Next To You

Chapter 2

I arrived at the hotel, it was more luxurious than I thought. I looked back down the river and saw the coffee shop. I couldn't believe I was here. There was a small bridge that crossed the river and a path that led me here. "Can I help you miss?" A woman in a dark suit came up to me and asked. "Oh yes," I was curious if you were hiring? She smiled. "Okay sure, I think housekeeping is looking for a new person. There are applications over there in the corner where the desk is. Fill it out and drop it into the slot and someone should get back to you within 24 hours." she told me. "Thank you so much!" I smiled and headed over to the desk to fill out an application. I filled out the application and put it where I was supposed to. What now? I thought. I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't want to leave. I knew I couldn't afford a room either.

Should I go back to the coffee shop? I decided to go look around, but I had to use the restroom.

A while later, I found the restroom. I tried to peak into some rooms, I was curious, but most were VIP and I wasn't able to get around the guards. Oh well, I'll just go back to the coffee shop. I took one last look at the hotel and left.

"Back so soon?" Beth excitedly rushed over towards me. "Did everything go okay?" Beth looked at me with concern.

"I filled out an application, I told her, but I couldn't look around." I took off my cross-shoulder purse and laid it on the table and sat down feeling very discouraged. I looked at my phone, I had to charge my phone in case they called.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Beth patted my shoulder. "Hey how about some coffee and donuts on the house?" Beth hurried over behind the counter. "Thanks that sounds delicious." I went over to pick out some donuts. After a few hours, Beth left and brought back some real food. I'm so famished. I love spaghetti." I went over to help her with the food. "I thought you might want some real food. You can stay here for the night. Hopefully, we can figure out a better option tomorrow." I thanked Beth and took a huge bite of the delicious food in front of me.

That night I slept much better, it wasn't the most comfortable, but I was warm and I had food to eat. There was a room in the back with a bed and a restroom. There was also a shower in the bathroom. I took a shower and went to sleep, hoping to get a call from the hotel soon. I made coffee the next morning, it was 5 am and I wasn't sure what time Beth would be opening up. The phone rang on the counter, I ran over to answer it. It was Beth she told me she wouldn't be in today, because her husband was very ill, but she would bring me dinner later.

Later that evening Beth stopped by. "I'm so sorry I can't stay, I'll open back up either tomorrow or the day after," she explained. "It's fine", I told her. "I hope your husband feels better," I hung up up the phone and took a deep breath.

Later that evening, I was cleaning the shop and throwing out some old donuts.

Beth brought a big bag over and a box. The bag contained very nice clothing. There were some jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, dress pants and suits. It was filled with everything I needed. The box had food in it. There was fried rice, pork, steamed broccoli, and an apple pie. Everything smelled delicious. I hurried up and ate, it didn't take long before I started feeling full. I put the leftovers in the fridge and took a shower and changed my clothes. It was early in the evening, I felt much better after eating cleaning up. As I was finishing up, my phone rang. It was the hotel, they asked me to come in for an interview in the morning. I told them yes and ended the call. I was super excited. I had a good feeling, that I could get the job, but I was worried about Beth allowing me to stay here. Hopefully, everything would work out.

The next morning Beth came in and said her husband was much better. As she came in, I was leaving. "I'm so happy for you." she smiled and hugged me. "You can stay here as long as you need, but I heard some hired housekeepers get their rooms if they request it. You should ask about it." she told me "Really? I would love that! I have to go now, see you soon." I rushed out the door and went to the hotel. I finally felt like my life was improving. It was a new chapter, and I couldn't wait to jump in and see where it takes me.