Chapter 1: Amelia’s Simple Life

Could you manage the front desk for a few minutes, Amelia? Sarah's late once again, Vanessa yelled from the office, her voice strained with the tumult of a hectic morning.

From the bills she was organising, Amelia looked up and nodded quickly. "Of course," she said, her voice cool despite the activity in the lobby. She proceeded to the counter, smiling politely as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear to meet the queue of visitors gathering before the desk.

The morning rush, business people checking out, and visitors with never-ending queries animated the hotel. First, a family arrived, a little child impatiently pulling on her mother's sleeve.

"Good morning, Amelia," she said kindly. "How could I help you right now?

Distracted, the father remarked, "We need instructions to the next metro station," while his wife sought to soothe their daughter.

Amelia handed a map over the counter noting the station in vivid red. "It's just a ten-minute stroll." See it if you follow this street left. With anything else, I can assist as well.

Already drawing his family away, the father answered, "No, that's wonderful, thanks."

Amelia smiled to herself as she watched them go, the little daughter still complaining. Every day was the same: families on vacation, businesspeople in suits, the sporadic frantic honeymooner searching for something romantic in the routine. This was her life, a steady pulse of polite interactions, customer service, and the bustle of the metropolis just beyond the hotel door.

She shouted, "Next!".

A middle-aged lady moved forward holding her phone like a lifeline. " Could you kindly assist me? I am late for a meeting and my room key is not functioning.

Amelia nodded and started seeking a fresh keycard. "I will correct it for your benefit. Room number questions?

"508," the lady said anxiously, staring at the wall clock.

Amelia turned over the card and reprogrammed it with a skilled hand. Right now, it ought to work. Just call from the room phone if you have more difficulties.

The lady quickly said a thank you and hurried left, momentarily leaving Amelia alone. She released in the air and rolled her shoulders. Though the front desk was often busy in the mornings, she was not bothered. It kept her occupied and prevented her from allowing her thoughts to go too far into areas she did not like to travel.

Vanessa emerged from the door behind her rubbing her hands on her apron. I appreciate you covering. I swear, Sarah is always late when we most need her.

Amelia grinned and shivered just a little. "No trouble. I get accustomed to it.

Vanessa nodded gratefully and then looked at the queue starting once again. "Looks like people over there need you.

Amelia nodded and went back to her regular place behind the concierge desk. Her preferred station was this one, not the front desk. Tucked aside from the continuous influx of visitors checking in and out, it was calmer. She managed special requests, made restaurant reservations, and advised visitors on the finest areas of the city. She may vanish into the background, a feature of the landscape, unseen until in response to a need.

Exactly the way she liked it.

Her cell buzzed in her pocket. She took it out subtly and looked at the screen. An email from Ryan.

Lunch later on? Tell me.**

She moaned and tucked the phone away without answering. She was not in the mood to consider Ryan, their connection fraying under close inspection. She knew she should feel something more for him; he was dependable, and kind, everything a female like her ought to desire. Though she could never say why, something was always lacking—a dullness to their time together that left her disappointed.

A voice cut off her ideas: "Amelia?"

She raised her head to see an old guy in a battered suit, his face wrinkled with years of tales she could only imagine. "Yes, sir. How could I be of assistance?

"I need a ride to the airport," he remarked, his voice kind but firm.

Amelia raised the vehicle service by tapping on the iPad in front of her. "We could have one right here in fifteen minutes. Is that feasible?

The guy responded, "Perfect," smiling gently at her. "You have been a very helpful young woman."

She gave back the grin. "Happy to help.

Amelia leaned slightly back to capture her reflection in the glass pane behind the counter as the guy strayed off to wait in the lobby. Her face was a serene mask of professionalism, her outfit clean, her black hair pulled back. Years ago, in a place that seemed a lifetime apart, it was a long cry from the girl she once was. There had been no upscale hotels there, no polished marble flooring, no customers tipping with hundred-dollar bills. Just a little, peaceful life she had been ready to leave behind.

Her existence in the city was hers now, not glitzy by any means. Consistent, dependable, and secure. Just what she needed after the turmoil of her early years.

Visitors eager to experience the city, a group of young ladies came through the door laughing and shooting photos. Slightly shaking her head, Amelia watched them with mild enjoyment. She recalled being so carefree once, before reality and obligations took the front stage. Her universe now was this hotel, the visitors who passed through, and the never-ending cycle of days that melted together.

"Amelia, could you check over the tomorrow's schedule?" Vanessa answered from the workplace.

"Sure thing," Amelia said, then focused once again on the television. Pulling up the shift schedule, she saw Sarah's name pencilled in for yet another early morning. She mentally noted that she should confirm Sarah would show up there on time.

Her thoughts veered as she worked. Having spent over three years at the hotel, her employment was consistent but she couldn't help but question whether this was all there was for her. Was this the backdrop player in other people's lives, where she would spend her whole life? She turned once again to face the lobby and watched as visitors hurried through lives full of activity and meaning. She was quite jealous of them.

Perhaps this was enough, however then. A simple, tranquil existence free from hassles. Cautious.

Her phone started buzzing once again. Another lesson Ryan has to impart.

"Let us discuss tonight. It is crucial."

The tummy of Amelia twisted just a little. Vital. That term never produced anything worth doing. She let out a breath exhaled and slid the phone back into her pocket.

She said to herself, "Just another day," smoothing down her outfit. She straightened and once again wore her professional grin.

Nobody, after all, gave the girl behind the counter any thought.

She was also just cool with it.