Chapter 6
Maya
Well that could not have gone worse. Holly is gonna lose it when I tell her I’ve already seen Eddie in his underwear. On second thought, I should probably leave that part out.
Now, I’m stuck in an elevator with Eddie and Roger. No one speaks. My guess is that I’m not the only one decompressing after that interaction.
I’m doing all I can to avoid eye contact with Eddie. Mostly because I keep picturing him in his Cheez-Its underwear. I have a lot of questions…Number one: why does he own such undies? Number two: why is he actually wearing them? Number three: does he own boxer briefs displaying other snacks?
Seeing Eddie in his skivvies is definitely up there with the most awkward guest introductions I’ve ever had.
But, now that it’s over, I can also appreciate that it was hilarious…
and intriguing. That man’s abs should be studied.
I swear he had a fourteen pack. I feel my cheeks heating up, and I bite my lip to avoid smirking.
When the elevator finally beeps, I let out the breath I had inadvertently been holding and allow my smile to return.
Time to put on my professional game face.
“Here we are.” I motion for them to exit the elevator.
“The Mingle and Jingle event is right this way.” Leading them through the lobby, we quickly make it to the ballroom.
The doors are open as other guests file into the magnificent space. I’ve always loved the grandeur of the ballroom. Countless weddings have been hosted here, under the sparkling lights of the chandeliers. Today, the tables will be filled with professional athletes and giddy fans.
After checking the table assignments, I lead Roger and Eddie to table 5, which is at the end of the first row. “The event should start in about ten minutes. I'll be right over there.” I point to the outer wall of the ballroom. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Eddie nods while Roger gives a hearty, “Thank you!”
As I head toward my spot, I see Holly waving me over.
She mouths, he’s so hot, as I walk toward her.
I pray Roger and Eddie aren’t looking in this direction.
You don’t need to be a professional lip reader to understand Holly with her giant expressions.
I scold her silently with a head shake. She just smiles bigger.
“I have so many questions!” Holly whispers.
“But, I really need your help. The VIP ticket holders are entering soon, and we need more staff to help them find their tables. Mr. Mynt wants the event to start right on time, and I’m afraid it will be chaos if people try to engage with their favorite athletes as they come in. ”
I glance over at Eddie to make sure he looks like he’s doing okay.
Notice how I didn’t say I was making sure he was having a good time?
Yeah, that might be impossible. I have lowered my goal this week to him being physically present where and when needed.
Enjoying himself is asking a little much.
I think I might actually faint if he cracks a real smile.
My annoyance turns into curiosity as I see Eddie staring down at the napkin in his hands. Are his eyes glossy? No, it can’t be. It’s probably just the lighting.
For the first time, I really take him in.
His long legs almost touch the top of the table.
His hair is jet black, which matches his thick, dark eyebrows and piercing brown eyes.
From this angle, his tan, smooth skin reflects the shimmering Christmas lights.
Eddie Evans is definitely not bad looking.
I’ll give him that. I just can’t figure out if he’s on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
Determination rises in my chest.
Guests Services Handbook Rule #1: Create a welcoming and friendly environment where guests feel valued.
I have never encountered a guest like Eddie, but Lauren trusted me with this job. No matter how Eddie acts, I am going to create a welcoming and friendly environment. I am going to make him feel valued.
“Um, hello, earth to Maya.” I blink and look at Holly snapping her fingers in my direction. “Time to stop ogling your boyfriend and start ushering in VIPs.”
I shake my head at her. “Trust me, he is not interested. The guy barely talks. This is going to be a long week.”
“Oh, the quiet ones are the most fun. They’re like a safe you have to crack the code to. We’ll strategize later.” Holly nudges me to the side door. Then, we begin ushering guests to their tables.
According to the stage countdown clock, everyone is seated, with twelve seconds to spare. It’s a Christmas miracle.
I head back to my spot as a woman with short blonde hair takes the stage. She begins by welcoming everyone and then says, “Now, here’s the one and only, the amazing founder and CEO of Mynt Athletic Clothing, as well as the owner of this resort—your sponsor and biggest fan—Barry Mynt!”
I can’t help but grin as Mr. Mynt walks onto the stage.
He’s wearing a dark green suit dotted with tiny peppermint candies.
Although he has to be in his early sixties, his hair and beard are completely white.
The man is either Santa himself or a close relative, because he is the jolliest person I’ve ever met.
I glance in Eddie’s direction to see his reaction to the ever festive Mr. Mynt. I can’t find him, and I panic momentarily, but I notice Roger is unfazed. He’s happily nodding along to Mr. Mynt’s speech. That puts me at ease as I realize Eddie’s probably just gone to the restroom.
However, twenty minutes later, the panic is back.
Roger is trying to nonchalantly glance across the room.
Then, he looks down at his phone, which he’s discreetly holding under the table.
My spidey senses are telling me he’s texting Eddie.
This VIP event is a big deal. It was highlighted and underlined on the itinerary.
The only other one that had that much emphasis on it was the Merry Mynt Ball on the last day.
My heart rate increases as I look around the ballroom. Maybe Eddie decided to stand instead of returning to his seat. I do a quick scan, but he’s nowhere to be found. Roger and I make eye contact. He mouths, “Do you see him?”
I quickly shake my head no. But, I hold up a finger and mouth confidently, “I’ll find him.”
Roger gives an “Okay, thank you,” back.
I slowly open the side door and make my way to the lobby. With a deep exhale, I try to steady my growing nervousness. I had one job today. One. And this is only the first event. This is not a good sign.
While intermittently smiling at guests and fellow workers, I attempt to casually speed walk to the most obvious locations for an escapee.
There are families and couples scattered about, but no Eddie by the grand fireplace.
No Eddie in the coffee shop or the gift shop.
I make my way to the elevator. Has he really retreated to his room?
He barely lasted ten minutes at the Mingle Jingle.
In all my years as a nanny and now a hotel guest services attendant, I have never lost someone.
I can do this, I try to encourage myself as the elevator door opens. Then, I march toward Eddie’s room. I give a quick and friendly wrap on the door. Nothing. I clear my throat and with my friendliest voice say, “Mr. Evans, this is Maya Torres. Are you all right?”
I wait five seconds, but still no answer. I feel tears coming and blink them away. Lauren is going to be so disappointed. I have failed in under 2 hours. That has to be a record.
Then, I hear something. Footsteps? The fridge opening maybe…Yes, that was definitely someone cracking open a soda can. I knock again. “Mr. Evans. I just wanted to make sure you’re all right. Please let me know if you’re here.”
Suddenly, the door opens. I jump as it smacks against the chain lock. Eddie peeks through. “I’m here and I’m fine.” Then, the door slams shut. Right in my face.