Love in Lockdown

Between Rooms

Paige’s legs were still shaky, and her lips were tingling as she continued along the hall. She was tired of fighting herself and between rooms 527 and 529 she decided to see where this flirtation with Nate could go. She was ready to lead with her heart instead of her head.

Paige was smiling to herself as she waited for the door before her to open. It struck her as absurd how many hours of her life she would wait for doors to open working in hotels. The door was finally kicked open and Paige was greeted by a heavily tattooed player, one she recognised from the gossip magazines more than through AFL.

Jason ‘Striker’ Powell was a football icon and a Taipan star player. Paige had the impression he was also a real sleezeball, often in the news for all the wrong reasons. She filled him in on the second round of testing and ticked him off her list as present, all while avoiding eye contact. She felt him follow her into the hallway, and the hair on the back of her prickled as he caught up to stand beside her.

‘I bet you’re getting lonely and bored here. Working all day, and all alone at night.’

He gave her a smile and lifted his eyebrow just in case she missed what he was getting at. He was so obvious Paige had trouble believing anyone within a 500m radius could miss it.

‘I find ways to keep myself occupied.’

‘I’ll bet you do,’ he looked her up and down as he made a move to come closer. Paige matched him step for step - his step forward and hers back. There was plenty of hallway and he wasn’t the first to try his luck since she started working here.

There was nothing like being away from home and the long, empty hours of an evening in a hotel to turn inspire men to hit on hotel staff. One thing they forgot - the hotel held a sense of mystery and anonymity for them, but for the staff it was workplace and held no secrets. They had seen it all.

Jason wasn’t finished yet.

‘If I can ever be of service and help you stay occupied, just let me know. I’d be very happy to help.’ He brushed his hand through his bleached blond hair, the movement rippling the tattoos on his bicep. Paige realised this was usually the time his conquests would submit, soften, or just give right in. She could tell he was waiting for it.

‘That’s very generous of you, but I prefer occupying myself.’

Paige turned and started for the elevator desperate to get away, in what she hoped was a relaxed pace, when she heard him take a few fast steps. She gasped as he appeared in front of her, still sporting a low smile. ‘It’s really not that generous. It would give me great joy to occupy you for a night... or more.’

He was standing way too close and not allowing her space to step away. Paige worked to keep her expression unaffected, but she was starting to feel claustrophobic. The entire floor felt even more silent than it had before.

‘As I said, I don’t need any help. You need to step away from me. Now.’

Jason obliged and stepped back with his hands slightly raised by his sides. ‘As you wish.’ He was smirking and she realised this was all part of his game. He was enjoying this.

What an asshole.

Paige made it to the stairs before letting out the breath she had been holding. Her hands were shaking and she felt a sickening mix of panic and anger which only got worse each floor down.

Ethan was behind the reception desk as Paige stormed past and dropped the papers on Paul’s empty desk. As she came around the corner back to the desk and snatched up her messages, Ethan gave a low whistle.

‘Room checking not the funnest of jobs?’

Paige huffed as she sat down and low trying to hide behind the desk. ‘It was fine. I just encountered Jason Striker and he did that thing where he made me feel uncomfortable, but didn’t actually cross any lines so I can’t do anything about it.’

Ethan turned and sat against the desk, turning his back to the foyer. ‘Want me to sort him out?’ He asked, winking and crossing his arms so his biceps looked even more impressive.

Paige laughed. ‘Thanks for the offer. It’s not a big deal, it just left me feeling vulnerable and I hate that. I could tell that he kind of got off on it. Such a creep.’

‘A few of the staff have had issues with him. But like you said he hasn’t actually done anything they can make a complaint about. It’s all just how he is when he talks to them.’

Something clicked in Paige’s mind and she realised she needed to find Alicia to try and put the pieces together. Ethan tapped her foot with his, breaking her focus and bringing it back to their conversation.

‘In all seriousness Paige. If he does that again, let me know. I’m happy to check him on his behaviour.’

Ethan really was a good guy. With his dark skin, brown eyes, and relaxed yet protective nature, she could see why Alicia had such a crush on him.

‘Thanks Ethan.’

‘Anytime.’ He straightened up and looked out to the circular driveway outside. The Health Department had arrived and the four officers were suiting up in their PPE. Something about the scene felt absurd and Paige couldn’t hold back the manic laugh. Six months ago this situation would have been alarming, yet it felt totally normal. Ethan gave her a half smile and pressed the button to unlock the automatic doors. ‘This is crazy, right? Like a movie.’

Alicia came around the corner and let out a groan that snapped Ethan’s attention to her, and there it stayed.

‘Ugh, I hate those suits. They creep me out.’ She slipped past Ethan, saying nothing and not meeting his gaze as he watched her intently. Paige kept silent, waiting for the awkwardness to pass.

‘Alicia, you and I need to talk. I need to know more about what you told me the other night.’

‘Let’s go to your room. I’m exhausted and I can’t face the dining hall right now.’

Ethan was still watching Alicia and Paige looked between them trying to read the situation. She knew her friend well and she wasn’t upset, but she was actively ignoring Ethan and he knew it.

‘Sure. Let’s go.’