La Brat by Ashe Barker Read Free Book Online Page A

the entertainment to be enjoyed here. She was impressed to learn that Totally Five Star excellence extended to her personal needs and comfort too. It included the understated but efficient welcome, the speedy transition through reception, her questions answered before she even thought of them.
    Eugenie lay back and stared at the ceiling, her head a pleasant jumble. She was here. She was really here. This was actually happening. Now all she had to do was make it last.
     

Chapter Four
     
     
     
    Eugenie spent the next few minutes unpacking her bag, not an arduous task given she’d only brought a couple of outfits with her. By this time tomorrow, she’d be checking out. But she wanted her interview outfit to be fresh and uncrumpled, so she hung it carefully on the front of the wardrobe before setting off to explore the suite.
    The marble tiled bathroom was fabulous, the complimentary toiletries all neatly arranged on the vanity and stamped with the Totally Five Star crest. She found a fluffy bathrobe and slippers inside a large closet, along with a huge pile of towels and a hairdryer.
    Her balcony was small, but offered a view of the Champs-Élysées, and she could just make out the top of the Eiffel Tower, well within walking distance. Maybe later, she’d take a stroll around the city. Tomorrow, perhaps, before she left for the station. Tonight was her chance to soak up the atmosphere of this sumptuous hotel, make sure she was as prepared as she absolutely could be for her interview.
    She splashed cool water on her hands and face, retied her hair in a soft pile on top of her head and pocketed the key card. She left her room, intending to visit the guest facilities. There would be nothing quite like a spot of mystery shopping to get a proper feel for the hotel and the Totally Five Star experience. A tour of the conference and banqueting facilities was part of her itinerary for tomorrow so she would concentrate elsewhere this evening. Maybe she could even find some aspect where she might actually suggest improvements, though she somehow doubted that. This whole place was the epitome of perfection.
    She glanced through the door of the main restaurant, La Maison, first. She knew this already had three Michelin stars and the hotel was hoping to be awarded a fourth soon. It was usually necessary to book at least three months in advance. The staff was preparing the dining room for evening service, the atmosphere one of sedate and controlled industry, everyone knowing their job and performing it to perfection.
    Two further eateries offered a more relaxed, informal ambiance, and their all-day service offered the traditional staples of French cuisine, a range of quiches, steaks, seafood and crêpes. One was decorated in an art deco style that Eugenie loved, the other more modern with stainless steel furniture, the walls and flooring tiled in bright primary colors. But it was the fourth restaurant that made Eugenie catch her breath. This was situated on a shady patio surrounded by a leafy, lush garden. The food was simple and understated, but she knew it would be exquisitely prepared and presented. Eugenie found a free table and took a seat there, intending to enjoy the floral and slightly woody scents of the honeysuckle trailing up the wall beside her. In moments, a waiter appeared with a jug of ice water and a glass. He offered her more refreshments if she wanted them, but assured her she was welcome to just sit and enjoy the evening sunshine.
    The aroma of spicy tomato soup proved irresistible, and the next hour or so passed in peaceful enjoyment of her meal. Eugenie usually felt self-conscious about dining alone, but this place made her feel so at home, so relaxed she barely gave it a thought as she ordered her meal. After the soup, she opted for a main course of chicken chasseur and a half bottle of crisp Chardonnay. She declined the desserts but accepted the offer of a café au lait to round it off. She surveyed her fellow