Page 5 of Double Booked

“Another cool place.”

“Have you been there?”

“My family went to the Grand Canyon when I was a kid.”

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door, and startled, their heads swung in that direction.

“I’ll get it,” Cole said. He went to the door and peered through the peephole. Then he opened the door and motioned the visitor inside.

“Hi, I’m Angela with the cabin rental company.”

“Oh, thank God,” Eden said. She hopped off the stool and joined them in the living room. “So you got my message?”

“Yes,” said Angela, “but I’m afraid there’s a problem.”

“There is. You double-booked us,” Eden said.

“I know, and I’m very sorry about that. However, we don’t have any other cabins available at this time.”

Cole looked from Angela to Eden and back again. “None?”

Angela shook her head. “Fall is a popular season to visit, and we’re booked up through Christmas.”

“Christmas! That’s three months from now!” Eden shouted.

Cole moved in front of her, providing a barrier between her and the poor rental agent. “There must be something you can do,” he said smoothly.

Angela gave him a grateful smile. “If a cabin becomes available, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, please accept these gift cards to some of the local restaurants and attractions.” She opened her purse, took out an envelope, and handed it to him.

“Gift cards! You’re giving us gift cards?” Eden seethed.

Cole took out the gift cards and rifled through them, recognizing the names of some excellent restaurants where they could eat for free. There were also gift cards for horseback riding, ATV rentals, and a helicopter tour.

“I do apologize, but there’s nothing more I can do.” Angela sounded genuinely sorry, and he felt bad for her.

“These are good. Look, Eden.”

Eden’s eyes shot daggers at him. “I don’t give a damn about gift cards. I paid good money to stay in this cabin, alone!”

“She’s a little upset,” he explained to Angela.

“I understand, and I wish there was more I could do.”

Eden pushed in front of him, and placed her hands on her hips, her chest heaving and cheeks inflamed. “I want a refund.”

Angela glanced down at the floor. “I’m afraid we can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“It’s company policy. Rental fees are only refundable up to thirty days prior to your arrival. However, we can credit your account for a future stay. This was all explained in the rental agreement you signed.”

Eden glared at her, mouth agape, and Cole quickly intervened. “She’s right, Eden. We’ll just have to make the best of it.”

“But you double-booked us!” Eden declared.

“Actually, it wasn’t me. Melinda took your reservations, and she’s been duly punished.”

“Punished, how?” Cole asked.