Watch, Wait, Take

Chapter 10. Lauren

“Hi, how can I help” asked the 5” clerk who popped out of the back room rather quickly.

“Hi, I was wondering if you would by any chance have a room available for one night?”

“Let me have a quick look” Tapping on the computer keys and clicking on the mouse he browsed the bookings. “I have a Standard King room available, for $67.50”

“Perfect, I’ll take it” I smiled.

“What name shall I put it under, Ma’am?”

“Emma James” I said as I got the cash from my bag and put it on the counter “Is it ok if I pay now?”

“Yes, no problem, Ma’am” He smiled as he filled in my name on the computer booking. He went to the printer to collect the paper work he had just printed. Placing it on the counter with a pen he explained “I just need you to sign this declaration that you have paid in full for your room, in cash and you understand you will be held responsible for any damage done to the room, you will need to pay a $20 security deposit, which will be given back to you at check out, providing there is no damage to the room, upon your departure.” He rattled off the little speech like a pro, he had obviously worked here a while and knew it very well.

“Ok, here is the security deposit” I said placing another $20 on the desk top, I roughly signed my new name, simple signature so I can remember it.

“Thank you. Check out is at 11am tomorrow morning, you can opt for a later check out for an extra  $33.75, you can chose this option tomorrow morning if you don’t want to decide now, there is a $45 fine for late check out. My name is Joe, if there is anything else I can help you with please don’t hesitate to let me know, the Wi-Fi password is on your key card, here is your key, is it just the one you will be needing?”

“Yes, just the one. Thank you” I smiled.

“The elevator is on your right, you are on the 3rd floor, when you leave the elevator your room will be down the corridor to your right. I wish you a pleasant stay with us. If you need anything press 0 on the phone in your room and you will be put through to reception. Room service is available and the menu is by the phone in your room and the number you need to dial is at the top of the menu.” He spoke quickly, but clearly.

“Thank you” I smiled again at the memory and amount of information this man had in his head to give out.

The hotel was eerily quiet, or maybe I was being paranoid, I was after all exhausted from my trip and just wanted to shower and sleep. Tomorrow I will find a more permanent place to stay if I don’t choose to elongate my stay here and a laundrette to wash my dirty clothes, then I can put together my profile for Emma, I must remember what I have created so far.

Once in my room I dumped my luggage out the way, had a long warm shower, got ready for bed. Fishing in my luggage I pulled out the hotel food I had stolen earlier in my trip. I lay on the bed with it and picked at pieces of food, having to force myself to eat, I needed strength and energy the last thing I needed was to be frail and week.

I don’t remember falling asleep, it must have been fairly quickly after I got into bed, when I woke to the sun light coming through the window, I realised I had left the curtains open, although high up it wasn’t like me to be so careless, but I was after all exhausted. I was lying in crumbs, empty packets and wrappers. I looked at the clock on the bedside table at it was already 10am.I had an hour to check out.

Leaping from the bed I showered and dressed. Leaving my cases I ran to the elevator with only my room key and purse. I will extend my stay here for two more nights them move to somewhere else.

I reached the desk in the lobby, the hotel was quiet and I couldn’t see any one, so I rang the bell. This time a tall, slim, pretty, young girl came from around the door, her long red hair was shining in the yellow lights of the lobby, she had natural make up on and her name tag said Lauren.

“How come I help you?” She chimed with a smile.

“Hi, I’m Emma James, I checked in last night with Joe. I’m staying in room 218 and was wondering if I could extend my stay with you here for two more nights?”

“Sure, let me just double check the bookings” She tapped away on the keyboard for a moment and then looked at me and smiled yes I can do that for you no problem, you will need to sign more of those forms again, I will print them now.”

“Great thank you, can I also get a late check out on that too please.” I relaxed a little now knowing I had a place to stay for a few nights made me feel safer.

“Yes, sure, no problem.” She fetched the papers from the printer, stapled them together and placed them carefully on the desk with a pen. “I take it Joe gave you the whole talk last night, so I wont bore you with it again. I’m Lauren; let me know if you need anything.

“Thanks Lauren. How long have you worked here? I asked making convocation as I scribbled my new signature on the pages and gave her the money for the extended nights.

“Not too long only about a year, I am trying to open my own business, so this was always just a stop gap to get money while the plans all go through and I get set up.”

“That’s great. What business are you opening?” I pried, my curiosity peeked now.

“A beauty Salon in town” she smiled proudly

“What an adventure that will be! Well, I’m planning on moving to the aria, so maybe I could be one of your first clients” I smiled enthusiastically at her.

“Yes, that would be great!” She picked up a piece of A5 paper and scribbled on it, handing it to me it was her cell number. “Call me if you need any help out here, I know moving to a new place can be scary.”

“Thank you, so much. I really appreciate that. I will text you when I get back to my room, so you have my number too, then you can let me know when your salon is open.” I smiled genuinely at her.

“Thank, that would be great.”

With that I left back up to my room. I genuinely liked her and felt a draw to her almost a connection. By time I got back to my room, I had started formulating a plan. I text Lauren and saved her number in my burner phone.

Hi Lauren, it’s Emma. I was wondering is there a laundrette nearby? And somewhere I can use a computer and printer or somewhere I can purchase a computer? I need to start looking for jobs if I’m hoping to stay. How long are you away from opening your new business venture?

I hit send hoping she was a fast replier. She was.

Hi Emma!! Yes I will send you the address of the Laundrette, I will have a think about computer place, you can buy one in town but if you just need to use one and a printer I will look on my computer for and internet café or something. Good luck in your job search! I’m close, I’m just finishing my shifts till my notice is completed here, I’m still looking for another therapist to work in my salon. Should be soon! XOXO

Her reply made me smile I put my phone down sorted through my clothes got all my clean clothes away and the dirty ones in a bag to take with me to the Laundrette, my burner phone buzzed with another message.

I found an Internet café not too far from her e that allows you to print and use the computer. Its next door to the stationary store, here is the address, and great news! There is a Laundrette on the same street, just a few doors down! XOXO

Perfect, I thought as I typed my reply.

Great! Thank you so much Lauren! That’s a huge help!

Her reply came instantaneous.

No worries let me know if there is anything else! XOXO

I put my phone in my bag, grabbed my washing and purse, and punched the address in Google maps- great! Walking distance! I grabbed my room key and left for the laundrette.