Page 4 of Sweeter than Honey

“It would be a huge favour,” I say. “I’ll find someone to cover the rest of your shift, and I’ll send you the forms immediately.”

“Ok!” She hurries excitedly around the desk. “It’s the CEO’s office, right?”

“You can come down with me,” I tell her. “I’ll meet you at the elevators.”

I find the other donor and tell him that his services won’t be needed tonight, although we’ll compensate him appropriately for the mix-up. I offer him a complementary dinner at the lounge for his trouble, and he goes happily on his way. The great thing about working at a luxury hotel is that almost anything can be smoothed over by some complementary food and drink.

Or, depending on your persuasion, by a blood donor of the right type.

Chapter 2: Xavian Night

Lily

The elevator car is already there when I meet Chelsie. I select the “O” button for the office floor. The elevator is roomy, with mirrors along three sides. Chelsie adjusts her bun and smooths the folds of her skirt.

“Do I look ok?” she asks breathlessly.

“You look fine,” I reply. “But it doesn’t matter what you-”

“I’ve met her a couple of times,” Chelsie interrupts. “She’s just so…glamorous. If I had known, I would have worn something nicer.”

To my embarrassment, I feel a slight flush crossing my cheeks. But luckily, Chelsie is too preoccupied by her reflection to notice.

Then the elevator doors shut, and the familiar feeling of dread washes over my chest. I have claustrophobia, a fear of enclosed spaces. It was never much of a problem before I used to work at a hotel, but now it always gets triggered when I take the elevators. If I had more time, I would take the stairs, but let’s be real, Ineverhave time to take the stairs.

I was hoping my claustrophobia would go away with time, but it only seems to be getting worse. And I’m already a little on edge because of the busy start to my shift, so I inhale and exhale deeply to steady myself.

Then the elevator doors open with a chime, and the tension in my chest releases. The office floor is anything but cramped. It’s modern and elegant, with soft lighting and a generous reception desk stretching across its expansive entrance. The walls are a warm creamcolour, with leafy potted plants in marble holders providing a natural ambiance to balance out the sleek decor.

“Evening, Lily,” says the receptionist with a smile. “Ten minutes!”

“Thank you, I’ll set the donor up,” I reply, ushering Chelsie down the hallway.

“I don’t come down here often,” she notes. “It’s so nice, I’m jealous you get to work here!”

“You wouldn’t be so jealous if you saw my email inbox,” I reply with a chuckle.

The executive offices are at the end of the main hallway, adjacent to the boardroom. I have a wraparound oak desk outside the CEO’s office. Even though I emptied it before the end of my last shift, my wooden physical inbox is piled high with active files and paperwork, but I’ll have to deal with that later. I leave my purse on my desk chair and turn toward the office door. It’s solid mahogany, with a gold name plate. “Chief Executive Officer - Renata Espina.” I press my fingerprint to the keypad beside the door and it beeps, then the latch opens.

Chelsie gasps softly as we step inside.

By now, I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that the CEO’s office is an architectural masterpiece. Floor-to-ceiling windows look over the courtyard and lakeview in the distance. The last rays of light are disappearing as the sun sinks into the dark blue water. Stars and the dim outline of the moon are already present in the sky. I’m hesitant, as I am each night, to turn on the lights.

When I do, the view disappears, but the rest of the office comes clearly into focus. The sleek mahogany desk, devoid of any untidy papers or pens. The soft, cream-coloured leather chair perched perfectly behind it. The line of hotel awards gleaming proudly on the shelf.

And, most importantly for Chelsie, a full leather couch at the back of the office. I gesture for her to sit, which she does.

“I’ll send you all of the paperwork and instructions,” I tell her, aware of the quickly setting sun in the distance. “Please read through them. I know we don’t have much time, but it’s important for you to know all of the…”

“I’ll be fine,” she says with a wide grin. Then she takes her hands to her hair. “Oh! Hair up or down, what do you think?”

“Whatever you prefer,” I reply. “She’ll be in momentarily. If you have any questions at all, just buzz for me on the speaker phone on the desk.”

“Thank yousomuch, Lily,” she squeals.

I give her a nod, before exiting the office and taking my seat at my desk.

My phone chimes.Five minutes, says the bright notification screen.