“Looks like I’m not getting that pizza.” Paula headed over to the reception desk and helped explain to the guests that until the power came back, they wouldn’t be able to check them in. Those who already had their room keys could still access their rooms as the locks were battery operated and since there were only three levels, people could easily take the stairs to their rooms. The elevators were set to automatically go to the ground level during a power outage and the doors could be manually opened. She took a deep breath and looked around. David was at the concierge desk talking to Marco and several guests.

When the lights still didn’t come on after a half hour, and it was getting darker, Paula went to the housekeeping room and found a bunch of candles which she placed all over the lobby, on all the counters. David saw what she was doing and came to help carry out more candles. They went to the bar area which was just off of the lobby and placed them all along the bar as well.

Frank was the bartender on duty, and he came over when Paula set the candles down. “Great idea.” The bar wasn’t overly busy but there were a few guests enjoying cocktails. The restaurant was emptying out as there was no way for the kitchen to cook. Paula realized the power might be out for some time, and they still had a lobby full of people that couldn’t check into their rooms yet. They were starting to look restless and frustrated, and she didn’t blame them.

David looked around the lobby, too. “No generator, huh?”

She shook her head. “Grandfather considered it at one point, but we so rarely lose power that he didn’t think the expense was worth it.”

“Might be worth reconsidering, if only to power the reception area so people can get checked into their rooms,” David said.

“I agree. And possibly for the restaurant, too. We should look into that again. Actually, I have an idea. I’m getting hungry, and I bet some of our guests are, too.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m going to head into the kitchen and see if there’s anything we can offer them.”

Nick was overseeing the kitchen that night and when Paula explained what she had in mind, he was all for it.

“We have cheese and crackers. Some nuts. I can whip up some guacamole and chips. And we can splurge a little and give them a platter of shrimp cocktail. People always like that. And some brownies and cookies. Sound good?”

“Yes. Sounds perfect.”

“Give me ten minutes and I’ll have it ready for you.”