Page 93 of In Spades

“I don’t feel like I am,” she said softly. “I don’t know why you want me.”

“I want you because of everything that you are. You are so goddamn beautiful. You are the hardest working person I’ve ever met. You take pride in your job and give it your all even when you’re tired. You care for every single person in your life. You’re generous and kind.”

Tears welled up in her eyes.

I tipped her chin up and leaned down until my lips found hers. “And I’ll make sure to remind you every day.”

21

KRISTIN

The housekeeping cart squeaked as I pulled it down the hallway of the Taylor Creek Inn. My phone buzzed where it rested on the stack of individually wrapped toilet paper rolls. The screen flashed with an incoming text from Will.

Will

I used to enjoy work trips, but now all I can think about is going home and being with you. Tell me again how much longer it is until I get to see you?

Kristin

Two more days. I miss you. How’s Virginia?

Will

You know what they say, Virginia is for Lovers.

Kristin

Hmm. Maybe when you get back, we’ll finally check the “lovers” box of this relationship.

Will

At the risk of sounding like a complete asshat, please tell me you filled your prescription this morning.

Kristin

Filled, taken, and I have a daily reminder on my phone, so I won’t forget.

Will

Damn, I love that you’re an overachiever. It’s sexy. Also, exactly how long can I kidnap you for when I get back? I plan on keeping you in my bed for as long as possible. I’ll stock up on Gatorade and protein bars.

Kristin

Not long enough. After the week I’ve had, I’m ready to hide from the kids for a solid 48 hours. Does that make me a terrible person?

Maria cleared her throat. “Are we going to clean, or are we going to stand in the hallway all day and text our boyfriends?”

I rolled my eyes and pocketed my phone. “Oh, please. I can text with one hand, turn rooms over with the other, and still finish faster than you.”

If I couldn’t work by myself, cleaning with Maria was my next favorite thing. She was such a sweet woman. After a full domestic life as a mom of six and grandmother of ten, she came out of retirement to work at the inn.

In her words, she got bored easily.

She wore her wispy gray hair pulled back in a staunch bun. The lines around her eyes framed a twinkle of amusement in her dark irises.

“Have you heard anything about the new management?” she asked as she refreshed the minibar while I started stripping the bed.

The tension among the staff had lessened since news first broke that the inn would be sold. It still lingered in the back of everyone’s mind, though. The company signing our paychecks changed, but other than that, everything stayed the same. It should have been a relief. After all, they could have cleaned house and brought in their own staff. I counted putting up with Rich the Dick as a blessing.

---