We’ve Got a Situation
Chapter fourteen
We’ve Got a Situation
Alex
After a few days of practice, Jake and I are getting good at charging our metaphorical batteries.
We can now hold small items for a few minutes at a time.
I head to the front lobby with a skip in my step.
I’m feeling good. I have a date planned with Jake; our first proper date at the lake.
Nothing could possibly ruin my mood at this moment.
I spot Kayla at her usual place at the front desk. “Oh. Hello there, traitor. How’s your arm feeling these days?” I give her my best glare. “I thought we were best friends, I still can’t believe you actually killed me.”
I take a breath, centering myself. “I forgive you.” Wow, I’m such a good person.
“With one caveat. I don’t forgive you for your criminal associations.
They got Jake hurt. You will have to answer for that.
But I have to admit, if you hadn’t whacked me, I wouldn’t be able to take him on a date right now.
We’re about to take our relationship to the next level.
It’s going really well, just thought you should know…
” I trail off at the end, drumming my fingers on the desk.
Having said my peace, I’m about to head off to get ready for my date when our newest guests enter and walk up to the front desk. I scoot over to give them some room.
They’re a younger couple, and aww, they’re newlyweds!
She’s wearing a shirt that says this is my honeymoon shirt, and his says I don’t do matching shirts with a cute frowny face on it.
I swoon. “You guys are adorable; I just wanted you to know that.” I turn to Kayla and say sternly, “You better be taking good care of these folks.”
Just then, the lady has to totally ruin the moment by opening her big mouth and asking, “We were just wondering if there were any good camping or hiking spots around here this time of year?”
Kayla thinks about it for a second before answering.
“Oh, no you don’t!” I yell at her. “Don’t you dare. I have a date with Jake and—"
She cuts me off saying, “Yeah, we have a few. There’s a trail that’ll take you up the side of the mountain.
It’s mostly a beginner trail but it’s scenic.
There’s a more advanced trail that’ll take you to one of the three lakes we have on the property.
To be honest, that one’s my favorite. I like to sit in the grass and stare at the lake when I need to clear my head. ”
The lady perks up, “Oh wow, that sounds amazing. You want to do that, baby?” The guy, being the smart man he is, immediately agrees and Kayla hands them a map of the trails. She thanks Kayla again and practically drags her man out the front door.
I turn to her in disbelief, my mouth hanging open. “You! You did this on purpose. What do you have against me Kayla, huh? It’s not enough to kill me, you have to ruin my date too? Ugh!” I throw my hands up in outrage. “I won’t forget this, Kayla,” I say and walk away.
I can’t cancel my date with Jake. I promised to show him the lake and that’s what I’m going to do.
He needs to know that I’m a man of my word.
I’m going to give him the stability he deserves, and I’ll do whatever it takes, though sometimes it feels like the world is conspiring against our love.
You won’t win! I think, and wave my fist in the air.
I run into Brandon during my inner tirade, and I’ve never been happier to see him. “Brandon! We have an emergency, I need your help,” I yell, maybe a bit dramatically.
He straightens up immediately, alert. “How can I help, little dude?” he whispers, voice low so Kayla won’t hear him.
I’m frantic as I try and explain the situation. “The guests that got here a few days ago, the newlyweds. They’re headed to the lake!”
“Oh, um, is that an emergency?” he asks, confused.
I blow out a breath in frustration. “Yes, it’s an emergency! I’m taking Jake there on a date this afternoon, and I can’t do that if they’re there! It’ll kill the mood! This has been planned for days, and I can’t reschedule on him. I can’t do that to him.”
I try and calm down a little bit so I can better articulate what I need. “They just left. Can you please intercept them and push them off a cliff? Or break their kneecaps, something!” I anticipate a quick agreement and prompt follow through, but he just stands there.
“Uh, little dude, Alex. I don’t know how well that would go over, you know? I like my job here, and I feel like that’s something that might get me fired.” He bites his lip nervously.
“Brandon, I’m your boss. You’re not going to get fired. This is a fully sanctioned action. You have my blessing.” I hit him with the large puppy dog eyes I know are irresistible to… well, everyone.
“Technically, Kayla’s my boss.” I’m about to fire him on the spot when he continues.
“How about this: I’ll catch up with them and tell them the lake is…
closed for maintenance and divert them to one of the other trails.
Give them a free night at the Honeymoon Cabin near the summit.
Does that sound like a good compromise?”
I consider. “That might work. Thank you Brandon, I knew I could count on you.”
He points a finger gun at me and smiles as he says, “I’ve always got your back, little dude,” before running off to catch the guests.
That handled, I run a hand over my brow. Time to grab Jake and get my romance on.