Page 6 of Once Upon A Snowfall
By now, the sidewalk has almost cleared as everyone has gathered their things and made it inside. As much as I’d like to continue our conversation, I really need to go. “Well, I hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you. My sister booked me a room for the night. I’m a little disappointed I won’t make it to the cabin until later, but it’s probably best.”
“Yeah, if you’ve never driven in this kind of weather, it can be a bit of a challenge.” I don’t want to sound arrogant or anything, but the trip here should speak for itself.
“I’m probably going to order room service and call it a night. It’s been a very trying day to say the least.”
“Eh, room service is okay, but I think you’d like the café on the lower level better. They have the best potato soup and they’ll even package it to-go for you. That is, if you like soup.”
“I just might try that instead. Thanks for the recommendation.”
“Brent, you got a minute?”
We both turn around to see Uncle Barry standing over by the bus.
“Thanks again for everything. And for suggesting the soup,” she says as she takes a couple steps towards the door.
“Anytime.”
Chapter Seven
Annie
I plop down on the king-size bed and stare up at the ceiling. The room isn’t all that bad, but it’s sure not the warm, cozy cabin I was so looking forward to.
The check-in attendant enthusiastically pointed out that my room came with many features, including a horseshoe-shaped couch directly in front of a set of windows overlooking a view of the lake and that I had a choice in which bathroom I wanted to use. I’d never heard of a hotel room having more than one bathroom, until she explained that one was designed for a woman, complete with a tub and make-up area, while the other was more standard, with a walk-in stand-up shower. I was simply too tired to tell her I was fine with either.
I roll over and pull my phone from my purse since I promised Madi I’d let her know as soon as I got checked in. I let it ring several times and when she doesn’t pick up, I leave her a quick voicemail. I finish by saying I’m headed downstairs to grab a bite to eat and I’ll probably turn in as soon as I get back.
I slip into a pair of sneakers then run a brush through my tangled hair. The wind had sure done a number on it todayand I wince each time the bristles gets stuck in one of the knots. Rather than fight with it even more, I pull it up into a loose ponytail while a couple of the shorter pieces frame the sides of my face. I grab a light jacket, along with my purse and room card and head out the door to the elevator.
Surprisingly, the elevator doesn’t stop on it’s descent from the twenty-eighth floor all the way down to the lobby. My ears pop a time or two from the change in altitude, a strange feeling I’m not accustomed to having.
I follow the signs for the café Brent had mentioned and offer a warm smile to the hostess. As she walks me over to one of the tables against the far wall, I can’t help noticing how quiet it is, considering it’s really not all that late. I scan the menu, even though I’m pretty certain I’m ordering the potato soup. At the last minute, I have the waitress add on a side order of cheese sticks. I know it’s an unusual combination but having gone most all day without anything to eat, this will definitely get me through the night.
My food arrives pretty quickly and I immediately dip one of the cheese sticks into the rich, hearty marinara sauce. It’s crazy hot, but oh so delicious. Just as I’m getting ready to take another bite, my gaze lands on the gentleman standing in line at the front counter.
Brent!
My cheeks instantly flush and I turn my head just as he looks over at me. It’s not in my nature to be rude, so I wave to him, all the while praying he doesn’t come over. Who am I kidding? Of course, I’d like him to come over…after I’ve changed clothes and fixed my hair. He’s going to think I look an absolute mess.
Chapter Eight
Brent
I kick the wheel of my Jeep with my boot and shake my head. Of all the times for me to have a flat. I slide the glove off of my right hand and trail my fingers over the sharp piece of metal protruding from the tire. Where would I have picked up something like this?
I look down at my watch even though I know it’s past the time for the tire shop to be open. I consider calling roadside assistance, but with the way things are right now, it could be hours if not days before they’re able to get here. And even then, I’m not sure I want to be riding around with a spare. Calling my dad is definitely not an option.
I look around the parking lot, the snow clearly over my head in many places. The latest weather report said this front could very well drop another foot of snow and from the looks of things, we’re going to get that plus more. So much for making it home and building that fire tonight.
I walk around to the passenger side and lift my small overnight bag from the floorboard. This is the very reason why I carry an extra change of clothes with me all the time.
I make my way inside the hotel part of the casino and head over to the guest services counter. It’s not the first time I’ve had to spend the night here and it probably won’t be the last. I explain to the person in charge about my flat tire and inquire about getting a room at the employee rate. She takes my badge with her and disappears to the back. It’s been such a long, trying day, I’d honestly enjoy taking a hot shower and climbing in the bed. Maybe check out a couple of the basketball games on TV before calling it a night.
I’m beginning to think I’m out of luck getting a room because of how long she’s taking but she finally emerges, an envelope with a plastic keycard inside clenched in her hand. “Sorry it took so long. We’re getting low on comped rooms for the night. I found you one, though, in the Mountain Tower. If you think you’re going to need an additional night, give us a call in the morning so we can get that taken care of for you.”
“Sweet. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.” I take the envelope from her and head down to the bank of elevators.
