gerryroxmysox: Hehe, glad you like it so far.
montaph: Thanks. Yeah, I added more"bling-bling", if you will. I don't think you can add pictures IN the story, but I can put pictures on my profile.
On with the chapter! WOO!
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"Mr. Todd...?"
The man smiled warmly abd walked over to Marie's cot.
"Hello, Ms. Fleming. If you couldn't tell by my gaudily announced entrance--" He shot an accusing eye at the sick bay's staff "--I am Henry Todd. It's a pleasure, Marie."
Marie stared in blank amazment. She was talking to the owner of the most swank hotel in Hollywood, the man who had caused her to storm down the hall in her sickness.
"No sir, the pleasure is mine," she half-whispered.
He sat down on the edge of herbed, trying his best not to disturb her.
"Now, I heard you passed out earlier near the main elevator. Is this true?" Hisvoicewas seriousbut warm.
Marie nodded guiltily. She felt like a child, admitting a wrongdoing to her mother. She was beginning to feel ashamed of herself for wanting to yell at the man.
"I see, well,what were you in such a rush for that it caused you to faint?"
"Well..." She inhaled as she began her story.
"I had a dreadful nightmare last night. I don't know if the dream triggered me being sick, or vice versa, but when I woke up, I felt very ill. I..."
She stumbled, trying to come up with a believable lie, fast. "I left the room to get a book to read from the library. Once I started walking, I felt light-headed but paid no mind and continued. I guess that's when I fainted."
That was a horrible lie, Marie thought miserably.
Mr. Todd nodded understandingly.
"I don't blame you. I love books, they always make me feel a little better when I'm under the weather."
She widened her eyes slightly in surprise. Did he actually believe that, or did he just accept that shehad "personal" reasons for not sharing the truth.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two.
Marie had trashed the idea of venting to him. He seemed like a pretty decent man, it was probably just a misunderstanding.
"By the way, when is your departure?"
"December 16th."
"Are you enjoying your stay so far?"
"Besides being sick? Yes. It's very nice here."
He smiled and patted her knee.
"Well, I must go now. Enjoy your day and I do hope you feel better soon."
He turned and nodded to Marie as he closed the door.
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-YOURS FALSELY