Camping By Any Other Name

Me: *on the phone* “Thank you for calling the [Hotel] Lexington Park.. This is [My Name]. How can I help you?”

Caller: “Yes, I’d like to make a reservation for tonight, leaving tomorrow.”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am, but we’re sold out for tonight.”

Caller: “Sold out? You mean you don’t have anything?”

Me: “No, I apologize. We are completely sold out.”

Caller: “You can’t be! I need a room. I mean, I’ll take anything! Do you have any suites left?”

Me: “No, ma’am. No more rooms left. That’s what ‘sold out’ means. Everyone has checked into their rooms already.”

Caller: “I don’t believe you! Hotels always have some kind of room set aside for people when they’re sold out.”

Me: “Well… I could fix a roll away bed up on the roof for you if you like. It’s gonna rain a little later, so I hope you don’t mind getting wet.”

Caller: “Really? That would be great! Thank you so much! How much does it cost?”

Me: “Have a good day, ma’am…”