Two small bars had been set up in the hotel’s circular atrium, and both had long lines of people waiting to order drinks. After an entire afternoon of presentations and charts and panel discussions and charts and more talking followed by even more charts, the entire mini mob of developers, builders, and staff were beyond thirsty.She slowly strolled away from the crowds around the two bars. There were less people in the plant-filled atrium, so Kelly headed toward the greenery.White-jacketed hotel staff pushed carts with large closed metal serving dishes. Kelly sniffed the air, trying to guess what the hotel caterers were serving. She couldn’t tell, which she figured was a bad sign. Two more carts followed, also carrying metal servings dishes. Another rubber chicken banquet, Kelly thought ruefully.She’d had way too many banquet meals lately. Since Warner started including Kelly in his top echelon of staff, she’d lost count of the bland meeting meals she’d consumed. With the recession putting a squeeze on companies’ costs, hotel kitchens had clearly cut back on whatever expenses they could and not risk losing their clientele.
