“How… how does she know my name?”
“I know a lot of things,” Jimena said, with a polite smile and hard eyes. “For example, I know this isn’t the first time you’ve come to a hotel with my husband. The Mesón del Río last month, the Continental two months ago. Should I go on?”
Tomás felt the lobby tilt beneath his feet.
“Jimena, this isn’t what it looks like…”
“Oh, isn’t it?” she interrupted. “Because it seems you brought your lover to a luxury hotel using the card linked to our joint account. The same account I’ve been scrutinizing for six months.”
“I know a lot of things.” The receptionist stood frozen, unsure whether to duck or vanish. To one side, in an office doorway, another woman in a dark suit watched the scene, arms crossed, the expression of someone who had rehearsed this moment.
“Have you been spying on me?” Tomás blurted out, trying to regain some control.
“Spying?” Jimena let out a humorless chuckle. “Tomás, you weren’t even creative. ‘Late nights at the office’ that your assistant couldn’t confirm. Weekend ‘conferences’ that your boss never mentioned. Hotel charges on the shared credit card. I didn’t need to spy on you. I just had to pay attention.”
Nadia took a step back.
“I… I’m leaving,” she murmured. “I don’t want any trouble.”
“Don’t leave because of me,” Jimena said, her tone stopping her in her tracks. “In fact, you should stay. The room’s already paid for.” Enjoy the spa, order room service, take advantage of all the amenities. Consider it compensation for your time.
