Page 1 of The Wife Situation

1

LEXI

“Housekeeping.” I lightly tap my knuckles against the door and wait for movement on the other side.

When I receive no response, I hold my key card above the reader and push it open while balancing a stack of towels with one hand. Who says I’m not talented?

I flick on the light and am startled by an older man wrapped in a towel. As I begin my apology, he chuckles and reveals hisTootsie Rollas if it were a magic trick. All that is missing is avoilà. Shock takes over, and I gasp, drop the clean towels onto the floor, and rush out of the room. It’s the second time this has happened today.

“Shit,” I whisper with my hand over my heart.

New York isnothinglike my hometown that’s located in western Texas. But the city isn’t new for me either. It’s where I called home while attending New York University. A lifetime has passed since then.

Two months ago, when my life spiraled out of control, I packed a suitcase and returned to this concrete jungle. Needless to say, I’m still adjusting.

“Lexi,” Carlee says as the service elevator doors open behind me. Her dark hair is twisted into a neat bun, and her uniform is pristine.

I stalk toward my best friend and temporary roommate. We can add coworkers to that list too.

Her mouth transforms into a smile. “Let me guess … you saw another dick?”

“Yes! It was tiny, and his balls looked like … raisins.”

“The visual you created in my brain—disgusting.” She fishes her phone from her pocket and unlocks it. “Did you see this audition?”

I lean over, knowing we’re not supposed to have our devices out, and speed-read the listing.

Carlee stays informed with theater news and celebrity gossip. She even has a blog where she posts about it, hoping to one day become a journalist. If I need to know anything, she’s my go-to.

“A lead,” I whisper, meeting her eyes.

It’s only a preview, but it could be significant if the show does well.Broadway huge.

It’s the type of role that could change my life, something I dreamed of landing before I moved back to Texas eight years ago to be with Beau, my ex. So much has happened, but it’s like nothing has changed.

Carlee playfully elbows me as I get lost in my thoughts. “Anyway, it’s tonight, and youhaveto go. You’re exactly what they’re looking for.”

“Ihaveto work until seven,” I remind her, my hands moving down the crisp apron tied around my waist. “And I needthisjob, remember? Mr. Martin will fire me if I leave early.”

I’m still in my ninety-day probation period at the W, one of the most elite hotels in the city. It’s so luxurious that the name is one letter. No others are needed.

Celebrities, royalty, and even billionaires frequent these walls, and if I have one slip-up or missed shift, I’ll be terminated with no questions asked. So, until I find my dream job, this one will have to do. Other than the romance books I consume, working here is the only form of entertainment I have. Often, my shifts are the only reason I leave our tiny apartment.

“You once told me the risk is worth the reward,” she reminds me.

I meet her brown eyes. “Sometimes, it is. And when it came to you starting your blog, I was right, wasn’t I?”

“You were,” she says.

“But this?” I hesitate, glancing down at her phone. I read the requirements again. I’m indifferent, but lately, I’ve felt that way about life in general, so maybe it’s ameproblem. “I dunno.”

“Look, I got approval to stay over to cover for you. Before you decline the offer, it’s a selfish request. There are a lot of suits here because of the diamond convention tomorrow, and you know how I feel about a well-dressed man. Staying over gives me more time to admire, listen for hot new gossip, or find a weekend fling.” She gives me a mischievous smirk.

Gorgeous men in thousand-dollar suits frequent the W, and while they’re Carlee’s type, none ever fraternize with hired help. We’re invisible to the rich, so it’s a lost cause. She’s being kind.

“You’re sure?”

“Fuck yes.”

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