Lauren felt a flash of defensiveness. ‘It’s not just about excitement, Mum. It’s about feeling fulfilled, like we’re truly happy.’
‘Happiness isn’t everything. Marriage is about sacrifice, about sticking together through thick and thin.’ Eleanor sipped her tea, her expression unwavering.
‘But what if sticking together means we’re both miserable? What if we’re not setting a good example for Ben?’
‘You can’t base your decisions on what-ifs. You made vows to Jake. You owe it to him and to your son to honour those vows.’ Eleanor’s voice was gentle but firm.
Lauren slumped in her chair, feeling defeated. ‘I just don’t know what to do. I feel torn between my own happiness and my responsibilities as a wife and mother.’
Eleanor reached across the table and patted Lauren’s hand. ‘I know it’s not easy, but sometimes we have to put our own desires aside for the sake of our family. Think about Ben. Think about how this will affect him.’
She’s right, but . . . Lauren sighed. ‘I am thinking about Ben. That’s why I’m considering this. I want him to grow up in a happy, healthy environment.’
‘Happiness isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love.’ Eleanor’s eyes were sympathetic but unyielding.
Lauren’s shoulders sagged. ‘I know, Mum. But I can’t help but wonder if staying with Jake is the right sacrifice to make.’
Eleanor’s eyes widened. ‘Don’t even entertain that thought. Your marriage is worth fighting for. Now, let’s not dwell on this any longer. Have you and Sydney planned the upcoming event?’
And just like that, the subject was changed. Lauren forced a smile. ‘Yeah, and we think you’re going to love it.’
‘Good. Now, let’s enjoy our tea.’ Eleanor settled back in her chair, the tension dissipating.
As Lauren took a sip, a moment of truth crossed her mind.
What did I expect? At least I can say I tried to talk to her about it when I finally drop the bombshell.
Chapter Ten
Rain jolted awake, her phone’s incessant ringing dragging her from a restless sleep. Fumbling for the device on her bedside table, she squinted at the screen, not recognising the number. For a brief, hopeful moment, she thought it might be about Fay. With a sense of dread, she answered.
‘Hello?’ Her voice was rough with sleep.
‘Good morning, this is Mr Larkins.’
Rain’s sleep-fogged brain struggled to place the name. Then it clicked – The Mayfair Heritage Hotel.
‘Oh, Mr Larkins. Good morning,’ she said, trying to sound more alert than she felt.
‘I’m calling to offer you the position,’ he said curtly. ‘If you still want it, the job is yours.’
Rain nearly dropped the phone in shock. After the disastrous interview, she’d been sure she’d blown her chance. To hear she’d actually got the job was surreal.
‘Are you serious?’ she blurted out, wincing at how unprofessional she sounded.
Mr Larkins sighed. ‘Of course I am. Why else would I be calling?’
‘Right, of course. I just . . . wow. Thank you. I’d love the job.’
If her enthusiasm was slightly tempered, it was only because of Lauren. The thought of seeing her again, of working in the same building, made Rain’s stomach twist with nerves and longing.
If I’m going to find out what happened to Fay, I don’t have a choice.
‘Be at the hotel at one p.m. sharp,’ Mr Larkins instructed. ‘My assistant, Sarah, will get you sorted with your uniform and training schedule.’
And with that, he hung up, leaving Rain staring at her phone in bewilderment.
‘Well, he’s certainly a charmer,’ she muttered, tossing the phone aside and flopping back against her pillows.
By the end of the day, she might finally have some answers about Fay’s disappearance.
Rain dragged herself out of bed and into the shower, hoping the hot water would calm her racing thoughts. But as she stood under the spray, her mind kept drifting to Lauren. It was ridiculous – the owner of the hotel was unlikely to have much to do with the housekeeping staff. And yet, the idea of being in the same building, breathing the same air . . . it made Rain’s pulse quicken.
‘Get it together,’ she scolded herself, turning the water to cold in an attempt to shock some sense into her brain.
At precisely one p.m., Rain walked into The Mayfair Heritage Hotel, trying to project a confidence she didn’t quite feel. Sarah was waiting for her at the reception desk, a welcoming smile on her face.
‘Rain, right? Welcome aboard! Follow me, I’ll give you the grand tour.’
As they made their way to the lifts, Sarah kept up a steady stream of chatter about the hotel’s history and the various departments. Rain tried to listen, but her mind was whirring with possible ways to casually bring up Fay without raising suspicion. She couldn’t risk losing this job, not when she was so close to getting answers.
‘I have to say, I’m a little surprised I got hired so quickly,’ Rain said as they stepped into the lift. ‘I only had an interview yesterday. Did the last cleaner quit or something?’
Sarah’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly.
‘I’m not really at liberty to discuss personnel matters,’ Sarah said, her tone pleasant but firm.
Rain nodded, taking the hint. Sarah clearly wasn’t going to be a source of information.
