappointed. I have failed in under 2 hours. That has to be a record.
Then, I hear something. Footsteps? The fridge opening maybe…Yes, that was definitely someone cracking open a soda can. I knock again. “Mr. Evans. I just wanted to make sure you’re all right. Please let me know if you’re here.”
Suddenly, the door opens. I jump as it smacks against the chain lock. Eddie peeks through. “I’m here and I’m fine.” Then, the door slams shut. Right in my face.
Chapter 7
Eddie
Isit,sippingacan of Merry Berry Mynt sparkling water that was in my room refrigerator. The bland taste is frankly gross, but my mouth is so dry I don’t care. My hands are shaking, so I set it down. Closing my eyes, I lean back onto the couch.
The face of the young boy in the ballroom immediately flashes in my mind. I rub my forehead, willing the image to disappear.
I hear another knock on the door and then the hotel lady’s voice. “Mr. Evans, please let me in. I’d like to make sure you’re okay.”
“Go away,” I groan back.
It’s not that I’m trying to be a jerk. I just need a few minutes to pull myself together. The boy in the ballroom…he looked just like my younger brother. I can’t believe it. I almost thought it was him. It’s not possible, but for a second, my brain hoped.
The hotel lady’s muffled voice cuts through my thoughts. “Mr. Evans, I’m not leaving until you open this door and let me in.”
I sigh. What is her deal?
