Teamwork Read Online Free PDF Page A

fingers over my temples, I tried to think logically. This wasn’t the end of the world. I just needed to find somewhere else to stay. “Do you have a list of other hotels that might have availability?” I asked.
    “No, I’m afraid not. But if you just let me deal with these people here, I’ll make a few calls for you.” He gestured to a group of women, all very made-up and each towing along a small girl.
    “Yes, okay, thanks.” What choice did I have?
    The reception lobby was opulent. Only minutes before I’d been admiring it and thinking what a nice base this hotel would be for my few weeks in Orlando. Now it seemed there was no room at the inn and I was homeless.
    Flopping into a squidgy armchair, I heard my cell trill to life. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the caller’s name on the screen. Todd C.
    “Hey,” I said, “how are you?”
    “Great, sugar, just calling to make sure you got there all right.” His voice was full of lightness and I could almost see him smiling as he spoke. I adored the way he did that.
    “Yes, I landed a couple of hours ago.”
    “And the hotel? Is your room okay?”
    “Mmm, bit of a problem there. They’re fully booked and it seems I’m the one pushed out.”
    “What? That can’t be right.”
    “I’m afraid so. The receptionist is going to try and sort something out for me in a minute, but I’m not holding out much hope. There is some kind of pageant going on and everywhere is full.”
    “Damn.” There was a pause. “I could send you to my apartment but it’s being redecorated while I’m away and I’m sure you don’t want to breathe in all of those fumes. The best thing to do would be to head over to Raven’s.”
    “What?”
    Is he serious?
    “Yeah, he’s got a guest wing. I’ll give him a call and tell him to expect you within the hour.”
    “No, really. I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”
    “Why not?”
    “Well, he… I don’t think he likes me very much. He hardly spoke on the journey, just grunted and, to be honest, I think he was glad to see the back of me when we arrived in Orlando. He couldn’t get me in a cab quick enough.”
    Todd laughed. “Oh, don’t mind him. I told you, he’s not all bad, just mostly.”
    “But—”
    “It will be fine, and besides, what choice do you have?”
    “I could just head back to the airport and go home.” I was being childish now, I knew I was. But I was so damn tired my mind had fudged.
    “Ah Fiona, don’t say that. I’ll be there the day after tomorrow and then we’ll hit the town. You’ll be feeling better by then. A good night’s sleep, that’s all you need.”
    “Yeah, I guess.” I rested my head back on the chair and shut my eyes. I was happy just to listen to his deep, drawling voice and let it settle inside me.
    “So that’s set then. I’ll call Raven and then text you his address. Go find a cab and head over there. It won’t take more than twenty minutes from where you are if the traffic is light, and of course Fergal will pick up the fare as part of your expenses so get a receipt.”
    “Oh, I’m not worried about that.”
    “So what are you worried about?”
    Raven biting my head off, chewing it up and spitting it out—for fun.
    “Nothing really. You’re right. A good sleep and I’ll be fine.”
    “Of course I’m right. Listen, I have to go. I need to get on the ice.”
    “Where are you?”
    “Newcastle. It’s pouring with rain and, damn, it’s colder outside than in the rink. And they call this summer in the UK.”
    “Yep, that’s what it’s like up north.”
    There was a pause, then he spoke again. “Fiona?”
    “Yes?”
    “I wish I was there to sort this out for you. Really, I’m very sorry about the double-booking at the hotel.”
    “Hey, it’s not your fault and you have sorted it out for me.”
    “Mmm, I guess, but I’m looking forward to getting home, taking you out.”
    “I’m looking forward to it too.” A buzz of anticipation sizzled up