Page 23 of Pour Decisions
“Yes, ma’am,” Andrew agrees.
We get to my room and he opens the door for me, then brings my luggage in and sets it up on a luggage rack, hanging my garment bag in the closet.
“Will there be anything else, ma’am?” he asks. Part of me wishes he’d stop calling me ma’am, it makes me feel old. And part of me is getting off on the fancy pomp and circumstance I’m being treated to.
“That will be all for now, Andrew.” I tilt my hand in his direction, as though he should kiss the back of it, and affect a snobbish tone to my voice. An attempt at an old and English accent, as a joke.
Andrew rears his head.
I don’t think he got it.
“That was a joke.” I gesture to the room. “I was joking since it’s so fancy and everything.”
Andrew nods and moves to leave.
“You know, like old rich people?”
He keeps walking toward the door without responding.
“Don’t you want a tip or something?” I ask after him.
“It’s all taken care of ma’am. Have a pleasant stay.” And with that, he’s gone.
“How to win friends and influence people,” I mumble to myself.
The room is gorgeous. The magazine paid for the cost of the room, but I’m responsible for all incidentals.
Incidentals they tempt you with outright. A small tray on a side table hosts an arrangement of glass jars. One of which is shaped like a bear and filled with gummy bears. Which makes me really want to open the jar.
Well played, fancy hotel, well played.
A small welcome basket sits on the coffee table, with a card attached.
Congratulations from the staff at Wine Review Magazine.
The basket holds a bottle of red wine, a split of champagne, which I immediately put in the mini fridge, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a bag of assorted nuts. I grab the dried fruit to munch on, then open my suitcase to unpack.
Tess put together outfits for me for each day of the event, along with accessories and shoes with a reminder list in case I forget what goes with what. Which was smart since I rarely pair any of the items together that she did, and they would tempt me to go back to how I usually wear them. Plus, her pairings are more exciting. Like me, only better. Still my clothes, still my style, just coordinated differently.
Today’s outfit being proof positive. A sheer ivory colored blouse paired with high-waisted, wide-legged black slacks and open-toed strappy heels. Usually, I only wear this blouse under something else, but with the high waist of the slacks, it takes the emphasis off the fact that it’s pretty much see through, and even though my bra shows, it’s not trashy looking. It feels sexy and conservative at the same time. Another testament to Tess’ mastery with fashion.
I head out to the balcony and look out over the railing to gardens below my room. They are lush and green, filled with flowers, fountains, and statues, pathways winding through with cement benches for seating, and a large koi pond in the very center. The views extend to either side, the design of the balconies allowing one to take full advantage of all the beautiful scenery in three different directions.
The side walls between my neighbors and I start tall and slope low as they extend outward, giving the appearance you could almost step over them onto the next balcony. But I don’t think it’s that easy. I take a deep breath and sigh with content. Feeling good for the first time in a long time.
Until I hear that voice.
“Oh, god, not you again.” I turn to my right to see Blondie on the balcony next to mine.
Fuck. I should have known they might be here.
“Hey, Morgan,” Michael leers from beside her. “Or should I sayMaggie?”
Deep breath, Morgan.
Don’t let them get to you. This is your time, you’re a finalist in an elite awards competition. Nothing is going to ruin that for you.
“Ha, you guys were right, we face the same direction and are only a room apart. I wonder who—” Riggs appears on the balcony of the room to my left, stopping mid-sentence when he sees me.
