We entered a gorgeous lobby full of lush cushions, chairs, and couches. The carpet was scarlet red, and there were black Victorian curtains draped from each window. The ceiling was dome shaped and held a large crystal chandelier, giving the room modest light. I laid my eyes upon one of the large cushiony chairs to see Duncan fast asleep, his mouth hanging open. I gave myself a small chuckle and walked quietly to where he slept while Kit, Klaus, and Sunny checked in at the front counter. Klaus looked back and smiled at me, sitting on the arm of Duncan's chair. I smiled back and blushed a little. Klaus must have had some idea I had a thing for Duncan. As soon as he turned around, I leaned forward and gave Duncan a soft kiss of the cheek. He slowly opened his eyes, obviously a little dazed. It took him a moment to realize I was there, sitting right in front of him, but when he did…
"Violet!" he cried and sat up so abruptly that he and I knocked foreheads, and I was sent flying off the chair. "Oh, no. I'm so sorry!" he apologized, offering me a hand, which I gratefully accepted. "You just took me by surprise. Are you all right? Oh, it's so great to see you again!" he finished hastily.
I giggled and rubbed my forehead once I was on my feet again. "That wasn't the welcome I was expecting, but it works," I teased, "and I'm fine, don't worry about it." I outstretched my arms and he gave me the hug I had longed for quite some time. When we let go, he leaned in and kissed my forehead.
"There," he announced, "Now it's all better." He smiled. All I could do was look deep into those eyes and smile back.
"Alright, I think we've got a couple of rooms all ready to go, "Kit said as she Klaus, and Sunny walked up to Duncan and me.
Klaus smiled at Duncan and, with an outstretched hand, greeted him, "It's wonderful to see you, Duncan."
Duncan took Klaus's hand in a firm handshake and said, "Likewise! It's great to see you, too. By the way, have you heard about Quigley?"
"No, we haven't," I answered, looking at my brother in confusion. He shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he wasn't aware either. Sunny simply mumbled in her sleep.
"The hotel got a fax saying he was going to be coming here late tomorrow evening," Duncan said excitedly.
"That's wonderful to hear! I'm glad he's alright and we'll be seeing him soon," Klaus said and paused, "Speaking of your siblings, where's Isadora?"
"She's up in our room sleeping," Duncan answered, "She's been very tired lately." Klaus frowned. He had obviously wanted to see her very badly. "What are your room numbers anyway?" Duncan questioned.
"Um…Rooms 314 and 315," Kit answered, glancing down at the keys, "They're double rooms connected by a door."
"Isadora and I are in Room 326, so we're down the hall aways," Duncan said.
I was about to reply, but Kit broke in, "We really should be getting to bed, though" and she was right. It was getting late, and I was getting tired.
We bid our farewells as we entered our rooms, and I closed the door slowly, watching Duncan walk down the hall to his room.
When I entered the room, Kit suggested, "There are two beds in each room, so I think Sunny and I will take this room and you two can sleep in the other room."
Klaus and I agreed and brought our bags into the other room. We changed into our pajamas and sat on our beds with only the light of a dimly lit lamp to light the room.
"You like him, don't you?" Klaus asked in a mocking tone.
"Like who?" I retorted, although I knew very well he was speaking of Duncan.
Klaus smiled wide and said, "Duncan, of course. You two have a thing for each other. Admit it."
I tried to deny it again, but giggles overpowered me. "Alright, so I like him," I confessed.
"I suspected something when you kissed him on the check when we got here," Klaus said.
My eyes grew wide. "You saw that?" I asked. Klaus nodded, smiling even wider. He must have found it amusing, but I dropped my head. "You weren't suppose to see that," I finished, a little embarrassed.
"Listen, Violet. It's okay! I'm happy for you, really. You don't need to be shy about it," Klaus said.
"Really?" I asked. I wanted to be sure.
"Really," he assured me. He smiled again, walked over to my bed and gave me a hug.
A knock on the outside of our door broke our embrace, and I strode to the door and opened it, wondering who it could be. "Duncan!" I said in surprised, "What are you doing here?"
"I had to see you," said Duncan, and he looked at me in a way I couldn't resist.
"You don't mind, do you, Klaus?" I asked, turning to my brother, where he was sitting on the bed.
"Of course not," he said and walked to the door connecting our rooms. I mouthed the words Thank you to him and, and he gave me a wink before departing.
There I was, sitting in a hotel room, alone, with a boy who happened to be extremely attractive.