At six thirty in the evening, I was finally wrapping up all the month ending paperwork when the girl running the desk buzzed me. “Miss Kate,” she whispered into the phone, “I need a little help out here.”

“Is there a line?” I frowned. This often happened in the evening as people flew into Vegas and rushed to their hotels.

“No, I don’t know where to put these gentlemen. I need help.” I could tell she had her hand cupped around the mouthpiece.

I rubbed my temples. This day would never end. No wonder I hated this place. No wonder I wanted no part of running it for the rest of my natural life. “I’ll be right out.” Hanging up the phone, I stretched before standing and exiting my office. It was a short walk to the elevator, but a painful wait for it to reach our offices in the middle of the high-rise. Finally, I emerged in the back of registration and strode down the long hall to the front desk. I pasted a smile on my face before reaching her side.

“How can I help?” I smiled at the three men standing on the other side of the counter and then at the nervous woman standing beside me.

“Well…” The girl’s voice trailed off. She was new and obviously, something about these men intimidated her.

“Hello.” One of the men smiled at me. “We’re looking for a suite with three bedrooms, one for each of us. This lovely young lady has informed me that such a thing does not exist.” Then he waited for me to speak. He was good, obviously trained in sales.

“She’s correct.” I nodded, then I glanced at my employee and gestured to the computer system. “May I?” Her shoulders relaxed and I swear I could hear her entire body sigh in relief. Then she stepped aside and I moved into her place. I played with the registrations, looking at what we had open on each floor. While I worked, the gentleman continued to speak to me.

“Does it not exist or is it not available?” He frowned.

“It doesn’t exist.” My head tilted to the side as I watched his reaction. “We’re working on a feasibility study, trying to figure out how to make the best use of space. It’s complicated, but trust that we’re aware of this concern from our guests.” Once again, I channeled my best calm customer service façade.

“I see.” He stood quietly for a moment while I continued working. “What do you suggest we do instead because my friend would like us to pack up and go to the Venetian.” He jerked his thumb at the guy on his right side who immediately turned three shades of crimson.

See, in my mind, I’m frustrated because I’ve worked a twelve-hour day, which might have been shorter if my father had left me the fuck alone, or could’ve been longer without Marie’s help. Now, I’m dealing with a couple of spoiled little rich kids who want to pout and leave because they can’t have their way. In reality, I’d love to have our bellhop load their suitcases and help them on their way. Instead, I inhale deeply for a moment because I can feel the twitching under my left eye.

“Here’s a fine solution. We have three single suites with interconnecting doors. These were designed with families in mind, so they could have children in one room and they’d stay in another. If we go this route, you’ll have roughly 3600 square feet of living area. We’re talking three king sized beds, three full bathrooms, and plenty of privacy.” I smiled brightly, even though I wasn’t really feeling it.

The guy leaned on the counter and tugged at his chin. The wheels were spinning. I could feel it. Hell, I could practically see it. “I guess this could work.” He shrugged then glanced at his friends. They both nodded in agreement.

Then I noticed one of them looked positively green. “Down the hall, first door on the left.” He hesitated for half a second, then rushed away to the bathroom as I’d directed.

The guy in front of me seemed to be struggling not to smile. The corners of his mouth twitched. Finally, he grinned and shook his head. “His uncle died.” Apparently, this was an explanation. “He has been drinking away his sorrows. I think the car ride did him in.”

“Ah, where are you from?” I held out my hand. “License and credit card, please.” When he passed them, I inspected both quickly before handing them over to the girl actually running the desk. “Tyler George.” He had yet to respond. Instead, he stood there with his eyebrows peaked. I studied the driver’s license. “Outside of L.A.,” I noted.

“Are you familiar with the area?” He stared back seriously.

I frowned. “Not really. I almost went to art school out there.” I shrugged. I’d already said too much. The last thing I needed to do was start getting personal with the guests. Father would have a conniption. “What brings you here?” I hoped to distract him and change the subject.

He sighed. “Bad break up.” Mr. George rested his elbows on the counter again. “I don’t suppose you have a recipe for healing.”

“You could try my method I suppose,” I joked.

“Oh? And what’s that?” He eyed me curiously.

I leaned in conspiratorially and motioned for him to come closer. When he did, I whispered, “I don’t date.” Then I winked playfully. I thought he might laugh, but instead his jaw hung open. Finally, I stared and he snapped it shut.

“No dating. Huh. Why didn’t I think of that?” He scratched at his chin.

“Because you like women too much and you’re determined to have a better life than your parents,” his friend mumbled under his breath. His words earned him a punch in the shoulder.

“Thanks for that, Harry,” he grumbled. Then he stared at me sadly. “So how many cool points did I lose?”

I laughed. “None.” He brightened some. “Of course, you hadn’t earned any yet.” Then before I could get wrapped up in a conversation I shouldn’t be having with a man I didn’t need to be talking to, I turned to the clerk. “I think you can take it from here.”

I smiled at the men briefly. “Please, enjoy your stay.” Then I started toward the door to go back to my office, but they stopped me again.

“Miss?” Mr. George waited for me to turn.

“Yes?” I refused to step closer. I couldn’t get sucked in.

“I don’t suppose you know if the owner is here today?” He peeked at his phone. “Mr. James Nash.”

I licked my lips. “I’m afraid he’s gone for the day.” At least I didn’t have to lie. While I could work twelve hour days, my father no longer lingered around the hotel longer than eight. Most days, that was pushing it.

“Is there any chance he’ll be in tomorrow?” He stared at his phone.

“None.” I laughed. “He never comes in on Sundays.”

“Do you know who I need to speak to in order to set up a meeting with him?” He had both hands on his phone as if he were ready to send a text.

Inside, I sighed. Outwardly, I nodded. “Actually, you’d set that up with me, but I’m away from my desk and can’t look at his calendar right now.”

Mr. George tilted his head. “So, are you his executive assistant?”

I smiled sweetly. “Something like that.” I glanced at the clerk. “Can you please pass Mr. George my card?” Then I addressed him once more. “If you’d like to call on Monday morning, we’ll talk more then.” I made it as far as the door. My fingers had wrapped around the handle when I realized I had an astonishing lack of curiosity. I whipped back around, hoping they hadn’t left the front desk yet. “Oh, Mr. George? I forgot to ask about the nature of the meeting?”

“Sure.” He smiled widely. “I’d like to buy the place.”