Just when I was about to offer to name my firstborn child after whoever took pity on me and gave me a place, they confirmed that I was in.
I’d screamed down the phone louder than an excited hyena, but thankfully the lady on the other end understood my enthusiasm.And now that I was here, I could see my elation was totally justified.
As the driver cruised down the enormous driveway, my eyes popped.The word ‘luxury’ didn’t even begin to cover this place.
The huge white stone building looked like a modern palace.It was flanked with lush palm trees and in front of the hotel was an impressive circular water fountain which had a white marble statue of a couple kissing under a gold umbrella, so it looked like they were locking lips in the rain.The woman even had her foot popped – just like that iconic scene inThe Princess Diaries.So romantic.
The car stopped, the suited and booted chauffeur got out and opened the door.As I slid off the backseat and stepped outside, the sunshine instantly warmed my skin.
I closed my eyes and inhaled the delicious salty sea air, thinking it was a billion times better than the smell of rubbish, pollution and stale piss that hit me when I left my apartment building this morning.
Just as I was marvelling at how blue the sky looked and taking in a glimpse of the beach and the ocean I spotted in the distance, I saw a woman in a branded Love Hotel uniform, with long, curly pink ombré hair, light brown skin and a wide smile walking towards me.
‘Halle?’ she asked and I instantly noticed that she had a British accent.
‘That’s me!’ I replied.
‘Welcome to the Love Hotel, California!I’m Sammie, your Love Alchemist.’
‘Mywhat?’
‘YourLove Alchemist, which is basically a silly way of saying I’m the person responsible for helping you and your match fall in love.Oops, I didn’t mean “silly”.I take the hotel’s job titlesveryseriously.They’re just a bit weird, that’s all.Not weird.Different.Interesting. Shit.I’m making a right pig’s ear of this welcome!And now I just swore!’ She slapped her forehead.‘Sorry.I’m a bit nervous.I’m new to the job.That doesn’t mean I’m not good at it though, because Itotallyam.Not that I’m being big-headed.I was just trying to reassure that you’re in good hands.’
‘You’re fine!’ I laughed.‘It’s lovely to meet you, Sammie.’ I stretched out my hand.She went to shake it, then paused.
‘Wow!Your nails are stunning!’ She dipped her head to admire them.
Pride bloomed in my chest.I’d painted my thumbs, forefingers and little fingers a vibrant orange shade and the two fingers in the middle were a nude shade with a cute orange daisy design in the centre.
‘Thanks!So you’re British?That’s a nice surprise.’
‘Yeah, there’s a few of us here.Jasmine, one of the Love Empresses, is from London like me.’
‘Love Empress? You’re right.The job titles here are weird!’ I laughed and her face fell.‘But in a totallyinterestingand very cool way.’
‘Phew!Thank God you’re nice.I don’t want to get reported to management for slagging off the job titles with one of my first guests!Let me get you checked in.’
Sammie led me through the grand reception.It had immaculate black and white chequered flooring, a grand sweeping gold staircase, plush white sofas and an enormous colourful floral display nestled on a large white marble table.
Soothing acoustic music played softly in the background, which instantly made my shoulders loosen and the ginormous windows along the back wall boasted floor-to-ceiling panoramic ocean views.
Wow.
This place was the closest I’d ever been to paradise.I couldn’t wait to get outside and sink my feet into the gorgeous golden sand.
‘So,’ Sammie said, ‘are you excited about meeting your match?’
‘Yep!I hardly slept last night.I can’t wait to find out who it is.’
‘He hasn’t arrived so I haven’t met him yet, but I know you’ll be blown away.’
‘Really?’ My eyes widened with anticipation.
‘Yeah!Everyone is… No, I’d better not say any more for now.But a lot of people wouldkillto be set up with him.’
‘Oh, wow!No pressure for me then.’
‘You’ve got nothing to worry about, hon!You’re freaking gorgeous.He’slucky to be matched withyoutoo.’
