I walked into the brightly lit lobby and made my way to the desk. "Excuse me," I said in my professional voice, in stark contrast to the way I was dressed. "Do you have any rooms available?"
The desk manager behind the counter didn't even look on his computer. "I'm sorry sir," one answered. "All our rooms are sold out."
Sensing I was being snubbed, I reached into my wallet and pulled out my Elite card (I frequently stayed with this chain of hotels, spending thousands of dollars every year which entitled me to extra benefits). "You don't even have a suite for an Elite?"
The manager stuttered for a moment, "I'm sorry sir, I misunderstood. I didn't understand that you wanted a suite. I can give you a master suite."
At this point, I'd have settled for a closet. "That'll be fine," I said as I pulled my wallet from my pocket. I laid my American Express Platinum card on the card with a crisp snap.
"Very good sir," said the manager. "Will you be staying just the one night?"
"Yes," I answered. "What amenities are available in the master suite?"
"Expanded room, King-sized bed, full kitchenette, and a whirlpool." he answered.
The manager began gathering my information when it occurred to me that I didn't know the rate. "How much will that be?" I asked
"$449," the manager said smoothly. I cringed at the price, but at this point I didn't care.
"How many keys, sir?" asked the manager.
"I will need three, please." I answered.
A minute later, I had three keys. "Please park in the garage to your right as you exit." the manager said. "Enjoy your stay."
"I will," I smiled. Suddenly I had an idea. "Can you please send up two bottles of house champagne right away?"
"Of course, sir." the manager smiled.
"Three glasses please." I added.
"Three glasses," he repeated. "Yes, sir"
I headed to the car, eager for what awaited me. As I opened the door, I noticed Maria's demeanor had changed. Gone was the "hot and horny" look she had earlier. I hoped she hadn't changed her mind. Quickly glancing at a Kathryn's mischievous smile, I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I noticed the Victoria's Secret shopping bag in Maria's lap which she had retrieved from the back. I noticed Kathryn had her small carry-on bag as well.
I smiled. "We're all set." I announced as coolly as I could, holding up the plastic keys. I decided not to mention the master suite, as Maria would immediately ask how much I spent.
I steered the car toward the garage as Maria continued. "I've got a surprise for you," she said teasingly. My heart skipped a beat.
"I have a surprise for you too. What would yours be?" I asked.
"Oh, you'll see." she answered slyly. "What about yours?" she asked.
"Oh, you'll see." I answered. We all laughed.
I parked the car and we headed downstairs and towards the lobby. I was feeling a combination of excited and nervous at the same time. Judging by how quiet Maria and Kathryn were, I assumed the feelings were shared.
"Wow!" Kathryn exclaimed as we reached the lobby. She noticed the manager behind the counter and added, "I ain't never been no place this nice," she said in a trashy voice. "Remember mister, it's one hundred dollars EACH!" She laughed.
Maria instantly turned read and slapped Kathryn on the arm. "Oh, stop!" she said, laughing nervously.
We headed for the elevator and headed to the top floor. I needed to use my key card to activate the elevator for that level.
"Ooh, the PENTHOUSE," Kathryn giggled.
The doors soon opened into the hallway. Judging from the distances between doors, there were only suites on this floor. I was excited to see we had a corner suite β they tend to be the largest.
Walking down the hall, Maria giggled nervously. She grabbed my arm and squeezed tightly. By the time we reached the door, I was beginning to worry about my circulation.
"Oh my God, this is nice!" Maria exclaimed as she opened the door.
"Wait until you see the room!" I answered as we reached the door. Sliding the plastic key into the slot, the door clicked and the light flashed green.
"Ooooh!" Maria said as I turned on the light.
"Wow!" Kathryn exclaimed. "This is nice!"
"Check out the bathroom," I said to Maria as I pointed the way.
Maria walked over and turned on the light. "Wow! Kathryn, come check this out!"