Page 114 of The Hotel Room

James laughed softly, shaking his head. “Thanks, Nick.”

“Don’t mention it,” Nick said, raising his glass. “But seriously, James…don’t screw this up again. You don’t get a second second chance.”

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James sat at the table, his laptop open and his phone buzzing intermittently with reminders and emails. His next work trip loomed—a flight out early next week

Kate stood at the counter, slicing fruit for Lily’s snack. Her movements were calm, practiced, but James caught the way her shoulders tensed when he mentioned the trip.

“It’s just one night,” he said, his tone carefully neutral.

Kate didn’t look at him right away. When she finally turned, there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something sharp and fleeting. Distrust. Pain.

She smiled quickly, too quickly. “I understand,” she said, her voice even. “Your job requires it.”

But the damage was done. Her attempt to hide her unease only made it worse, and James felt the familiar weight of shame settle heavily in his chest.

She didn’t trust him. Not with this. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

And how could he blame her?

James pushed his chair back abruptly, standing to clear his empty coffee mug from the table. The clink of ceramic against the sink was sharper than he intended, and he muttered a curse under his breath.

“James?” Kate’s voice was quiet, uncertain.

He shook his head, not turning around. “It’s not you, Kate. It’s me. I hate this.”

She didn’t respond, and the silence stretched until he finally forced himself to turn back to her. She was watching him carefully, her eyes softer now, but still wary.

“I thought…” He stopped, raking a hand through his hair. “I thought this career was so important. That climbing the ladder, making more money, getting those big trips—it was all part of being a good husband. A good dad. What’s the point of all this financial security if it just makes you feel emotionally insecure?”

Kate’s brows furrowed, her hands stilling on the cutting board. “James—”

“I don’t blame you,” he interrupted, his voice rough. “Not for feeling the way you do. God knows I earned it. And I know I can’t just quit my job—not with the baby coming. But this—” Hegestured to the laptop, the phone, the endless emails. “This isn’t what matters. You do. Our family does.”

Her expression softened, but she said nothing, and James felt the words pressing harder against his chest.

He exhaled sharply, leaning back against the counter. “I can’t change everything overnight. But maybe I don’t need to be the guy who’s always flying to New York and LA. There are other trips—ones closer to home.”

Kate tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued.

James hesitated, hating the admission even as he spoke. “The less senior guys get the in-state trips. Four-hour drives, meetings, then back the same day. Everyone hates those trips. They’re exhausting, and no one fights to take them.”

“James…” Kate started, her voice full of concern.

“I’m not saying it’s perfect,” he continued quickly. “But it’s better. I’d still be working, still providing, but I’d be home at night. With you. With the kids. No more overnights. No more hotel stays.”

Kate set the knife down, turning fully to face him now. Her eyes searched his, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to protest but wasn’t sure how.

“You’d give up the bigger trips? The more prestigious ones?” she asked quietly.

“I’d give up anything for you,” James said simply, his voice firm.

Her throat bobbed, and her hand moved unconsciously to rest over the small bump of her belly. “I don’t want you to resent me for this,” she murmured.

James stepped closer, his hand reaching for hers. “Resent you?” he echoed. “Kate, I resentme. For thinking that any of this—any of the travel, the promotions, the bigger deals—mattered more than what I already had.”

Her lips trembled, and for a moment, he thought she might cry. Instead, she nodded, squeezing his hand tightly.

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