The Reunion

“Hello,” the voice behind him was pleasant and warm, “how has the service been, sir?”

O’Keefe turned to find the woman standing next to him, smiling. He found her beautiful and was so distracted he couldn’t answer.

“I’m Suzanne Rolle, the hotel assistant manager. I hope you’ve found everything to your liking, sir.”

“Yes, I have.”

Her facial expression changed slightly, but she continued smiling. Her eyes seemed to be studying him.

“Are you a guest here at the hotel or are you just enjoying our restaurant?”

O’Keefe was so busy smiling back he almost missed that she gave him the password. He forced himself back to business.

“No, I’m just visiting your fine restaurant ma’am. Would you like to have a seat?”

The smile now seemed more businesslike than friendly.

“Yes, thank you.”

She sat down next to him, “So, you’re English?”

He smiled, “Good lord, no, Irish!”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

O’Keefe maintained his smile, “Not a problem, I thought you were going to be a man. So what do you have for me?”

“The money first,” her voice took on a cold tone.

Patty held eye contact with her, reaching into his briefcase, and pulling out an envelope. Her eyes were dark and held his gaze without blinking. She was cool as well as beautiful, that excited him.