Page 20 of Mr. Almost

“Front desk,Olivia speaking. How can I help you?” I ask as I answer the phone.

“Yes, I’m in room seven-fifteen. I would like to request a turndown service for this evening,” the guest tells me.

“Of course. I’ll get that scheduled for you. Can I help you with anything else?”

“No, that would be all.”

“Wonderful. One of the staff will stop by your room around eight this evening and get that done for you.”

“Lovely. Thank you.”

“Of course. I hope you have a wonderful stay at The Williamson,” I say before hanging up.

Sighing, I eye the lobby. Right now, it’s quiet, which I’m thankful for. This morning, when I came in, I was cornered by Max.

“Good morning, Olivia.”

I offer my boss a smile. “Good morning, Mr. Williamson.”

“How are you?”

“I’m well, and you?”

He smiles. “I can’t complain.”

“Good. Well, I’m going to get to work. I hope you have a great day.”

“Wait, before you go, can I talk to you for a second?”

I feel my body tense. “Is everything okay?”

Max waves away my question. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just wanting to know what you think of the hotel so far.”

I relax slightly. “The Williamson is the place to stay. The staff I’ve met so far are lovely.”

His eyebrows wing up. “So no complaints?”

Slowly, I shake my head. “None that matter. Every hotel has its flaws, and don’t get me wrong, The Williamson has its own, but this place runs smoothly. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

His shoulders relax. “That’s what I like to hear. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I point my thumb over my shoulder. “If that’s all, I better get out to the desk to relieve the night shift.

“Yes, yes, of course. Have a great day.”

“You too.”

After I replaced Claudia, it was one thing after another. There was an incident in the gym where a guest dropped a fifty-pound weight on their foot. Once the EMTs got him loaded up and out of here, I got word that there was water coming through the ceiling in one of the rooms. While waiting for maintenance to show up, the health inspector showed up wanting to inspect the restaurant again, even though they supposedly had it done not even three months ago.

When it rains, it pours, it seems.

Discreetly, I reach into my pocket for my phone, only to come up empty.

Shit. I was so distracted by Max this morning, I forgot to grab my phone from my bag before starting my shift.

It’s fine. I try to convince myself. The day care has never called before, and they won’t start today.

Still. I wish I had it on me.

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