We'd just arrived in our hotel room in Ohio which was clean and organized. It was that night. I put our suitcases next to the closet.
"Think I'll shower," Claire said.
"Ok. I'm going to see what I can find for dinner. You're welcome to join me. I'll have the cell."
"I'll have mine too. You got your room key?"
"Yeah you?"
"Yeah."
I stepped out of the room to give Claire some privacy closing the door behind me. It automatically locked. I headed down the hall to the elevators. Tomorrow wed go to the rock and roll hall of fame the Cincinnati zoo and gardens and if we have time the Adler planetarium. Then wed head through indianna to Illinois. Claire had paid for the hotel with the credit card her mom had given her for just such occasions. Shed given it to me to use for dinner.
On the drive wed listened to counting crows and Joni Mitchell sometimes talking and sometimes not.
Standing in front of the elevators waiting was an absolutely gorgeous brunette. Black hair, she was pale dressed in a green turtleneck sweater black pants and black flats. We were the only 2 waiting for the elevators. She glanced over at me.
"Hey," she said smiling.
"Hey," I said back.
"I'm April."
"Pretty name. Shawn."
"Thanks. You goin down to dinner?"
"Yeah you?"
"ya wanna join me?"
"Ok."
"How long you been here?"
"Oh it's our first day. My friend Claire and i. you?"
"Few days. I haven't had the chance to meet any hot guys yet."
"Oh I can hardly believe that you're so pretty."
Again she smiled; "thanks."
"You're welcome. Pretty smile too."
"Where ya from?"
"Philly. You?"
"Colorado."
"Wow no kidding. That's where we're headed."
"Well maybe I might see you there."
"Maybe. I hope."
"Me too. I'm goin to visit my siblings."
"Oh. I'm actually from here."
"Oh."
"Wow the elevator's takin awhile."
"Yeah."
"Hold on."
"Ok."
I pulled out the phone and texted Claire telling her I wouldn't be able to make dinner. I put the phone back.
"Ok that's taken care of," I muttered.
"hm?" April asked.
"Just had to tell Claire something."
"Oh. Nice to meet you."
"Thanks you too."
"You're welcome and same."
"You're welcome."
