Together

Chapter 14

I finally reach the hotel, slipping in through the front doors and walking to the elevator. A piece of paper taped on the elevator door says in bold writing: 'ELEVATOR IS SHUT DOWN. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE'. I roll my eyes at the sheet, spinning around trying to find the stairs.

After a while of searching, I sigh in defeat. I can't find the stairs or even a sign that points the direction of the stairway. Suddenly, a man in a bellhop uniform walks out from behind the corner. I tap his shoulder, making he come to a stop and turn to look at me.

"Yes?" The man asks, his tone flat and annoyed.

"Can you show me where the stairs are?" I question, nervously tapping my foot and twirling my fingers under his deadly glare.

"Don't bother with Tim," a different person says, swinging around the corner. This other person is wearing the same bellhop outfit as the other man, but his hat is clutched in his hand. His brown hair is gelled back, and his green eyes reflect the dark forest. "He is a grump."

"Allen, aren't you supposed to be on break?" The negative man, I'm assuming named Tim, snaps, crossing his arms.

"My break just ended, or else I'd be there." The more friendlier man, most likely Allen, winks at Tim, punching his shoulder gently. "It's your break time."

"Thank God." Tim grumbles, shouldering his way past us and into the other hallway.

"That man," Allen laughs, turning back towards me. "is the most foul person I've ever met."

"Maybe he was just having a bad day?" I suggest, bouncing back and forth on the heels of my feet.

"It seems as if everyday is a bad day for Tim." Allen runs his fingers through his hair, ruffling it slightly.

"That's a shame," I sigh, rubbing my forearm. I add, my mind remembering how quickly I lost Camila. "He should enjoy his life as you never know when it could all change in just a snap of some fingers."

"That being true, still how could you enjoy your life when all you ever do is pout about everything?" Allen taps his chin, his eyes fixed on me. "I figured you needed someone that wouldn't spread their bleh over you and waste your time. What were you asking for?"

"Oh, I just need to know where the stairs are." I admit, shrugging gently.

"They're just around the corner," Allen explains, pointing to the left hallway. "at the end of the hall."

"Thank you." I smile, turning to leave. Before I can get a step away, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Wait, before you go." Allen says, pulling me toward him. "Are you free on Tuesday?"

My face contorts into disgust as I stare at the man in front of me. I barely know this person, he barely knows me, and he has the courage to ask me out in the most laid-back way I've ever seen.

I raise an eyebrow, staring into his forest eyes. "I'm not an object, I'm not 'on sale'. So, no, I'm not 'free'. Plus, I have already got my eye on someone and it isn't you."

I turn to leave when I hear Allen speak up again, "So, what about Thursday?"

Scoffing, I walk around the corner. My eyes land on the stairway at the end of the hallway, and I bolt to it. I sprint up the stairs, rushing to my hotel room once I reach the top. I gently knock on the door, but the door wiggles slightly and opens without a key or anyone opening it.

I furrow my eyebrows, pushing open the door. I walk inside, shutting the door behind me. The room is silent, not a sound creaks or blares. I glance around nervously, my eyes darting to the open bathroom door and the empty bed. I slowly approach the bed, running my hand over the neatly tucked sheets.