“But what if you never had to make those calls?”
Mary frowns. “How’s that possible?”
“What if IRIS did it for you?” My voice steadies now that we’re talking real-world problems. I click to a different screen. “Say a guest checks out of 237. The second their keycard hits reception,your tablet pings—’Room 237 ready for cleaning.’ No phone call needed.”
Mary’s eyebrows lift.
“When you enter a room, you tap ‘started’ on your tablet. Reception sees everything live—room 237, cleaning in progress.”
Linda leans forward. “We wouldn’t have to keep ringing down?”
“Exactly! Watch.” I clear my throat. “IRIS, is the penthouse ready for the 3 p.m. VIP?”
“Penthouse suite currently being cleaned. Estimated completion: 2:15 p.m.,” the system replies.
“Bloody hell,” Linda breathes. “It’s like having a personal assistant.”
“Exactly. No more phone tag. Everyone sees the status in real time.”
My chest loosens. They’re actually interested.
Mary shakes her head. “This would free up hours every day.”
“Can we see it in action?” one of the newer staff asks. “Like, properly?”
“Yes!” I practically bounce, handing Mary a tablet. “Let’s simulate a real morning.”
For twenty minutes, we run through scenarios. Check-outs, early arrivals, blocked toilets. They’re all talking at once now, throwing out ideas, finishing each other’s sentences.
“What about our seasonal staff who don’t speak English well?” Linda asks. “Could it work in Polish?”
I pause, already building the language module in my head. “Not yet, but I could definitely look into it.”
They’re looking at me like I’ve created something miraculous.
I guess it’s not that surprising. Some of the tech they use in this hotel is so ancient it feels like it’s fromThe Shininghotel. They even installed an intercom system—an actual 1970s loudspeaker announcement system—that rarely gets used because nobodyunder sixty knows how to work it. There’s one in Patrick's office that I’m certain he’s never touched.
“This isn’t about replacing anyone,” I say over the chatter, smiling. “It’s about giving you time to do what you’re brilliant at instead of playing phone tag all day.”
Mary reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Love, this is going to change everything. When can we start using it?”
For the first time in weeks, I feel genuinely good at my job.
It’s a shame Patrick only ever sees me when I’m failing.
My phone rings just as I’m still floating from the housekeeping success. Craig’s name flashes on screen, and my stomach immediately drops.
“Hi Craig, I just sent through the report—”
“What the hell were you thinking? Promising features without authorization?”
I blink. “Sorry, what?”
“Other languages? Who told you to agree to that?”
“The housekeeping staff only asked if—”
“I don’t give a shit what they asked. You demonstrate what I have approved, nothing more.”
