Other Worlds Presents: Monterey, Episode 2, "The Knock"
Today’s episode is called:
The Knock
Ali’s heart sped up at the knock. She glanced in the mirror at her hair and glasses. Cute but not hot, she thought. A surge of downward energy spiraled in her chest. But the second knock sent that away, and she smiled and two stepped to the door. She opened it, letting one foot step behind the other with a little toe rise.
Her heart fell some.
“You requested some extra towels?” It’s the hotel clerk, Amaury.
Ali nodded and took a step back, gestured into the room. “Yeah, thanks.”
Amaury smiled and went in, took the towels to the dresser.
“On the bed’s fine,” Ali said.
Amaury kept his smile and changed course. He set the towels down on the foot of the bed.
“Anything else I can do for you?”
Ali wanted a bit more, yeah, she could feel it. “Do you have champagne?”
“Yes, we do. Quite a selection. Would you like our steward to select one?”
“Sure,” Ali said. “Just make sure it comes quick, okay?”
Amaury smiled. He folded one arm in front of him, the other behind, and bowed. “As you wish.”
He remained bowed.
“Oh right,” Ali said.
She went to the dresser and pulled some cash. She saw she was running out, fast. She sighed.
“Here you go.”
Amaury took the money. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome.”
He turned to go.
“Hey,” Ali said.
Amaury paused and looked back. “Yes, mademoiselle?”
Do people still say that? Ali wondered. She shook it off. “Can I put the champagne on the room bill?”
“Oui, of course.”
“Thanks,” Ali said, “let’s do that.”
Amaury smiled again. “As you wish.” Then he left, closing the door behind him.
Ali flopped on the bed next to the towels. She twirled a strand of hair with her finger, thinking of how long it’d been since she’d seen Jeny. She wasn’t sure where to start or what to say. She couldn’t believe Jeny had taken her up on her offer.
The feeling in her chest returned, this time launching a doubt.
What if Jeny didn’t? Ali wondered. Like, what if she changed her mind at the last minute and …
A knock came at the door.
Ali rushed to the mirror and checked her hair, her glasses. Cute not hot, yeah I got it, she thought, then rushed to the door, opened it.
Her heart fell, though still kept beating fast. It’s a porter. Rachael, Ali thought it was, but couldn’t quite remember for sure.
“I have the champagne, ma’am,” Rachael said.
“Yeah, okay,” Ali said. “Just put it out on the balcony, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rachael did just that, then returned.
Ali looked at her for a moment, studying her angular features and olive skin. She realized Rachael was waiting, patiently.
“Oh, right!” Ali went and got more money, gave it to Rachael.
“Thank you, ma’am,” Rachael said.
“Oh sure.” Ali gave a little wave.
Rachael smiled around the edges of her mouth, then left.
Ali threw herself on the bed again, this time on her stomach. She smashed her palm against her eye, up and under her glasses and said, “My life …”
The feeling returned to her chest, along with a barrage of thoughts. What if Jeny got back with Jimmy? What if Claiborne finally got her? Or her father … Jeez, he’s got so much money he could do anything really and no one would know … or what if …
Then a knock came at the door.
Ali leapt up and went for the door, stopped halfway, went to the mirror and checked her hair and glasses. I’m sexy as hell, she thought, then jumped to the door and flung it open.
Her heart lit up and went aflutter.
Next episode: "In the Service of Wolves"
