It was a long day. The snow kept coming and I was worried I might not make it. The flight into Chicago was delayed and I was lucky that I had a longer layover there; I used every minute. I hate rushing between planes, I almost missed the connecting flight to Milwaukee.
After picking up my rental car, brushing it off, I got caught in rush hour traffic. Crawling forward on snow crusted roads I missed my exit, all told it added an extra hour before I was finally pulling into the hotel parking lot.
It was just late and I didn't want to take the time to find and choose a place for dinner so I hoped that the hotel restaurant had something.
I checked in and got my room key and headed towards the elevator. Passing by the restaurant I stuck my head in to see a typical sports bar which had seats at the bar as well as some high top tables. I always hated those. I want a chair to actually sit on, those giraffe chairs were only good for leaning. But something smelled good, French fries. Not that I would be having any, but I was starving so I would definitely be back.
I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and rolled my bag behind me until I found my room. It seemed like every time I thought the hall had to end, it turned again and I continued on. Finally I got to the end of the hall and used my keycard to unlock my door. I glanced at the door that shared the little mini alcove and noticed the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle.
The little green light above my handle lit up and I turned the handle downward and let myself in. I flicked the switch next to the door to turn on the light, pulled my bag in behind me and let the door shut with a bang.
I love the first look at a hotel room; seeing what I got. A bit of an adventure. It smelled really good, clean kind of herbal. I noticed the adjoining room door next to the floor length mirror. My first thought was how to use that mirror to best effect. Some ideas immediately came to mind, I like to watch.
The room was simple and everything was visible from the doorway, the king sized bed with a pristine white duvet and what looked to be approximately a hundred pillows, like something from a Pottery Barn catalog. It seemed to take up most of the room. There was a little desk and black rolling chair in the corner. I left my bag and dropped my backpack with laptop on the desk and looked for plugs. My phone was almost dead, which reminded me to text you.
(Hey. Finally got checked in. I'm in 357. Maybe meet downstairs for a drink? The boss is buying π)
I hit send and started plugging everything in. I hate cords that are a mess, so I take some time to run them behind the lamp and wrap the excess.
(Glad you made it. Would love a drink. How soon?)
I smile as I read your response. I really couldn't wait to see you tonight.
(Meet you in 15, get a seat at the bar.)
<π>
I go back and grab my bag, heart racing a bit as the thought of having a drink with you sets in. I throw my bag on the bed, unzip and quickly start putting my week's worth of clothes into the dresser. I find the closet and grab 4 hangers and start hanging my outfits. There isn't one that won't need an iron at some point, but later. Probably tomorrow. Maybe I can find something to distract me from an evening of ironing. Maybe. I smile.
I close my bag and put it in the corner.
I stop in the bathroom and take care of myself, wash my hands and the splash water on my face. A bit of soapy warm water, a rinse, and then grab the hand towel. I look at myself in the mirror... isn't going to get any better. I leave the room and pause in the doorway to reach in my pocket quickly to make sure I have my room key.
I'm not paying much attention as the other door opens. I'm nearly run over by my neighbor. She seems startled as she realizes that I'm standing in her way. I smile and apologize, which seems to throw her off too. She finally looks me in the eyes and starts to stumble out an apology, but I put my hand up and let her know everything is good. Besides, I tell her, most people don't miss me. She finally smiles. That makes me happy.