Hotel Palaver - Season 1 - Episode 30

Episode 4 years ago

Hotel Palaver - Season 1 - Episode 30

***
I resumed Jennifer’s shift before five. I didn’t even know what the job description was. The mall was as busy as ever!
Suddenly i saw a young lady walk up to me.
“You must be Vivian. I’m Lara”
“It’s Lilian” I corrected. “Sorry” she laughed.

“It sounded like Vivian when she called. You’re to put on your uniform, the dressing room is over here, follow me” she suggested and I did.
“So does Jennifer do?”
“Smile and try to help customers.”
“Jennifer doesn’t smile” I said unconsciously and she laughed. “Not when you’re trying to earn some cash and tips from rich customers” she answered and I chuckled.

“You’re to stand on the East wing today. That was Jennifer’s shift for the night”
“East wing?”
“That’s the session for…” She paused laughing at me. I felt uncomfortable. “Don’t worry. I hope you have a sharp memory cause I’ll give you a tour of the mall”
“Seriously?”

“Yes”
“Jesus!” I muttered almost dying of nerves. “Things I do to help a friend” i added and she laughed.
“At least you have a great smile, use it well, you might get a tip or someone to take you home tonight” she advised handing a uniform to me.

“I don’t understand”
“Some of do this job for the for the connection it brings. Welcome to Bestchoice mall”

I stood by the East wing monitoring customers who bought things around that section and I also gave directions where to find specific goods.

A guy walked up to me with his hands plunged in his pocket. He had a Bluetooth fixed to his ears. “Good evening to you Sir, can I be of any help to you?”
“I am looking for the section to get toys for kids. I rarely shop here so …”
“Oh” I paused in thought trying to remember the section. “It should be there Sir” I pointed at any spot.

“Okay. Thanks” he said and he walked away.

I sighed hoping I haven’t shown him to the wrong place. Whatever! It’s not as if he would get lost.

I tried to brush my thought away from it while I smiled to other customers.
Suddenly I saw him walk up to me again. “You said it was that way” he pointed to the direction I gave and I nodded.
“It wasn’t” he laughed and I sighed. “I said it should be there… I think it’s that other way” I pointed to another spot and he laughed.

“Should? Think? Don’t you work here? You’re supposed to know this place like the back of your hand. Are you new?”
“Yes and No. I work elsewhere, I’m just taking a friend’s shift. I’m sorry” I smiled.
“If I was asking of heaven, you could have shown me hell” he assumed and I laughed.
“I’m sorry. I sU-Ck at this job, it’s not my thing” I answered and he laughed.
“At least you have the smile for it” he complimented and I laughed.
“Can you walk with me? Let’s find the section together, I could use your company”
“I don’t know if it’s acceptable”
“You’re supposed to take care of the customers needs right? Just help me find the toys and probably pick them. I’m not good with kids and their stuffs” he answered and I followed him.

“Seriously?” I asked, “Why won’t you be good with your own child”
“Nigerians!!” He chanted, “I never said anything about having a child” “Sorry, I just assumed.”

“Nigerians can assume!” He added and I laughed.

“You laughter is beautiful” he added and I smiled once again. I was blushing like a little kid. Two comments in one conversation.