The evening rush had finally settled.
Guests drifted toward the restaurants.
The lobby quieted to its familiar hum.
Reina slipped the last stack of folded linens onto the housekeeping cart before removing her name badge.
Another shift finished.
She reached for her bag.
"Hey."
She turned.
Anthony stood a few feet away, one hand tucked into the pocket of his slacks.
He looked oddly nervous.
"Do you have a minute?"
She smiled.
"Sure."
He glanced toward the employee entrance.
"Can we step outside?"
Her smile faltered ever so slightly.
"Is everything okay?"
He nodded quickly.
"Yeah."
Then, with a sheepish laugh—
"I mean... I hope so."
Curiosity got the better of her.
"Okay."
The city felt different after sunset.
Traffic still rolled past the hotel, but slower now.
The f
