Page 2 of Pick Yourself Up
But there was no way for Amber to make money on the farm. Her savings account was hefty, thanks to taking Burke’s advice on investments, but not having a regular paycheck made her stomach hurt.
She refocused back to Shirika. “I’m glad the lattes were a hit. Did the entire party arrive?”
Shirika nodded. “All seven of them. Once the admin registered for the entire group, he organized for Mr. Wells to be ushered to the elevator with three of the guards.”
Which meant he was another one of their clients who believed he was important enough to have bodyguards. The hotel’s exclusive nature meant it often catered to people who craved privacy. She never met some of them as their staff members handled all the business transactions.
Most people didn’t have so many guards, though. “There were three bodyguards?”
Shirika shook her head. “Four. The fourth one, the total hottie who wanted the espresso, asked for the link to the lobby cameras and checked out the security here in the lobby before he followed them up.”
When Amber suggested improved security for their high-end clients, she’d done extensive research. Adding security cameras to the lobby and hallways had been a smart decision. As had allowing their high-end clients access to the lobby cameras. The cameras couldn’t capture the hotel’s computer information, so it was a simple addition that helped guests feel more secure.
It wasn’t a breach of anyone’s privacy, as the lobby was a public space. They had the same view as if they sat in one of the comfy chairs scattered about. It was nice to know that another guest had availed themselves of the perk. Another proof the investment had been worth it.
“Why don’t you take a break, Shirika? I’m all caught up on paperwork and can handle the desk for an hour. Go put up your feet and have one of those lattes. Close your eyes for a few minutes.” Amber had ensured the staff break room had a smaller room off one end for people who wanted to catch a nap or even a few moments of privacy on their breaks.
Shirika shook her head. “I’m good, Amber.”
But Amber saw the woman’s eyes light up. She wouldn’t ever admit she was exhausted. Amber pushed. “You’re growing a human, Shirika. If the Wells party has arrived, it should be quiet for the rest of the evening. If anyone requires advice on restaurants or delivery services, I’m sure I can handle it.”
Shirika laughed. “You could handle that in your sleep with a horde of rats nibbling your toes.”
Amber laughed. “Where did that imagery come from?”
Shirika patted her round belly. “Little one moves a lot at night and induces the strangest dreams.”
Amber grinned. “Sounds like a good reason to go steal a nap. Go, I’ve got this.”
Shirika stood. “Thanks, Amber. If it gets busy or you need me, just call.”
“I will.” But she wouldn’t. Shirika deserved a break.
When she was alone in the lobby, Amber’s gaze roved the space, looking for anything to fix or clean. Nothing. Everything was serene and settled, precisely as it should be.
She wondered if Nathaniel Sidderlight had purchased another property. With the changes they’d made over the last few years, the man had made enough to open another hotel. Maybe a couple. But in his seventies, Nathaniel wasn’t sure he wanted more. He had no kids to leave it to and enjoyed traveling the world.
That didn’t appeal to Amber. She much preferred the peace and comfort of a home base. An actual home would be better, but for years, she’d lived in the hotels where she worked. As nice as her spaces were, they weren’t a home.
Maybe one day.
A group of three men strode into the lobby from the street door. They weren’t expecting more guests, but maybe they were part of the Wells party who had been out scouting the neighborhood.
The men wore dark suits, stretched to the limits with bulging muscles and matching grim expressions. A shiver of apprehension skittered down her spine, and she was glad she’d sent Shirika to the break room. Amber straightened and pasted on her best inn-keeper’s smile. “Welcome to The Sidderlight. How may I help you?”
One man looked at her, while the other two took in every detail of the lobby, focusing on the exits and the elevator.
Part of The Sidderlight policy was a commitment to privacy. The elevators wouldn’t open without an activated key card. The same applied to the stairwell doors. From the other floors, those were unlocked so people could leave freely, but it wasn’t easy to get to the hotel proper from the lobby. No strangers could wander the hallways or use the elevators.
Nerves had her fingers moving instinctively on the keyboard. As another nod to privacy, they’d installed a new security system in their computers. Part of that was an emergency code that would shut off the computers and lock them down. They would only be reactivated with a code from two high-level employees. Shutting it down would mean calling Mr. Sidderlight to reactivate it along with her.
She typed in the first part of the code, but didn’t press Enter yet. Not until she was sure.
The man leaned closer. “I’m with Brandon Wells. Which room?”
Amber wished she’d been in the lobby earlier. Maybe this was a legitimate request. But Shirika said the entire party had arrived and gone upstairs. “Could I see some identification, please?”
The man’s eyes darkened, and he growled. “Which room?”
