Elevator 143

TWO

"I am so sorry, Sir, but there has been a terrible mistake. I fear that with the rush hour of the New York Fashion Week, there has been a mix-up in bookings and your room has been allotted to someone else," Lawrence Isenberg heard the receptionist at the Four Seasons Hotel, William say, embarrassment clearly laced in his voice. 

"But I made this booking last month! And your reception even confirmed my booking. You do realise that my flight is today, right?" the twenty-nine year old Fashion Designer replied, trying hard to cover up his annoyance. He had always preferred staying at the Four Seasons Hotel when he visited New York City for work but alas, life had different plans this time around. 

"Yes, I am aware of that, Mr. Isenberg. I cannot say how sorry I am about this, Sir. You are one of our most frequent and esteemed guests and--", William rambled on, stuttering with his words as Lawrence zoned out. He had to think of a new place to stay at before he took his flight from Los Angeles to NYC, which was in an hour. The flight time was five and a half hours, giving him a total of six and a half hours to find himself a new destination. How was he supposed to find a room for himself for two weeks in that short period of time? All hotels would have been fully booked by then. Maybe an Airbnb? He frowned because he was never fond of those. A shared apartment? He shook his head because he had lived long enough in one during his college years. Lawrence sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, something he only did when he was really stressed out. 

Lawrence worked in the Design Team at Prada, where he interned after graduating from FIT in New York. He was always mesmerized with the way the brand created its collections and it was his dream to work there ever since he enrolled into FIT. Since Prada was showcasing their Spring/Summer collection during the New York Fashion Week, Lawrence was heading to NYC for the occasion. His only mistake was that he didn't choose to stay with the rest of the Design Team in a shared apartment, hence his current dilemma. One would think that when Lawrence had stayed in NYC for his studies, he would have discovered the city better but that was not the case. For Lawrence fit perfectly into the description of a workaholic and a nerd. His life in the four years at FIT consisted of going to and from the apartment to the college and back. He went out occasionally to Times Square or Central Park but emphasis were on the word occasionally. Even though he had no social life, his persistence and hard work did earn him the top spot in his batch. He was also one of the first in his class to land a job and not to mention at such a prestigious brand like Prada. 

"Look William, I understand that there has been a mix-up and that's fine, since you really can't do anything about it now. So can you help me find another room at a hotel in New York? My flight is in an hour and it will take me over five hours to get to New York, and I'd love it if you could work your magic and not leave me stranded on the streets when I land," Lawrence replied, taking in a deep breath as he rechecked his itinerary before picking his bag and heading out the door. He almost didn't want to leave in fear of last statement coming true, although many would say that he was exaggerating. 

"Certainly, Mr. Isenberg. Let me check with some other hotels to see if they have a room available at this time," William said eagerly. Lawrence sighed in relief. The perks of being 'an esteemed guest'. Nothing was definite yet but something was better than nothing. 

"But please make sure that they can give me the room for the next two weeks."

"I understand, Mr. Isenberg. Let me get back to you on this. Shall I contact you on this number if I am able to find a suitable room for you?"

"Yes please. Thank you, William. I'm hoping to hear some good new from you."

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