As a building manager and an art school principal, Malcolm thought he knew how to handle difficult guests.
He was wrong.
Jonathan was a different breed altogether. The arrogance pouring out of his pores could make anyone hesitate to say no to him. It was, honestly, his superpower.
"As I was saying…" Malcolm trailed off, hands clasped behind his back. "You are not welcome here." He smiled politely. "But you're free to leave."
"You really think I'm stupid enough to comb through every five-star hotel in this city looking for my girlfriend?" Jonathan snapped, already on his feet, hands planted on his waist. "This dump is the last place I'd check."
Christina looked lost, glancing between the two men. Girlfriend? As in more-than-a-friend girl? Or just… a girl who's a friend?
"I know she's here," Jonathan continued. "And I want to take her home."
"I'm not allowed to let strangers interact with my guests," Malcolm replied calmly—far calmer than he felt. "If she's family, you're free to call her and ask."
Jonathan laughed harshly. Did this man think he hadn't tried calling Amy? Would he even be here if her phone hadn't gone dead?
"Listen here, Mr. Prim-and-Proper—" Jonathan slammed his palms on the table between them. "Her phone is unreachable, and I'm concerned about her safety. That's why I'm here!"
Malcolm barely reacted. He texted April under the table, updating her on the situation and asking if Amy had any requests.
"…Are you listening?" Ms. Caryn snapped, startling him.
"I wasn't," Malcolm admitted mildly. "But please, go on."
She exhaled sharply. "I understand where you're coming from—"
"No, you don't," Malcolm cut in. "If you did, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Ms. Caryn paused. He was right. Amy hadn't left them—she had disappeared. And she'd left everything behind on purpose.
"I just want to know if she's okay," Ms. Caryn said quietly.
"For the last time, whoever you're looking for is not here," Malcolm replied evenly.
Jonathan scoffed. "Can you believe this guy?"
"We're done here," Ms. Caryn said firmly. "Expect to hear from our lawyers."
Malcolm didn't flinch. He smiled professionally. "Would you like me to walk you out, or can you manage?"
"I think we can manage," Christina said brightly. "Thank you for seeing us."
"Always a pleasure," Malcolm replied.
They left the premises.
Amy had witnessed everything from her balcony.
Thank you, she wrote, handing the note to April, who had stood behind her the entire time.
"It's my job, Amy," April said lightly. "Don't be a stranger."
Amy gestured for the paper back and wrote again.
Elijah did tell me how bad my idea was that night.
April laughed. "Yeah, well—he doesn't seem to remember that part. And now Malcolm is furious with him."
I'll talk to him.
"And risk the building collapsing?" April joked, then grew serious. "Was Jonathan the reason you left the city?"
Part of it.
"Girl," April said, shaking her head, "you dodged a bullet. That man is all kinds of wrong."
You have no idea.
"How about I grab some ice cream and you tell me everything?"
It's a deal.
Amy laughed quietly at her situation.
She had a friend who genuinely enjoyed trash-talking her ex.
There really was a first time for everything.