Page 30 of Playing With Matches
“Yes, but I think it’s closed for the rest of today. Something to do with the storm,” Rob looks almost apologetic. “But really, what happened–”
“I’m so sorry. Mr. Porter, was it?” Edwina pokes her head out the door again.
“Yes,” I look up expectantly. I can almost feel the hot shower water cascading over my tired body.
“There seems to be a problem with your reservation.”
“Oh no! What do you mean?” Rob looks surprised.
“I mean there’s no record of his reservation, Sir,” Edwina says apologetically.
“Surely you have a record of the reservation, no?” Rob says. “Can you pull it up on your phone, Jackson?”
“My phone is out of commission,” I pull the smashed phone out of my pocket. “But whatever you’ve got, at this point I don’t even care how much it costs,” I extract my black card from my wallet and shove it at her.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Porter,” Edwina says, handing the card back. “I don’t think you understand. The resort isatcapacity.”
“Oh come on, Edwina,” Rob dials up the charm. “Do you know who this is? Jackson Porter is a very important member of our cast, quite possibly the MOST important member of our cast. Surely you have an empty room here somewhere?”
“Let me check again, Mr. Goodfellow,” Edwina makes eye contact with Rob. “There was one garden view economy room that is being retiled.”
“Thanks much, Edwina! You’re a true peach!” Rob winks at her.
As soon as she goes back inside, Rob lets out a deep breath. “I think I know what happened.”
“Dude,” I say, “It’s not that big of a deal. As long as there’s a bed and a shower, I can stay in the economy room.” I have reached the numb stage of weary.
“No,” Rob says. “I feel like it’s all my fault. I should have said something earlier when it happened.”
“When what happened?” I ask.
“When they gave Isla Fairfax your room. I am mortified, Jackson. This is unacceptable.”
Edwina comes out again, and I can tell immediately she doesn’t have good news for me. “I am so sorry, Sir. Unfortunately there is no running water in the room that is being renovated, and I don’t think there is any other availability in this resort. We are going to have to call another hotel.”
“That won’t work,” Rob shakes his head. “I need my whole cast here on the Peaches property! If we wanted to film at the Four Seasons, we would have booked the Four Seasons.”
“Actually, the Four Seasons is also sold out,” Edwina shakes her head sadly. “I already checked. I’ve located one bed in a shared room at the hostel next to the airport.”
“There’s a hostel near the airport?” I ask, incredulous.
“Right across the street,” Edwina agrees with a friendly smile.
Might have been nice if the luggage lady had mentioned that.
“No way. There is no way we are sending our MVP to a hostel,” Rob protests. “I’d sooner stay there myself!”
“I don’t know what else to say. Perhaps someone from your cast might be willing to share?” Edwina raises her eyebrows hopefully.
“Hmmmmm…. There’s only one bed in my room. Sharing won’t work. Unless–” Rob rubs his hands together as he thinks. Suddenly he claps and then shakes one finger victoriously. “That’s it!”
“What’s it?” Edwina and I both look at him.
“Well, you just gave me an excellent idea, Edwina. Isla Fairfax is in a two-bedroom deluxe suite, right?”
“She is,” Edwina smiles and nods at Rob encouragingly.
“I know this is a huge ask, Jackson, but would you mind sharing with her?”
