48

"We are here." Sam announces. Lewis can obviously see that. They are packed in front of a massive building that looks like it was taken out of a picture from the Victorian Era. Lewis stares out the window with his mouth wide open. The place is regal and beautiful.

"We have to pick up Miss Emily and we will head to the party." Sam informs Lewis. A young man in a fancy outfit comes to open Lewis's door and bows for him.

"Welcome to The Blue Turnip, Sir." He says, with his head still bowed.

"Thank you so much. My goodness, this place looks beautiful. The architecture is just stunning…" Lewis gushes over the hotel. The young man only smiles and gestures to take off Lewis's suit while he walks in.

"Oh, no. Do not bother. If you noticed, there is a cape attached to this and I feel like a superhero. Wouldn't want to ruin that moment now, would you?" Lewis jokes. He smiles and Sam chuckles as he walks over to where Lewis is standing.

"Sam, I was just informing this young lad that this is a mighty, fine building. It looks like architecture from the Victorian period."

"You have never been? Well, wait till you see the inside. Keep an eye on this bad boy, Charly. We will be out in a minute, okay?" Sam orders the young man. He nods and scurries away. Sam taps at Lewis who is now gaping at the sculptures and ushers him in.

Sam then walks up to the counter and a beautiful lady with red hair smiles at them.

"Welcome to The Blue Turnip, how can I help you gentlemen?" She asks in a sweet voice that sounds like she has said this line a million times and it is rolling off her tongue like muscle memory.

"Uhm, hi. We are here for Miss Emily. She checked in yesterday." Sam informs her.

"Just hold on a second." She raises her index finger at them, then proceeds to make a call.

"Sorry, what are your names?" She asks, holding the phone to her chest.

"I am Sam and this is Lewis." Sam introduces himself and Lewis. Lewis makes a salute gesture with his hands.

"Hmm, okay. Hello, there is a Sam and Lewis here to see you. Do i let them in?" She asks Emily. A groggy voice yells "Of course" on the other line. She places the phone back where she picked it up from and offers them a professional smile.

"She is in room 206. Just take the elevator to the third floor and turn right. The fourth room on your left is the one. The numbers are boldly written, you can't miss it." She directs them calmly and Sam nods. Lewis thanks her profusely and Sam nudges him while they wait for the elevator doors to slide open.

"What?" Lewis asks, he is surprised by the nudge.

"She is just doing her job. It is her job to give us directions, you know. You do not have to go full gratitude mode like she saved your life." Sam comments, he looks like he is holding back laughter.

"She could have chosen to be rude or not given us directions at all. It takes nothing to be a good person and it takes nothing to be bad too. My gratitude comes naturally by her choice." Lewis explains to Sam.

Sam only shakes his head. Lewis gets into the elevator once the doors open, Sam follows. He presses the button with the number three on it.

"Y'all need to grow some audacity, you know. That's how you get some respect in these streets." Sam explains. This time, Lewis shakes his head.

"Respect is not earned by bad behavior or thug attitude. In fact, it is the opposite." Lewis says. Sam scoffs at his comment

"Uhh, tell that to the Mafia Lords. Nobody earns respect without some force."

The elevator doors open and they step out. They completely forget about the directions the receptionist gave them. They go in a different direction. They are lost in the conversation.

"Who was talking about Mafia Lords. I am talking about everyday human beings who live normal lives without having to kill whoever steps on their toes." Lewis explains.

"Well, if you step on my toes…I'm stepping on your toes right back. That is no case with respect or anything. I am just my own Karna. That bitch be moving too slow sometimes." Sam responds. Lewis laughs at this and soon they reach the end of the hall.

"Wait, where are we going?" Lewis asks, looking around for a clue of where they are and where they are supposed to be.

"Didn't the red head say 206? Rooms here have a different thing entirely. I think we are down the wrong hallway." Sam exclaims, he begins to laugh at this.

"How is us being lost in this enormous hotel in any way funny?" Lewis asks, his eyebrow arched slightly in curiosity.

"No… It really is not supposed to be funny but I am going to be in big trouble for us being late. Emily does not like to wait for anyone. Like she would throw an entire tantrum and probably tell her father and her father would probably punish me or something." Sam says, he is still laughing.

"Man, are you on something? That is not funny! What does he do to you?" Lewis asks, he is becoming worried now. Sam is literally wheezing with laughter.

"I don't know. I am probably trying to laugh away my anxiety. I think I am going crazy…"

Lewis huffs and sucks his teeth. He holds Sam by the arm and then drags him, so they can at least try to retrace their steps.

"I do not have time for this. Let's go. She mentioned something about turning right. I am not about to miss this party because of your high ass." Lewis mutters under his breath.

"Alright, alright. Leave me alone. I'm good." Sam declares, releasing himself from Lewis's grip.

"Are you sure?" Lewis asks.

Sam places his hand on his chest dramatically.

"I cross my heart. Now, let's go find your date."