Page 6 of Mr. Almost

“Did you enjoy it? The classes, I mean. Do you think they are worth it?”

As I straighten up the front desk, I think about her question. “It took me longer than most to finish my degree because of outside commitments, but I loved it. It’s too soon to tell if it was worth it, but so far, I’d say yes. Why? Are you thinking about going into hospitality?”

Tristen shrugs as she leans against the counter. “I am. I mean, I kind of fell into this job. I started in the restaurant and then was asked to fill in over here one night. I liked it so much that I told them I would be willing to do it again. With the staffing changes, let’s just say they took me up on it.”

“Do you like it enough to make a career out of it, though, or are you just passing time?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, if I were you, before I sink a bunch of money into school, I would make sure that this is what you want to do for the rest of your life.” I cringe. “Sorry, that’s the mother in me coming out.”

Tristen laughs. “It’s all good. So you have a kid?”

I smile as I think about Arianna. “I do, she’s four.”

“That’s amazing.”

“It is.”

The phone rings, and Tristen picks it up and answers.

A woman walks up to the counter, smiling at me.

“How can I help you?” I ask.

“Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest pharmacy is?” she asks.

“Of course. If you go out these doors, take a right, and there is one two blocks down.”

“Thank you.”

I smile. “Of course. Have a great day.”

“You too.”

Tristen shakes her head as she hangs up. “It’s never-ending.”

“What is?”

“That was Iris back in the office. We’re going to be short-staffed up here again today. One bellboy and us. Oh, and we have a meeting we have to go to in thirty minutes.”

I frown. According to the handbook I was given when I started, there are three bellboys and three people working the front desk at all times. While I’m sure it will be fine, it could put us in an awkward position once check-in time comes.

“Both of us?”

Tristen nods.

“Then who’s going to watch the front desk if we’re already short-staffed?”

Tristen shrugs. “I’m assuming they will send someone up here to handle it while we’re busy.”

“That’s…”

“A shit show?” she says quietly, making me laugh.

“You said it, not me.” I bite my lip as I try to decide if I should ask or not.

Tristen must see the question on my face. “Just ask.”

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