The business conference had turned out to be far more boring than I had first anticipated. I had been eager to attend, as the previous year's conference had been fun and informative. Yet, I was becoming bored with all of the seminars, and the attempts at networking were leaving me anxious to get away.
I was staying in the Hyatt Regency right on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, and I couldn't have asked for better accommodations. The hotel was nice, the Riverwalk was truly beautiful β especially in the evenings. I had spent the last two evenings alone, my colleague abandoning me for some cute blond from Michigan. Well, I really couldn't blame him. And now, I sat in my hotel room, sipping coffee and nibbling on a bagel, not looking forward to the seemingly endless round of seminars ahead of me. I had only one day and evening left in San Antonio, and it looked like a fascinating city.
Walking over to the curtains in my room, I pulled them aside slightly. My room did not have a window that looked outside, but rather my view was that of the hotel lobby and atrium below. However, I could see through the windows in the lobby that the day was dawning bright and beautiful. It was late October, and the weather had been mild and beautiful. Staring out the lobby windows, towards the Riverwalk, I made up my mind. I was going to see San Antonio β the business conference be damned!
I quickly jumped into the shower and allowed the water to run down my body. I was 5'5" tall, but my body was slender, with soft, rounded hips, and gently swelling breasts. My reddish blond hair fell down my back to my waist, my eyes were deep blue. Stepping from the shower, I walked to the mirror and began to apply just a hint of makeup. At 27 everyone told me I still looked 21, indeed I was still asked for identification every time I went to a bar or club. Drying my hair so it fell in soft waves around my face and down my back, I turned to the room and began to dress. Grabbing a pair of Levi's 501 jeans, I had to admire the way they hugged my ass, showing it off to perfection. Slipping a soft yellow sweater over my head, I pulled on a pair of sneakers, and grabbed my canvas bag.
Stepping from my room, and going down the elevator, I couldn't help but stifle a giggle at the people in business suits hurrying off to the conference. As I stepped into the hotel lobby, I made my way towards the Riverwalk exit and outside. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, yet there was a touch of coolness to the air. Just perfect for walking. Strolling up the Riverwalk, I took notice of the shops just beginning to open, the bars and clubs still cleaning up from the night before. Finally climbing the steps that took me up to the city level, I found myself on a street with multiple shops.
Turning a corner, I am suddenly struck with an amazing sight. Right there, in the very middle of the town, was the Alamo! Never knowing it was in the middle of the city, I was amazed to find it just sitting there. Interested, I walked towards the building, yellow stone seeming to gleam in the late morning sunshine. It was bigger than I had imagined, and I realized there were other buildings surrounding it. Avoiding the main building at first, I stepped towards the outer buildings, admiring the grounds surrounding the Alamo. As I strolled through the courtyard, I heard a collection of people cooing with delight. Intrigued, I turned towards them, and saw a group of about 20 people standing in a circle. Making my way towards the inside, I instantly saw what had attracted their attention. A tour guide had lured a squirrel with something in his hand, and the squirrel was making its way towards him. Shy at first, then emboldened by the food offered to it, the squirrel made its way to the tour guide stopping to sit on its hind feet. A smile crossed my face as I watched in fascination as the squirrel quickly climbed up the leg of the tour guide, who was luring the animal to climb higher for its reward. Glancing up into his face, I saw the tour guide smiling slightly, but whether at the squirrel or the crowd was simply unknown. As the tour guide handed the squirrel his prize of a peanut, the crowd erupted into applause, and I noticed the tour guide look up and around.
He was tall, very tall. And lanky β almost too thin. But his black hair was thick and lustrous, his brown eyes smiling and twinkling. His smile was genuine, with full lips spreading to reveal beautiful white teeth. His skin was the color of cinnamon. Looking at his face, it was hard to figure out how old he was. But his mannerisms had a shyness that spoke of one being very young. He raised his hands to shush the crowd and then spoke, with a voice that was clear and velvety.
"Okay, everyone! Yes, that was a little trick our squirrels do here, but come along and I'll show you the barracks."
As the crowd moved in the direction of the outer buildings, I moved towards the main building. Opening the heavy doors, I stepped into the coolness of the building and was awed by its intensity. I truly didn't know that much about the history of the Alamo, but knew that many men had died here. As I walked around the main building, I noticed the door open and the group that had been outside stepped in, the handsome young tour guide leading the way. Hoping to get a "freebie" I tried to blend in with the crowd, seeing what I could learn.
As the tour guide spoke to the crowd, I noticed the ease he had with people. He was comfortable with his job, he liked people and it showed. He had a loose manner, smiled easily, and even giggled once when some one made a joke. His giggle was infectious.
As he spoke of the history of the Alamo, I found myself watching him more than the points of interest he showed the crowd. He mentioned that there were survivors of the Alamo, and I was brought back to attention.
"But, I thought everyone perished in the Alamo," I found myself blurting out before I could catch my words.
His quick brown eyes caught mine, and he smiled.
"That is what a lot of people think, but the truth is, there were some survivors. Not many, but some."
"Well, I was told all had died. Every last one."
Instead of irritation, I noticed a twinkle in his eye.
"Well, if you have the time, there are a good many books written on the Alamo that I can recommend to you, if you would like."
Blushing furiously, I glanced from one member of the tour to the next, and then back to the tour guide. He was smiling broadly, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"No, I believe you β Carlos, is it? It's your job to know after all."
Clapping his hands together, he asked for questions. No one had any, so the tour guide β Carlos his badge said β guided them to the gift store. In turn, each person handed him a tip and a word of thanks before leaving. Soon it was just he and I in the big open room.
"Do you have a question, miss? Something I can help you with?"
"Yes, I do, Carlos, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, please ask away."
"Okay, Carlos. This is my last day and evening in San Antonio, and so far I've not truly seen this beautiful city of yours. What do you suggest a girl do?"
"Well," he replied, "there are lots of romantic spots that you and your husband or boyfriend could enjoy. I'd be happy to recommend a few to you."
Laughing, I stopped him. "I'm here by myself, Carlos. Just me. Anything for a single girl to do here?"
I noticed his eyes raking over my body and I felt a tingle shoot down my spine.