Page 4 of Baking Spirits Bright!

“Hi, I’m calling about your Airbnb.”

“Yes, it’s available and decorated for Christmas already.”

“Okay. I’m needing someplace for tonight.”

“That can be arranged. I can show you around in a few hours.”

“That’s fine, but I’ll go ahead and take it.”

“You sure? The photos online didn’t show the decorations.”

“No, it’s good. Save it for me. You can call me back when it’s ready.”

“Ten-four, Mr... uh, what’s your name?”

“Ryan.”

I take a deep breath and jiggle the room key out of the lock as I get off the phone. After searching the office and the restaurant, I find the guy who gave me the key inside the liquor store.

“Excuse me.”

He turns and snarls.

“I’d like to cancel my room.”

“What’s wrong?”

I swallow and contemplate my answer. I’m not one for confrontation, but I can’t sleep somewhere that smells like wet dogs had a farting contest.

“I have other arrangements,” I say.

“All right. You owe twelve bucks.”

“Sure. A cancellation fee. That’s fair.”

He laughs. “Nope, that’s for the half hour you’ve had the key.”

I bite my tongue before I say it hasn’t been more than twenty minutes tops.

“We charge by the hour here.”

“I see.” I frown and mentally calculate the charge on my card.

“You get a discount the more hours you stay.”

I nod.

“Keeps us from having to wash the sheets more often.” He winks.

“Okay, here’s your key.” I hold it out.

Soon as he takes it, I’m out the door. I don’t fully trust I’ll see a refund for everything but the half hour, but I’ll gladly pay that to not sleep here.

Might as well explore the county until my Airbnb RV is ready.

CHAPTER 2

Erica

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