Free Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young Page B

looked at me at all.
    My brother lowers his head. “Maybe one day you’ll tell Dad all about it.”
    I smile sadly and murmur, “Maybe.”
    In the movies there are always these poignant moments when people work out their misunderstandings, their miscommunications. But that’s not real life. In real life it’s hard to tell someone you don’t love them anymore. It’s harder to tell your father you don’t know how to live another day. My grief has stolen my voice.
    Daniel glances over to the restaurant, probably thinking about his lost dinner. “You can go back,” I tell him. “You don’t have to starve for my benefit.”
    He looks doubtful. “Of course I do. I’m your brother. Besides, Dad’s credit card can handle a room service charge. I was hoping for lobster.”
    I laugh, and Daniel and I walk toward the elevators. “Please come to the rooftop tonight?” I ask. “I don’t want to meet people by myself.” I’m not nearly as sociable as Daniel. I’ve learned to operate within the buffer of his charisma, avoiding the main focus so I can choose my words. Be funny. Now I’ll have to work on the spot.
    â€œWhat about that cute girl from housekeeping?” Daniel asks, pressing the button for the elevator. The doors open immediately. “You two were getting along famously. Besides, Aud. I wasn’t invited, remember?”
    â€œYou’re just mad she didn’t fall all over you.”
    â€œA little,” he allows. “But it’s only Wednesday.” He winks, and I push his shoulder, my tension faded. Even with tonight’s emotional hiccup, I’ve been having fun. I can’t remember the last time that happened.
    The elevator stops on his floor. “You always have plans,” I tell Daniel, still hoping he’ll change his mind about the roof. He walks out and shrugs apologetically.
    â€œI’m very personable. It’s a gift and a curse.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    He chuckles and heads down the hallway toward his room. I sigh, my shoulder against the elevator wall. Daniel’s pursuits are wasted on Catherine, in my opinion, but I’m not going to bring it up. He seems happy with her, and more than anything I just want to see my family happy again.

    It’s just after sunset when I follow Lourdes through the metal door onto the roof. The air is warm, humidity sticking to my skin. The music is low and haunting—the slow scratch of violins, an echo of a voice singing. One of the servers from the ballroom walks by and presses a cold bottle into my hand. He’s dressed in a white T-shirt and black pants. His hair is no longer slicked to the side, but spiked out and shaggy around his ears. He winks at Lourdes.
    â€œWelcome back, gorgeous,” he says. Lourdes flashes him a smile and spins dramatically to watch him walk away. It’s flirtatious but playful. Jokey in a way you can only be with your close friends.
    â€œEveryone’s really happy to see you,” I say, taking a sip of my beer. “How long have you been gone?”
    Lourdes slides her gaze in my direction. “A while. I wassuspended.” I mouth an “Oh,” but she laughs. “It wasn’t anything illegal,” she explains. “Kenneth and I just have a difference of opinion.”
    â€œI can imagine,” I say. “He seems like he’d be a terrible boss.”
    â€œYou have no idea.”
    I glance around the roof and find the server who handed me the drink. He joins another guy, and they climb onto the edge of the roof, their legs dangling over the side. I point them out to Lourdes. “Isn’t that dangerous?”
    â€œYep. That’s why they do it. In case you haven’t noticed,” she says, motioning around us. “Most everything fun is dangerous. I’m sure Eli has told you as much.”
    My heart rate spikes at his name, and I turn to