The girls arrived at about 7pm that night at The Timbers Lakeside Retreat & Spa. After unloading their bags, they stopped in at the front desk. Tim, the desk clerk, appeared to be new at the job. Bianca was more than sure of this, because she had made many business trips to the location in the past. It was known for it's style and typically affluent clientele. They also housed one of the highest rated spas in Northern United States. No, she did not recognize 'Tim', other than remembering her encounter with him two days ago as she made her reservation. He was obviously nervous and inexperienced and it seemed, from his demeanor, that not much had changed in those two days.
"Good Evening, Miss! How may I help you?" Tim managed to squeak out as Bianca approached the counter. Marissa hung back, just behind Bianca. "Good Evening to you, Tim…is it?" Bianca questioned as he nodded in reply. "I should have a reservation under the name Montgomery, Bianca Montgomery." Tim nervously pecked at the keyboard, his eyes scanning the screen. "Yes, yes, Ms. Montgomery…I have that right here. I will just need to see the card used when making the reservation."
"Good." Bianca replied, relieved that 'Tim' didn't screw things up. "There should also be a block of rooms, that are also booked in my name. Do you show that any of those parties have arrived? And I will need to confirm that 'The Oak Room' will be prepared and ready to go by 11am tomorrow." Tim seemed to take a moment to himself to process the relatively simple request, and proceeded with punching keys again until the correct screen appeared.
"Yes…yes Ms. Montgomery. Everything seems to be in order." Tim finally responded. "I am seeing that The Oak Room is booked and scheduled to be ready on time. Mr. Contreras, Mrs. Collins, Mr. Sloan and Ms. Peters are all checked in and have confirmed their lunch requests." "Good." Bianca replied, grateful that there would not be any bumps to ruin the rest of her evening. Tim continued." There is one guest, a Ms. Tasker, that has not checked in to her room yet, however." Bianca looked sternly at Tim, and he seemed to react slightly.
"Well, Ms. Tasker is here." Bianca said with a hint of confusion in her voice, while she gestured to Marissa. "But there must have been some miscommunication when I made reservations. She does not require her own room, she is to be staying in my room." Tim swallowed hard, realizing that he had made a mistake. His boss was just feet away and he did not need to make, yet another, bad impression.
"Oh my…I am very sorry for my error. Ms. Montgomery!" Tim pleaded. "Let me correct that. Do you wish for two queen size beds? Or would you prefer two adjoining rooms for you and your guest?" As Tim spoke these words, he gave pause and appeared to be searching for what to say as he seemed to glance at Marissa. Bianca did not like this, nor was she pleased at the hassle that 'Tim' seemed to have caused.
"Well, Tim." Bianca began with a harsh edge to her voice that the nearby manager seemed to take note of. She took a pause and tried to calm herself as she continued. "What I would like, is to have the room that I ordered. It should be a king size suite overlooking the lake. The room that I reserved two days ago for me and my girlfriend. " Tim's look turned to shock, then recognition with maybe the slightest hint of disgust. This did not go unnoticed by Bianca.
Marissa was startled at first, by the sound of tension in her lover's voice. This was not a side she saw very often. She was surprised and maybe a little aroused by the power that Bianca possessed when she meant business. A Kane woman. She thought to herself. Then she heard the words…"Me and my girlfriend" Her heart swelled with pride and love. I knew this. It was implied. We have discussed it…but putting it out there…hearing it…strong and proud and confident. Well, nothing has ever felt so right. The manager heard too. He had heard every bit of it and when he realized who was causing such a ruckus…Bianca Christine Montgomery! Cambias Industries…Fusion Cosmetics…The Miranda Center charities…For God's sake…Erica Kane's daughter! And being helped by Tim of all people!
The manager, Geoff, was over at the desk immediately. "Ms. Montgomery! It is so very good to see you! And this must be the lovely Ms. Tasker! Please forgive Tim for his booking error. He is still very new. My heartfelt apologies!" Geoff had basically shoved Tim out of the way with a body block and was now taking Bianca's hand to shake it.
"Thank you, Geoff!" Bianca said, still with an edge to her voice that Geoff seemed determined to rid her of. He walked around the desk, placed a hand on her shoulder and began leading her a step or two away from the desk. "I'll tell you what, Ms. Montgomery? Why don't you, and Ms. Tasker, head over to the Spa for a treatment on me, while I sort through the booking error? How does that sound?"
Bianca took a breath and glanced at Marissa. She could feel the stress wash away at the sight of her lover as she snapped out of 'attack mode'. Marissa saw the change in Bianca's eyes and was grateful to have 'her girl' back. She slipped her hand into Bianca's and said "Oh, that sounds lovely!"
Bianca said "Well, Geoff, you heard the lady, the spa it is!" Geoff was behind the desk in a flash and had the phone to his ear even faster. "You know the way." He said. "Enjoy yourselves, they should be ready for you by the time you get there. And I will send Henry, your usual Valet, to the spa with your room key, after he gets you all set up…of course."
As they walked away, Bianca thanked Geoff again and turned back to catch a glimpse of the hellfire that seemed to be shooting from Geoff's body as he scolded poor Tim. I should probably feel bad. Bianca thought, while wrapping her arm around Marissa. But I don't. Something about that guy didn't sit right with me. She shrugged it off and turned her attention to the lovely red-head.