The Guest Book Novels & Stories

I didn’t dare turn, though every nerve in my body screamed with awareness. “Is there a problem here?” Sebastian’s voice carried from just behind me, calm but cutting through the air like glass. I clenched my fists at my sides, refusing to turn toward him. Before I could respond, the receptionist did. “This guest’s booking appears invalid, sir.” I leaned closer, my tone firmer this time. “I booked this myself. A standard room, under the name Celeste Shawn. Can you please check again?” The receptionist typed again, slower this time, eyes narrowing as she read. Then her frown deepened. “That’s strange. Ms. Shawn is registered, but… not under a standard room.”

He followed the sound to the room next to his. “Who’s in the guest room? Mum didn’t mention a guest,” he whispered. He walked closer to the door, opened it gently and slowly, and peeped in. His breath hitched. Kai stood painting on a board, obviously Rowan’s. He wore a white singlet and blue shorts with Rowan’s paint apron tied around his waist. Bandages wrapped parts of his arms and shoulder. A brush moved smoothly in his hand as he sang softly, his voice calm and warm.

I asked. She stared at me with widening eyes, then she smiles and nodded, “Of course yes, I'm just a little surprised, because normally, guests don't ask for that which makes me wonder why it was set up in the first place, well, you take this turn, just down the hall, the first kitchen is the general, followed by the staffs kitchen, the last kitchen is for the guest, it's not hard to find, there's a tag on it.”

My thumb hovered before I replied with a simple Okay followed by Looking forward to it. I was halfway through answering a budget concern when one of the staff knocked and stepped inside, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Sir, you have a guest at the reception.” I didn’t look up from the report. “I don’t see guests without appointments. Tell them to book.” “Yes, sir, I know. But she said if I mentioned her name… you’d make an exception.” I glanced up, already irritated. “What name?” He hesitated. “Miss Bella.” I didn’t wait for the rest.

The woman pushed the two envelopes towards Lihua- who looked at it for a couple of seconds before reaching out her clean hand. The letters engraved on the gold card was inked in black. The letters where intricately written in elegance with the thought to capture the person as soon as she saw the words written on it. “That is a customized one. We really didn’t had a list of our guests but as long as you receive that one, you can immediately entered the church as well as the reception area.” Oceane explained when she saw the woman’s expression. Lihua was quite confused on why there’s no space for the guests name to be engrave.

I weaved through the crowd, hips brushing strangers, until I hit the front desk, where a bored looking receptionist chewed gum and scrolled her phone. “Room,” I said, voice rough, slapping my card on the counter. “Now.” She didn’t blink, just ran the card, handed me a keycard, and pointed to the stairs. “Second floor, 214.” I nodded, ready to move, but then my eyes caught a glossy booklet on the counter, pages open to photos of men and women, all chiseled jaws and curves, names and stats listed like a menu. I frowned, glanced at her. “These for bookings?”

Emily cut in, eyes widening, “Oh! And mosquito control. If we’re keeping guests outside through the evening, we better fog the grounds in advance. A mosquito bite can ruin a five-star review.” Mark pointed at her. “Great point. Add it to the checklist.” “Alright.” The door opened gently and Nia, one of my staff members entered cautiously. “Sorry to interrupt, but…” she hesitated. “There’s a guest waiting for you in the lounge…he says you’ll want to see him.” Emily tilted her head. “He?” Nia glanced at me. “He didn’t say a name. But he’s… let’s just say, he doesn’t look like someone who hears no very often.”

She pulled me to NBS I got busy for a while to look for our stuff. I felt someone touched my hand I immediately glanced at my back, It's a cute little boy. I return the book and look at the cute boy who approached me. "Hey there baby boy,do you need anything? Are you lost?"I happily said to him. He nodded at me"Miss gorgeous I cwan't find my gorgeous mwamita" I laughed he has of stammer way when he spoke. How adorable! "What's your name baby boy?"I bent down to him.

By 1:45, I was behind the desk, taking over from Moira. “Lila, you look so much better after a good night’s sleep,” she said, giving me a warm hug. “Thanks, Moira. Bookings tonight?” “Ten. All one-nighters. Should be an easy evening,” she said, folding up her paper and heading upstairs. I settled into the desk, reviewing the emails and checking the reservation system. All ten guests were due to arrive around 7 PM looked like a group booking. I prepared their welcome packs, towels, and scanned some light reading material until the first familiar face popped in.

"I'm quite indecisive sometimes, I'm sorry." "Do you have a membership here?" She questions and he glances at her in surprise. "I-, It's my first time here." He informs her. She pauses, smiling tightly as she steps back. "Ok, well, the restaurant is usually full, but we're entertaining special guests from America." She acknowledges. "There's a major business deal being conducted here at the hotel tomorrow, so most tables are reserved." River perks up. "Who are these guests?" "Party of three for Black & Co, as well as Merit Global associates. I take it you don't watch the news much." She chuckles and River raises his arms in defeat.