‘The blitz spirit sounds so lovely,’ said Effie. ‘Strangers all coming together, united in their efforts and making friends for life.’ She looked hopefully at Shanie, who actively avoided eye contact.
‘I’m calling my agent,’ said Shanie. ‘It’s like being held hostage but without hope of someone paying the ransom.’
‘I don’t want to be awkward or anything,’ said Aaron looking incredibly awkward. ‘But we just eloped because we couldn’t afford a big wedding.’ He wobbled his head. ‘Or any size wedding actually. So I’m just wondering if you’re going to charge us for staying here?’
‘He had better not be,’ said Shanie. ‘It’s a prize dump.’
Fraser sighed. ‘Drinks you can have on the house but we’ll need to work something out for everything else.’
This set off the disgruntled chatter again, making Fraser throw up his arms and storm off towards the kitchen.
This was a moment where Liv could take the easy option and slink out but the new Liv didn’t dodge things, and whilst this wasn’t her argument she did feel for the situation Fraser and his family had been forced into.
‘Seriously, how ungrateful are you lot?’ asked Liv.
Dolly looked impressed whereas the stranded folk didn’t seem that pleased to have their behaviour called out.
‘If it’s a hotel, and we’re expected to pay then I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect half-decent facilities and a little customer service,’ said Shanie, folding her arms.
‘If the hotel is not flaming well open and hasn’t been for years, then it’s not a hotel. It’s just that Fraser has more bedrooms than most people, it’s blowing a freaking blizzard out there so he’s been asked by the police to take you in so that you don’t end up frozen in ice like this century’s Ötzi the ice mummy.’ She pointed at Robbie who stood up a little straighter. ‘All Fraser is saying is that you staying here is going to cost him money, so it’s not unreasonable to expect you to pay him something so he’s not out of pocket.’
‘My grandson is a trained chef,’ put in Dolly. ‘He’s well-regarded locally. I guarantee the food will be amazing.’
‘I have allergies,’ said Kacey looking apologetic.
‘If I was cooking for this many people it’d be beans on toast all round,’ said Liv. She was met with stony faces. ‘Are we all agreed that staying here for free is not an option?’
‘Fine,’ said Shanie. She was the last person Liv had expected to agree first.
‘Great, thanks, Shanie.’ Liv eyed the other sheepish-looking faces.
‘But I’m not paying until we leave so I can assess how much I should pay. I’m not an idiot,’ she added.
‘Fine,’ said Liv. She’d done her best.
‘What’s the Wi-Fi code?’ asked Shanie.
‘You’ve got to be joking. All one word,’ said Liv before leaving the room. She wondered how long it would take them to work that out.
Effie and Liv got everyone settled in the library with drinks. Even Shanie seemed mollified by her soda water despite the ice cubes being made from tap water. They were all playing the ‘find the phone signal game’ which would keep them amused for a short time at least. Liv and Effie joined Dolly who was sitting by reception with a selection of room keys in front of her.
‘What’s the plan?’ asked Liv.
‘Assuming we don’t want to share—’ began Dolly.
‘Ooh I’ll share with Daphne!’ said Effie.
‘But you wanted the Janet the Ghost room. I definitely won’t sleep a wink in there,’ said Liv. ‘And my name’s Liv.’
‘Sorry, but now I know you as Daphne it’s hard to change. I guess I can share your room, Da-liv.’ She grinned at her.
‘Let’s see if we can work something out so that nobody has to share,’ said Liv looking hopefully at Dolly. ‘I’m settled in my room now I’ve managed to jam the window shut.’
‘Where do you want to sleep, Granny?’ asked Effie.
‘There’s no downstairs bedrooms and no lift,’ said Liv, thinking out loud.
‘There’s a reclining chair in the snug. I’ll be fine in there. I’ve slept on worse,’ said Dolly. Dolly pushed the keys for the already occupied rooms to one side. ‘Here you go,’ she said handing over the remaining six keys. ‘You’d best go and make three of these habitable.’
