“Your room is ready,” the receptionist continued, swiping his key card across the counter. “I just have to tell you something: tonight the new owner is personally greeting the guests. It’s her first week running the hotel, and she likes to make a point of welcoming them.”
“New owner?” Tomás frowned, barely interested.
“Yes, sir. The hotel changed hands three days ago. It’s been very exciting for us. She should be here any minute.”
Tomás took the card impatiently. Nadia was already discreetly pulling him toward the elevators.
Then, a single word rooted him to the spot.
“Tomás.”
His name. Spoken in a voice he knew better than his own.
He turned slowly, his stomach sinking into the floor.
About ten paces away, standing in the lobby light, was his wife.
Jimena wore a navy blue pantsuit he’d never seen her in before, elegant heels, and her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. She wasn’t the woman in jeans and an apron who greeted him at home. Her face held the serene, firm expression of someone accustomed to being in charge.
“Ji… Jimena,” he stammered. “What are you doing here?”
She walked toward him calmly, unhurriedly, like someone arriving punctually for a pre-arranged meeting.