“The structure is still there.”
“But you’ve got two spoiled rich kids to work with who clearly don’t know what they’re doing because the company has fallen apart on their watch.”
I shrugged, knowing it would be rough, but I needed the job and the money.
“What happened, Tor?” he asked just as his wife, Brandi, came in. She took the chair next to his, pulling her sweater around her.
I rubbed my wrist, remembering the pressure that had been there. The perfect job at Bradman Holdings, a resort chain that rivaled Icinda’s glory days. They had recruited me two years ago after I’d worked my way to the top at a Boston company, restructuring its finances and turning the company around. I’d loved Virginia, but things had turned ugly, and I gave my notice just as the opening at Icinda came up.
The deck doors swung open, and Reid came tumbling in with his cousin, Shelby. His cheeks were pink from running, his thick auburn hair messy. He looked up at me with bright hazel eyes and ran to me.
“What are you two up to?” I asked, brushing leaves from his coat. He was so much like his father that it hurt to look at him sometimes, but I never once regretted having him. He’d been the light in my dark world, a ray of love that healed part of my heart. The rest remained damaged from Gabe and had never healed. I doubted it ever would. It still belonged to him even after all he’d done.
“Shelby got me,” he told me, giggling as he talked.
“Come on, Reid. Let’s go color.”
She tugged his hand, and they were off again.
“Are you sure you don’t mind watching him?” I asked Brandi.
“Not at all. Shelby loves having him here, and it will keep her busy while I’m working.”
“When are you leaving?” Cash asked.
“I check in tomorrow. I want to take Reid to the FAO Schwarz store and through Central Park.”
“Are they really putting you up at the Fiaba?” Brandi asked.
The Fiaba, the last hotel in their portfolio, was world-renowned and one of the most exclusive hotels in the city.
“Yes,” I replied, taking another sip of my coffee. “I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”
“Take pictures,” she said, her excitement shining in her eyes.
Cash rolled his eyes. “Overpriced and gaudy.”
I exchanged glances with Brandi, as the same excitement tingled up my arms.
“You two are too much,” he said, scooting his chair back. “So, you’ll bring Reid back Tuesday morning before the interview? That’s a lot of travel.”
“I know, but he’ll have fun, and I want him to have the experience, especially if I get the job. One of the perks is a suite at the hotel. Free housing and maid service every day. Who can turn that down?”
Brandi leaned forward, her eyes wide. “You need to invite me over. I’ll leave Cash with the kids, and we can pamper ourselves.”
“Really Brandi? Aren’t you late for your weekly manicure? I don’t think you need more pampering, sweetheart. I already spoil you enough.” He gave her a kiss on the head. “And she hasn’t even gotten the job yet.”
He walked out of the room, leaving me and Brandi to giggle over all the accommodations we could take advantage of at the hotel.
Reid bounced up and down the entire drive into the city. I nervously clutched the steering wheel, swearing I’d take the train from then on and never drive my car out of the parking garage if I got the position. Dragging his little suitcase behind him, he made me run him through the revolving doors threetimes before a lady with a poodle in her purse gave me a disapproving look.
I couldn’t help but crane my neck as I walked into the lobby. Gorgeous was an understatement. With gold inlay patterns of leaves set in the stained wooden beams, murals of Italian scenes spilling across the walls, and a chandelier that took up the entire space, it screamed decadence. Bellhops bustled with racks of designer luggage while guests leisurely strolled after them with no care in the world.
This was the world I was stepping into, and it was one I could adapt to but one I never felt comfortable in. There were times I missed the casual days of working for my parents. I had traded it for expensive dresses, suits, and heels that gave my feet cramps.
Keeping Reid’s hand in mine, I walked up to the concierge desk to check in. I made casual conversation with the woman behind the counter, not indulging my true reason for my visit and assuming the company had been discreet with booking my room.
“You’re on the tenth floor,” she said, circling my room number. “You’ll need the key card to access that level.” She went on to explain how to work it before wishing me a pleasant stay and offering to have someone take our luggage to the room.
