Page 72 of Sweeter than Honey
“Certainly not,” she replies. “And I’m sorry for bringing up work.”
“Actually, I like talking about work. Everyone gets so sick of hearing me go on about it, especially my mom. But I really like what I do.”
“And you’re good at it. The hotel operates much more smoothly since you’ve joined. Cycling schedules, creating a database of regular room requests, and the idea to have consistent vendors for all of our events. You’ve really improved the hotel’s operations.”
“Thank you.” It’s nice that she’s noticed. “Did you hear back from the flower vendor today with the updated contract?”
“I did,” she says eagerly.
We chat about the hotel for a little while. I don’t know if there’s anyone else who cares as much about the hotel as Renata and I. It’s wonderful to be able to share that passion with someone. I get the sense that she feels the same way. She’s always so frustrated with her sisters and the other managers. But with me, she’s different. It makes me feel special. And it’s exciting, to be able to talk to her this way. She really respects what I have to say, and she treats me like an equal.
“Oh, and I had an idea about the daycare,” I say to her. “It’s been so helpful for Eli. What do you think about starting a program so that other staff members can use it for their kids, too? I know that it would meanincreasing the hours, and maybe even expanding the space…”
“It’s anexcellentidea,” she says. “It would improve staff retention, which is very important to me.”
“Exactly! Eli loves it there, and it’s made a huge difference.” I take a little sip of champagne, and look over to her sheepishly. “I was…asking him about you. He really liked spending time with you the other week, and I wondered if maybe you wanted to see him again sometime. Maybe all three of us could do something.”
Her eyes flit away from me, for just a moment. I pause.
“I…do think Elijah is a very sweet boy,” Renata says, her words slow and deliberate. “But I’m not sure if it’s such a good idea for me to spend more time with him, right now. I’m so busy with everything going on, of course.”
“Of course,” I say quickly, but there’s no hiding the disappointment in my voice. She gives me a tight smile. “I’m sorry for suggesting it.”
“It’s all right, Lily.” She waves a hand.
I take another sip of champagne, finishing the glass. I wish I hadn’t said anything. Perhaps it’s too painful to be around Eli, since it reminds her of her own son. Or maybe I overestimated how serious things were between us.
“Well,” Renata says. “Shall we return to the hotel?”
“I think so,” I reply, hoping I haven’t soured the mood with my question. She stands, and takes my hand to help me rise.
I move toward the door we came through, but she gestures in the other direction.
“Just to be discreet,” she says.
“Oh! Yes, of course.” We thank the pianist, who gives us a warm nod, and then exit out of the back door.
I suppose I should be upset that we can’t be more public with our relationship, but there is something exhilarating about being a secret. Even if this is all it ever is between us, I’ll be happy.
The door exits to a side street. The car is already waiting for us. Renata opens the door for me.
“I could get used to this,” I giggle, as I enter the car.
“I hope you do,” she replies.
She gets in the other side, and the car accelerates smoothly as we drive off, back to the hotel.
“Did you have a pleasant evening?” Renata asks me, crossing her legs casually and putting her arm across the back seat behind her. I swoon at her proximity.
“I had awonderfulevening! I wish it didn’t have to end.”
“Perhaps it doesn’t,” she says slyly. She turns to the driver. “Take the long way home,” she tells him. Then she presses a button, and a dark partition rises between the back seat of the car and the front.
A warm shiver of anticipation runs through me, and I know she can sense my excitement. She fixes her deep eyes on me.
“All evening,” she says, looking up and down my body. “I’ve been wanting to tear that dress off of you.”
“Go ahead,” I whisper, my heart pounding.