“My daughter will sleep just fine,” Ethan interrupted. He turned back to Lupita. “Lupita, tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, I want you to meet with the regional director of human resources in the executive office upstairs. Your title is changing. You are being appointed as the new Guest Relations Manager for this flagship property. You will be given full authority to restructure the front-desk training program from the ground up.”
Lupita’s eyes widened, her hand moving to her throat. “Mr. Vance… I don’t know what to say. I only wanted to make sure the little girl had a bed.”
“Which is exactly why you are qualified for the position,” Ethan said, offering her a rare, genuine smile. “The company needs people who see the human being before they see the reservation tier.”
He turned his attention back to the desk one last time. Patricia and Karla stood frozen, awaiting the final hammer to fall.
“As for the two of you,” Ethan said, his voice dropping to a cold, professional finality, “your employment with Vance Hospitality is terminated, effective immediately. You may leave your keycards on the desk. Security will escort you from the premises to collect your personal belongings.”
Without waiting for a response, and ignoring the hushed murmurs that suddenly broke out among the onlookers in the lobby, Ethan adjusted Lily one last time. He picked up the bouquet of bruised roses from the counter, holding them securely against his side.
He walked past the grand columns, past the glittering displays of wealth, and through the revolving glass doors into the cool night air. The city lights twinkled across the damp pavement. As he hailed a standard yellow cab at the curb, Lily mumbled something in her sleep, her small hand tightening around the ear of her stuffed rabbit.
Ethan kissed the top of her head, stepping into the back seat of the taxi. They would find a quiet, ordinary place to sleep tonight. Tomorrow, they would find the perfect vase for Sarah’s roses, and the ritual would continue, unbroken and untainted by the arrogance of the world they had left behind.
