“Will this be to your liking?” I ask, stopping just short of curtsying.
“Yes, it should be fine,” he says, striding further into the room to inspect it. “But let’s do away with the flowers and the tablecloth. I’ll need the space.”
Kat and I exchange a quick glance, then I gesture for her to remove the vase, and I make quick work of folding the offending tablecloth. Just as I finish, there’s a knock at the adjoining door. Mr. Rojas strides over to it with the confidence of a rich man and swings it open.
His brother stands there, dripping all over the floor and grinning. “The rooms aren’t anything special, but the pool is filled with hot chicks.”
“You do realize you’re soaking the floor,” Theo tells him, hurrying to the bathroom and returning with a towel. He offers it to his brother. “Dry yourself off, then wipe up the floor.”
Huh. That’s actually sort of thoughtful toward the housekeeping staff.
Kat, who is holding the heavy vase, is grinning at Markos Rojas like she wants to be the towel he’s rubbing his face with right now. I clear my throat and smile at Theo. “Will there be anything else?”
“Some fresh towels please,” he says in a haughty tone.
“Of course,” I tell him, making my way toward the door. Kat follows me, then breaks off towards the elevator while I go to the linen closet.
It’s not exactly my job to fetch towels, but this is what separates an events manager from an events coordinator—the ability and willingness to go above and beyond. Even for the most awful of guests.
When I get back, the door to his room has been propped open, and I can hear Markos (who sounds a little tipsy). “Come on,hermano, she’s perfect for you. She’s as tightly wound as you are. Plus, she’s cute.”
“You’re as bad as Mother, trying to find me a wife, but don’t bother. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little busy trying to save the company at the moment. And even if Iwerelooking for love, I’m certainly not going to find it with some dowdy-looking hotel worker in a cheap suit that doesn’t fit her.”
And that’s the moment when he notices me standing in the doorway, holding a stack of freshly laundered towels. The scent of the fabric softener fills my nostrils, making me slightly nauseous. Or is that from the humiliation?
Giving him a slight nod, I take the towels into the bathroom, then back out, careful to avoid seeing myself in the mirror. I already know I look like I’m about to cry. I don’t need to see it. When I return to the doorway, I manage to lift my chin to look him in the eye. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
His dark brown eyes are filled with shame, as they should be. Clearing his throat, he says, “No, thank you, Nora. Everything is… fine.”
“If you have any other requests, please call the front desk.” And by that I mean,Don’t bother calling me, you raging asshole.
8
Awful Moments That Will Haunt You Forever
Theo
“How to winfriends and influence people,” Markos says as soon as the door closes behind Ms. Cooper. “I had no idea you were such a fashion snob.”
“Thanks a lot for that,” I snap, guilt gnawing at my chest.
“Hey, you’re the one who said she’s plain and a terrible dresser,” he says, holding up his hands.
“I didn’t say she was plain.”
“You said dowdy. Same thing.”
Oh, for God’s sake. Am I really arguing with my idiot brother about my choice of words?“Yes, well, in the future, please don’t make such ridiculous suggestions. I’m supposed to be saving the reputation of the company, not creating a new one for myself as a total prick.” I yank off my tie.
“It’s not ridiculous. She is pretty. And very serious like you. I suspect you two would really hit it off. Or at least you would if you didn’t think of yourself as so far above everyone else on the planet.”
Tossing the tie on the bed, I shrug off my jacket. “I don’t think I’m better than other people. I was just trying to get you off my back.”
“And hurting that poor girl’s feelings in the process.”
“Don’t remind me,” I tell him, my face heating up again with shame. “It didn’t seem to bother her too much though, did it?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
He tilts his head. “I think she was holding back some tears.”
