Page 22 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

As I enter the hotel, I’m immediately aware of an enticing fragrance: a seductive blend of coffee, chocolate and cinnamon. As I breathe it in, almost hungrily, I become aware of my surroundings. Soft classical music plays at a volume that’s just enough to add to the atmosphere, without being intrusive. The immaculate black and white foyer is modern and minimalistic, with just a few abstract sculptures presented on tall narrow white columns peppered around the floor. It reminds me a little of a chessboard – a very high class one. But this certainly isn’t the game I want to be playing today. Reluctantly, I approach the long reception desk.

‘Good evening, ma’am.’ An attractive woman wearing what is obviously the hotel uniform greets me. ‘Welcome to the Mayfield Hotel. My name is Jiang. How may I help you?’

‘Hi.’ I force a smile in return. ‘I’m here to see Aaron, the General Manager.’

‘Do you have an appointment?’

‘Err… no I don’t, but I met him yesterday, and I was hoping I could have a quick word.’

‘No problem, ma’am.’ The woman smiles politely. ‘I’ll see if he’s available. May I take your name?’

‘It’s Liv. Liv Hamilton.’

‘Thank you, Ms Hamilton. Just one moment, please.’ She lifts the phone and pushes a button that must be a direct dial to Aaron’s office.

There’s an immediate answer.

‘Mr Gardiner?’ the receptionist addresses him. ‘I have someone at reception asking to see you… a Ms Hamilton… Ms Liv Hamilton… no problem, thank you, sir, I’ll let her know.’

She hangs up the phone.

‘He’ll be down in a moment. He said he was expecting you.’ She smiles, assuming this is good news.

He was expecting me? My heart starts to pound. He knew this would happen. As if it isn’t humiliating enough, having to come and grovel for a job, he probably had a sweepstake running on how long it would take me. He’s certainly played a blinder of a first move. My face burning. I turn away from the receptionist and consider whether to do a runner. I’m like a rabbit caught. If I run for it, I’ll get it in the neck from Dylan, and if I stay, it’ll be Aaron making a meal of me.

Despite my desperation, I realise the better option is to stay and face the humiliation from Aaron. If I endure that, I have some hope of keeping a roof over my head.

‘Liv. Good to see you.’ Aaron suddenly sweeps into the reception area from nowhere, looking – in my opinion – just a little bit too smug. ‘Let’s go have a chat, shall we?’

Offering him an uncomfortable smile, I obediently follow Aaron up a large, sweeping staircase, aware of the receptionist’s eyes on us as we go. I glance back for a moment and offer her a brief smile, all too aware that I may be her colleague in just a few days’ time. She beams at me in return.

Aaron silently leads me down a corridor to a large office that has his name, along with ‘General Manager’, engraved on a metal plaque on the door. Opening the door, he ushers me inside and then closes it behind us.

‘Please take a seat.’ He gestures to a chair in front of his desk, and then retreats behind it to sit in his own.

I sit down gingerly.

‘So, what can I do for you, Liv?’ His tone is brisk; he bobs a little in his seat, his hands clasped together in anticipation.

Is he kidding? He knows damn well why I’m here.

‘I… err… assume you know why I’ve come to see you.’ I awkwardly pull my hair with my thumb and forefinger. ‘The receptionist said you were expecting me.’

‘I said that?’ He looks surprised, but I can see a slight glint in his eye.

He’s not going to give me an easy ride. And after the way I fobbed him off the day before, I can’t really blame him. I’m just going to have to suck it up and play the game.

‘OK, well… the reason I’m here is… after meeting you yesterday, I did some sums and realised that I’m not as comfortable financially as I originally thought. You know, it’s probably best if I think ahead.’

‘How long till you go under?’ Aaron appraises me knowingly, leaving a gaping hole in my line of pawns.

‘About two months.’ I look at the floor in embarrassment.

‘CanDylannot help you out?’ Unapologetically, he goes straight for my queen.

‘No.’ I continue playing with my hair.

‘What about the temping job?’

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