Living Within The Unknown

Chapter 7 The New Kid In Town

It was just another busy day at the hotel but things seemed to be settling down. The girls were loosening up but also having to gear up for the night. Leah, Cassie, and Nikki had been with Corey and Camilla months before the hotel even opened. The couple had been jet setting back and forth between hotels for about six months prior to moving into their new home and the place actually be in opening condition.

The girls had done everything from use a hammer and ladder to learning the paperwork for when the hotel needed any new items. Camilla would normally have to Okay all orders for items coming in and let me tell you she spared no expense. There was something about these three girls together they had the best taste. Each one of them had their own style of decorating and they knew what things should cost. What would be too expensive? Also, when something was too cheap and tacky looking. She could trust them. So they were what you could call fly by the seat of their pants girls. They could do anything in that hotel and that’s exactly what they did. It was never boring each one of them could say that. They were Camilla’s right hands. It was a good thing she had them too. It had months since Corey’s death. Yet every time the police would seem to get a lead it would fall apart at the seams. It was just still hard on everyone that worked there. Corey was such a great guy. Any one that met him couldn’t help but fall in love with the guy. He had such a big heart. He had nothing but love and respect for his wife. He was never missing when any one needed a friend. However he could help his staff he did. Hook, line, and sinker. Whatever you needed if he had access to it he would have it there next time he seen you. He also never forgot any body’s names. Camilla on the other hand would be lucky to get it right by the third name she spit out and they would all have a laugh. Sometimes that’s just what was needed on a stressful night at the hotel. Especially lately since the mood was still so dark after the violent way Corey was killed.

“I don’t know about yawl but I feel like popping a squat. I feel exhausted from last night’s Wedding Party.” Leah said to them.

So they went over and sat on one of the sectionals in the corner. Smoking was allowed in that room of the hotel so Nicki took a cigarette out and lit it. She was so skinny and she wore such tiny pants it’s hard to figure how those cigarettes survive in those pockets of hers. Cassie decided to light one too.

“Damn I think I am the only one in this hotel that doesn’t smoke. So anyway how about that wedding reception last night? I knew it was going to be a crazy night as soon I saw the pictures lined up on their pretty little table. Biker’s and alcohol not a good combo.”

“That’s anyone and alcohol isn’t it? I had the perfect view remember I was the bar at the back in the center.” Nicki said taking a long drag off her cigarette and was in thought. She laughed out loud at the thought racing through her head. The other two knew exactly what she was replaying.

“The Punch,” they said in unison and they laughed so hard tears were coming out of their eyes and dripping down their cheeks. Evidently the best man did not like the song the D. J. was playing because he was just standing there talking to his friends and then all of a sudden out of nowhere he just ran up and clocked him. Since he wasn’t expecting that he stumbled forward barely catching himself before he

tumbled into his equipment. It was the damnedest thing he just turned and walked off like nothing ever happened.

“What about the groom showing his ass and the bride crying at the table? She’s all pitiful. I can’t believe he would do this on our wedding night when he punched a hole in the wall. I’m standing there thinking as opposed to any other night? Right? Hell woman did you not know who you were marrying? Come on give me a break". Cassie said.

“Right? Right?” Leah agreed completely.

“We have seen some things working together all these years and just imagine what goes on behind the closed doors in these places. If only the walls could talk what stories they’d tell”. Nikki said.

“So what are we going to start with when this little break of ours is over?” Cassie said.

“I was thinking about swinging by the Cypress Hill and checking in on Camille. I’m worried about her she is having a really hard time. You know what gives her away. The fact she is trying so hard to make everyone think she isn’t. She’s just pushing that pain deeper and deeper down. It’s just not healthy. I understand she wants to be strong for all of us and for her but she still has to grieve". Nikki said.

“Okay we’ll cover while you do that. Give her our love. Tell her she is missed around here and that she has to start feeling better so us girls can all get together and go out one night It’ll be fun". Cassie said to her.

The doorbell chimed pulling her back to reality and away from the throughts racing through her head it caused her to about jump out of her skin because she wasn’t expecting it. She was feeling that a lot more in the house lately. Even more than when it first happened. She was just in her lounge wear she wasn’t going to the hotel today unless something came up and she was needed. They trained their employees so good that the place practically ran like a well-oiled machine. She doesn’t once stop to think that although she may not be needed. She may still be wanted.

She finally made it down the stairs and seen Nikki standing in the foyer waiting on her.

“Oh God has something happened?” Camille asked rushing over to her.

“No. Can’t a friend just stop by because she misses seeing one of her favorite people on a daily basis. Besides I don’t have anybody to talk to when you don’t come around". Nikki said smiling at her.

“Oh you have the girls to talk to.”

“Those two crazy idots. They don’t have anything to say that I don’t already know.”

They just looked at each other for a minute and started cracking up. They both knew she was joking. She loved those two like they were her sisters. When they got together they could sure act like it too.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go to work and see the girls. It was just Hotels were her and Corey’s thing. Truth was she just missed him so much that her insides burned with longing for him. Just for a conversation, a touch, a kiss oh those lips she thought his mouth warm with the taste of his tongue and then her insides seared.

The house didn’t bother her as bad even though he was killed here but believe it or not this was the place where she felt his presence. It calmed her for the most part.

Leah and Cassie were working the reception desk when he walks in. Everyone who was on the floor at the time stopped and stared at him. Leach and Cassie were definitely dumbfounded and speechless and when that happens, no that never happens. He looks so much like Corey they could have been twins. They were not to sure what to think.

One of them got a hold of herself and began his booking."How long are you in town for?" Cassie asked him.

"A few weeks maybe more. I'm in town on business. You know how that goes you just never know what is going to come up. If there's any way you can bet your ads it will," be replied.

If you are looking for the best deal it would be a lot cheaper just to get it for the entire month. We give good discounts to those who book their arraignments far in advance. You can always pay by the week but the discount is not nearly as good as if you book for the whole month. Besides the girls were intrigued. They couldn't help but stare at him and smile. They were just hoping that they didn't look to creepy. Hopefully all he noticed was them being kind to a client and nothing else.

He said, "I will go ahead and take it for the month might as well. Like I said before something is bound to f**k up along the way."

"What is it that you do?" Leah asked.

"I am opening a new bookstore, coffee shop, and I offer free Wi-Fi for those who wish to bring their business to the coffee shop. It's on the corner so the name of the place is going to be the Corner Bookstore and More. We're even going to set up a place for writers."

"Sounds good," they both said in unison. Then they couldn't help but look at each other. Corey and Camille wanted to do the exact same thing.

"Can I get your name so that I can get you that room?"

"Of course. I'm Corey Thompson.

That sent chills up both their spines.