Hotel Ruby Read Online Free PDF Page B

a sinking feeling as I thank him and turn to the server.
    â€œCan I have a juice instead?” I ask. “I hate coffee.”
    She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. My mother told me you can tell if someone’s really smiling if it wrinkles the skin around their eyes. She jots down a note. “May I also recommend the ham,” she says, opening a menu to point to it.
    I crinkle my nose. “Ham tastes too much like pig.” I smile. “How about pancakes?” I ask, pretending it has nothing to do with my mother. Pretending it’s not an attempt to feel close to her. The server scans the menu like she’s not sure they have them listed, and I glance at her name tag— TANYA .
    â€œGreat choice,” she says, snapping the menu shut. It sends a breeze over my face and hair. “And a side?”
    â€œYou pick,” I say as a peace offering. She stares at me like I’ve said the wrong thing. The hairs on the back of my neck rise, and I begin to fidget with my napkin to distract myself.
    â€œFruit, then,” she says, and rounds the table toward Daniel. I’m unsettled, but I watch as she takes his order. Her short, curly black hair is pulled back in a headband, her dark skin complemented by red lipstick. As if sensing me, she glances over and I lower my eyes.
    â€œYou all right?” my father asks, startling me. “You look pale.”
    â€œJust hungry,” I say, spreading my napkin on my lap. When the server is gone, I pull my chair closer to the table, to my family. “Did you know this place is supposed to be haunted?” I ask.
    Daniel rolls his eyes. “Yeah, Catherine mentioned it last night. I guess it’s how they stay in business. We’re in the middle of nowhere.”
    â€œI’ve been thinking about it,” our dad says between sips of coffee. “How about we stay another night?”
    â€œReally?” I ask, a smile spreading across my face. Another night at the Ruby would be a dream. Not only does it postpone my misery, it’ll give me a chance to check out the cute guy from the party.
    â€œHow about two nights?” Daniel asks. “I’ve got plans, Dad. Even I’m not good enough to pull them off in a mere forty-eight hours.”
    â€œUntil Friday, then,” he says, holding up his cup. “We’ll be together until Friday.” Daniel and I exchange another glance, but I don’t let the comment drag me into the possibilities of after. This moment is too good. “Now,” my father continues. “Tell me more about this Catherine girl.”
    Daniel launches into his thrilling plans to woo Catherine, and it’s fifteen minutes later when Tanya sets a plate in front of me. There are scrambled eggs with garnish, and on the side is a steaming slice of ham, bright pink against the white plate. I lift my gaze to Tanya’s and she smiles.
    â€œBon appétit,” she whispers, handing me a steak knife. I swallow hard, taking it from her hand. I could argue, cause a scene. But Daniel and my dad are so happy right now. I wouldn’t ruin this moment for anything. Not even for pancakes.
    I saw into the slab of meat, thinking I’ll have to choke it down if I hope to curb my growling stomach. I shove a thick chunk in my mouth, readying my hand on my glass. Tanya turns to grab another plate off the tray, and a flash of red catches my eye. I drop my silverware with a loud clang, terrified. Tanya’s bleeding—on her side she’s got a fist-size splotch of blood. My mouth is full of food as I try to get the words out, pointing my shaking finger in her direction. My father furrows his brow when I get his attention.
    â€œIs it not to your liking?” Tanya interrupts, sounding concerned. I turn back to her; the blood is gone. Her crisp white shirt is stain-free, pressed and neat. My hands are shaking, and I flick my stare between the missing spot and her face.