Eyes Wide Open Read Online Free PDF Page A

go.” She began walking down the corridor, pointing out offices as she passed. “As you’ve probably already worked out, this is where most of the offices are—PR & Marketing—the departments work very closely together, which is why we share the space—HR, Accounting, Security, Quality Assurance, Dining, Entertainment… The spa offices aren’t here, though, and nor is Mr. Conroy’s office. He’s got a space up on the top floor, and the spa is managed from a suite adjacent to the private facilities.”
    “Ah yes, you mentioned spas, plural, earlier.”
    “I did. That’s because, although we’re a very exclusive hotel, we do also offer some facilities to non-guests. Namely one of the spas—which you’ll have seen the entrance to in the lobby—and one of the restaurants, also just off the lobby. Other than those two areas, though, everything else is reserved for those staying with us—and for discretionary staff use. It means we get to offer the best of both worlds—a taster for those who perhaps don’t have the time or opportunity to stay with us, but also keeping our residents happy by having areas open only to them.”
    “Makes sense. So, what would you say are the highlights, then? To me, it’s all pretty spectacular.”
    Flashing Fiona a smile, Sophia said, “I know what you mean. I’ve been here since the hotel opened, and although I’m used to it, I’m not blasé about it. I came from another five-star hotel in London to work here, and this place still impressed me. It continues to do so. I’m probably biased, but Totally Five Star hotels really are a cut above, and we don’t rest on our laurels, either. There are always surveys and inspections going on to see if there’s anything we could be doing better or something new we could introduce.” She let out a laugh. “Now who’s waffling? Anyway, to answer your question, the highlights—or at least, the ones I’m allowed to show you—are the residents-only spa, one of the top floor suites, the ballroom, the roof garden and the library.”
    “The library? ”
    Sophia smirked. “Yes. If you like books and libraries, then you’re going to love it. I think I’ll save it until last.”
    “I look forward to it.”
    By now, they’d left the various office suites behind and had moved back into customer-facing areas. Sophia smiled politely at any patrons or any members of staff they passed, and Fiona followed suit, all the while drinking in the sights and sounds. By the time they’d reached their first destination, Fiona had counted at least six famous people, and common sense told her that just because she didn’t recognize anyone else, didn’t mean they weren’t important. The place was probably packed to the rafters with businesspeople, politicians, dignitaries, members of royal families and anyone else with serious means. She was way more likely to get the opportunity to chat up Prince Harry here than she was at The Royal Oak .
    “Okay, here’s the ballroom.” Sophia had stopped at a set of grand wooden doors with ornate handles. She pushed one door and gestured Fiona in ahead of her, then followed.
    Fiona was silent for several moments. She really should have learned already, but it seemed she hadn’t—yes, she’d been expecting impressive, but this went beyond that. She’d long since lost track of whereabouts they were in the building, so she didn’t bother to try to work it out. The ballroom was huge—of course—and very light and airy. The height of the room went up several stories, and a glass dome in the center of the ceiling let in much of the light. Two sides of the room were glass walls, which afforded views of more gardens. The other two walls were cream and a very deep red, and the floor was marble. It looked like something out of a stately home.
    “Wow,” she eventually said.
    Sophia laughed. “Yes, that’s the reaction most people have when they come in here, guests and staff alike. This is where we hold the