Page 14 of Reconnected Hearts
We both nod.
She sucks in a sharp exhale. “I thought everyone had already arrived. Not to worry, though! We still have one junior suite available for the night.” She smiles, the corners of her endeared eyes crinkling. “I think you’ll be very comfortable there. It’s so cozy and romantic.”
My stomach drops, anticipating Lucy's reaction to this little misunderstanding. Personally, I'd sleep on the concrete at this point. I just want this day to beover.
To my surprise, Lucy bursts out laughing, the tension in the air dissipating instantly. "Oh, that's a good one!" she says, wiping a faux tear from her eye. "Me and him? A couple? Can you imagine?"
“Sorry, ma’am, but you are mistaken—terribly,terriblymistaken,” Lucy continues. “Never in a million years would Ieverdate this man. In fact, if I, by some stroke of God himself, even so much asthoughtabout him in such a way, I would have no choice but to claw my own eyes out because I simply wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror anymore.”
The lady laughs in response and I can’t help but feel like I’m the butt of some private joke between the two women.
She turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hey, Noah, should we tell her about our torrid love affair? The one where we hate each other's guts?"
I can't help but chuckle. "Yeah, it's a real Romeo and Juliet story, minus the romance and plus a whole lot of bickering."
Lucy nods, turning back to the receptionist with a grin. "In all seriousness, though, we're definitely not together. We'll need separate rooms, please. Preferably on opposite sides of the hotel, if possible."
The receptionist laughs, visibly relieved. "I completely understand. I'm sorry for assuming! Let me see what I can do about those separate rooms."
As she types away on her keyboard, Lucy leans over to me, lowering her voice. "You know, if we were a couple, we'd probably end up killing each other before the honeymoon was over."
I snort, shaking my head. "You're not wrong. But hey, at least it would be an entertaining way to go."
Lucy rolls her eyes, but I swear I catch a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
The receptionist's smile falters as she scans the computer screen, her brow furrowing. "Oh dear," she mumbles, a hint of concern creeping into her voice.
Lucy and I exchange a glance, our momentary camaraderie replaced by a growing sense of unease.
"Is everything alright?" I ask, already dreading the answer.
“Um…unfortunately, due to all of the redirected flights, we only have one available room tonight. Otherwise, I would have to contact one of our sister locations and?—”
“W-well this is unacceptable from the airline, look ma’am we’re two grown adults who can’t be expected to share-“ Lucy begins, going into full Lucy-mode.
I make an executive decision. “We'll take the room, ma’am,” I interrupt. “And I’m so sorry for her attitude. She forgot to take her medication this morning. Thank you so,somuch for providing thisfreeroom for us tonight.” I pointedly look over at Lucy with a smile that could not possibly be interpreted as anything close to pleasant. “Right, Luce?”
“Right,Noah,” Lucy grits out, glowering.
If I were smart, I would probably regret any and all decisions that have led me to this point because, from the glare I’m receiving from Lucy, I would guess my chances of surviving the night are not good. But alas, the only thing I can bring myself to care about is getting up to that godforsaken room and changing out of these airport-germ-infused clothes.
We eventually get the room key, and as soon as we’re out of the receptionist’s sight, Lucy smacks me right in the arm.
I rear back, crying out. “What the hell?!”
Lucy stops and I have the vague thought that if anyone catches us standing here yelling at each other, we’re definitely getting kicked out.
“Self-righteous douchebags pay a tax. That was the tax.” She smirks. Her eyes are wild and her untamed brown curls frame her face in a way that makes her look powerful, like the kind of woman they carve statues of.
I hate it.
I gesture in exasperation toward the front desk. “That poor woman doesnotcare about your dramatics, Lucy. There was no other solution, it's late, the room was free, and it’s only one night. What was I supposed to do?”
She opens her mouth to say something but hesitates and closes it, tight. Her eyes ignite. It’s like she’s channeled all of her energy into her stare. She doesn’t say a single word, and that almost makes it more alarming. She just wordlessly continues walking, and after a brief moment of debate, I follow after her.
When we reach the elevators, still not uttering a single word to each other, she presses the up arrow. The doors open, and we step inside. The tension is palpable. It’s as though the entire building might burst into flames at any moment.
We reach the eighth floor, and I trail after Lucy to a door marked 804. She stands next to it and stares at me expectantly. Once I suddenly realize that she's waiting for me to unlock it, I hurry forward to get us in. I push the door open and step aside, allowing her to enter first. I follow her inside, catching the door before it closes behind me.
