Page 42 of Spring Break with a Bodyguard
“I think we’re both lucky,” he says, capturing my hand in his and pressing a kiss to my palm. “Now come on. Your adoring public awaits, and Preston will send out a search party if we’re gone too long.”
As we walk back toward the conference room, his hand warm and solid around mine, I reflect on the strange, wonderful journey that brought us here. Eight chaotic days of spring break housekeeping that transformed into something neither of us could have anticipated.
“You know,” I say as we reach the conference room door, “I should really send Roberts a thank-you note.”
Javi raises an eyebrow. “The man who tried to frame you for theft and attempted to humiliate you in the press?”
“Exactly,” I confirm with a grin. “If not for his scheming, who knows how long it would have taken us to find each other? Sometimes the worst moments lead to the best outcomes.”
“Philosophy from a former housekeeper,” Javi teases. “What would your social media followers think?”
“They’d probably be surprised by a lot of things,” I reply, thinking of the genuine, unfiltered life I’ve built these past months. “But their opinion doesn’t matter much anymore. I know my worth—both as a Hollister and as Theresa Holden, housekeeper extraordinaire.”
Javi’s expression softens into that special look reserved only for me. “And I value both equally. I love all of who you are.”
With one last squeeze of his hand and a whispered “I love you” in return, I push open the door, ready to continue the work that’s become my passion.
The room buzzes with conversation—executives and housekeepers finding common ground, maintenance staff explaining equipment needs to attentive board members. Crystal and Willy are huddled with two housekeepers, discussing ergonomic design improvements for the cleaning stations.
This, I think as I take my place at the table, is the real legacy of my hairbrained idea of starting from the bottom of the ladder. Not just finding love with an unlikely bodyguard, but finding purpose, connection, and a way to use my privilege to create meaningful change.
“Ready for the next session?” Preston asks, sliding the presentation materials toward me.
I smile as I feel Javi’s supportive presence behind me and the anticipation of continuing the work we’ve begun. “Absolutely. I’m just getting started.”
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