Generally, Eve hated conferences. Yes, it was nice to get out of town and away from the drudgery of home, but the boredom that accompanied days of listening to would-be scholars drone on about their topics was enough to put her over the edge. She did, however, enjoy the nice hotel rooms, especially if they came with crisp white sheets and a bathroom with a nice tub and separate shower. This year, she had popped for an upgrade to a suite just for the Jacuzzi tub.
Eve knew a few people at the conference, as generally it was the same people every year. This year she noticed a cute professor from Pennsylvania who presented a paper on war and conflict, always a hot topic. She may have met him before, but he looked different somehow this year. After his presentation she walked up to mention that she enjoyed it.
"I'm Eve, and I really enjoyed your perspective on that topic. Generally it's the same old thing and your take was a little different." She said.
"Oh, thank you," he said, almost with a blush in his clean-shaven cheeks. He had short brown hair just peppered with enough gray to actually look like the stereotypical distinguished professor. "I'm Henry," he said, extending his hand.
Even shook his hand and thought she felt a jolt of energy between them. She remembered now why she didn't recognize him. He used to have a moustache, but this year was delightfully clean shaven. They chatted a little bit more about his paper and then Eve walked off to the next presentation.
Later that afternoon Eve checked into her room at the conference hotel. It did have a nice king-sized bed and a gorgeous bathroom. Eve set her suitcase down and began unpacking. She noticed a door in the wall. Curious, she opened it. It led to another door, which must be the door to the next room. Ever more curious, Eve tried the handle. It was unlocked. Eve tried it and opened up the next room. On walking in she saw that professor, Henry, in the next room!
"Oh, excuse me!" she said, startled.
Henry looked up from the newspaper he was reading, looking quite started as well! "Oh, hello there, Eve is it?"
She was surprised he remembered her name, especially in this situation. "Yes, it's Eve. I am so sorry, I was just wondering where the door went, I didn't think it would be unlocked!"
Henry laughed gently, his eyes smiling. "Well you found me," he said.
Eve laughed, too. "I didn't mean to barge in," she said, this time she was the one blushing.
"It's no problem at all," he said with a gleam in his eyes, "Hotel rooms are odd the way they adjoin. At least now we'll know who is on the other side of the door."