10!The Hoss Policy!

MABEL

I sighed, looking around the hotel lobby trying to find something that I could have missed. Hailey definitely has a hand in this and waiting here is just going to lead to more embarrassment.

“Come on Rose, let's go,” I said to my friend and assistant because she's about to pull this building down on top of her head.

“No, no, Mabel. This is unacceptable,” she said, almost reaching over the desk to get the telephone. “I want to speak with the manager,” she spoke with an Australian accent.

Whenever she's angry her accent takes the best of her. She might have lived in Los Angeles all her life, but when your parents and all your family and friends are speaking in a certain way you then take a part of it, no matter how you are taught in school.

What I don't understand is why her Australian parents will leave Australia to live in the United States.

“Where is the manager?!” Her voice echoed through the lobby, drawing attention to us.

“Rose, this isn't necessary,” I said to her, but she wasn't in the mood to listen.

“I'm the manager. What can I do for you, Ms…”

“Edison, and cut the polite crap,” now there is the Los Angeles girl I know and love. “Why was our reservation pulled twenty minutes before I got here and without any notification from the hotel?”

The manager turned to look at Dave with a sting eye but Rose stopped him. “Hey, hey, don't look at him. You are talking to me.”

“I apologize for the inconveniences but your reservation was pulled because of some policies we just implemented,” he said and I scoffed.

“A policy that you just implemented today?” Rose asked and he nodded. “So are there any other customers affected by this policy except for us?”

“I'm sorry I can't give you other customers information,” he said and I clicked my tongue.

“Okay, now is the time that I tell you to cut the crap,” I said, standing right in front of him.

“I apologize if you feel that way,” he said and I chuckled.

“What's this policy about?” Rose asked him, standing beside me.

“It's the Hoss policy, isn't it?” I asked him, before he could speak.

“I don't see how that is relevant….”

“They're big time donors to your hotel aren't they?” He was about to speak but I lifted up my finger, swinging it sideways.

“So, when Ms. Hailey Hoss called you to cancel my reservation, you didn't blink. You just did as she asked…” I said and he coughed slightly.

“That's a wide accusation, ma'am,” he said and I scoffed.

“You see Ms. Hailey…”

“It's Mrs Hailey Hoss,” he cut me off and I laughed.

“Ms. Hailey Hoss,” I said, sternly. “Isn't the only one with influence. One phone call to the Los Angeles Times and you will be begging for me to take my reservation.”

“Los Angeles Times doesn't have an effect on New York city,” he shrugged.

“Do you want to take that bet?” I asked him.

“No, we don't,” a woman raced to us before the manager could speak.

“Hi, I'm Angie. The Hotel Operations Director and I'm happy to let you know that your reservation wasn't cancelled but being upgraded,” she said and I gave her a smile and glared at the manager.

“Good, that's only fair given the insolence my friend and I just experienced,” I said to her and she nodded.

“Dave will take care of everything,” she pointed at the attendant and I walked back to him with Ross by my side.

“That was badass,” Dave said to me as he typed on his computer.

“You think, Dave,” Rose said, laughing. “That was subtle but effective. I'm glad you are letting your inner bitch out.”

“Uhm, girl,” I looked at her and back at Dave, the attendant.

“Come on, Dave knows what I'm talking about,” she said. “Right Dave?”

“Everything is set, and your rooms have been upgraded,” he handed us both our key cards.

“Hmm, fancy, thank you Dave,” Rose said, giggling.

“Thank you, Dave,” I said and faced the Operations Director.

“Uhm, Angie right?” I asked and she nodded. “Can my friend be helped with our bags and can we speak in your office?” I asked and she nodded.

“Of course,” she said and turned to the manager. “Get it done,” she said with gritted teeth. “Right this way, ma'am.”

I turned to Rose, “what are you doing?” She whispered.

“I'll let you know once I get back,” I said and followed Angie. We walked towards the elevator and got in.

“So, what can I do for you, Ms. James,” she said with a rather aggressive tone.

“Nice, you put on a good show,” I said to her.

“Mrs. Hailey Hoss is a good friend to everyone in this hotel,” she really enforced her voice when saying the word Mrs.

“Is she?” I turned to ask her. “you see I didn't just look at a hotel and got a reservation. I did my research,” I folded my hands in front of me.

“What did this research say?” She asked, sarcastically.

“That if Hailey was really a good friend to everyone in this hotel that she wouldn't be thinking of laying a lot of the employees here off. You included,” I said and she looked at me taken aback.

“You are wrong,” she said and I smiled.

“Unlike your friend, I don't spread false information,” she blinked her lashes multiple times and held the wall of the elevator.

“But why will she do that? We are all working very hard,” she cried out.

“Well, despite that ... .the hotels are still losing a lot of money and…”

“That's because all the board members go on extravagant trips and buy Gucci, Prada and Vera Wang…. including Hailey,” she said, pointing her finger.

“Wow, I thought she was your friend,” I said. “And there is nothing wrong with a good Prada.”

“Well, if you're just like them, what are you doing talking to me?” She asked.

“Because I want to speak with the owner of the hotel and you are going to take me to see him,” I said and she shook her head.

“I can't do that. Mr. Lane doesn't see anyone without an appointment,” she said and I scoffed.

“You are about to be laid off, Angie and you are worried about a damn appointment,” I said to her. “Get me to see Mr. Lane and maybe, just maybe you get to keep your job.”

The elevator door opened, it took a while but she stepped out. “Right this way, then.”

I smiled, and walked behind her. We walked towards the end of the hall, and she opened a door on the right side.

“Who is entering without an appointment?” A loud dry voice echoed as I entered.

“I'm not going in there with you,” Angie said and I nodded.

“You have done enough,” I said to her and she walked out immediately.

I walked deeper into the office and the whole place smelled like cigarettes, weed and alcohol at the same time.

“Who are you?” He asked as soon as he saw me.

“Mr. Lane, I'm Mabel James,” I said.

“I don't know you…”

“You are about to and it's going to be worthwhile.”