A voluptuous brunette, who looked like she’d been stuffed into her tangerine-colored uniform, appeared beside the concierge. “Is there a problem, Luis?”
He spoke quietly, in rapid-fire Spanish.
A minute passed. Then two. Were they still talking about her credit card problems or their plans for the weekend? Claudia wished she spoke Spanish, or knew someone who could help her out of this mess. I should have taken that Santiago guy’s business card, she thought, mentally berating herself for insulting him and fleeing the airport lounge without his number. It wasn’t every day that a perfect stranger bought her lunch, and the Mexican native was sincere and charming. He seemed like the kind of man who made things happen and got things done.
“Registering guests without proper documentation is against company policy,” the woman explained in precise English. “And doing so could result in disciplinary action for the both of us.”
“I understand that, and once I straighten everything out with the credit card company tomorrow I’ll pass that information on to you.”
“I’ll go speak with my supervisor and see if there’s something we can do.”
Claudia read the woman’s name tag. “Thank you, Rosario. I greatly appreciate it.”
“I’ll be a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable in the reception area and I’ll come get you when I’m done.”
In spite of her outward show of calm, Claudia was nervous and scared. Fighting against feelings of despair, she picked up her bag and carried herself over to the lounge. A stiff drink would come in handy right now, she thought, wishing the tray-carrying bellhop was still around. What more could go wrong today? Six months ago, she’d been paid handsomely to plan a magical destination wedding for colleagues turned soul mates, Niveah Evans and Damien Hunter, and now she had more money woes than the late King of Pop.
Claudia took a moment to collect herself. Going to another resort tonight was out of the question, so she’d just have to convince the resort manager to let her stay. What was it Maxine had said? Smile, giggle and flash a bit of cleavage if you have to! Claudia hated playing the beauty card, especially because she always felt as inept as the forty-third president addressing the Senate, but if flirting would get her out of the lobby and into that luxury suite she’d channel her inner sex goddess and charm the man’s socks off.
Santiago poked his head into the staff lounge, and when he saw his mother lift the sofa love seat and vacuum underneath it, a frown creased his lips. Curiosity drew Santiago inside the room. Tilting his head to the side, he pensively stroked the length of his jaw. His mother’s energy level wasn’t the only thing that shocked him. Her midsection was flat, and she had arms that would make Wonder Woman jealous.
Santiago watched in stunned disbelief as his mom made quick work of cleaning the lounge. Something smelled fishy, and the odor wasn’t coming from the aquarium.
“You’re here!” Ana Medina switched off the vacuum. Dropping the handle, she shot across the room and threw her arms around her son. “Welcome home, Tiago!”
Santiago chuckled and returned her hug. “Thanks, Mom. It’s good to see you.”
“When did you get in?”
“About an hour ago. I dropped my bags off in the office, then came looking for you. Why are you cleaning?”
“We’re short-staffed today, and I couldn’t stand to see this room dirty any longer. Just because we own the resort doesn’t mean I can’t do our part to help out.”
“And you wonder where I get my tireless work ethic from,” he teased, winking at her.
“Enough about work. Stand still and let me get a good look at you.” Slipping off her eyeglasses, she studied him for a long, hard minute. “You get more handsome each year. That’s hard to believe considering you live in such a wickedly cold place. And a violent one, too.”
Santiago hid a smile. “Can I at least have something to eat before you start in on me?”
“I have a pot of salsa simmering at home as we speak,” she explained, her voice filled with cheer. “I’m making all your favorites tonight. Pea soup, Spanish rice, and beef enchiladas.”
“You’re supposed to be taking it easy.” He watched her, saw how she dodged his gaze and shifted her feet. “Has the hospital finally confirmed the date and time for your surgery?”
Ana clutched his hands. “Great news, Tiago! The surgery’s been cancelled. Most of my symptoms have disappeared and the few that remain are quite minor.”
“Is that so?”
“I decided to try some of the things my doctor suggested, and I’ve been getting stronger each day. I take ginseng three times a day, quit drinking alcohol and started cooking healthier, low-calorie meals, too.”
“Exactly how much weight have you lost?”
She shrugged and stared down at the sleek tiled floor. “Just a little.”
“How much?” he pressed, crossing his arms. “Ten? Fifteen? Twenty pounds?”
“Twenty-seven, give or take.”
Santiago clamped his lips together to trap a curse inside. “You were never scheduled to have abdominal surgery, were you? That was just a ploy to get me down here, wasn’t it?”
“Of course not!” The words shot out of her mouth with more force than a bullet from a gun. Anger crimped her features, but her tone was soft. “I would never lie about something as serious as that. I was scared about going under the knife, so I changed my entire lifestyle.”
“It’s hard to believe you lost almost thirty pounds by just altering your diet.”
“Tiago, don’t be ridiculous! The weight didn’t just vanish. I’ve been working my tush off!” Her smile was proud. “I’ve been swimming and hiking and playing a little squash.”
“You’re exercising?” Santiago dropped his hands on his waist like an exasperated father about to scold his child. “Who are you? And what have you done with my mother?”
Laughter bubbled out from her lips. “Now that your father’s overseeing the construction of the new golf resort in Acapulco, I have more time to try new things.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Mom. I just wish you would’ve told me your surgery was cancelled sooner.”
“I only found out yesterday,” she said, with a shrug of her shoulders.
Santiago didn’t believe her, but he wasn’t stupid enough to call his mother a liar.
“I’m glad you’re here, Tiago. I was convinced you’d forgotten all about me.”
He tossed his head back and had a good laugh. “Right, like you’d ever let that happen.”
“Your father and I have missed you dearly, son.”
Deep down, Santiago knew only half of what his mother said was true, but he inquired about his dad anyway. “How’s he doing?” To expunge the bitter taste in his mouth, he swallowed hard. “Is he still dead set against attending counseling with you?”
“Yes, he said hearing other people’s stories of loss only compounds his grief.”
“Figures. Dad’s never been one to share his feelings.”
“That’s why I need you around, Tiago. You’re the only one who understands