Page 4 of Before and After

“If it’s contagious, don’t share the germs,” another housekeeper called out.

There were murmurs and nods.

“Luckily, our cleaning products contain commercial-grade disinfectants.” I smiled. “Let’s all get to work. You know the drill. If you have any issues, radio me.” I held up a hand. “And never forget that we’re the backbone of this place. Because of our work, the Langston Windward is such a great hotel. Go, make it shine.”

There were grins as my team headed off, carts rattling.

“Allie?” One of my younger team members, Wade, stepped in front of me. “I’mreallysorry, but I need a few days off next week.” He clasped his hands together like he was praying.

Great. Last-minute roster changes always sucked. “Why?”

“My mom is moving house. I need to help her pack and move.” He shot me a pleading look. “If she didn’t need the help, I wouldn’t ask.”

I blew out a breath. “Message me. I’ll sort it out for you.”

He smiled. “Thanks. You’re thebest, Allie.”

I ran through the notes from the night supervisor. I shunted a few maintenance requests to Everett, our head of maintenance. He was another Windward local. We’d gone to school together. Tucking my tablet under my arm, I headed through to the staff office area, when a female voice called out my name.

“Allie, there you are.” Tessa Ashford bustled toward me in her tight-fitting, navy skirt, and white shirt.

She was the hotel manager and my best friend. We’d grown up in Windward together. Unlike me, all Tessa had ever dreamed about was managing this hotel. She’d made her dream come true, and had recently also fallen in love.

“Hey,” I said.

“Morning.” She was sipping a coffee from Mountain Brew. It was the best coffee shop in Colorado. Yeah, I was biased.

I stared at that cup long enough that Tessa huffed out a breath and handed it to me.

“It’s only half full.” Her brow knitted as she scanned me. “You look like you need it.”

“I stayed up late doing laundry.”

“You wild thing, you.”

I gulped the coffee down.Oh. I closed my eyes and savored the latte goodness. It was so delicious. I didn’t have the money to buy expensive coffees anymore. I’d also had to give up myfavorite chocolates. I’d learned quickly that kids outgrew their clothes and shoes insanely fast.

“Do you need a moment?” Tessa asked, amused.

I opened my eyes. She was glowing. I guessed that was one of the perks of being crazy in love. Tessa had fallen for the new owner of the hotel, billionaire hotelier Ambrose “Ro” Langston. She could afford good coffee, and got regular orgasms from her hot guy.

“You woke up wrapped around a billionaire, who no doubt gave you multiple orgasms before breakfast,andgot you a Mountain Brew. I stepped on a LEGO brick, ate Pop Tarts for breakfast, and dropped my kid off at school.” I held up the coffee cup. “This is as close to orgasms as I’m getting.” I took another sip.

“How’s Ollie?”

I noticed she didn’t refute the multiple orgasms thing. I sighed. “Sad, too quiet, won’t hold my hand.”

She grabbed my arm. “He knows you’re there for him. He just needs time. His mind is still processing everything.”

I nodded. Tessa would know. She’d lost her parents at eight years old in a car accident, and had been raised by her aunt. I knew that was a big reason why she’d bent over backward to give me a job at the hotel and help me out. But I also knew she’d done it because she was a good person and a good friend.

“I’d better get to work. Broody already razzed me for being five minutes late.” I rolled my eyes.

My friend’s lips twitched. “Did you call him Broody to his face?”

“Yep.” I held up the coffee cup. “I’m keeping this.”

She waved a hand at me. “My gift to you.”