I got to the hotel just in time to see the receptionist in what looked like a small argument. She looked stressed—like she had been dealing with this for a while.
Then she saw me.
Relief instantly washed over her face.
"Thank goodness you're here, ma'am," she said quickly.
As I stepped closer, I noticed the woman standing at the counter.
She was… striking.
Red hair, shoulder-length and perfectly even. Tall. Elegant. She wore a peach-colored dress with black stilettos, a matching purse resting neatly at her side. Everything about her screamed control.
If I had to describe her in one word?
Stunning.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"I'm really sorry for the disturbance, but this lady—"
"Don't you dare address me like that," the woman cut in sharply with her thick Russian accent. "I am Lady Eleanor. That is how I will be addressed."
The receptionist stiffened. "I'm sorry, Lady Eleanor."
Then she turned back to me, clearly trying to stay composed.
"There seems to be a mix-up with your room and Lady Eleanor's."
I frowned. "A mix-up? I checked in yesterday."
"Yes, ma'am, but the room you were given is actually a VIP suite. And Lady Eleanor—" she gestured slightly, "—requires that room. It's the last one available."
I stared at her.
"So what exactly are you saying?"
"That we'll need to move you to another room. Of course, everything will be handled properly—"
"And if I don't agree?" i asked clearly triggered
"That would mean you enjoy making things difficult" Lady Eleanor added calmly, her tone almost amused now.
I exhaled slowly.
I could make this a big deal.
I could say who I was.
But I didn't come here for that.
"Do you have another room available?" I asked instead.
"Yes, ma'am."
I sighed. "And please stop calling me ma'am. We're not that far apart in age."
The receptionist blinked, slightly thrown. "I'm sorry—"
"Oof," Lady Eleanor let out softly. "Seems I struck a nerve."
I didn't even look at her.
I was handed a new key card and told to wait while they moved my luggage—and Lady Eleanor's—to our new rooms.
I sat in the waiting area. After a while, one of the staff approached me and asked me to follow him. I did.
The new room wasn't as big or as spacious as the VIP suite, but it was nice. Comfortable.
That was enough for now.
I dropped onto the bed and pulled out my phone.
As soon as I turned it on, a message popped up from an unknown number.
Hi player 😏
I blinked.
What?
Damn… what kind of message is this? Who even—
Another message came in before I could reply.
I'm sorry about that. Jonathan sent the first message—it's me, Daven.
I don't know why…
…but I smiled.
Was it because it was him?
Or just the fact that he texted me at all?