Ever since Steve passed away my life hasn’t been the same. 45 years is a long time. We grew up together. Fell in love and had a happy life. I know he wants me to move on and live my life but I can’t help but be alittle selfish by wishing that he never left me.
Congrego hotel has been our favorite place to visit once a year but this year it will be very difficult without him.
*telephone rings*
“Hello? Is this Mrs Marron?” a voice of a man speaks
“Yes,this is she”
“Yes,Madam this is Arnold. The driver you requested. I’m outside your home.”
“Okay,I’ll be there in a minute dear.”
I grab my bags and give Steve’s portrait one last smile.
~~~~
“Good morning everyone!” I say hastily as i rush to put my bag in my locker.
“Yes,I know Barbara. Don’t give me that look.”
“You were late for training. I didn’t expect you would be late on the first day too Sheila.”
“Uhh,well,this stay between us Barbara but let’s just say I needed to enjoy one last party before I head into a job that requires all my time.” I say as i sign into the hotel’s computer.
“Okay,I’ll keep it between us but I don’t want Mrs Blackburn to fire you on your first day.”
“Thanks Barbs” I say cheerily
Barbara and I grew up together. She knows all about my past and she has supported me through the good and bad times. She actually got me this job at Congrego Hotel.
They definitely needed more staff as the hotel is quite busy during the summer vacation.
“Good day Ma’am and Sir. Welcome to Congrego Hotel! How my I assist you?” I say with the best smile I can manage with a slight hangover.
“Hii Hii, I made a reservation for a family of four under the last name of Rwandy” the lady says as she observes her kids from a distance.
“Okay ma’am let me just check on the system. “
“Ah,yes. Mrs Rwandy. You and your family will be staying at room 244. It will be the ground floor to your right. It has 2 double beds and breakfast is included. ” I say as i give over the key card.
“Thank you Miss.”
“No problem Ma’am. I hope you and your family enjoys the stay.”
When is lunch? this is definitely more talking than i anticipated.
~~~~
The drive towards Congrego felt the same but it was different in so many ways. My beloved Steve was not driving the car. Oh how I miss his contagious smile.
“We are here ma’am.” says the driver
“It seems quite full.”
“Thank you dear. you can just leave my bags at the door. someone will collect them.” I say as i step out and take in the beautiful mountains.
“Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen. Some of our staff are still on their lunch break and will return back shortly.” says someone of the hotel management
People begin talking amongst themselves and one guest shouts out a comment.
“It is hot out here. We made reservations months ago. We don’t deserve this treatment.”
I’ve never been one to speak out. Steve was always the extrovert. He did all the talking. Enough for both of us.
I walk over to a bench near a tree. Reminiscing about all the holidays spent here and watching our kids grow up. Such fond memories.
“You shouldn’t be smoking in a non smoking zone.” I say clearly to a young lady standing across me.
“Excuse me? who said this was a non smoking zone?” she replies irritated
“My dear,you are standing next to the sign.”
I’m not sure laughing at her sillyness in this moment would be appropriate.
“Im sorry for being rude ma’am. I’ve just not being having the most ideal day today . I like totally forgot to take my lunch from the kitchen. ” she says as she kills the cigarette on the ground
“I don’t think killing yourself slowly is the answer.”
“Here dear ,you can have my lunch and water.” I say as i hand over the bag.
“Thank you ma’am. I might take your advice.”
“One day.” She says as she disappears to the back of the hotel.
I look towards the entrance of the hotel and the line of people have subsided. I then make my way in.