Chapter 27
Summary
- The narrator expresses gratitude for her numerous blessings, and exemplifies the warm, sunny day as another good thing in her life.
- Upon arrival at the Regency Grand hotel, she greets Mr. Preston who shows relief that Rodney, a troubling figure in the story, is imprisoned.
- The narrator wonders if she'll ever get over her negative reaction to Rodney's name.
- Mr. Preston inquires about Juan Manuel's whereabouts and confirms their Sunday get-together, where Juan's enchiladas are anticipated. He values Juan's influence on his palate post his wife's passing.
- Molly, the narrator, informs Mr. Preston that Juan's shift starts in an hour, reassures him about their Sunday plans, and swiftly moves on to her day's busy schedule, which includes a wedding and a conference in the hotel.
- Entering the hotel lobby, the narrator senses an air of respect from the staff that she isn’t accustomed to, and Mr. Snow praises her for her courtroom testimony.
- She ignores staff whispers and continues to the housekeeping quarters where she begins her work routine.
- In the changing room, Molly reflects on a past friendship as she puts on her Head Maid uniform, which signifies her promotion and new responsibilities.
- Newly promoted, she implements better practices in her role as Head Maid, such as prepping trolleys and fair room distribution for the maids.
- A new team member, Ricky, Sunshine's son, impresses Molly with his work and attitude despite Cheryl’s unfriendly remarks towards him.
- Molly plans to use her raise and shared rent expenses to save money for a hotel management program at college, her new goal.
- Molly's personal life has shifted as Juan Manuel has become her partner, and they enjoy spending time together and plan a celebration dinner at Olive Garden.
- She recalls the court proceedings where she and Juan Manuel testified against Rodney. Despite the pressure, Molly managed to maintain her composure.
- Molly reveals in court an observation about the presence of another person with a pillow in the room where Mr. Black was found dead, causing a stir in the courtroom.
- Despite intense cross-examination, Molly sticks to her truth, which left an impact on the court as indicated by Charlotte's smile.
- Her colleagues Sunitha and Sunshine show their appreciation for Molly's role in 'cleaning' the hotel of its problematic elements.
- She receives a surprising $10,000 from Giselle with a note, "Debt of Gratitude," recognizing that Giselle has acquired her desired villa.
- Molly decides to accept the money as a gift to enhance her fledgling savings, acknowledging it will further her aspirations and is a gesture she wouldn't know how to return.