At Your Service

The Angel and Demon Get Back on the Ineffable Plan

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

“This hotel is right between two canals, and it used to be everything you can imagine, from a convent to even a lodging for the royal family.” Emmy, the hotel manager tells Aziraphale as she walks him through the hotel towards where the other butlers are waiting. “You will be responsible for your assigned guest’s room and getting it ready according to his or her wishes, unpacking luggage, presenting pillow menus and whatever bathing rituals they request. You’ll also be a direct line between them and the hotel’s services including but not limited to vehicle rentals, laundry service, shoe polishing, making reservations for restaurants, tours, and whatever else a guest might need to enjoy their stay here.”

Aziraphale struggles to keep up with all of this, but Emmy keeps going, not even remotely slowing down, “Once you’re fully integrated, you’ll be offered a chance to be a guest and experience everything the hotel has to offer for yourself. You can venture the city as you like on your days off, but I need to warn you, as a new butler, time off is going to be a rarity until you get into the groove of this.”

Aziraphale nods, so Emmy tells him, “Now come with me, so you can see the kitchens.”

The angel can’t help but smile as he marvels at the exquisite architecture of the building, along with the lavish interiors.

What could possibly be wrong with me now?

This thought strikes Aziraphale as he unpacks his first guest’s luggage, while he hears muffled talking coming from the bathroom.

The work isn’t even that hard. In fact, when Aziraphale does find himself using his newly obtained skills, it feels as natural as anything.

Then why do I feel as if I’d rather be anywhere but here?

Much later, back in a little house he’d managed to secure not too far away from the city, he still has no answer.

On a whim, he picks up the landline he’d insisted on having installed before moving in, and dials a number.

Mrs. Young picks up after the third ring, “ Mr. Fell! I’m so surprised to hear from you. Would’ve thought the hour time difference would mean you’d be turning in early. ”

“I was. But I can’t seem to…turn off my mind.”

“ Oh dear. What’s wrong? How did it go with your first guest? ”

“It went well. Very well, in fact. I think if I stay with it, I’d be able to become one of the best butlers there in no time. It’s everything I‘ve ever dreamed of when picturing the life of a butler.”

“ Then why do you sound as if something’s wrong? ”

Aziraphale sighs, counts to three, then admits, “What if it’s me?”

“ What could you possibly be wrong about? ”

“I was only doing this for work, but I grew to love it, until I could truly see myself doing it. But now…I don’t know.”

A laugh. “ Mr. Fell, we all feel like that at some point in our lives. Some even more than once. ”

Aziraphale feels like he can elaborate without being judged, “I do love it. That hasn’t changed. But what if I want more? What if I don’t want to be limited by my job?”

It’s silent for a few seconds, then she says, “ Mr. Fell, I’m sure whatever you end up deciding, it will be the right thing. And we’ll all still be here when you do. ”