Page 144 of Tasty Cherry

Havannah holds the cards against her chest. “I’m going to talk about Owen first. Owen, you have proven your reliability, your easygoing nature, and your absolute brilliance in handling difficult guests. Sasha and Olive both noted during your rotations with the front desk that you were exceptional in de-escalating tough situations, meaning that the managers were called significantly less when you were on shift.”

She smiles at Owen. “So as of Monday morning, you will be promoted to chief guest relations officer. You will work with the front desk, the managers, and security to help handle any complications that occur with our guests. Congratulations.” She waves Owen forward for a hug, then shows off his card, which bears a shiny gold pin with his new title.

Everyone claps. Brooklyn whistles.

When the room quiets, Havannah looks down at her next card. “Ilsa, we are all in awe at the incredible event you put on today and how it was marketed and executed. It was a highly profitable part of our Spring Spectacular when I didn’t even ask for profit. Our CFO, Everett, has noted your attention to detail during your rotations in accounting, and because of his recommendation, plus your dual major in business, you have been named the marketing liaison with finance. We look forward to great things from your brilliant mind.”

Ilsa stands up. Havannah must realize Ilsa is tensing for the hug, so she extends a hand instead. “Congratulations.”

Brooklyn and I hold hands. I can see there will be no loser here. One of us will be event manager, and the other will be something amazing, too. Of course, with the way they are creating new roles, it may be that there is no event manager. Maybe the position will be split. Maybe none of us could handle such a big title.

“Brooklyn,” Havannah says. “We have been impressed by your all-around ability to work in every aspect of the hotel, and your princess ball today was the crown jewel of your abilities. I have had the pleasure of working beside you on several events, but many of us have noticed you love princesses above all things.”

The room laughs.

“It’s true!” Brooklyn says, prompting another round of laughter.

“Because of this, we have created a position devoted to everything princess, including all upgrades to our princess wing, all choices about decor in the rooms and the tower, all parties and events involving the princess themes, and are naming you, until you come up with a better title, chief princess of the Castle Hotel.”

Brooklyn jumps to her feet, tossing her long blonde hair, and giving a queenly wave. “I accept this honor, all ye peasants.”

Havannah laughs, handing her a card with a gold crown pin. The two embrace in a long, happy hug.

I steal a glance at Maverick. He has set down his food and claps exuberantly, letting out a loud whoop.

He’s proud.

He likes her.

I wonder what it will take for him to actually admit it. To choose her.

Maybe it’s not in him.

I glance at Sebastian. His grin is big.

It’s down to me.

Havannah gives Brooklyn a moment to sit down, then says, “Mila. I remember well when I saw your application. I thought, hospitality plus interior design. I can’t wait for that. But you have been so much more. You’re strategic. You’re a team player. You adjust to whatever task you’re given. You can fix a toilet, smile through a long day of laundry folding, and watch hours of security footage without complaint. You showed today that you can pull off a tricky event for all ages, and you consider budget, safety, and a good time. I am more than thrilled to turn over much of my personal control to you as our event manager. Congratulations.”

Tears smart my eyes as I stand up. I can barely hear the applause and cheers. Havannah holds out her arms and I walk into them in a daze.

As she pulls me in, I see Sebastian clapping loudly. He beams at me.

I did it. I pulled it off.

I got everything I wanted.

The job.

The man.

Friends.

A life I love.

As Havannah takes a moment to pin the gold bar to my hotel vest, I want time to slow down. To let me take this in.

It doesn’t matter if I’m not as beautiful as Brooklyn, or as business savvy as Ilsa, or as powerful as Havannah.