Read an excerpt of my short story, “The Other Side.”
The Other Side
Originally Published in Midnight & Indigo Magazine (issue 8)
Ruthie Collins sensed something was wrong the moment the concierge furrowed his thick brows and squinted his eyes at the computer screen, his gap-toothed grin deflating when he asked her to repeat her reservation number. She held up her phone to show him the confirmation email for the Chalet Deluxe, the most coveted suite at Paradise Resort. The reason she and Eddie drove five hours despite the winter storm watch.
Ruthie surveyed the lobby while she waited for him to sort out the matter. The gleam in her eyes returned as she took in her surroundings— crystal chandeliers dangled from the high-vaulted glass ceiling like diamond drop earrings, the marble floors glittered with specks of gold, and in the center of it all, four brass lion heads spouted water into the wall fountain’s flower shaped basin. The online photo gallery did not capture its beauty.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Collins, but I’m not seeing a reservation for that particular suite under your name,” he said, confusion seeping through his voice after she repeated the number for the third time. He leaned closer to the computer and adjusted his glasses, and with a few clicks on the keyboard, the crease in his forehead disappeared. His toothy smile returned.
“Aha. There you are. We have you and your guest booked in the Diamond suite. It seems the Chalet is already reserved for the week. It’s likely you and our other guest booked it around the same time and our system didn’t recognize it.”
This can’t be happening.
She released a quiet sigh of frustration, her excitement about their romantic getaway waning as the concierge droned on about computer glitches and system malfunctions. This wasn’t how her morning was supposed to go. Paradise was the kind of place she and Eddie could relax and celebrate their fifth-year wedding anniversary, grown and sexy style, especially since her teenage daughter Desiree was staying with her ex-husband until they returned. She had envisioned spending their afternoon skinny dipping in a private heated swimming pool, sipping on martinis, relaxing in front of the fireplace, enjoying the stellar on-site amenities.
Ruthie’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion as she pulled out a printed confirmation email from her purse and spread the creased paper across the counter.
“Look Mr….” She scanned his navy blue suit jacket until she found his nametag. Sam.
“I understand systems mess up and get it wrong Sam, but we didn’t drive five hours to stay in the Diamond. I booked the Chalet Deluxe months ago because it’s your best, and I wanted something extra nice for our anniversary.” She casted a glance toward the entrance, still waiting for Eddie to appear with their luggage. That man moved slower than her 90-year-old grandmother with arthritis. “We’ve heard great things about your resort. But it’s been hard to get in here because of the waiting list. Now you’re telling me we can’t get the room we reserved months ago. There must be something you can do.”
Sam cleared his throat. “I understand your frustration, ma’am. And you’re correct. We often have a waiting list because our property only has ten suites. But I can assure you Diamond is also a guest favorite. Some even prefer it over Chalet.”
Sam resumed typing, his slender fingers delicately stroking the keyboard like a pianist searching for the perfect chord. “I’ll be happy to show you our other rooms if you prefer. We have plenty available since most of our guests cancelled or checked out early due to the incoming storm. Once it hits, no one will be coming in or going out.”