Good But Not That Good

Arthur is outside.

He has not yet recovered the wet duvet cover from the sacred bamboo.

The hotel next door is still open.

Why not? He goes in.

Back again? says the barman.

Back again, says Arthur. 

Too cold to sleep in your car? asks the barman.

Haven't tried yet, says Arthur. I've been visiting my friends in Rose-Eden next door.

Yeah? How do they like it? asks the barman.

They were a bit disappointed, says Arthur.

No shit! says the barman. Most people say that it's great.

It is pretty swanky, says Arthur. But there weren't any complimentary chocolates. And no wine either.

Don't know how that could've happened, says the barman. Here, take this shiraz. But I can't help with the chocolates.

What about the manager...? asks Arthur.

I'll ask him, says the barman. He buzzes the manager, who comes over.

Back again? says the manager.

Back again, says Arthur.

His friends didn't get their complimentary chocolates, says the barman.

Heads will roll, says the manager. 

I don't wan't anyone to get into trouble, says Arthur. But we also noticed the duvet cover was stained.

There'll be a spare one in the cupboard in the bedroom, says the manager. And extra blankets and pillows.

Super! says Arthur. But no chocolates. 

I'll see if I can rustle up a spare box, says the manager.

He goes out the back, and returns with big box of Favourites, and gives them to Arthur.

Many thanks, says Arthur.

He leaves the hotel, with the shiraz and the Favourites.

He returns to the suite in Rose-Eden, and plonks them down on the white kitchen table.

Very generous of you Arthur, says Gaius. And what about the duvet cover?

Already in the cupboard in the bedroom, says Arthur.

What?

Arthur is good but not that good.

How did he do that?