A driver was waiting at baggage claim with the names of the girls on an iPad that clearly identified the hotel they were staying at. The driver was happy to show proper identification when Anna asked. He assisted a skycap who grabbed the girls’ bags and then led the group to the car. It only took moments for him to load the girls into the vehicle and the bags into the trunk. Before it could register that the outdoor temperature was two degrees lower than the cool side of hell, they were headed for the strip.
The girls arrived at the hotel and were greeted by a concierge.
In Las Vegas, it is all about glitz, glamour, and sparkle. From the cheesiest outdated casino to the newest and brightest on the strip, there is an air about Vegas that summons old Hollywood, gangsters, and fun. Heavy on the fun.
Anna took a moment to absorb what she was looking at. The lobby of the hotel must have cleaned out at least three quarries. There was so much marble and granite and every other kind of exotic stone she could think of, that it was a wonder the building didn’t just fall to the center of the earth. The place must weigh a ton. Per square inch.
Everything was the epitome of luxury — the marble of the floor, the granite on the reception desk, the pristine velvet ropes that made the reality of standing in line a little less “herding cattle: and a little more elegant.
There was no standing in line for the girls.
A good thing, since there seemed to be some sort of event at the hotel that weekend, and the line to check-in curled back and forth and all the way to the casino floor. There was a table set to the side with water and cookies to make the wait more pleasant, but there was nothing pleasant about standing in line for hours just to check in to your hotel.
“Only in America,” whispered Adeline. “Just look at that. People half-dressed, half-drunk, coolers and clothes not even in luggage. We have become such a sloppy society.”
Anna, always quick to defend the underdog, said, “I think some would argue that we’re not sloppy, just comfortable.”
“There is a line that should not be crossed. Not at home, but especially not in public. When you present yourself to the world, you are giving the first indicators of your character, your mindset. In this country it is a disheartening sight.”
A stunningly beautiful young man in a dark well-tailored suit approached the girls, greeting them warmly.
By name.
It was a bit disconcerting to Anna and Carolyn, but Adeline seemed not to notice. The young man gave a subtle cue to the bellhop who had unobtrusively collected the bags from the driver but did not approach. The bellhop turned in the opposite direction while the young man in the gorgeous suit led the girls to their suite.
Anna and Carolyn were a little stunned by the size and extravagance as they walked in the suite’s door, but again Adeline seemed to take it in stride.
Anna and Carolyn exchanged a “we won’t embarrass Adeline, but we need to get into a more reasonable room” look and stood stock-still in the middle of the grandness of a top-end Vegas suite. Hard to describe really. Suffice it to say there was a full-sized grand piano in the living room and the view was unparalleled.
Normal people just never live like this.
On the table in the main public area of the suite was a huge basket of fruit and a note from Gaston, Adeline’s attorney. The note explained that the room was made available to them through his connections at the hotel. The driver was available at their discretion. Their concierge would be happy to supply them with tickets to any show that they chose to attend. That they should relax and enjoy their layover in Las Vegas.
The note further explained — gently — that all of the arrangements had been made at no additional expense to the girls.
Anna was the first to speak. “Well, we should have traveled in these circles a little sooner.”
Adeline laughed. “I haven’t been to Las Vegas in decades. I fully intend to enjoy it. If my law firm wishes to try to impress me with such foolishness, so be it. I would have been perfectly happy with the arrangements we made.”
Carolyn smiled. “Let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. What do we do first?”
Adeline looked around. “I would suggest that first we contact the concierge and see what options we have available to us. Then we should freshen up and see what the strip has to offer.”
“That would be lovely.”
Anna volunteered to contact the concierge and get the information while the other two girls freshened up, and then Adeline and Carolyn would get everything settled while Anna freshened up.
Once all of that was accomplished, the girls would explore the strip.
Anna lifted a cylinder sitting next to the huge basket of fruit. She tried to judge its weight as she asked, “What’s this?”
Adeline rolled her eyes. “Oh, that is mine. The doctor insisted that I bring a couple along just in case. It is an oxygen device. I’m not sure they are even on the market yet. I can easily fit it in my purse. The doctor demanded I carry it at all times in the very unlikely event that I feel a little faint. I simply hold it close to my face and push that blue button. It also has a mask if I am particularly distressed. However the doctor assures me that will not likely happen.”
“Is this because of the breathing problems you had when you first discovered the toxic mess in your basement?”
“Yes. Unfortunately, I am informed that for some time there will be residual problems, but the doctors assure me I’ll be less and less burdened by the whole situation. I’ve not had to utilize the oxygen yet, which I find very comforting.”
Anna looked Adeline right in the eye. “You promise us you will keep this on you at all times? We don’t want you sliding backwards in your health.”
“I promise you that I will keep it in my purse when not in flight. The doctors told me it would be a better idea to keep it stowed in my luggage while in the air. If I need oxygen, the flight crew will make it available to me with their own device on the plane.”
Anna’s eyes grew wide. “The thought of oxygen in the bottom of the plane is kind of scary. I thought that’s how that one plane blew up. They had canisters in the plane, and something went wrong.”
Adeline patted Anna’s arm. “I don’t think I explained it well. This device collects oxygen from the air around us. If it were necessary for me to utilize oxygen all the time, this device would not suffice. It supplies several breaths of oxygen, then must recapture an adequate amount, much like recharging a battery.”
“That makes more sense.”
“I am assured we are in no danger. There are no concerns about smokers being within a certain range, anything like that.”
Anna sighed. “I miss smoking. Smoked for thirty years. I started back when we still believed it was actually good for us. The doctor told me I had a good run of it, but it was time to stop before I damaged myself beyond repair. There are still days I long for a cigarette.”
Carolyn sighed. “Me too.”
Adeline laughed. “Me three.”
The girls each grabbed their purses, their door key, and met with Isabella, their concierge, in a grand foyer near the elevator.
The number of shows available was not only remarkable but also confusing. They had agreed before leaving Florida that they would see and do as much as they were able on the first leg of the trip. Las Vegas would be their adventure. They agreed that if they needed rest and recuperation from their adventures in Las Vegas, well, that’s what Hawaii was for. Hawaii is the R&R capital of the universe, right? The beauty and serene surroundings would be perfect to rest up after their Las Vegas exploits.
Anna suggested their first excursion be a jaunt down the strip, followed by a lovely buffet dinner and then a show. Perhaps something like Thunder Down Under. Not so much because the show was anything more than a male dance review — oundoubtedly the lads would be a little more scantily clad than some other reviews — but the best part of the whole experience would be the look on the faces of those they left back in Florid
a when they shared the tale.
The girls had a long day of travel already. They’d started out early enough in Florida. Their flight had been under five hours. They’d been picked up and ushered from one point to the next since their arrival, and the sun was still relatively high in the sky.
They decided to spend the rest of the day scoping out the area, getting something to eat, and if they were up to it, a show.
It was decided they would definitely see a couple of the shows, including the Jersey Boys and at least one of the modern circus-style shows with the aerial acts and outrageous costumes. They marveled at the athletics involved in such a production. Maybe they would grab tickets to the water one and the fantasy one. It was not a matter of “if” but of “when.”
If they got tired, they’d get back to the room at a reasonable time and start the day tomorrow in full tourist mode.
The girls spent the evening meandering from an art exhibit to a blown glass display, from high-end boutiques to cheesy tourist shops selling “authentic” Las Vegas souvenirs made in far-off lands.
They decided to go back to their room, take a nap or relax, then hit the same spots after dark.
They’d been assured that Fremont Street after dark would be well worth the cab ride, and now that they had a car at their disposal, it would be even easier.
When they got back to the room, the fruit basket still held point of pride. They hadn’t touched it. Anna asked, “Do you girls have any intention of eating this stuff?”
“No,” Adeline and Carolyn said in unison, catching each other off guard.
“Me either. We really shouldn’t waste it.”
“If we leave it, I’m sure that housekeeping will take care of it.”
“True, but if we simply don’t touch it and leave it for them to deal with, then in truth they are dealing with our garbage.” Anna considered her stance. “True, there would be nothing wrong with it, we probably wouldn’t even open it, but still, you have to think about these things. We sure wouldn’t want anybody to get in trouble for carrying it out of our room before we left, but we don’t want them to have to wait till we go.”
She walked over and gave the huge basket a closer look. “If we give it to someone in housekeeping now, it’s a gift. Everyone likes a gift. I’m going to find someone in housekeeping and tell them to put it in their break room. I’m sure it’ll be a nice treat. Is that okay with you girls?”
Carolyn nodded yes.
Adeline smiled at Anna’s generosity. “Absolutely. That sounds lovely.”
“I’m sure there’s someone cleaning a room on this floor. I’ll just go find ‘em.”
Adeline motioned toward the phone beside the exquisite blue sofa. “Wouldn’t it be easier to call housekeeping on the phone?”
“It might be easier, but it has been my experience that when you involve the bureaucracy of any group, the largest segment of the group — the larger part of the pyramid — benefits the least.”
Carolyn smiled. “Whatever you choose will be fine with us.”
Anna headed for the door.
Carolyn stood. “You want me to go with you?”
“Not necessary. If I’m not back in fifteen minutes, send out a search party.”
Adeline’s brows lifted slightly. “Don’t you want to bring the basket with you?”
“I don’t want to create an awkward situation if they don’t want to accept it or if another guest is within ear shot. The staff might not feel comfortable accepting such a large gift if the whole world is watching. I think it’s best to give whomever I contact a graceful out. I don’t want to get anybody in trouble.”
Carolyn and Adeline exchanged a look. “Whatever you think is best.”
Twenty minutes later Carolyn and Adeline were slightly concerned. Carolyn spoke first. “You know how Anna is. Everyone is her best friend. She likes to talk. If she isn’t back in…”
The door opened.
“Girls, we have a problem.”
Adeline was nonplussed. “What problem could we possibly have? Giving away a basket of fruit hardly constitutes a problem.”
“Okay, it’s not our problem specifically, but I think we can help.”
Adeline continued, “Before we go too far down this path, and not wishing to sound uncharitable, may I remind you that we are on vacation and only here for another sixty-six hours?”
“Life can change a lot in sixty-six hours. If we can help, wouldn’t you want to do that?”
Adeline was beginning to let her growing frustration show. “Just tell us what you’re talking about.”
“I went down the hall and, clear at the other end, found a housekeeper cleaning the vending room. I more than startled her when I walked in; I scared the poor girl half to death. It just bothered me that I’d frightened her so much. The girl was in tears. I just knew there had to be more to the story, and, believe me, there is.”
“And this young woman poured her heart out to you in the vending room? You, a guest of her employer? A complete stranger. Are you sure you aren’t just being led down the primrose path?”
“It wasn’t like that.”
Adeline tried to hide her smirk. “Then please continue.”
“Long story short, it turns out that this girl is having a terrible time. She is forced to work in housekeeping because of the downturn in the economy. It was clean hotel rooms or go into prostitution, which I’m not sure is legal here. She has a little boy. She’s working two jobs, going to school, and now on top of all that, she has her whacked-out manager to deal with.”
It was Carolyn who commented first. “Oh, Anna, let me guess. For just a few hundred dollars, it will put her life to rights, and she can move on. We will have done a good deed.”
Anna tried not to snap, but she couldn’t hold back her annoyance. “Don’t speak to me as if I am a fool.”
Adeline was chagrinned. “I’m sorry. That just sounds very much like two of my children.”
Anna, always compassionate, tried to calm down. “I’m sorry that you have children who want to take advantage of you, but that is not the case for this young woman. She didn’t ask for anything.”
“A good conman never does.”
“Never mind. If you don’t want to be a part of this, I understand. You girls can go ahead and do whatever it is you decide to do, and I’ll participate as I can.”
It was Adeline’s turn to snap. “That was not the deal when we planned this trip, and it is unfair of you to change it now.”
“I’ll tell you what. You listen to everything I have to say, and if you still feel strongly that this young woman is not in need of our help or not deserving of it, then I will tell her that there is nothing we can do, and I’ll stick to the original plan.”
Carolyn tried to keep the peace. “That sounds fair.”
“Then let me get the whole story out before you make any judgment or comment.”
Carolyn nodded. “Fair enough.”
“Amy — that’s the housekeeper’s name — got married young. When the economy went south, her husband joined the military. They were promised all kinds of things that never quite came to be. Great career opportunities, a good education, housing, bonuses, the works. Anyway, he got deployed. She stayed here. She was born here; it isn’t like she moved to Las Vegas for the excitement. I think sometimes people forget that Las Vegas is just another city on the map. Anyway, she lived with a good friend and shared expenses while her husband went off to God knows where. Everything was fine. She had a good job working in a law office and was going to go to school to become a paralegal. Her husband comes home on leave, she ends up pregnant, and he has to go back to war. Before she even has the baby, her husband sends an email that he has fallen in love with someone over there — I guess another soldier — and he wants a divorce. Next thing she knows she’s a single mom, her friend can’t handle a baby in the house, so she needs to move, and the lawyer she is working for decides that he can do better in a less depressed area, so h
e moves away. She ends up with nobody and nothing.”
Carolyn sounded concerned. “Where is her family?”
“Her mom and dad were divorced when she was little. Never really had a relationship with her daddy. Her mother is fighting breast cancer and tries to help when she can, but is in a bad place herself.”
“How sad.”
“Oh, it gets sadder. So, she sucks it up and decides she can do this. Women have been caring for their children all over the world in much more difficult situations. She could be facing all this in a third-world country; she has nothing to complain about. She found a job at this hotel. The hours work well for her. She can come in, clean, get home to take care of her son, and she can babysit for some of the dancers who work later in the evening. She gets real organized, and she has it all under control. Even she is aware that it is a balancing act, and she has to be careful to keep it all balanced, but she is successful, and life is rough, but she is managing.”
Adeline sounded a little more sympathetic. “So why does she need our help?”
“A few weeks ago, she gets a new supervisor. He’s a creep.”
Carolyn’s jaw tightened. “Is this young woman being sexually harassed? They have some pretty serious laws now. It isn’t like it was when we were out there in the working world. They have places she can get help.”
“No, nothing like that.”
“Then what is it?”
“I’m trying to tell you.”
“Sorry.”
“The problem is that her supervisor is a freak.”
Adeline’s eyebrows rose slightly. “A freak?”
“He’s forcing her to go through the belongings of the people in the rooms she cleans. She doesn’t take anything. She reports back to him what is there. She isn’t sure if he does something about it or if he just gets his kicks off of knowing what is in the room.”
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