Open Seating Read Online Free Page B

outside.
    They didn’t talk much as their cab joined hundreds of other early morning commuters driving into London. Despite the gridlock in several spots, they made it to the hotel in under an hour, good timing according to their taxi driver. It was nine in the morning when they finally arrived at the hotel, and they were informed that their room wasn’t ready.
    “But we’re part of the tour,” Seth protested.
    “Which tour might that be, sir?” the concierge asked in a proper English accent.
    Seth mentioned the cruise line. “I assumed you’d know that flights from the US arrive routinely in the morning. Waiting until 2:00 p.m. to check in is going to be a hardship. I’m sleep deprived, and a hot shower and comfortable bed would be most welcome.”
    “I understand, sir, but perhaps you can take it up with the representative at the tour desk.”
    “What if we pay the early check-in fee?” Bryce interjected. “Will that fix the problem?”
    “Let me go and talk to the tour operator first,” Seth said. “They’re going to get an earful from me after the mix-up at the airport.”
    “Knock ’em dead, tiger. I’ll be waiting right here,” Bryce said, crossing one leg over the other and leaning against the front desk. He looked like a flipping cowboy minus the hat and boots. Seth supposed it was Bryce’s attitude that brought Clint Eastwood and his spaghetti westerns to mind. Good looks and supreme confidence made for a winning combination.
    Seth stalked over to the desk the concierge pointed out and let his feelings be known in no uncertain terms. The woman behind the desk listened sympathetically and pulled a clipboard off the desk, scanning the list.
    “I’m terribly sorry for the confusion, Mr. Wilder. I have no idea why they didn’t pick you up at the airport, but rest assured you’ll be given a shipboard credit for the expenses you incurred.”
    The polite reply did a lot to diminish Seth’s bad mood. In a softer tone, he explained, “To be honest, miss, that’s the least of it. My traveling companion and I would like to check in, and they’re telling me we have to wait until two o’clock. I’m exhausted and can’t wait that long.”
    “Give me one minute, sir.”
    Seth smiled. “I’ll give you five if you come back with a good solution.”
    She was frowning when she returned.
    “I gather you were unsuccessful?”
    “The best I could do was persuade them to let you check in at eleven. There is nothing available at the moment.”
    Seth leaned back in his chair, feeling his anger deflate when he realized that no amount of histrionics would fix the problem. “That’s unfortunate.”
    “I’m so sorry.”
    “Is there any place we can leave our bags?”
    “Yes, there’s a luggage room. Why don’t you allow us to take care of that, Mr. Wilder? In the meantime, you and Mr. McFarland are invited to have a full English breakfast, which is still being served in the main dining room.”
    “I’d like to freshen up first,” Seth said, standing up. “Where can I do that?”
    “There’s a men’s room downstairs, sir,” she informed him. “Veer left at the bottom of the stairs. You can’t miss it.”
    “Okay. Let me tell Bryce first.”
    “We’ll have the suitcases sent straight up to your room the minute it’s ready.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Would you like us to take your carry-on?”
    Seth shook his head. “No, my laptop is in there, and I’d rather have it close at hand. I would lose my mind if it were to be misplaced.”
    “I’m sure we’ll do our best to see that doesn’t happen, sir.”
    Seth sighed. “No disrespect, miss, but I’ve had too many surprises in the last two weeks. If it’s all the same to you, I’ll bring it to the dining room.”
    “That’s entirely up to you, sir.”
    “Thank you,” he replied. Seth was pleased for some reason. He’d made his point without sounding like an asshole or a total nutcase. This would serve as a good lesson for the