La Brat by Ashe Barker Read Free Book Online

of one wall and uniformed staff milled in the lobby. As soon as the butler escorted her through the plate glass doors, a young woman headed in their direction, a friendly smile plastered across her face.
    “Good afternoon, you wish to check in, oui ?”
    “ Oui. Je suis Eugenie d’André. Je suis ici pour une entrevue d’emploi .”
    “Ah, yes, I have the information. Please, follow me.”
    Eugenie trailed after the vibrant receptionist, who disappeared behind the long desk to rummage beneath it for a sheaf of papers. She found what she was after and laid the documents on the shining counter.
    “I will need your passport, if you please, Mademoiselle d’André.”
    “Of course.” Eugenie handed it over and waited patiently while the necessary formalities were dealt with. It took a few minutes, but soon she was on her way up to the eighth floor where a suite had been reserved for her.
    The porter, who insisted on carrying her bag and pressing all the elevator controls, explained that the hotel had four award-winning restaurants and food and refreshments would be available twenty-four hours a day. She would find menus in her room. There was a spa she could use, a lounge bar where she could enjoy live entertainment, a movie theater for the use of guests, a fully stocked library and, of course, two swimming pools, one indoor and one on the rooftop. Eugenie had read up on the hotel before she’d set out and was fairly familiar with the amenities offered but still listened with care as the porter waxed eloquent about the casino and the gym. His pride in this establishment was obvious, and Eugenie wondered if all the staff felt similarly engaged and committed. If so, this was a good sign, hinting at skilled leadership and enlightened management. More than ever, she wanted to make her future here.
    As the porter guided her along the hallway on her floor, her sandals sinking into the plush carpeting, he informed her that hotel transport was available to take her wherever she might like to go, whether she wished to explore the city, or to shop perhaps. Or maybe she would prefer to make use of the hairdressing salon, or enjoy a manicure? Or, if it would be more convenient, the hairdresser or a masseuse would come to her room. The usual housekeeping services were available, complimentary drinks were provided in her suite and the flowers would be changed daily.
    As they entered her suite, muted classical music greeted her, which the porter explained she could turn off via a concealed console. Or she could make other selections if her tastes ran to something raunchier. A whole system of home entertainment was provided, including a plasma screen television that seemed to take up most of one wall, and naturally Wi-Fi was available throughout the hotel. As if this were not enough, she would find facilities to charge any electrical items she might have with her.
    As he bustled about the room, opening windows and stacking her bag on the neat trolley provided, he assured her that Totally Five Star hoped to anticipate any needs she might have. Even so, if there was anything at all that she needed and could not find, she was just to phone down to reception who would be delighted to oblige.
    Eugenie thanked him and held out a ten-euro note. He offered her a respectful bow and declined, inviting her instead to leave any gratuity she felt might be appropriate when she checked out. The staff who had served her would share it. He wished her a very pleasant and comfortable stay then slipped back out into the corridor.
    Eugenie sank onto the bed, somewhat in awe at her surroundings. She’d known this place was smart, upmarket, the best of the best. But she’d assumed it all applied primarily to the physical environment, the superbly appointed rooms, the elegant architecture, the graceful pieces of French art displayed in the public areas. And, of course, to the Michelin-starred excellence of the food they would serve, as well as the quality of