Patricia huffed, turned back to the screen, and typed harder than necessary.
A second passed.
Then another.
Her expression shifted.
First irritation.
Then confusion.
Then fear.
Her fingers stopped.
Karla leaned closer. “What?”
Patricia swallowed.
“Suite 904,” she whispered.
Karla’s arms unfolded.
Patricia’s face had gone pale beneath her makeup.
“Corporate reservation,” she said. “Confirmed two weeks ago.”
Ethan did not smile.
He did not say, I told you.
He did not even move.
Lupita’s gaze dropped to the roses.
“They’re beautiful, sir,” she said softly. “Are they for someone special?”
La pregunta le entró como una mano tocando un moretón.
“Mi esposa,” dijo Ethan. “Mañana marca tres años desde que falleció”.
The lobby seemed to grow quieter.
Lupita’s face softened in a way that almost hurt.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Let me get a vase. Flowers like that shouldn’t be left to wilt.”
