Chapter Three is here!
I'm kind of proud of this chap because it's TWICE as long as the others! It's the longest thing I've ever written so I hope it's not dragging too much. Tell me what you think! I live for your reviews and remember... Reviews = more chaps
...
...
...
Victor woke, like he always did, an hour before dawn. He had been employed at the Hollywood Tower Hotel for so long that his body clock had synced perfectly for when he had to wake up. He basked in the warmth of his covers for one final moment before he forced himself to arise. In the room next door, he could tell that the Hotel chef, Bastell Veloppe, was already awake by the sound scratchy jazz music drifting through the thin walls. The giant shook his head in amusement before he wrapped an extra large towel around his waist. It was bathing day. He grabbed a scrap of soap from his wardrobe and hurried along the corridor. With a bit of luck, he could have heated the water, bathed and still have time for his morning walk around the Hotel gardens. If he was made to be up this early, he might as well enjoy a little tranquil beauty before hitting the ground running.
The water was, at best, a bit warmer than room temperature. Victor braced himself as he threw another bucket of water over his head. Already he felt more awake as the bathwater deposited itself back into the tub he was standing in. He had never been one for the newer 'running water' showers that they had here. He had always preferred the old-fashioned bucket and tub. As soon as he had finished scrubbing off all the access soap from his body, the mountain of a man stepped nimbly from the tub and began to towel dry his hair. He tied the towel back around his waist and scurried back to his room.
…
…
The air was fresh today as he opened the door to the famous gardens. A morning dove cooed in the trees above as the leaves rustled under the weight of tiny foraging animals.
Victor let himself sink onto one of the marble benches. The sun was beginning to trickle through the foliage and cast shadowy patterns on the pavement. The giant smiled softly and enjoyed the moment. Soon the grounds would be bustling with the wealthy and he would be cooped up inside with–
"You come out here in the morning too? I would have never guessed."
Victor nearly jumped out of his skin at the twinkling voice. His head whipped around and to his surprise, saw none other than the newest bellhop perched in the low hanging branches of a tree just three paces to his right. She was wearing a billowing pair of dark trousers held up with a leather belt and a slightly oversized deep purple blouse. She seemed to be right at home, kicking her legs over the tree branch and picking absent mindedly at a bit of bark stuck on said pants. Victor recovered from his initial shock of being startled and cleared his throat.
"I did not realize anyone else got up this early," he mused.
"Some of us like to greet the sun more than others, I suppose," came her response.
There was a thump as she leapt from the branch and landed on the dewy lawn.
"I don't think we've properly met. Alice Lee James," she continued as she gave a cute little bow.
"I know," the gigantic man laughed back, "Victor McConnell."
"I know," she bantered, "You're the man that can bang his head on the doorframes."
Victor only laughed harder. It was good to see a girl with a good sense of humor.
"I've learned to dodge most of them, but every so often one just comes out of nowhere and gives me a nice welt."
"But to see the world from a high perspective, it must be remarkable."
"It's remarkable to watch people trying to see your face. The way they take a step back and squint…"
"I feel like a bug whenever I stand near you," she giggled, "Like I'm going to get squashed at any moment."
"I don't squash ladybugs like you," Victor winked, "So you're safe."
She smiled wider and crossed her arms over her chest. It was at that moment the looming bellhop noticed a small red splotch on the top of her exposed hand.
"You're bleeding," he pointed out, "Right there."
Alice Lee looked down at her hand and noticed the blood as well.
"I guess I am, huh."
"Must have been from climbing that tree."
"You know, I think it might be," she pondered.
"May I?"
The giant reached out his hand to take a look at her cut but the girl quickly hid her hand behind her back. Her posture stiffened slightly, very discreetly so, but Victor noticed right away. It was a gesture he often received from females. He rearranged his face into a look of pleasant worry as he tried to hide how crestfallen he actually was.
So this one is no different after all.
Alice Lee smiled and with her other naked hand, brushed a bit more of the clinging dirt from the tree from her pants.
"I'm fine, Victor. It's not a serious injury. I'd best go wash this right away," she reassured him, "I have bandages upstairs…"
Her voice trailed off slightly before bouncing back with a blinding smile.
"I'll see you later then."
"I'll look forward to it," Victor replied, "Let me know if you need any aid."
She smiled at his words before turning on the garden path and disappearing down the lane.
…
…
His first party of the day was a well-known actor. It was laughable how short he actually was. If only half the ladies that fell for his hammed up performances knew this, victor reckoned, then they might think twice about falling at his feet. As Victor tuned out the idle Hollywood gossip, he thought back to his strange little encounter with the newest bellhop.
At least we finally spoke, he thought, instead of dancing around each other like two blushing children. But now I know she's not that different from the rest.
He flashed back to her pulling her hand away. Everyone reacted like that. It was as if they were afraid he would crush them under his mighty fists. Even some of the Hotel guests looked at him in worry as if they were waiting for him to tear the handles off their trunks and luggage. They were looks he had come to expect but still hadn't grown entirely accustomed to.
Although he was saddened by her initial fear, Victor vowed he was not about to give up. There was just something about her. Maybe it was her sweet smile or the way she seemed to dance around the lobby. It was like she had put some sort of spell on him within a few short weeks.
…
…
The lobby was virtually deserted at this early hour of the morning. Alice Lee stood near the staff doorway off to the side of the front desk. She brushed a stray strand of hair back behind her ear. It had been an effort to look impeccable today. Her brass buttons shined, her dress was neatly pressed and refreshed and there was now not a strand of hair out of place. Even her makeup decided to cooperate. But for all the pomp and circumstance, she could feel her mind wandering. She felt ashamed at her reaction to Victor's concern in the garden. It wasn't like he was going to spit shine her hand or anything. He was just being sweet and sympathetic and downright charming… Alice Lee could feel a blush spreading across her cheeks as she remembered the way his blue eyes shone with merriment as they traded jokes. A real smile had crossed his face, it was so different then the forced one he put on as he hulled luggage. It was like he had let her in on his private world and Alice Lee wanted to be a part of it.
Oh hush, child! You're getting in way to deep here, she thought, listen to you, already carrying on about some big man in a coat. Do you have no shame?
"Oi! New girl! Watch where yer walkin'!"
The unexpected shout startled Alice Lee out of her thoughts. She shook her head and directly in front of her was a shorter bellhop with long black hair. She had very distinct facial features and looked like she had enough guts to knock a grown man off his feet. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Aren't yer going to say somethin', new girl?"
"Oh leave her alone, Kelsa," came a high-pitched voice, "It's her first day way from Ma Marana."
A pretty woman with cascading straw colored hair and a dazzling smile appeared next to the two bellhops.
"I'm Leslie and the grumpy one here is Karla. You must be Alice Lee."
The ladies shook hands.
"So… Any tips to share with the new girl?" the new bellhop asked sheepishly.
"Chin up, sweet smile, make quick work of them bags an hustle for yer tip," came the flat answer from the littlest bellhop.
"Watch out for Poltz," Leslie cautioned, "He may seem like the butterfly's boots now but he picks fights with just about everyone."
"He's a real piker," Kelsa chimed in, "Throwing his weight 'round just to scare 'em into silence. He makes this place 'ell sometimes."
"You're going to be his new favorite, since you're a fresh face. You don't know a thing about him so he's going to see just how much he can get away with before you snap. Just remember to stand your ground and keep your legs crossed."
"Kelsa, your uniform is drooping. You need to be refitted," an oily voice purred, "Leslie, I can see your hair pins and you are missing one of your top buttons. Fix them next time you get a moment alone."
"Speak of the devil an he will appear," Kelsa muttered under her breath.
Jamison Poltz turned to Alice Lee and smirked slyly.
"And Miss James! Why, you look perfect today. That lip rouge makes you look much more delectable."
Okay, so maybe him being a creep during my interview wasn't a test after all…
"I wonder how fast it will smear today, dollface," as he tapped his lips suggestively and snaked an arm around her, "I, for one, would say you'd last two minutes with me. So how about it? Start you day out with a little excitement."
Alice Lee knew she should respond and stand her ground like the other bellhops had warned her to. Their eyes were trained on her and Poltz's sallow face. If she didn't stand up to him now, there was no telling what he could get away with. But instead of putting her foot down, the bellhop stood stock still as if she had been electrocuted. All she could feel was his warm hand resting on the small of her back. Alice Lee tried to calm herself down. If she didn't get out of this situation soon she'd…
"I recommend you step away from your female staff," came a voice from behind.
The supervisor's head whipped around so fast Alice Lee could have sworn it was going to fly off. Behind them stood the tallest bellhop at the Hotel. He did not look pleased and had heard the tale end of the conversation. The giant had recognized the look on Alice's face and came thumping over as quickly as he could. Now he was looking at Poltz like a chef would a rat.
"As I recall, these ladies did not ask for your presence or your… suggestions."
"What the hell is he doing?" Leslie whispered, "He's going to get thrown out!"
The two men were locked in a stare down.
"You don't scare me, Jamison. All you do is puff out your feathers to scare those better than you, but you know what? At the end of the day, you are still just a little man in a stuffed suit."
Poltz looked livid. His face was almost as red as his hair and his nostrils flared. He had to crane his neck up to see the giant's face but still there was no doubt Victor was in for it. Alice Lee didn't know if she should be absolutely terrified or laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
"What did you just say to me?" Jamison growled, "Watch your words, McConnell."
"You are a bully and I will not stand for you or anyone else pestering them. Leave. Them. Alone."
And with that final word hanging in the air, Victor turned on his heel and lumbered away. Jamison Poltz gave one last look at the three other bellhops before sulking off to deal with an incoming patron.
As soon as Poltz was out of sight, the women rushed after Victor.
"What the 'ell where you thinking!" Kelsa hissed, "You don't want ta make ah worse enemy out of 'em! Yer know what he did last time. He took all yer tips for ah month because he claimed yer 'broke ah costly vase'."
Alice Lee gasped and looked up at Victor. He shrugged unapologetically.
"Don't worry; it was all a sham," Kelsa laughed, "Ol' Poltz doesn't like anyone messing around with his ways."
"It's not right but we can't do nothing about it," Leslie voiced, "We're at his mercy. Not the most ideal situation, but it's so hard to get a honest job in this town."
The pretty copper bellhop clenched her fists. Victor noticed her shrinking posture and downcast face and decided enough was enough. He shook his head at the women and opened the staff door once more.
"Stop gossiping like old ladies. It won't help you work. Go on now. Do your jobs."
He looked down at Alice lee and cleared his throat. She turned her face to look up at him.
"Don't let them scare you. I know you will be all right. Just keep smiling."
Alice Lee beamed at his kind words and stepped past him to the open lobby. He was right, of course. Today was the day she had to prove herself. She took a deep breath and went to greet her first hotel guests.
…..
…..
…..
Next time on A Different Kind Of Introduction
"What's in your hands, doll?" [_] drawled, "Something special?"