If you read my blog entry at The Master Artist today, you saw an excerpt from another Christmas short story I wrote. I will post the entire story in parts here throughout the week.
Before Dawn: A Christmas Story
by Davidae Stewart
"Are you telling me that the Ritz Carlton is booked to capacity?" My husband, Joe asked the guest services clerk, Rhonda. "That never happens. Can you check again?"
Rhonda looked at my belly; then at me; then back at her computer screen. Shook her head. "Sir, there are no rooms available tonight."
"Any rooms nearby?" I asked.
"With the Microsoft Tech Conference, Vibe Music Fest and NBA Finals all in one weekend..." Rhonda bit her lip. "Atlanta's booked solid. Sorry."
Joe turned and looked at me with those Bambi brown eyes that sucked me into his world six months ago. They made me feel safe, because I always knew what he was thinking. But I couldn't bare riding in that truck another minute let alone to Decatur or Marietta. My hips were feeling crampy and I just needed to sit still for a minute.
He turned back to Rhonda and whispered. "She's in her final trimester. My wife needs to rest like two hours ago."
***
Rhonda hooked us up with a construction trailer out in the back where they were adding a new wing to the building. "Look, the contractor are gon' for at least two days. Soon as a room is available, I'll key you in."
Joseph handed her a wad of money and shook her hand. "Bless you, Rhonda."
Before she closed the door, she peeped back in. "You sure she doesn't need to go to Northside. Look like she's about to pop."
I shook my head. "I'm good." I wasn't completely sure, but I prayed the belief into truth.
She nodded her head and left us to the trailer and the task at hand-- to have this baby sight unseen and definitely before dawn.
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