Boy, I love days like this! Since it's between the holidays, I'm getting SO much done at work that has nothing to do with work! Doc and I worked on this last night, to be honest, but I wanted to finish this and the next chapter (and a couple of other chapters for other stories) before continuing with this one. So sorry that my Christmas for Sherlock and John did not coincide with the actual one...But what do you do when your muse decides to hide for three days? Anyway, another not so long one, but should have the reunion up shortly! Hugs and Happy Holidays!

The short trip from Reagan International was not any worse than a normal day on the Tube. He followed the directions the attendant had given him to the hotel that had been booked in his name, keeping an eye out for a follower, but he never saw one.

The opulence of the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel took John's breath away. He had seen beautiful lobbies in many an attractive hotel all over the world. The Mandarin Oriental really took the cake for him. He stopped just inside the entryway to observe the stunning room that led to the rest of the hotel. The marble floor of the spacious rotunda had an unusual three-tone geometric pattern surrounded by a set of double columns in dark mahogany and marble. The coved ceiling was well lit over a large Christmas tree decked out in reds, whites and golds in the center of the room. To his right he could see a small bar and behind the tree and to the left, he could see a very lavish restaurant with balcony seating which he supposed would be quite nice in the spring and summer. Immediately to his left was the reception desk. It wasn't the typical counter set-up that most hotels had. Instead, it was created from two extremely large executive desks of deep mahogany wood and marble tops. John stepped up to one of the desks.

"Um, uh, hi," he said, clearing his throat before continuing, "I'm Marty Smith. I believe I have a reservation for tonight?"

The young lady seated behind the desk stood up and offered her hand.

"Yes, Mr. Smith," she said with a bright smile, "Welcome to the Mandarin! I hope your trip wasn't too tedious?"

"Tedious enough," he said with a small grin, "But I like it that way."

She smiled again as she turned away to get his check in packet.

"Oh, I have a message for you, sir! Let's get you checked in and up to your suite…It looks like we have you in the Waterview Oriental. That's one of my favorites!" she looked up from the paperwork and smiled again, "It looks like Ambassador Holmes has taken care of all charges for you, so I will just need your signature here."

She pointed out the line that he was to sign on and he reminded himself to sign as Martin F Smith. She handed him his keycard and the envelope with Sherlock's handwriting on it.

"Excellent," she said with yet another smile and gave him directions to the suite, "Did you need assistance with your bag, sir?"

"No, thanks," he said, "I'll be fine."

"Well, then, Mr. Smith," she said, offering her hand again, "Enjoy your stay with us and have a Merry Christmas!"

"Happy Christmas to you, as well," he replied and turned away to head to the suite. Suddenly, he was very tired and could barely keep his eyes open.

He walked to the elevator and slid his finger under the flap of the envelope as the doors slid closed behind him.

You've made it! Excellent! It should be about 6 o'clock pm by the time you get this. I have made reservations for us in the City Zen Restaurant at 9 pm. Take some time to relax, clean up from your flight, and perhaps take a nap? I know it has been a very long day for you, my love. I have a few things I need to do before I see you, but I will see you soon.

All my love,

Sher

John wanted to scream. He had travelled all day and now Sherlock wanted to wait another three hours. He did admit, however, that he truly needed some sleep. He had slept a bit once on the plane from Heathrow, but not as solidly as he would have liked.

He keyed himself into the suite and took a cursory look around. Orienting himself enough to find the room, he dropped his bag, dropped his clothes and dropped onto the bed. He told himself that he would only sleep for an hour and then get up and get ready for dinner before he closed his eyes and passed out.

Told you it was short! I know, I can be so cruel! This hotel IS a real hotel. It's gorgeous beyond gorgeous! I've taken some liberties for the story, but most of the descriptions are based wholly in fact around the hotel. Check it out online...like I said, I think it is amazing! As usual, read, respond and review...my favorite 3R's!