Page 1 of The Hotel Room

CHAPTER ONE

Kate

Kate tightened the belt of her robe as she moved between the counter and the kitchen island. The tile floor was cool against her bare feet. The smell of coffee filled the kitchen, rich and comforting.

Noah sat in a teenage slouch at the breakfast bar, his long limbs sprawled out as though even sitting required too much effort. He shoveled cereal into his mouth without much enthusiasm.

His eyes flicked between the bowl and his phone, propped precariously against the napkin holder. A faint smirk played at the corner of his lips, a sure sign he was texting Emily again.

Kate resisted the urge to comment. She smiled to herself at Noah’s casual posture—the sharp line of his jaw that still had a hint of baby softness, the way his hair fell into his eyes.

The scene made her ache with a motherly mix of pride and nostalgia. He was growing up so fast, caught somewhere between the boy she raised and the man he was becoming.

“Noah, remember to grab your history project. It’s due today, right?”

He grunted in the way only a teenage boy could, more acknowledgment than answer, most of his attention on his phone.

Kate sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as Lily bounded down the stairs with all the energy of a whirlwind, clutching a pink folder tightly to her chest. Her words came out in a breathless rush before her feet even hit the last step.

“Mom, do you know where my purple hoodie is? I can’t find it anywhere, and I need it for P.E.!”

Kate raised an eyebrow, already sensing the urgency in Lily’s voice that would leave no room for calm reasoning. “Check the laundry basket,” she said evenly. “If it’s not there, I’ll help you look after breakfast.”

Lily groaned dramatically, shifting from one foot to the other as though time itself were slipping away. “I don’t have time! I need it now!”

Kate held back a laugh, reminded once again of Lily’s uncanny ability to turn minor inconveniences into full-blown crises. She crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. “Well, if you don’t have time to check the basket, then you don’t have time to argue about it either.”

Lily let out a huff of exasperation, her curls bouncing as she spun on her heel to storm toward the laundry room. “Fine, but if I’m late, it’s not my fault!” she called over her shoulder.

Kate cut her eyes to Noah, who didn’t lift his eyes from his phone but smirked knowingly around another bite of cereal. Themorning rush, as chaotic as it was, felt strangely comforting in its familiarity.

“Hey, beautiful.”

James was freshly showered and doing up the last buttons on his shirt. His tie hung loose around his neck, and his damp hair was mussed in a way that made him look younger—almost like the boy she married all those years ago. He caught her eye, smiling.

He pressed a kiss to her temple, lingering just enough to make her exhale a little softer. She handed him the mug she’d already prepared for him—strong, splash of cream, no sugar. Just how he liked it.

“Morning,” she murmured, feeling the warmth of his hand brush the small of her back.

“Here,” she said softly, sliding the mug from his hand and placing it on the counter. “Let me.”

James lowered his arms, watching her as she deftly took the tie in her hands. The movement was quick but tender, her fingers brushing against his collarbone as she looped the fabric with practiced ease.

“You’d think I’d have this down by now,” he said, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.

“You’d think,” she teased lightly, tilting her head to study her handiwork before tightening the knot and smoothing it against his chest. Her hands lingered for a moment, resting on his shirt.

“There,” she said, stepping back.

James’s eyes softened as he looked at her, his smile warmer now, carrying a weight of gratitude he didn’t put into words. “Thanks.”

He glanced at Noah. “Hey, bud. Put the phone down, finish your cereal. You need to leave in ten.”

Noah rolled his eyes but obeyed, shoveling cereal faster now.

Lily reappeared, victorious, purple hoodie in hand. “Found it!”

The clock inched closer to 7:30. James checked his watch, sighing under his breath. He drained his coffee, sliding into his suit jacket.

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