Page 69 of Sweeter than Honey

After a few chapters, the phone on my side table rings. I jump. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a land line. I hope nothing’s wrong at the hotel. I pick it up.

“Good evening, Lily,” says a smooth voice from the other end.

Am I dreaming? “Renata? Is that you?”

“Of course. I’m sorry to call you outside of your working hours…”

“Is everything ok?” I pull the covers away and swing my legs out of bed.

“Yes, yes, it’s nothing like that. I just wondered if you’re doing anything tonight.”

I pause. “Oh…no, I’m not…I just got into bed.”

“Ah.” Shesounds a little disappointed. “That’s all right then…”

“No, no! I mean, I could easily get out of bed, if…”

“If there was a car, waiting for you at the entrance of the hotel?”

There’s a flicker of excitement in my stomach. “Really?”

“Yes, really. But take your time if you need to get ready. I told them to wait.”

“What should I wear?”

“Something nice. But I won’t spoil the surprise.”

“Ok.” I’m grinning wider than I thought was possible.

“I’ll see you soon, Lily.”

“See you soon.”

I hang up the phone. Giddy with delight, I rush to find my best dress and lipstick.

“Ooh, Lily!” screeches Chelsie from her spot along the concierge desk. “You look nice!”

I redden, as whoops and cheers emanate from the staff along both lines of the long lobby desks. It’s a busy Saturday night, and guests checking in turn to look at what all the fuss is about. I smooth the folds of my dress self-consciously. When Renata said “nice,” I didn’t know what to do, so I picked the nicest outfit I own - a slinky, silk pink dress that I wore to my friend’s wedding last spring. I knew it would fit, and I had matching shoes and a shade of lipstick that I hope is close enough. I attempted to make my hair wavy, although the jury is still out about whether or not I was successful. And finally, I put a little cover-up on the marks on my neck. I hope nobody can tell.

“You look beautiful!” Arun shouts encouragingly with a big wave. His shirt is unbuttoned again, and his loose khaki shorts are definitely not dress code-appropriate for the front desk. But I’m not on duty tonight, so I’m not saying anything. I give him an appreciative smile.

Hallie and Lilith lean out over their desks with matching expressions of innocent curiosity.

“Where are you going, Lily?” Hallie asks.

“It’s just a little date,” I tell her.

“Doesn’t look little,” Hallie comments. “You’re so dressed up! Who is it with?”

“Oh, it’s new,” I wrinkle my nose. I wish I could tell her, but I knowI can’t. “I don’t want to jinx it.”

“Your hair issopretty,” Lilith says.

“Thanks,” I sigh. “It took me ages to get it to curl. My hair is so thin, it never stays.”

“Hold on.” Lilith closes her eyes and twitches her nose. A little twinkle of crimson light emanates from her fingers and settles in my hair. My wavy locks shiver, and they seem to perk up. The young witch opens her eyes, and smiles when she sees her handiwork. “There you go, that should do it.”

“Thanks, Lilith,” I tell her, gratefully running my fingers through my hair. “If you need a job once you graduate…”