The waiting room was much more grand than it had been five years ago. The mayor seemed to take decorating tips from our show. We’d been waiting forty-five minutes before the secretary reappeared.
“I am so sorry,” she said, her smile thin below eyes that did not smile at all. “His excellency has had an unexpectedly busy morning.”
“We had an appointment,” said Chas. I could see how angry he was by the way he held his voice in perfect control.
“Of course,” she said. “It shouldn’t be much longer.” She disappeared through a door.
“That son of a bitch,” said Chas. “Do you know how much tourism was here before we started filming? Zero. Zilch. Nada. And now he has the gall–”
“Easy, Chas,” said Laticia, laying a soothing hand on his arm. “He’ll issue the permits. He always has.”
I wondered how much more he’d charge this time.
I probably don’t need to tell you that this castle is where a lot of Game of Thrones is filmed. The steps were Cersei does the Walk of Shame are right around the corner. Apparently, the show has been an enormous boon to the Croatian tourist trade.
Oh, I bet people in that situation ALWAYS have to wonder how much more they will be charged. Fun take.
Great scene and I’m sure this happens all the time. You bring it to life!
Dear Josh,
As the saying goes, “A job is never complete until the paperwork is done.” I could feel his exasperation, too. Sharp and concise…well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle