Erin knew what she was doing had risk. She had gone behind her parent's back to go with Alan on a business trip that might end up with Alan's book and podcast getting picked up by a major publisher. The excitement and anxiety of the trip was evident on her young face as the 18 year old high school senior wore her comfortable sweatpants, volleyball captain's sweatshirt, and sneakers while she sat in the passenger's seat of Alan Watkins' truck.
The unease for Erin centered on how she could almost hear her parent's voices in her head and how disappointed and upset they would be that she left without their permission. Erin sighed as she tried to not think about her parents and the tough conversation that was ahead.
Alan knew there was something not quite right but the trip to the airport was mostly in silence. He was neatly groomed and dressed like he was expecting to need to make a good impression as he wore khakis and a nice button down shirt. He was tempted to ask Erin what was wrong as she stared out the window in silence but he decided not to risk an awkward early moment in their trip.
The duo arrived at the airport and parked the truck in a parking ramp. Erin was subdued as she exited the truck and he gathered the bags without any trouble and they made their way into the mass of people at the bustling airport.
Alan and Erin checked in to their flight and proceeded to make their way to the security line. He let her walk in front of him to the line, in part to make sure she was alright navigating the packed airport and in part so that he could take an extra glance or two at her round ass in her sweatpants.
With folded arms and a stress induced headache beginning to build, Erin found the buzz of the security line to be the break from her concern she needed. The annoying process of going through the security checkpoint gave her a chance to recalibrate herself and she tried to focus on the positives of the trip. The opportunity this trip presented for Alan's book, the church, and his podcast demanded Erin refocus and be as present as she could be. Erin knew the tough conversation she would have with her parents would be difficult, but she knew she was making the right decision to help Alan launch the church and book beyond anything they would be able to do on their own.
The duo settled into the waiting area for their flight to Denver. Erin and Alan sat next to each other in silence and watched the planes take off and land from the runway before the boarding numbers were called out.
"You ready? Going to be a busy weekend." Alan said excitedly.
Erin smiled back, "Absolutely, going to be an adventure."
The two boarded the plane and made their way into the coach seating area. Erin sat in a window seat and Alan was in the middle.
As the plane doors closed and the jet began to make its way to the takeoff area, Erin closed her eyes and attempted to snooze for a bit.
It didn't take long for Erin to have the fact her parents didn't approve of the trip weigh on her. She opened her eyes and looked at Alan.
Erin leaned over to Alan and said, "My parents didn't approve of me coming this weekend. We had a big fight. I left this morning after my Dad went to work and I left a note explaining why I left for my Mom. I just felt like I had to tell you."
He thought about what she had said to him as the plane was next in line to take off. Alan was quite excited to have Erin with him but to also know she actively had to fight to be here with him made his heart soar for a moment.
Though he had no idea the depth of her commitment or interest in him, this felt like an affirmation that he was right to involve her in the church and media launch, "Thank you for telling me Erin. You know I certainly have had to sacrifice for everything I'm trying to do with Elevate Church. I'm just really glad you're here with me. Trust me, your parents are fantastic people. They will see all of the good that comes out of Elevate."
Erin was reassured and smiled as the plane launched down the runway on the way to Colorado.
The flight was entirely uneventful. Erin snuggled up in her warm sweatshirt and sweatpants and took a nap while Alan contemplated how the weekend might unfold, meeting with possible publishers and networking for podcasting and book possibilities.
Upon landing and exiting the plane, the duo went to the shuttle service area of the airport. There was a shuttle from the Grand Eagle Mountain Resort to drive them to the Rocky Mountain exclusive hideaway.
The shuttle bus had two other traveling couples with them and as the bus went on its way Alan and Erin were seated across from each other careful to maintain public distance due to their clear age difference.
Soon the scenery turned as the freshly snow covered mountains appeared alongside the bus. Erin had never been into the mountains before and was very interested to see them up close and personal.
Miles from other resorts, Grand Eagle had a conference center, spa, salon, indoor pool, bar, restaurant, and dance club. It featured high end accommodations and the rustic mountain cabin feel with large beams, expansive windows, vaulted ceilings, and taxidermy animals made the lobby feel wonderfully grand and inviting.
The grandeur of the hotel caused both of them to gawk as they carried their luggage to the front desk. The older woman behind the rustic wood carved front desk happily greeted them as they approached.
"Checking in for two rooms, name will be Alan Watkins." Alan said as he handed over his drivers license and credit card.
The front desk lady typed on her computer, "Ah yes, here we are. Accommodation for two under Alan Watkins."
She took and swiped his credit card and driver's license. She then made two door keys and wrote "307" on the envelope, "Here you are, room 307. Go down the hallway and up the elevator then once on the third floor you should see the room soon after you exit the elevator. Enjoy your stay with us."
Alan paused when he saw the room keys in the same envelope. Then when he heard the explanation, he paused to make sure he heard everything correctly.
Erin had been listening in to the conversation and was taken aback by the two room keys for the same room, "No, there has to be some sort of a mistake. We need two rooms, not one."
Alan said, "Yes, we were reserved for two rooms for the conference this weekend. There has been a mistake. Can you get another room for us?"
The attendant looked a bit flustered, "Oh my, so sorry about that. Let me double check. Ah yes, looks like your room was booked for an upgrade from two rooms into one suite by Stone Rock Publishing."
Alan was a bit frustrated at the room mixup but paused when the change was made by the publishing company. If he made a big problem out of the room and it got back to the company, it could be a big negative for him going into the weekend.
He asked, "Okay, so just wondering would it be possible for me to buy another room separately for the weekend? I can keep the one on the reservation."
The front desk attendant typed away on her keyboard and shook her head, "Unfortunately, Mr. Watkins we are all booked on account of the conference this weekend. The publishing company has all of the rooms and you got one out of the allotment. You would have to try one of the other resorts but it would be quite the drive to the next resort. I'm sorry, sir."
