The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

While on holiday in Niagra Falls years ago we stayed at a nice hotel. I'd forgotten to get an adaptor for my camcorder so I couldn't charge it up. I tried a few shops but had no luck so tried the hotel souvenir shop. They didn't have one but suggested I try the Hilton hotel next door. (lol, this is not a Paris story.) So off we went to the Hilton.
Now this was a brand new hotel and looking around we couldn't see a souvenir shop. I went to the desk while me strumpet went to the loo.
Lady at dest: 'May I help you?'
Me:'I'm looking for your souvenir shop.'
Lady: 'Our shop isn't built yet what were you looking for?'
Me: 'I just wanted an adaptor for my camcorder.'
She ponders: 'I think Radio Shack stock them, i'll try for you.' (Nice lady.)
Lady picks up phone book (lol.) and works through it. (lol.) Finds number and dials.
Lady into phone: 'Hello this is so and so (I can't remember her name which is a real crime with hindsight.) from the Hilton. Do you stock adaptors for British (The cheek of her I'm Irish!) camcorders? Oh dear, well thank you anyway.' She hangs up.
Lady to me: 'No luck but they suggested I try this number.'
Now at this point i'm starting to realize something but i'm not sure how to play it out yet. lol. She tries the new number, no luck. I thank her and tell her I really appreciate her help, I'll try elsewhere.
Lady: (Warming to the task or me not sure. lol.) I'll just try one more for you.' She reaches for phone book.
Me: 'Honestly you've been great but it's okay, i'll sort it myself.'
Holds her finger up as she speaks into phone.
Lady into phone: 'Yes i'll hold.' (lol.) Now i've realized what's happened. SHE THINKS I'M A GUEST AT THE HILTON! which is why she's being so helpful. lol. Now i'm actually getting nervous. What am I going to do? I decide that if she has a result this time i'll thank her and be on my way, and if she has no luck i'll still thank her and get the hell out quick. (With or without strumpet. lol. ) She hangs up and I swear to God my palms are sweating. lol. (Whimp.)
Smiling lady: 'Sorry, no luck.'
Me (Nervously.): 'Thank you so much, I really can't thank you enough for all your help, I'll see if I can get it in town.' (Close shave.)
Lady: 'Okay, tell you what, i'll try a few later. What room are you staying in?' lol. Honestly, my heart, it's never beat so fast going up Castle Hill.
Me (Sheepily.): Room 412. (Which is my hotel number next door. lol. (Well what would you say? lol.)) A look of puzzlement crosses her face.
Lady (Frowning.): 'We don't have a room 412. (lol.)
Me (In a dream world.): Oh, well the Falls View hotel next door does, that's where I'm staying. (lol.)'
Now I've got to hand it to this woman. There was the slightest flicker, just a little stiffening of the lips, almost imperceptible but there. And I bet in that moment the penny dropped hard for her and she thougth. 'I've just gone out of my way and made three phone calls for our high paying guest and gave him the full Hilton treatment and the bastard is staying next door!' And then she was back into her professional persona.
Lady: 'Well, if there's nothing else, good day.' lol.
Strumpet comes back and says. 'Any luck.' I usher her out quick. lol.
I still get a kick out of this today. You just had to see her face. lol.