An hour passed, and with a sigh of relief the ladies pulled their car into a large parking garage at about one in the afternoon. Kerry had made reservations for them at a pretty fancy hotel about fifteen minutes from Sandy's childhood home.
An offer to stay in the guestroom had been made by Sandy's parents, but Sandy had declined knowing that her grandfather, who lived in the very same house, wouldn't be very comfortable with those arrangements. He was the one who had given the most resistance when she had first come out to her family. Even now, years later, although he had made an effort to accept her, he let her know that he didn't condone her lifestyle.
Assuming he would at least try to make an effort to be around during their visit, she knew it would be very awkward introducing him to Kerry, even more so when she announced their union. Smiling she mused that poor Gramps would have a heart attack if she were to also inform him that she and Kerry were discussing adoption.
Collecting their luggage, they made their way inside. Upon entering the large elegant lobby, Sandy stopped walking and gawked. Never had she been in such a fancy hotel before. The place was huge. The ceiling was so high she knew just changing a light bulb was a full time job.
"Kerry," she exclaimed, "how much are we paying for this?!"
"Enough," came her partner's reply. "I've had money saved up, and I wanted to treat you to the best. Our room even comes with a hot tub."
Sandy fixed her love with a seductive gaze, "Hot tub you say?"
"Stop that," Kerry blushed, then composed herself, "Come on, let's go check in."
After a short wait in line they stood at the counter.
"We have a reservation for Weaver," Kerry told the concierge, a perky blond girl whose name tag read 'Wendy'. She tapped away on a keyboard before finding the right information.
"Here we are," she announced, "one single suite, room number 504, which is on the eleventh floor. Just head down the hall to your left and take the elevator. There will be wall signs telling you where to go from there."
She tapped a small bell before opening the guest registry, then continued, "I'll just have you sign in here, and I see that you paid for five nights, so that's taken care of." She produced a set of key cards and handed them to Kerry, "Here's a key card for each of you. Do you know how to use them?"
"Yes," Kerry answered. While she thought she should take offence, Wendy seemed like a nice girl and was just being helpful. "Are we set?"
Wendy smiled "Almost, I called for a bellhop. If you want to set your stuff on the trolley right behind you, I'll have someone take it up to your room." She paused for a moment, then asked "Are you two here for the convention?"
"What convention?" grunted Sandy as she wrestled one of the larger bags onto the trolley. No doubt it probably contained all Kerry's paperwork and medical journals, which the good Doctor seemed to never leave home without.
Wendy pointed toward the far end of the lobby where the banquet hall doors sat slightly ajar. A large sign stood before them announcing the 'Lesbian Literary Society.'
Sandy furrowed her brows, "Lesbian Literary Society?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Wendy rushed, misinterpreting Sandy's expression. "I just assumed…I mean, you had a single suite and I thought you were together…" She was flustered.
"That's okay," Kerry interrupted her gently. "We are together, we're just not here for the convention."
Wendy visibly relaxed, "Oh, good. I thought I had offended you. I'm really sorry."
Sandy waved her hand, "Hey, no sweat. So what's the convention about?"
Wendy scrunched up her nose, "I'm not sure. From the Society name I gather it's for lesbian writers or readers. I think they're presenting awards and giving readings."
"Hmm," Sandy mumbled before turning toward Kerry, smiling, "You think we should check it out?"
Kerry raised her brow in response.
Sandy continued "I could whip up a quick poem. Let's see, Roses are red, Violets are blue…" She paused, deep in thought.
Wendy giggled; Kerry just rolled her eyes, "On behalf of, well, the world, I urge you to stop."
"You didn't even let me finish."
Kerry just looked at her.
"Fine," Sandy pouted, "Mock my talent. When I'm named Lesbian Literary Society's Poet of the year I'll remember this."
"Let's just find our room, okay?"
Minutes later they were standing in what appeared to be a mini apartment. There were three rooms and a small kitchenette. The walls were a light blue accented by white trim and deep blue carpeting. The first room was a large sitting room with a comfortable looking sofa and loveseat arranged around a wide coffee table. In the back corner was the kitchenette, and beyond that was a set of sliding glass doors which led to a small terrace that contained the before mentioned hot tub. Off to the left of the sitting room was a massive bedroom, with an equally large canopy bed. Off that was a rather luxurious bathroom. Next to the bathroom door sat a beautiful cherry oak vanity table complete with mirror.
The two women stood in awe for a few moments before a knock at the door brought them to attention. The bellhop had arrived with their luggage and, after receiving his tip, left quickly to attend to another guest's bags.
Before closing the door, Sandy made sure to stick the 'Don Not Disturb' sign out. After making sure the locks were engaged she turned to Kerry with a devilish grin.
"Now about that hot tub…"
End Part Four