“Assistant manager. Yeah,” I replied. “I’ve hired a few, but they haven’t worked out. Why? You know somebody?”
Raphael nodded. “My cousin works for another small hotel down here, but he’s gay and femme, and his general manager is a homophobic asshole.”
I gave Raphael one of my cards. “Have him send over his résumé.”
The other man smiled. “Great. Thank you so much.” He met my gaze. “So, dinner on Thursday night?”
“Sounds great.”
THIRTY
SEAN
“Do you have any questions for me? Thoughts about Moonlight?” I leaned back in my seat and eyed Miguel Ramirez, Raphael’s cousin. From everything I learned about him in the interview and his résumé, he was perfect for the assistant manager job and would make a valuable addition to our team.
I could say objectively that the man was gorgeous. He had fine-boned features and big dark eyes, well-highlighted by some artfully applied eyeliner and just a hint of mascara. His dark hair was cut short on the sides and was thick and wavy on top.
If we were planning to make Moonlight a mecca for gay couples, he would definitely bring the boys to the yard. Just not this boy. I had my sexy pianist waiting for me after this interview was over.
He looked uncertain for a moment, which was odd because he had been confident throughout the whole interview. “Would you think less of me if I quit my job so I could start here tomorrow?”
His question caught me by surprise, and I barked a laugh. “Under normal circumstances, I would have a problem with that. But Raphael told me about your GM, so I honestly can’t blame you for wanting to leave.”
I leaned forward in my chair. “I’d really like you to work for us. If you want to start tomorrow, I won’t say no. As I’m sure you know, we have a big wedding coming in a week and a half, and Evan and Raphael’s guests will start arriving in three days.” A thought occurred to me. “Oh shit. Are you supposed to go to their wedding?”
Miguel shrugged and gave me a wry smile. “I was. I even put in for the day three months ago, but my boss took it away because someone else needed the time off.”
I shook my head. “Jesus Christ.” I smiled at him. “Be here by nine tomorrow morning. Caitlin will show you around and get you started. I have a feeling it won’t take you long to get up to speed.”
Miguel’s smile was blinding. He stood up and put out his hand. “Thank you, Mr. O’Neil. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
I rose and took his outstretched hand. “Same. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
His lips turned up in a wicked grin. “I will once I tell Glen I quit.”
That got me laughing again. “I can’t say I blame you.”
I almost felt sorry for this Glen guy—but not really. He sounded like a dick. I walked Miguel to the front door and told him I’d see him bright and early tomorrow. I quickly texted Caitlin to let her know she would have a new trainee in the morning, then made my way to the dining room where Jeremy was practicing for the wedding. I honestly couldn’t see what he needed to practice. It always sounded good to me.
When I got to the dining room, Jeremy wasn’t playing one of the pieces for Evan’s wedding. I tilted my head to listen for a bit before realizing what it was. “‘Rhapsody in Blue,’” I murmured. I sat down to listen to him play the jazz concerto and tried to imagine how it would sound with a full orchestra behind him. It would no doubt be amazing.
When the last notes sounded, Jeremy looked up and saw me. The smile he gave me lit me up from the inside out. God, I felt so much for this man. I kept telling myself it was too soon to feel this strongly about someone. What was even more wonderful—and scary—was Jeremy seemed to feel the same way.
I went over to him and pulled him up for a kiss. He sighed softly and settled his head against my chest. “Hey, baby,” I said. “Playing a little Gershwin for fun?”
Jeremy pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. “Maybe? I might be playing it in a concert.”
I felt a surge of elation for him. “Really? That’s great. When did that happen?”
He checked his smartwatch. “About an hour ago. I got a call from an old colleague who saw the live stream of the concert. They’re doing a Gershwin tribute in July, and he asked me to playRhapsody in Blue.” He blew out a breath. “At Carnegie Hall.”
“Which orchestra?” I asked.
“The New York Philharmonic.”
My eyes went wide. “Whoa. Are you going to do it?”
“I think so?” He took a deep breath. “I told him I’d let him know later today. I’m going to have a video call with Shonda Davis”—he checked his watch again—“in about twenty minutes.”
