by Hazel Kelly
“I can’t go.”
“What are you talking about?” I sat up. “You have to be there.”
“My Dad’s taken a turn for the worse.”
“Is he all right?”
“At the moment he is, but I have to go to Florida this weekend. Just in case.”
“I’m sorry. You should’ve told me. You could’ve gone down for the week.” And not missed the fucking party.
“You don’t mean that,” she said, slipping her feet into her heels. “Plus, you wouldn’t have had a hotel to celebrate if I didn’t work this week. Not one with lighting anyway.”
“Give your parents my best.
She nodded.
“And if they need anything just-”
“Thanks. I will.”
I closed my eyes and listened as she walked down the stairs and let herself out. Was she right? Was I incapable of love? I didn’t think so. After all, I loved my job and every one of my hotels. I loved working out. I loved sex. I loved eating in fine restaurants and traveling and jazz. And I loved women. Generally, though. Not specifically.
But Laura was right. I didn’t love her. I don’t know if I ever did. Even before she fucked that Arab pool boy. Pathetic.
I loved that she was smart. I loved her long legs and the fact that she was absolutely cut throat at her job. But as a person I didn’t love her any more than I loved calamari. I wouldn’t give calamari up for her or anything.
Was that love? Compromise? That’s what that psycho told us. That I had a compromising problem. Even though no one compromised our marriage more than she did with her pills and her pool boy. If I ever did love her, she had beaten my love to death with drama and deceit.
The only reason I still fucked her was because it was so easy for both of us. She was good at it, and I didn’t have time for a relationship. Not that I couldn’t make time if I wanted to. I could do whatever the fuck I wanted whenever I wanted. And I could probably do whoever the fuck I wanted, too.
But I couldn’t remember the last time I met a woman that really excited me. I met gorgeous women all the time in my line of work. Gorgeous rich women and gorgeous working class women. But they were all so predictable, so needy. I could imagine a whole shallow relationship with them in the time it took to jack off to their memory. So I didn’t really see the point in putting in the effort.
Someday when my hotel empire was where I wanted it to be, I would have more time to look for love. More time to compromise. After all, I took care of myself. I still had my looks and my hair. I had plenty of time to meet someone special. And when I did, I would make her mine and that would be that.
But at the moment I had more important things to do.
Chapter 3: Ella
There was actually a red carpet when we showed up. It ran all the way from the doors of the hotel to the curb.
“Don’t just sit there.” My Mom nudged me from the other side of the cab. “Get out already.”
“Oh right. Sorry.” I thanked the driver and as I opened the door, I realized that getting out of the car required all of my concentration. My shoes were so high I’d avoided wearing them ever since I bought them, and I had absolutely no faith in my new strapless bra. I pulled my dress up while my Mom got out of the cab after me.
“Don’t yank your dress like that.”
“Leave me alone,” I said. “If I’m going to flash everyone, it’s going to be at the end of the party.”
She linked her arm in mine and we walked towards the door. Between her bad hips and my proficiency in high heels, I was worried we might never reach the entrance, but when we did, two doormen in immaculate suits opened the double doors for us. As soon as we stepped inside, I felt warmed by the champagne colored entry way. It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut while I looked around. Right in front of us was the largest bouquet of flowers I’d ever seen in my life. In fact, I don’t think bouquet is even the right word. It was like a garden growing out of the middle of the table.
“Look at that chandelier,” my Mom whispered to me as we followed the people in front of us. “It’s bigger than my car.”
She was right. The chandelier was not only bigger than her car, it was prettier, too. And it didn’t look like any of its lights were out.
I assumed we were going in the right direction because the music was getting louder. Of course, it wasn’t like any music I’d heard recently in the college bars I was used to going to. It sounded like a live jazz band.
“Good evening,” a young woman said when we’d reached the table beside the open doors. “Can I have your name, please?”
My Mom cleared her throat. “Barbara Riley.”
The woman looked down at a clipboard in front of her and then up at me.
“And this is my daughter Ella. She’s my plus one.”
“Table 16,” the woman said with a smile. “That’ll be two from the end on the right side of the room.”
“Thanks,” I said, deciding not to make a joke about needing a map. Which was a good thing, too, because when I saw how big the ballroom was, she might have thought I was serious. I couldn’t believe how beautiful everything looked from the table settings to the flower arrangements. Everything was so professional, so flawless. It was exactly the kind of party I hoped I would be able to organize someday.
“Aren’t you glad you came?” My Mom asked as she took her seat.
“I am, yeah. This is fabulous.” I hung my shawl on the back of my chair and located the bar. “Can I get you a drink?”
“I’m fine with water-”
“Have a drink, Mom.”
She smiled. “Okay.”
“What would you like?”
“Something sweet.”
“Right.”
“And not too strong.”
“I’m on it.”
I made my way across the dance floor towards the bar and ordered two glasses of champagne. I normally only drank cheap champagne on New Years’, but this was a special occasion. While I waited for the drinks I noticed two men talking at the end of the bar. One of them had his back to me but the other was really handsome. He had one of those chiseled faces that looked good in any light.
I looked back across the dance floor to make sure my Mom was okay. She looked like she was chatting to some people that had just arrived at our table.
“Hello.”
I jumped.
“Sorry,” the handsome man said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay- I just- I thought you were- over there.”
He smiled. “I was, and I’m flattered that you noticed me, too.”
I felt myself blush.
“What brings you here tonight?”
“My Mother is a friend of Mr. Abbott’s. I’m her plus one.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes. He’s done a lot to help her charity.”
“And what charity is that?”
“The Nest. They help the homeless.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that.” He leaned against the bar with his elbow and faced me. His chest was so broad it made the entire room behind him disappear. “And what do you do?”
“I’m actually just between jobs right now. I’m hoping to find something more relevant to my major.” The bartender put two glasses of champagne on the bar in front of me. “Thanks.” I turned towards the handsome man and whispered. “Is this the kind of place where you leave a tip?”
He shook his head. “No. I think you’re supposed to save your money for the charity raffle.”
“Right, thanks.”
“Plus, I heard Mr. Abbott pays his staff more than fairly.”
“Of course. I didn’t mean any offense.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He lifted a finger at the bartender. “What did you say you studied?”
“Hospitality and event management.”
“Wow.” He looked around. “What do you think of this party so far then?”
“It’s okay,” I lied. “I’
ve been to more impressive ones, but this is definitely up there.”
His eyes sparkled for a moment. “Maybe it’ll get better after a few drinks.”
“Hopefully.”
The bartender set a drink down in front of the handsome man who acknowledged him with a single nod before lifting his clear beverage and gesturing towards my glass.
“What are we toasting to?” I asked.
“To you finding a job before midnight.”
I laughed. “I like your optimism.”
“I like your eyes.”
I felt a lump in my throat, but I was able to wash it down with champagne.
“That’s the best champagne I’ve ever had,” I said, tilting the glass in front of me.
“I’m glad you like it.” He raised his hand towards the bartender. “Jaime, will you send a bottle of Veuve over to Table 16?”
“Of course, sir.”
I stared at him. “How did you kno-”
He stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Plus One.”
“Ella,” I said, reaching for his open palm. As he shook my hand, I swear it felt like he was pulling me towards him, and I teetered on my tip toes as I tried to stand my ground. “Nice to meet you, too…”
“Will. And I assure you the pleasure is all mine. Now if you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
He walked past me and I turned to watch him. His suit pulled perfectly between his shoulders with every step as he made his way towards a woman with a headset and a clipboard at the end of the bar. She looked slightly impatient as if she’d been trying to get his attention for a while, but I hadn’t even noticed him see her. It had felt like his eyes had been on me the whole time.
I floated back to the table in a daze.
“Are you okay?” my Mom asked. “You look… flushed.”
“I’m fine.”
“Was that William you were talking to?”
“I think so.” I pulled my chair out. “He’s going to send a bottle of champagne to our table.”
“I told you he was lovely, didn’t I? Didn’t I tell you he was lovely?”
“You did.” I sat in my seat and took another sip of champagne. “I thought he’d be older.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I thought he’d be old.”
“He’s too old for you.”
“He’s not too anything for me.”
She squinted at me. “Very funny.”
“He does look really young, though.”
“Of course he does,” she said. “When you have as much money as he does, what do you need wrinkles for?”
Chapter 4: Will
As the host of the party, I didn’t have the luxury of playing favorites, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have one. And tonight there was no contest.
I couldn’t take my eyes off Ella. Every now and then she would hike her tight little dress up when she thought no one was looking, and I wanted so badly to help her out of it and into something more comfortable. Like my whirlpool jacuzzi.
I didn’t have to know everyone at the party to know she had more personality than anyone in the room. The way her face lit up when she found something amusing drove me crazy all night. I wanted to be the one making her smile. I was especially jealous at one point when someone made her laugh so hard it looked like she may have choked some champagne bubbles into her nose because her eyes started to water as she gasped for breath.
I wanted to be the one making her gasp for breath.
Fortunately for me, I had a seat right on the stage during the entire raffle so I could keep my eye on her. At one point she noticed me looking in her direction, and I saw her blush from across the room.
I felt a tap on my shoulder. I swear if I had a dollar for every time someone tapped on my shoulder- well, I probably did- but that’s not the point. Someone always wanted my attention for something, and it was especially apparent now that the only person who wasn’t asking me for something was the one person I was prepared to give whatever they wanted.
“It’s time for your closing remarks in three minutes and fifteen seconds, Will.”
“But I won’t be ready for at least three minutes and twenty seconds, Emily.”
“That’s hilarious, sir. Be sure to tell some more jokes when you get the mic, but maybe not that racist one you told to the Russians.”
“Noted. I think you should take the day off Monday, Em.”
“Another good one. You’re really breaking me up. I think I just peed a little.”
I smiled. Emily had been my right hand woman for the last ten years. She was around fifty years old and ran my schedule like a drill sergeant. One time after a particularly taxing evening, she even informed me that my underwear was inside out. I don’t know how she knew, but I didn’t pay her to reveal her magic. I paid her to make me look good, and she did.
“What have we pulled in tonight?”
“We’re entirely booked for Christmas parties and all the suites are reserved for Thanksgiving, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.”
“That’s not bad.”
“No it’s not.” She smiled. “Not bad at all.”
“And the raffle results?”
“I’ve written all the numbers down on this paper for you.”
“What would I do without you?”
“Not much.”
I looked down at the paper. “Oh my god. We killed it tonight.”
“Congratulations,” she said. “Time to share the good news.”
I straightened my tie and made my way toward the front of the stage. “Ladies and gentleman.” It was all I could do to ignore her. “I hope you’ve all enjoyed your evening, and I hope this is the first of many visits you’ll be making to our flagship hotel. I’m delighted to hear that many of you have already organized your next visit, and my staff and I are looking forward to making sure your stay exceeds your highest expectations.”
I cleared my throat. “Before I continue, I’d like to take a moment to thank the band for doing such a great job tonight.” I lifted my arm to my right and waited for the applause to die down. “I’d also like to thank my staff who have enjoyed being part of this evening.” I waited some more. “And finally let’s hear it for Jeff who I think we can all agree did a damn fine job with the charity auction.” I pointed to Jeff at the edge of the stage, and he gave a little bow.
“I know a lot of you must be looking forward to all the wonderful items you purchased this evening, and I think you’ll be even more delighted when I tell you that we’ve raised over four hundred and sixty thousand dollars for our charities tonight.” I clapped against the microphone and made a particular point of nodding at the people who made the most extravagant contributions by buying art, timeshares, and cruise packages.
“There are only two more things I’d like to mention- and by all means stick around when I’m done. The bar will be open until the last guest has had their fill and the band will continue to play until your feet have had enough. Anyway, the first thing is that to encourage everyone to be safe on the roads tonight, I’ll be matching everyone’s cab fare home with a donation to The Nest, a charity I’m sure many of you who know me well are already familiar with.” I let myself steal a glance at Ella. She had her hand on her Mom’s shoulder and Barbara’s hands were over her mouth. I nodded at them. “So be sure to take the cabs that our doormen direct you to.”
“Finally, it’s time to announce the raffle winner. As you know, the prize is a two thousand dollar shopping spree at Macy’s, season tickets to the Knicks, and dinner with me at my favorite restaurant.”
Everyone’s eyes were on me and everyone’s lips were sealed.
Emily walked across the stage with a big glass ball that was filled to the brim with slips of paper.
“And the winner is…” I reached in and pulled out a piece of paper. “Ella Riley.” I pretended to scan the room like I didn’t know exactly who it was, but her whole table erupted in applause. “Congratulations, Ella. I
’ll be down in a moment to give you the details of your prize.” I slipped Tom Martin’s name in my pocket and didn’t even feel bad. He was a Celtics fan anyway.
I shook hands with the people on stage and what felt like a thousand other people who stopped me to say good bye as I made my way to Table 16. Ella and Barbara stood up when they saw me coming.
“That’s terribly generous of you about the cabs,” Barbara said immediately.
“It’s only a token, Barbara. A large portion of tonight’s donations will be going towards your organization.”
“You’re too kind, William.”
“Not at all. It’s a privilege to be involved in the work you do.”
Barbara placed her hand on Ella’s slim shoulder. “It looks like we’re both winners tonight then!”
I turned to Ella. “It’s not the worst party after all, I guess.”
“I never said it was the wors-”
“I’m joking.” I smiled. “I’m delighted you won.”
“Me too.” She looked down for a moment. “I’m still in shock.”
Barbara nudged her. “That shopping spree will be perfect for you to get some clothes for interviews.”
“About that,” I said. “After you mentioned your degree, it occurred to me that there might be a role for you here.”
“Are you joking?” Ella asked.
“I don’t joke about work.” I fixed my eyes on hers. “Ever.”
“Oh.” She swallowed. “Of course.”
“Anyway, I think you might be an asset to the company based on your area of expertise.” I wanted to touch her. I wanted to touch her so bad, but her Mom was right there and it would spoil the illusion that I was doing her a favor. “I can’t make any promises until we further discuss your skill set bu-”
“When?”
Her sudden forwardness took me by surprise. “Maybe lunch sometime next week.”
“What day?”
I looked up and tried to imagine my schedule. “How about Tuesday?”
“What time?”
“Eleven?”
“Where should I meet you?”
“In the lobby of the hotel,” I said, reaching in my jacket pocket.