The Hard Luck Hotel

[Garras Agudas]

Even the creaking sign reflected the name on it's worn and gray surface, hanging slightly askew as you walked into the place. Don't take me wrong; the place wasn't a flophouse. Nothing as bad or filthy as that, in fact the floors and windows were fairly clean, and if you looked there was a fresh layer of paint on the walls here and there as well.

The man that ran the bar doubled as the clerk, handing you a beer or a set of keys for the rooms above, his eyes alert though his face rarely showed emotion. Everyone that knew him called him simply "Joe" and still talked about the day he cleared the bar, cleaned the floor with young Reginald McGregor and returned to his place behind the bar before the draft he was pouring was finished. Maybe it was because of that or just the way he looked INTO you the first time you met him, but it was a trouble free place just the same.

But I'm getting side tracked again; I do that quite a bit lately, rambling off at odd angles that seem to make no sense to most people. I was telling you about the Hotel and how it earned its name. Physically the hotel is located just south of the border. That's Mexico to those of you who are wondering, on the outskirts of a small town that thought it was going to be great in the "boom" days, but the problem for them was the boom came and left without letting them know. The hotel was built in a moment of glory, a rambling three story structure intended to give the rich and weary a place to rest up, soak up the sun and absorb the local culture, all the while paying outrageous prices to do so. Well the owner died before the final coat of paint was put on, the investors sighed, shrugged and walked away from it before the first year was over and the doors remained closed until "Joe" came along and opened them.

Me? Who am I? I was his first customer, an ex con, ex drug addict, ex smoker. Hell, an ex everything almost if you ask me, though I still hang onto my beer and the occasional shot of tequila when the occasion arises. The very first customer who on a binge and a whim came here and never left. I was amused when I met ol Joe and paid his asking price, a weeks rent in advance, regardless of the fact I told him I would only be staying for a couple of nights.

"You'll stay. I know the type that have reached their end and you'll be staying" He had told me softly, his gray eyes staring into my brown ones as he spoke the fateful words.

So? I stayed, simple as that. I dried out, there being no drugs, no tobacco and no ex wives for over a hundred miles or more. Stayed and became the handyman, doing the odd jobs, repairing the occasional broken radiator hose or flat tire and helping Joe keep the place up as much as he wanted me to. Most of the time I kept my place at the bar, holding my favorite stool down in the corner against the wall and talked to Joe, watching the stream of people flow in and out of the hotel and listening to their stories. Watching and listening to the hard luck stories of the men and women that came in and waiting for the occasional time that would make history in this place and give us something to remember for the next ten years.

OOC: Looking for a few men and women that would like to stay with us for a while, bring your own hard luck story and we can sip a beer or tequila together and see how far it goes.
PM me with your ideas if you wish or just walk in, the door is open.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

Tamara stood at the desk and looked about the shabby lobby.
So it had come to this had it?
She sighed and looked down at the small case and placed her holdall on top of it. Well it would serve its purpose. This was a place they’d never look for her.
Normally Tamara wouldn’t be seen dead in a dive like this.

Still best to stay low for a week or two and it didn’t have to be here, but this was a damn good start.
Plenty of people would be gunning for her blood, especially Piers, the lying bastard!
She’d be laughing if it didn’t hurt so much!
No one was going to get one over on Tamara and she’d been a fool for long enough.
Revenge was a dish best served cold it was said.
Well, this had been a classic.
She’d made arrangements, planned her moves and subtly, slowly, ruined him.
Well … maybe not ruined, but made sure he wouldn’t forget her in a hurry!

She took her key and dragged up to the room.
Shabby, dull, depressing, but at least the bathroom seemed decent and the TV worked.
She dumped her bag and made a snap decision.
She hadn’t eaten that afternoon, but couldn’t care less.
She retraced her steps back to the bar she had seen as she had stood in the lobby.
For now this was all the sustenance she needed!
She climbed onto the stool at the bar and gave her order.

”JD on the rocks please…”

She’d been careful, she’d planned, and she’d carried it off.
And now … she was going to get totally blitzed!

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara - pic

Pic from freeavatars.net.

 

[Garras Agudas]

I watched in amusement the way Joe pointedly turned from the gourgeous figure of a woman and ignored her. It was his way, he always did it with the younger and opposite sex, for all his strength he was a teadybear inside.

"Don't let Joe upset you, he's shy" I explained as I poured a double over the ice cubes and placed it on a napkin in front of her.

I moved a step away and leaned against the counter, not staring but waiting as she sipped at the drink, sliding a fresh bowl of nuts towards her as I waited.

She obviously wasn't the average class of person that came in here, her dress, her manner, her hair and even the perfume that came to your nose were several steps above what we were used to. Still, it took all kinds and there was a story behind each if you listened long enough.

The glass touched the bars surface with an empty clink of ice cubes and I raised my eyebrow as I lifted the bottle and offered.

"Should I pour doubles, it would save time?"

She nodded, her petite features moving on her long neck and I brought out a larger glass, filling it with ice and pouring two fingers into it before setting it on a fresh napkin.

"I'll set up a tab for you, I think I can trust you tp pay it off before you leave?" I offered, remaining polite and not trying to intrude. She was either trying to forget someone or hide, and neither was my business. Perhaps that was Joe refused to serve the younger ladies, to avoid the trouble that seemed to follow them.

But me? I had a life left to toss about and he figured a few bumps and cracks gave one character.

"Look, I'm the day cook around here as well. It's none of my business but if you want a steak or a salad I can offer both and tell you honestly it's fresh?"

There I went, offering something she hadn't asked for and sticking my neck out to be bitten off. I shrugged mentally and waited for her response, knowing she would either bite it off or begin to talk, or ignore me completely.

 

[Garras Agudas]

OOC:

Welcome Delicious Maiden and Thank You for joining me

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

Hello!

Glad you didn't mind me just jumping in.

I saw the thread when you first posted, but had things to do over Christmas. I was hoping it would still be active when I returned!

Welcome as a relative newbie to lit and thanks for letting me play along!

I'll post IC as soon as I can!

{{{huggs}}}

DM x

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

How bloody rude!
That was all I needed, some old git who didn’t want to serve me.
I looked round.
It wasn’t as if customers were falling over themselves to get in here!
In any other circumstances I’d have turned on my heel and walked out!

I caught the eye of the other guy and saw him smirk.

"Don't let Joe upset you, he's shy"

“Shy” I thought, “.. more like damn bad mannered!”
But as the guy was pouring out a drink I decided not to risk upsetting him as well!

I took the drink and took a hearty sip of it.
I wasn’t a great drinker, but when the need arose there was nothing quite like a JD to hit the spot. I felt the fiery liquid scorch it’s way down my throat, the sensation of the cool liquid and the heat acting as a powerful, though temporary anaesthetic for the hurt I was feeling. I picked at a few of the proffered nuts and laid them on my napkin. With an economic movement I threw the rest of the drink down my throat and managed not to grimace as the trail of alcohol blazed its way into my system. The ice clinked as I lowered the glass to the counter, the cubes still in tact as the undiluted drink kicked in.

I looked across seeing that he was still looking at me.
The quirk of an eyebrow showed me he had seen the way I had thrown back my drink. I expected him to advise me to slow down, to ask what was wrong. Instead he merely lifted the bottle and commented.

"Should I pour doubles, it would save time?"

I nodded, wordlessly. I had forgotten that the gentlemen who hung out in my type of bar would be scandalised by my drinking. This guy had probably seen it all before!
I watched him pour a drink into a larger glass, again filled with ice and put reached out as he pushed it in my direction..

"I'll set up a tab for you, I think I can trust you to pay it off before you leave?"

I smirked.

”That would save time.”

I commented as again I drank deeply of the liquid laid before me.

"Look, I'm the day cook around here as well.”

I glanced over, surprised that he was speaking to me and wondered what he had to say after all!

”It's none of my business but if you want a steak or a salad I can offer both and tell you honestly it's fresh?"

I let my eyes travel up and down assessingly. If I was going to be here for any length of time there was no point in upsetting the cook!

”Thanks for the offer, I haven’t eaten, but, hey, I have nuts … “

I indicated the little bowl by my glass and realised that the alcohol was kicking in already.

”… don’t go to any trouble, I’m not hungry and… I don’t want to waste valuable drinking time, “

I comment as I drain my second drink of the evening, wondering vaguely how many it will take until I’m out cold and too numb to feel anything any more.

 

[Garras Agudas]

I bit my tongue and smiled. I had been in the same mood a few times myself and without knowing the reason why understood the impulse quite well.

"OK, But tell me what room your in?" I answered, then grinned as her face showed suspicion "Look, I work here and can walk over to the registry where Joe signed you in, this would just save me a trip and keep me serving you that much faster"

If she wanted to get numb that was my job description, but I'd make sure she got to her own room safely.

"Not everyone is out to get you, sometimes there's a good intention behind the face" I added lamely, still not fully understanding the "why" I was trying to help her.

I mixed another drink and slid it in front of her, taking the empty glass and shaking my head in amazement, thinking.

*Three drinks and two of them doubles on an empty stomach, I'd be feeling a buzz by now and I outweigh her by 50 pounds*

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"OK, But tell me what room your in?"

I hid a snort of laughter. Right.. did I look stupid?

"Look, I work here and can walk over to the registry where Joe signed you in, this would just save me a trip and keep me serving you that much faster"

I looked over at the sullen guy and then back at the charmer.
I gave an exaggerated shrug and told him grudgingly:

”Room 17”

Then turned pointedly back to my drink.

Men! Fuck ‘em all! … Or rather, don’t!
That was where I’d gone wrong.

"Not everyone is out to get you, sometimes there's a good intention behind the face"

I smirked. Turning back to him. Good intention? Sure…

I looked down noticing my drink had gone and been miraculously replaced by a full one… “as if by magic”… I giggled.

This time I sipped somewhat slower, having to force the drink down my throat.
Putting the glass down, I began to run my finger round the rim… it slipped into the drink and I raised it to my mouth and sucked it. Trying again, to circle the rim, I almost made it.
Whhoopee, improvement...!

I looked up to see an amused smirk.
I took up the drink and drank deeply once more, gasping this time as the liquid hit my throat.

”The road to hell ... "

I informed him wisely,

" ... is paved with good intentions … “

I sipped the drink and leaned towards him conspiratorially.

”Which is why I’m going to heaven … I have no good intentions at all … “

I laughed, then stopped and considered…

”… or is it the other way round … anyhow … “

I shrugged dismissing the subject.

No men had good intentions anyway…
they were all lying self-assured pricks!

I stared morosely into my glass.
Damn them all!

But most of all Damn Piers!

 

[Garras Agudas]

I put on my neutral smile, the "bartender smile" Joe had showed me and lowered my eyes, the woman in front of me had been hurt and hurt cruelly it seemed by the look that flashed over her face as she slurred her words.

The glass empty I held back, knowing by the way her coordination had failed on the glasses rim she was already feeling no pain. There wasn't a thing I could tell her that would help but perhaps just being near would help, some drunks talked, others turned to themselves for consolation and became mute. No rhyme or reason, it was more up to the mood of the person then the amount they had drank. I slid the bowl of nuts gently over and watched her carefully out of the corner of my eye.

"Pistachio for your thoughts?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"Pistachio for your thoughts?"

I turned and focused on the man who still stood beside me.
Well of course he was there, where else would he go?
It was his job? And we all do our jobs don't we?

My eyes focused with difficulty on the bowl.
I picked out one of the nuts, holding it in my hand and studying it carefully.

"A whole pistachio hun?"

I discarded it on the napkin.

"It's good to know I'm so highly thought of ... that's the most worth anyone's put on me in a while... thanks... "

I pushed my glass forward for a refill.
I was gonna be sick as hell, I knew, but who cared.
With any luck it would totally poison my system, I thought morbidly.

I watched him pour.

"I don't think my thoughts are even worth that much though ... "

I muttered as I watched his deft moves, my eyes trying to follow them. Suddenly the bar stool felt really high or I felt really unsteady, I wasn't sure which.

"Would you mind bringing that over there?"

I asked him trying to get out my words clearly.
Damn.
I pointed to a secluded corner booth.
I fancied just slumping in there, out of sight out of mind.
That is just what had always happened.
If I wasn't in sight, I was way out of Pier's mind.
Bastard!

I tried to ease off the bar stool and found my legs unsteady.
I gripped the bar, waiting for my head to clear enough to make the mammoth journey across the room.

"I think you should get this floor fixed,"

I muttered irritably, knowing full well that the floor was totally sound.

 

[Garras Agudas]

I was screwed and Joe knew it.

"Put her in a booth and clean up the mess afterwards, But DON'T get anymore involved with 'em"

His words exactly, time after time and words I had listened to and was trying to now as he looked at me over his shoulder and shook his head at me, eyes in thin slits.

But her words tore at me

"It's good to know I'm so highly thought of ... that's the most worth anyone's put on me in a while... thanks... "

For someone to treat another like that? And such a beautiful woman as well?

I moved around the counter and alibied out loud

"I'm JUST going to take her to her room and come back"

Walking up beside her I stood looking at her face as she tried to stand and move to the booth on failing legs and spoke softly.

"Let me help you to your room. You'll be more comfortable there?"

"NO! Booffff!" Came her vehement and slurred response and I cringed, knowing she wanted oblivion in a bottle and the momentary peace it would bring.

"I'll bring the bottle if that's what you want. But a lady like you doesn't need to be seen when.."

I left it hanging and her face rose to mine, a flare of soft compassion in her eyes for a fleeting second. And then she nodded in agreement. Snagging the bottle and catching the key Joe lobbed over his shoulder without looking at me.

I slid an arm around her and lifted her surprisingly light frame to her feet, guiding her out of the bar and towards the hall.

"I'll be back in a few minutes" I told Joe over my shoulder, knowing his answer before it was said.

"A few minutes, my ass"

"17" The tarnished room plaque announced mutely. I slid the key in, pushing the door open and guiding her to the bed, setting the bottle down on the table beside the plastic glasses already there.

"I'll get you some ice? Then check on you in the morning?"

The short walk had brought some color back to her cheeks and her eyes were alert despite the amount of booze consumed as she looked at me and replied.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"Let me help you to your room. You'll be more comfortable there?"

Suddenly he was stood next to me and I had no idea how he got there!
His arm reached out for me, but somehow I evaded his touch.

"NO! Booth!"

I insisted.
Why couldn’t her leave me be.
I wanted to be somewhere where I wasn’t known.
Where people couldn’t pretend they gave a damn and then laugh at me behind my back.
Well the last laugh would be on them!

"I'll bring the bottle if that's what you want.
But a lady like you doesn't need to be seen when.."

He still considered me a lady then did he?
He wouldn’t if he knew … knew what I’d done…
I looked at him, wondering why he was bothering, why even try to be kind.
Most wouldn’t care…

I said no more. I let him help me.
His arm supported me as I found that somehow my brain and legs had become disconnected.
The room was on the first floor, so it wasn’t far.
Even so, I was relieved when I finally found myself in my own room and sank thankfully onto the bed.

"I'll get you some ice? Then check on you in the morning?"

I nodded, looking about me as if seeing the room for the first time.

”Yeah.. sure.. whatever … “

I spoke dismissively.
He turned and busied himself somewhere.
I stood and staggered to the door which led out onto a weathered old fire escape.
I breathed in the air. Even that smelt stale to me.
I leaned in the doorway and swayed.

”Ohhh hell… “

I swayed thinking that it had not been such a good idea.
God my head spun, but it was a euphoric sort of detachment.
I didn't care how I felt, or what I did anymore ...
No one else did, so why the hell should I?

Instead of retreating back into the room, I took a step outside and stood on the platform looking curiously down over the metal runs, which led to the ground floor.
It was hardly high, but I was never good on stairs sober, so I wasn’t going to attempt that descent now or later... still ... no harm in standing here looking at the view...
View?
What view?
I giggled... content to be dazzled by the lights dancing haphazardly around me ...

 

[TedScamp]

Tall, Dark, ect...

Joe, some whiskey please... and leave the bottle...

He knew this place well, he had met her here. She had made his life complete, made it worth living. That is until she was fucking her boss in thier bed. The last twenty four hours had been hell for him, starting form coming home early after playing some cards with the guys, to finding that bitch in bed with the other man... DAMN! He feels like he's been played for the fool, played like a well tuned instiment, and now he just wants to drown his sorrows in a very traditional fassion.

 

[Garras Agudas]

Moving back to the bar I scooped a pail of ice from the freezer and moved to the newest customer already sipping his drink.

"Joe treating you ok?" I asked as the pail was full and I recieved a nod "I'll be back in a sec to check up on you and don't let the guys grouchy face fool ya, he's a teddy bear"

I grinned at the scowl I recieved from Joe as I moved past him and spoke softly "Told ya I would be back quickly"

"And where are you off to again?" He retorted, not needing an answer "We're in the middle of a rush here"

I didn't answer as I moved down the hall and to her room, knocking on the door and hearing no answer and looking to the bed where I last saw her.

It was empty and I grew concerned, then felt the breeze coming from the open window and moved towards it.

She stood there, her hair wild in the breeze as she moved with it, eyes closed and then opening as I spoke carefully, not wanting to spook her.

"Ice? I brought it for you?" I didn't know what else to say but moved towards her carefully, touching her elbow with my hand as my arm hovered over her waist, ready to steady her if needed.

"How about we move back to the room?" I offered gently "I'll leave the window open so you can enjoy the breeze and we can talk a while?"

A little voice rang in my head as I waited, telling me I had just violated Joe's rule.

"The veiw is better in the morning anyways, you can almost see the park if you look"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"Ice? I brought it for you?"

The voice seemed to come from far off, but I recognised the voice.
I had forgotten the guy from the bar!

"How about we move back to the room?"

His hand was on my elbow, his touch light, gentle.
I turned and glanced at him, but was reluctant to move back into the room.

"I'll leave the window open so you can enjoy the breeze and we can talk a while?"

His voice coaxed. I sighed, inhaled deeply and found myself swaying slightly.
I grasped the doorpost and felt his hand graze my waist, not quite catching hold as I steadied myself again.

"The view is better in the morning anyways, you can almost see the park if you look"


I turned to him and smiled.

”The park? I used to live near a park … “

I turned and allowed myself to be led somewhat unsteadily towards the bed.
I put my hand out for my glass and missed.
I waved my hand in frustration and gave up for the moment.
I was feeling decidedly woozy now.

”How many have I had … ?”

I asked him and tried to focus on his answer.
I thought I heard him suggest that maybe I’d had enough.

”Never enough … “

I commented and shivered at the breeze coming in through the open door.

I glanced over at the man who had been so kind, made sure I made a fool of myself in the privacy of my own room, rather than the public bar.
When I sobered up, I would be grateful for that I supposed.
Right now I couldn’t give a damn! No one knew me here anyhow.

”What’s your name…?”

I asked suddenly.

”Is this part of your job description?
Making sure customers don’t cause that surly old guy any aggro…?”

I laughed in self-depreciation and reached for my glass again.

”You have no idea, just how much trouble I can be … “

I commented, a smirk on my face …

 

[Garras Agudas]

Name? No one had asked me that for a long time, satisfied with "hey you" or "bartender".

"My name is Terrance Stevenson, call me Terry if you want" I offered listening to her talk as if to herself and answer some of the questions as she tried to manuever about unsteadily.

"And it's not really a job, more like the old guy lets me hang around and pretends I'm usefull"

In truth Joe could run it by himself easily but had a habit for adopting people despite his outward gruff facade.

Her last statement settled the question in my mind. Trouble? So she was hiding out here. Not so down on her luck as most that came and went, or stayed like me.

"I think you'd be worth it all" I answered to the sly smile on her face "I know a lot of men who would gladly enjoy it"

I had picked up her glass and mixed a smaller drink to pacify her, the ice melting watering the JD, and I had it to her taking her hand in mine as I steadied it and made sure she had it.

"I know I would" I confessed, standing close to her and studying her face.

Her hand was warm, the skin soft and smelling of some gentle perfume I would never know the name of or afford, I realized.

"Why don't you tell me who you're trying to avoid?" I offered

"I could sit and listen for a while, if you wanted?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"My name is Terrance Stevenson, call me Terry if you want
And it's not really a job, more like the old guy lets me hang around and pretends I'm useful."

I quirked an eyebrow.

”The old guy? That miserable son-of-a … I think he’s lucky to have you around.
Don’t seem like he appreciates anything … “

I fumed, unreasonably annoyed by his rudeness earlier.
He didn’t seem to heed my warnings about me causing trouble.

"I think you'd be worth it all. I know a lot of men who would gladly enjoy it"

I smirked in derision.

”Men think they enjoy trouble … until it hits them …. Then they wish they’d never got involved…”

I grinned, thinking of Piers’ face when …

"I know I would"

I looked towards him, temporarily thrown by his expression.

”Then … Terrence Stevenson, you are a fool! A nice one, but a fool none the less!”

I declared knowledgeably.
So strange that when I’m drunk, I become an expert at everything, I reflected, when in truth I was good at nothing, certainly not of the male kind!
I reached for my drink, not quite hitting target the first time round.
I steadied myself and tried again.
He took my hand and pressed the glass gently into my grasp.

”Thanks … “

I muttered as I drank deeply and welcome the sharp sensation of the cool liquid in my throat.

"Why don't you tell me who you're trying to avoid?
I could sit and listen for a while, if you wanted?"

I could not help but look at him incredulously!

”Now that would be far beyond your job description.
I don’t think you should get involved with nameless girls and they troubles … “

I counselled him, drinking deeply once more.

”Mmm… this one’s good…”

I murmured then turned my gaze back to him.

”Terry … maybe you should get back … before you’re missed ….”

I halted, midway through my attempt to brush him off and mused …

”Terry … mmm… I like it… just so you know, I’m Tamara …
Tammy to my friends, who are very few and far between right now!”

I reflected for a moment, sipping at the glass.

”Well, pretty non-existant really!”

I exclaimed.

”I mean … friends are supposed to tell you when you’re making a total fucking idiot of yourself aren’t they? They’re not supposed to run a sweepstake on when the penny drops and dear old Tam finally gets wise to the fact that she is getting totally shafted … and NOT in the Biblical sense lately!”

I take a long drink.

”Terry one piece of advice that you won’t need, with that old codger out there, but I will share with you anyhow is …
Don’t sleep with your boss who’s sleeping with his boss… !”

I put down the empty glass and let myself slip back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
The pain was there, but numbed, as if I’d had a general anaesthetic.
I laughed in self-derision.

”It’s all so funny really ….

The tone of my voice, does not match the levity I’m trying to convey.

”But the last laugh as they say … a woman scorned … and all that … “

I sigh and wonder what happened to my glass …

 

[Garras Agudas]

Terry

I shrugged and rose finding some words of wisdom in her slurred words.

"I serve a late breakfast each morning if you're up to it"

I moved to the windows and closed them, locking them from the inside and then moved to her door, snagging the bottle as I went.

Part of me wanted to go over and cover her, cuddle her erotic form in my arms until she drifted off into peaceful oblivion.

But I didn't.

"Good Night, Tammy"

I closed her door softly, twisting the outer nob and reassured it too was safely locked then carried the bottle back to the bar and Joe.

"Ya didn't stay all night or finish the bottle, whats the matter, slowing down?" He tossed at me his head over the counter.

"I guess that's it, old man. And speaking of that why don't you drag your tired old butt to bed?"

It didn't take another word and Joe lifted himself off his stoll and moved from behind his bar, lifting a hand over his shoulder.

"Night, Kid"

I ignored him and moved behind the bar, stowing the bottle and moving to the wash basin and the meager collection of dirty glasses in it.

"Another exciting finish at the heart break hotel" I mumbled to myself, realizing I was sounding more and more like Joe each day and turning on the small radio I had salvaged.

The old rock and roll filtered softly through the room as I tapped my toe to it and finished the glasses, setting them on the mat to dry.

Oh yeah, there's gunna be a heartache tonight...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

My head spun.

Terry was speaking and moving round the room.
He could be robbing me for all I knew, or cared.
Anyhow, most of my things had been forwarded.
All I had to do was kick my heels and lie low for two weeks ... but in this hell hole? Not likely!

I groaned and closed my eyes.
I would allow myself the fortnight to lick my wounds, curse all mankind and maybe, cry my eyes out, then would go back to "business as usual".

Damn him! Damn them all.
I curled up and closed my eyes sinking at last into welcome oblivion.

 

[Garras Agudas]

Terry

"How many guests registered last night Joe?" I called out to him as I fired up the ancient gas grills.

"Five if you count us and the drunk that stumbled in last week" He growled back at me and I raised an eyebrow.

"Business is booming, Old Man" I half taunted "And we'd break even if you tossed out that drunk"

"I'll get rid of him tomorrow, sure enough" He answered and I grinned, having heard that answer for the last week.

Pancakes, ham and eggs were quickly made and set atop the warmers and I took my own portion to the corner table I used each morning, looking thru the fly specked window and reminding myself I'd have to make them the first thing on my "to do" list.

I ate mechanically, chewing the food and thinking of the woman who had checked in last night and the clues of why she was here. She was hiding from someone who had hurt her and that meant she had taken some form of her own revenge...

"Joe? Anybody nosing around or stopped in that isn't a regular?" I called out to him as he ate at the bars counter.


"Just Rock Hudson but he had to leave suddenly, bad cough" He sniped back at me, grinning over his huge heap of eggs.

"You better leave some for our guests" I warned and grinned back at his off beat humour.

"The way they both were drinking I'd bet we don't see either of them till 3 this afternoon"

"How much?" I retorted, hearing soft footsteps and hoping.

"Huh?"

"How much will you bet, a couple of days off versus me painting your hallways?" I grinned, knowing I'd paint the halls anyway but thinking the days off would be a nice change.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

I groaned as I turned over in the bed.
I was fully clothed and felt like shit.
I tried to sit up and felt the room take a spin.

"Oh.. good God.."

I groaned, desperately trying to remember last night.
I had gone to the bar.
I had had alot to drink.
I remembered some guy walking me back to my room.
I remembered him in this room, but that's when it all got fuzzy.

I forced myself to sit up and prised my eyes open to look round.
There was no indication that anyone other than myself had been there.
Whatever had happened, it had not been important.
What was important was seeing if I could ever get my head to feel normal again.

Somehow I managed to get up, shower and get dressed.
I pulled on a pair of simple jeans and threw on a white blouse.
The look was casual, yet even my jeans and simple blouse seemed tailored, well in this place anyhow.

I was thirsty! .. So damn thirsty!
Glasses of water to rehydrate and strong hot coffee was the order of the day. I remembered that in this place room service didn't exist, so I made my way down to the dining room.

The room was surprisingly cheeful and decked out in a sunny yellow. This combined with the natural sunlight was enough to make me want to throw up on the spot.
I sank gratefully into the nearest seat and putting my elbows on the table, put my head in my hands and tried to stop my head throbbing.

Moments later it seemed there was someone at the table to take my order.
Without looking I murmured.

"Large jug of ice water and a pot of coffee, please... "

I heard a chuckle of amusement as the voice enquired.

"Is that all..?"

I lifted my head to find myself looking into a pair of amused, but freindly eyes. I struggled with the memory and then it came to me.

"Terry... morning... yes... as you know I don't think I could stomach much more ... after last night .... and... "

I had the good grace to blush.

"If I was ... rude ... or anything.... I'm sorry ... I don't remember a whole lot about what was said to be honest..."

 

[Garras Agudas]

Terry

"You behaved yourself like a perfect Lady" I dismissed her worries and slid the coffee cup over to fill it. "I'll get that ice water"

I returned as she nursed the hangover and held the cup in her hands and slid a bottle of aspirin beside her with the ice water.

"These work for me when I used to overdo it a little"

I finished clearing the dishes from Joes table and mine placing them in the tubs to soak then returned to her table to refill the cup.

"I'm going to try refilling the pool in the back if you feel up to it later? I've patched the walls and repaired the plumbing.."

I found myself babbling and knew that was the last thing she needed with a pounding headache.

"All I need to do is add water" I finished and quietly walked off to let her recuperate in peace.

"Joe, You owe me those days off and I'm taking them right after the pool is full" I tossed at him as I lifted the tub and carried it to the kitchen.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tamara Miller

"You behaved yourself like a perfect Lady"

Terry’s words put my mind at ease. At least I hadn’t proved too offensive for him to be bothered with this morning, although “perfect lady” might be pushing it in my circumstances.

"I'll get that ice water"

I grimaced at the pain in my head.

”Thanks, I need it… “

I raised my head and looked round the room.
I recognised the sullen old guy from last night. He nodded curtly, but did not even afford me a smile. Otherwise the room was empty.
I drank deeply savouring the aromatic strength of the coffee, almost draining the cup and trying to hold back a groan.
Drinking myself to unconsciousness had seemed like such a good idea at the time!

"These work for me when I used to overdo it a little"

I jumped realising that Terry was back by my elbow.
I looked down and saw the bottle of aspirins he’d put by the water.
I smiled up at him gratefully.

”Thanks Terry … my gran used to say if a pain was self-inflicted you should just ride it out as a lesson for next time … but I think I prefer your method… “

I poured a glass of water and began to unscrew the bottle of pills.

”I never learn my lessons anyway … “

My tone was more humorous than morose.
I wasn’t going to be caught up in all that again if I could help it.
Terry grinned and left me to drink my water and take my pills.
I watched him cross to talk to the old guy in the corner.

By the time Terry returned I’d drunk about as much water as I could handle, taken two aspirin and was ready for the coffee he refilled.

"I'm going to try refilling the pool in the back if you feel up to it later?
I've patched the walls and repaired the plumbing.."

I looked at him curiously.

”There’s a pool…?”

I tried to remember what he’d said last night about his job.
Hadn’t he said that he didn’t work here as such but….
I just couldn’t remember how he’d explained it …

"All I need to do is add water"

I smiled softly.

”Water helps … “

I teased gently… .and watched as he smiled in return and walked off.
I continued to drink my coffee.
I wanted to be anonymous, to hide out, but I had to admit that a friendly face certainly helped, especially when it came armed with coffee, water and aspirins!
I stood up slowly and made my way back to reception.
I walked to the lounge and saw that there were benches set out along pathways.
In the light of day, the place looked presentable, homely almost.
I decided to go to my room and freshen up and then thought a walk along those pathways and a sit on one of the benches was in order.

I needed to clear my head – in more ways than one!

 

[Garras Agudas]

Terry

I had turned on the huge four inch supply line before breakfast and now stood looking at the pool with satisfaction. What was it about water that could soothe a person so? The sound of it perhaps, or was it the cooling effect it had on your body as you moved near and into it?

I had to admit one thing, Joe was right about keeping your distance and also the fact that I had failed. He knew me too well to think anything I did was meaningless to me. That part of my life thanks to him was put aside. And the feelings that I felt for our most recent guest were increasingly difficult to ignore.Our ages were close, I had her by less than a few years, but more so our pasts were the link I felt.

I kicked in the circulating pumps and watched with satisfaction as the grated pipes in the lower walls began to pull the water in and then on the opposite side pump it out. All the hours of work were paying off and it alone was reward enough for my effort, another lesson learned thanks to a certain grumpy old man.

In less than an hour I calculated the water would be at the right mark and a person could take a swim, a cold one granted until the heaters warmed it, but still a refreshing one nonetheless.

I had changed into a pair of trunks and now moved about the pools edge with a catchnet, dipping into the water as I saw minute debris, not really thinking of what I was doing as my own thoughts absorbed me.

"What would Joe or Tammy think if I told them how similar to each other they were?"

The thought amused me and I chuckled, turning on the radio and letting the music echo over the room and the rapidly filling pool.