In a rush and the dilemma

Pete had his nose to the grindstone till the minute he left the office. Prior to printing out the binders he double and triple checked his numbers and updated his digital presentation. He packed up everything he needed and headed out the door.

Pete had a three hour drive and hit traffic getting into the big city. He called Zoe who seemed flustered because the kids made a huge mess.

Buzz, his phone alerted a message:

Hazel: WHERE ARE YOU?

Pete: HIT TRAFFIC, I APOLOGIZE, I'LL BE LATE.

Hazel: I HAVE NOT CHECKED IN YET. I AM AT A RESTAURANT. CALL ME WHEN YOU'RE CLOSE. I WANT TO REVIEW YOUR PRESENTATION.

Pete: WILL DO.

The last ten miles took him over an hour before arriving at the hotel. He called Hazel ten minutes prior to arrival.

Hazel: I'M AT THE HOTEL BAR WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS, I'LL MEET YOU AT THE FRONT DESK.

Pete parked his car and unloaded his travel bag and his work bag. The hotel was obviously a corporate type swanky outfit. The large columns out front were flanked with fancy employees in white shirts and maroon ties. A valet podium stood to the left of the bronze tall double doors. The door was opened for him and the grand entry way was visible with vaulted ceiling, velvet curtains, and expensive looking paintings.

Pete gave the front desk attendant his drivers license and his corporate credit card. The man wore a thin mustache on his pinched up face. He too was wearing a white shirt and maroon tie. His name tag read 'Hubert.' His computer keyboard clicked rapidly. A disgusted look came over his already sour expression.

Hubert's voice was as nasally as Pete would have expected, " Sir, it appears there has been some sort of mistake. Your reservation was never confirmed."

Pete responded, "no problem, what rooms do you have available?

Hubert grimaced, "unfortunately, we are booked up completely."

Pete's face flushed. Hazel had indicated her assistant had made all of the arrangements. As if summoned, Hazel materialized behind Pete.

"Are you checked in yet? I'd really like start reviewing your work," she said impatiently.

Pete turned around to see Hazel in a little black dress appropriate for this hotel. Pete's imagination had only filled in the gaps that were in sight at that moment. Hazel's hair was down in large rivulet curls draping on her toned shoulders. The black dress had thin straps which held up her breasts showing moderate cleavage. The black dress ended mid thigh and clung tightly to all of her curves.

"They said my room didn't get booked," Pete said matter of factly.

"What?" Hazel said in an irritated voice, "Jessica told me she confirmed our rooms."

Hazel stepped around Pete and confronted Hubert who was trying to hide his roving eye syndrome, "there were two rooms booked under this confirmation number."

"Ma'am, I apologize. Two rooms were booked, only one was confirmed. I certainly understand your frustration. We are unfortunately completely booked this evening," Hubert explained in his condescending nasal voice.

Pete chimed in, "can we check with an affiliated hotel?"

Hubert sneered, "I hate to be the barer of bad news." (He didn't hate it) "But the city is hosting the big city sports tournament this week. If you don't currently have a reservation, you likely will not find one. I am truly sorry." (He wasn't).

"Shit," Hazel whispered under her breath as she walked over to the lobby sofas. "Dammit Jessica. Well, let's review our options."