I can’t pull myself out of bed to go sightseeing like I planned, so I take my time getting ready and make it down to the lobby in time for noon checkout. I decide to get to the airport early and write. It’s the only thing keeping me sane right now.
My phone pings with a text.
Emerson:Have you left the hotel yet?
Liz:No, why?
Emerson:Our flight leaves in thirty minutes. They’re boarding, but Ernesto isn’t here. No one has seen him since Friday and he’s not responding to any of our calls or messages.
Liz:What? Okay, do you want me to see if I can find him?
Emerson:PLEASE!!!!
I slide my phone into my jeans pocket and lug my carry-on to the front desk.
“Excuse me. Can you tell me if you have an Ernesto…”
“Ernesto who, ma’am?”
Holy hell, I don’t know his last name.
“I’m sorry. Could you give me a moment?”
He nods his head politely and I feel like an idiot. All this time and I don’t even know his full name.
Liz:What’s Ernesto’s last name?
Emerson:Hold on. I’m starting a group text. Can you unblock Finn just for now?
I cringe. I forgot I’d done that. No wonder he never writes me. Although I’m sure that’s not the only reason. I scroll through my numbers, find his, and unblock him.
Liz:Okay done.
Emerson:Hold on.
A minute later, a group text comes through.
Emerson:Does anyone know Ernesto’s last name?
Finn:I saw it on his license. Umm… River?
Kel:Ernesto River? That doesn’t sound Spanish.
Liz:Rivera?
Finn:Yes! Liz go!
I rush back to the desk. “Ernesto Rivera.”
He types for a bit. He stops for a second then types a bit more. The phone rings and he answers it. I glance down at the time on my phone. They have twenty minutes.
“I had an Ernesto Rivera, but he checked out already.”
“Do you know if he left for the airport?”
“I sure don’t. You can ask Leonardo by the shuttle desk. Maybe he’ll remember him.”
I pull my bag to the shuttle desk. The man I assume to be Leonardo is speaking with another guest. I shoot them a text while I wait.
