Page 107 of Revv

“Something like that.”

He catches me looking and gives me a slow side-eye, mouth tipping into that cocky little grin. “Or did you have something else in mind for me this weekend, Mama?”

I grab my suitcase and start toward the hotel. “Keep walking.”

His laugh follows right behind me.

“And careful with that,” I add over my shoulder, nodding toward the case in his hands.

“Mama, I’ve carried motorcycle engines.”

“And? That is my DJ controller, not a fucking engine. Be careful with her.”

He looks down at it. “Her?”

“Yes, her.”

“Starting to think you care about this thing more than me.”

I glance back at him. “You say that like there was ever any competition.”

He lets out a low laugh. “Damn. Good thing I’m pretty.”

“Debatable.”

“You were staring pretty hard five seconds ago.”

“A moment of weakness.”

“Sure it was.”

I push through the hotel doors before he can get any more pleased with himself, and cool air hits my skin hard enough to make me shiver after the heat outside.

The lobby opens up in front of us with pale tile, brass pendant lights, soft green velvet furniture, and a wall of glass overlooking a courtyard where a long pool glitters between white loungers and palm trees.

A small bar sits tucked into one corner beneath mirrored shelves of bottles, and hanging plants spill down from the ceiling like somebody decided tropical but expensive was the assignment.

Festival weekend has clearly taken over the place.

Half the people checking in have Sol Fuego wristbands already.

A group of girls in bikini tops and cargo pants are taking pictures near the elevators, two guys with equipment cases are arguing with a bellhop, and somebody walks past me wearing enough silver glitter to qualify as reflective safety gear.

I love it.

I try not to smile too much as I approach the desk and hand over my ID.

The woman behind the counter pulls up my reservation, clicks around for a few seconds, then gives me the apologetic smile every traveler recognizes immediately.

“Okay, Ms. Mendez. I have you in 417, one king bed, balcony facing the city. Checkout is Sunday at eleven.”

I glance at Revel.

Then back at her.

“Right. About that.” I hook a thumb toward him. “He was a last-minute addition. Do you have anything with two beds? Or even just a second room?”

Her fingers move over the keyboard again while I silently bargain with the universe.