I had a question about what time period this takes place in. It takes place in 2015, but before the events of the season. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy! xx.
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"you are sick and i hate you and love you for it
you're a wreck but i'm always going to want you."
- Creek Blues, Nicole Dollanganger
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When I woke up the next morning, I forgot where i was.
I forgot whose luxurious sheets I was under, whose glamorous room I was in. Briefly, I wondered if I had gone to a party last evening and spent the night with some kind of visiting, foreign prince.
And then, when the alarm beeped for the third time, I remembered. I remembered my stepfather's proposition, my mother's willingness to get me out of the house. I remembered the job and the hotel and my duties - I remembered the strange man from last night.
Shaking my head, I rose from the bed. I showered quickly, not bothering with my hair as I would just throw it into a messy bun anyways. I pulled on a dark grey t shirt and a pair of Levis, yanking an old pair of Keds over my feet before I left the room.
My stomach was growling for breakfast, my head already aching for its' morning coffee. As I walked past Room 64, I wondered if I had dreamt it all. Either way, I found myself speeding up.
The bar itself was closed, but Liz was present, a plate of eggs and toast in front of her. She motioned towards it, beaconing for me.
"Is this mine?" I asked, and she nodded. Smiling, I picked up a fork and began to pick at the eggs.
"Compliments of Mr. James March."
Abruptly, I fought not to spit the food back out again.
"You mean...that was real?" I said, feeling as if all the air had been knocked out of me.
"Things at the Cortez, Stella, aren't always what they seem." Liz shrugged. "Eat your food, it's not like he poisoned it or anything. He seems happy to have you here - which is surprising, because he hasn't enjoyed another person's presence since The Countess."
I looked at the food - appetizing enough that it was clear Liz didn't make it - but I found I couldn't eat. Slowly, politely, I pushed it away from me. I had a feeling he was out here somewhere, watching. Either that or he would make Liz report back to him later.
"Can I have some coffee?" I asked instead.
"Of course, how do you take it?"
"A little bit of milk - almond, if you have it." Liz nodded, shrugging. She produced a latte seemingly out of nowhere, sliding it across the bar to me. She watched as I sipped of it.
Avoiding her eyes, I looked around me. The lobby and the bar were as spotless as I had left them last night, when I had retired to my room. It was as if no one had even walked through them. I had no clue what condition the kitchen was in, but I was sure I was about to find out.
"Everything's spotless, Stella." Liz sighed. "And, as of now, we're completely vacant. We have a guest checking in tonight, but his room's already done up."
"So," I bit my lip. "What am I expected to do today, then?"
"That's up to you," Liz smiled. "But I advise you to stay around the hotel in the later afternoon - that's when our residents get most...lively."
"Okay," I smiled, nodding at her as I began to plan my day.
I polished off my coffee, thanking Liz once again as I moved towards my room.
Once inside, I changed quickly into a pair of running shorts and fished around my suitcase for my sneakers. It was a beautiful day outside, and I wasn't going to miss out on that. Besides, running always helped move my creative process along.
I grabbed my phone on my way out as an afterthought - only a day here and I was already used to the complete lack of reception. It would be exciting to step outside, to check my Twitter...
My thoughts elsewhere, I bumped into someone in the hallway.
"Miss Buckner, why, that's an interesting choice of attire."
My stomach shrunk.
"Mr. March," I said, trying to hide how my voice faltered. "I was just leaving for a run."
"Was breakfast to your liking? I had Ms. Evers make it for you. I pointedly asked her to avoid any meat products."
"Breakfast was excellent, that was very considerate of you." I said, trying hard to be considerate, to follow Liz's advice and not ask questions.
"I'll tell you, Miss Buckner, that I do not make breakfast for all my employees."
"Just your new ones, then?"
"Not even them," He said, his voice low. God, was he flirting with me? Was that what this was? "Something else has occurred to me, Miss Buckner, just standing here with you."
I glanced down at my long, pale legs - still too nervous to meet his eyes.
"What's that?"
"You, my dear girl, need a uniform!" He spoke exuberantly, excitedly, and called for Ms. Evers. She stood beside him, beaming and showing off her own uniform. "While you're out today on this 'run,' maybe you could pick one up for yourself? I have a certain perchance for Ms. Evers."
"I'll look for one," I nodded - the only place I'd find anything similar to hers would be a costume store. "If I could, Mr. March, may I go now? I'll be back within the hour."
"Of course," He nodded, although he looked a bit sad to see me go. "I'll see you this afternoon, Miss Buckner. Maybe we can dine together this evening?"
"Maybe," I called back, giving him a quick smile as I headed for the front door.
God, it felt good to be outside.
