Just wanted to say thanks to all you for reading and reviewing. It makes me feel like a million bucks to hear your kind words or seeing my story added to your alerts. :)
This chapter is even shorter than usual because I wanted to break up this chapter and the next. Hopefully, I can have the next chapter posted later today so you don't feel ripped off. Thanks again. :)
I guess I was more tired than I realized because when I open my eyes, they have to adjust to the darkness. I glance to the clock on the night stand, it reads 7:30 pm. I groan, frustrated that I wasted my precious time sleeping. My stomach gives a low rumble, reminding me that I haven't eaten since my flight. I weigh my options and somehow find myself staring down at that pink sticky note. Hmm. I wonder if Ashley is still working? Maybe she could give me a suggestion on where to go.
Ten minutes later, I'm laying in bed, clutching the phone in one hand and her number in the other. I'm chicken shit and can't bring myself to dial her number. I run over the possibilities in my head. What's the worst that can happen, Carlin? She hangs up? Grow up, grow some balls, or in the very least some extremely feminine ladyparts that magically give me courage. My knee twitches and I'm perspiring (not sweating because that's just not glamorous). I jump up from my reclining position, hoping to calm my nerves, but just end up pacing the room. I will myself back to the phone and pick it up with my clammy hands. My hands are shaking profusely as I carefully dial the number left on the note.
I bring the phone to my ear, it rings twice before I hear, "Hello?" her lovely voice floating over. "Hello? Hello? Anybody there?" I smile dreamily, until I hear a click signalling the call has ended. Shit, I was supposed to talk. I guess that's how a phone conversation usually works. Gah, do I call back right away or wait a bit?
My fingers make the decision for me, as I have already pressed redial. "Hello?"
"Uh, sorry about that, I had a momentary lapse where I forgot that phones are two-way devices and requires more than ESP to work...so hi, " I ramble awkwardly.
"Spencer, the Canadian from room 509?"
I smile sheepishly, "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, I'm lacking basic social skills lately."
"That's quite alright, I won't hold it against you this time. So, umm, what do I owe the pleasure of having this beautiful blonde woman calling me?"
I blush, "Uh, I forget".
Ashley laughs at this. "Ok, well what were you doing before you called me?"
"Oh right, I was going to ask you for suggestions for dinner or a snack, I kinda fell asleep and missed the dinner get-together the hotel was hosting tonight. So I was hoping you could point me in the right direction, but don't feel pressured, don't feel like you have to. I can figure something out I'm sure, " I let out in one breath.
"Spencer, you are something else; some moments I can't get you to say more than a mouse and other times you ramble incessantly. And if you can wait ten more minutes, I can finish up downstairs and I can show you this place I think you might like. What do you say?" Ashley asks.
"It's a date!" I quickly reply. "Shit, I mean, that would be nice, and that's very thoughtful of you. It's not a date. No. Not a date. Not at a date at all. You are just being considerate and showing me around. Just a little extra work off the clock. Not like you're an escort because you're not a prostitute. Fuck, I'm sorry. You make me nervous, " I blurt out.
"I find you amusing, how about you wander down to the lobby when you are ready to go, if you are still interested?" Ashley suggests.
"I'm glad someone does, I guess I will see you shortly, bye Ashley". I hang up the phone and head into the bathroom to make myself look somewhat presentable. I throw on a pair of faded blue jeans and grab my jacket and wallet. I slide it into my back pocket, glancing in the mirror one last time.
Here goes nothing. Or everything.
