Scattered Tomato Paste

Chapter 13: Ice Cream

CHAPTER 13

Layla stopped for a moment and placed her index finger on the cool

window pane and gazed at the rivulets of water obscuring what lay

beyond the glass. The scenery of the hotel came in view, an eleven storey

high building with an elegant entrance busy with visitors and

employees walking about. Her former butler, Mr Ah-Kin left the

driver's seat with two open umbrellas stepping onto the sidewalk and

then ran to open her door, which was already opened on her own as

he held the umbrella above her head while holding his in the same

position. She exited the car and stood underneath it, 'Thank you, Mr

Ah-Kin,' she took an umbrella from his hand that was offered.

'It's not a problem dear,' Mr Ah-Kin responded with a smile.

'Your father did hire me to look after you, while you are staying here.'

Layla nodded, 'Now I know,' she said and observed removing

the suitcases from the trunk and suddenly a bell-boy volunteered,

grabbing the luggage and went inside of the hotel with it.

'Follow him in, Layla,' Mr Ah-Kin ordered kindly and shut the

trunk close.

She took a deep breath and answered, 'Okay, Mr Ah-Kin.' She

went in as did her butler carrying in the rest of her suitcases toward

the receptionist counter. Layla smiled nicely at older woman in her

mid-forties and greeted, 'Good morning.'

'Welcome to Rio Hotel! How may I help you, miss?' asked the

older woman also the hotel's receptionist called, Mrs Rena.

Layla answered, 'My name is Layla Noelle. I made a reservation a

few days ago.'

'Hold on please, Miss Layla,' Mrs Rena responded and checked

her computer screen which showed the majority of the guest who

stays at their hotel. Finally, she saw her name in the reservation list

for a single bedroom. 'Yes, your reservation has been paid for and

accepted. Your room is B-25 it's on the second floor,' she informed

and then signaled the bell-boy. 'Vince, will show you to your room. If

there's anything that you need or having problem with, please will

free to call and let us know your situation.'

Layla nodded and smiled, 'Thank you very much, Mrs Rena.' She

looked at her name-tag and took the key to her room and then left