I can’t believe Bailey almost knocked my bowl over after saying I’m the only fish he refuses to barbecue. He caught me, sure, but was that on instinct? Esmerelda is here now, so she can knock some sense into him.
“I’m sorry, Esmerelda,” Bailey says. “I’m probably not allowed out here now, right?”
Esmerelda smirks. “Oh, no. We left the hot tub open because we knew you would want to soak in it.”
“You did?” Bailey lifts his eyebrow.
“Of course,” Esmerelda replies. “We see many guests through here and know them well. That’s our job as concierge. Besides, Oscar enjoys being outside.”
Bailey chuckles and climbs out of the hot tub. “Why am I not surprised? You guys seem to have this all sorted.” He grabs his towel and ties it around his waist.
Esmerelda shrugs. “Well, we’ve been doing this for two years now.” She joins Bailey and me and waves at me.
Bailey tightens his robe. “Why do you do this, if I may ask?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Esmerelda giggles. She drops to her knees and fixes her eyes. “How are you doing, Oscar? Is Bailey causing you any trouble?”
I’m not sure yet. After all, he almost knocked my bowl down.
Esmerelda stands and next looks at Bailey. “He seems to be doing better. Oscar had an accident a few weeks ago and has been shy around people since.”
“An accident? What kind of accident?” Oh please, Bailey—don’t pretend like you care.
“Some kids fell in love with Darla from Finding Nemo and broke his bowl.”
Esmerelda! I don’t like thinking about it!
“Wait… Darla? Who the hell likes Darla?” Bailey growls deep in his throat.
“Those kids did,” Esmerelda adds. “The fall hurt Oscar’s fin, but he’s swimming much better now. The parents put him in the sink before getting us. Oscar spent the night at the vet for observation.”
“That’s awful,” Bailey says. “I guess negative things come out of Disney movies, too. I was down there for the College Program, ma’am, and whoo-wee, Disney is not as magical when it comes to the backstage.”
Esmerelda nods. “I heard about that. I had a friend who worked in Food and Beverage at All-Star Sports, and she said she was mistreated. She left Disney six months after the College Program. Oh, forgive me.” Esmerelda cringes. “I didn’t mean to say all that. Would you like to soak some more, Bailey?”
He smiles feebly. “I think I’m finished for now.” He tucks me under his arm and steps down from the hot tub, heading toward the hotel’s entrance. “Esmerelda?” Bailey turns to her. “Thank you, and I hope your friend found a better workplace.”
She cringes again and lowers her voice. “Thank you, Bailey.”
I notice Bailey gives Esmerelda a funny look before nodding and opening the door. We walk down the hallway, Hour Three done, and move into Hour Four.
I wonder if Esmerelda will tell Bailey the truth behind the Disney College Program.
24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuyHLfN3kp
End of Hour Three: This is the Future
Current Word Count: 4,295
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