Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 41

Emma's POV

I instructed the cab driver to drop me off at an apartment complex in the city. I still didn't know my way around New York and had to be wandering around like a mad woman, especially now that I was alone and now venerable to the open world. I couldn't hire security or buy camera systems like Ethan. But I was grateful he had placed ten thousand dollars in my personal savings account the day after my birthday; although I had told him not to and that I wasn't after his money, he insisted. Now, it came in handy along with the other monies I'd saved from being his maid.

I arrived at a neat hotel building, about five miles away from the mansion. It was private and there were security guards on the compound.

"Hello, my name is Emma. I would like to rent an apartment. Are there any rooms available?" I asked a elder woman in the main office. 

She gazed up from her computer. "Hello, dear. Yes, we have rooms available. I'll need a proof of ID and a deposit."

"How much?"

"What are you looking for-- one bedroom, two?"

"One."

"We only have one-bedroom suites available."

I nodded. "Yes ma'am, that's fine."

"It will be four seventy for the night."

"Okay. Can I get that for the week?"

She nodded. "Do you have an account with us?"

I shook my head. 

"Extended stay? It will be twenty eight-twenty; we're running a deal this week. I'll need a credit card for incidentals. How many keys will you need?"

"One," I said, passing her my credit card.

I would have to look for a job, there was no way I would be able to stay here more than a week; I'd blow all the money from the savings account. My eyes fell on a news paper on the counter top and I flipped through to the classified section. 

She passed me the key and returned my card on the counter.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologized as I turned back to the page she must have been previously reading.

"It's alright dear. You can keep it if you like. I'm done reading it."

"Thank you."

"Here's your room key. It's room 709. Take the elevator to the seventh floor," she pointed around the corner.

I thanked her and carried my suitcases, struggling to juggle everything.

The room was convenient. There was a fridge, stove, toaster, a washing machine, microwave, air conditioner unit and a ceiling fan, a living room, a separate sleeping area with a king-sized bed and attached bathroom. It was nice but everything seemed small to me after living in a big, glorious mansion, but the suite was spacious enough for my tiny body.

I arranged my clothes in the closet and placed my feminine products on a dressing table.

I looked at my phone. Ethan had gotten me a new one since the one he first gave me was smashed by his mother. There were no missed calls from him. 

I heaved a heavy sigh, took my purse and headed outside. There was a supermarket right across the street. I needed something to eat and I needed groceries for my new "apartment".

I had three plastic bags in tow, making my way back to the hotel when someone ran up behind me.

"Lemme help you with those," he said, cheerfully, and took the bags from my hands. "Hi," he greeted.

He was an average, six feet tall, medium built, blonde hair, tanned skin with blue eyes. He was no Ethan, but he was handsome.

"Thank you," I said politely, and gave a smile.

"Which room are you in?" he asked as he held the door open for me.

I hesitated to answer. I shouldn't tell a stranger that; I'd only just met him. He could be a stalker or a serial killer or something.

"Oh, sorry if I came off too forward. I'm the owner of the building. I stay in the penthouse," he said, realizing my sudden discomfort.

The woman at the front gave him a familiar wave a said hello.

"Oh," I answered in relief, "well, I'm in 709."

"What's your name?"

"I'm Emma; and you are?"

"I'm Roger. It's nice to meet you, Emma."

"The pleasure is mine."

We took the elevator in a bit of awkward silence to the seventh floor.

"Well, here we are, 709," he said, as we stood outside my room.

"Thanks, Roger." 

"You're welcome," he replied and made his way down the hall back toward the elevator. He turned back and gave a smile. 

I smiled back as I slowly turned my key into the door. He has a nice smile with nice lips. I didn't know why I was blushing like an idiot. I opened the door and walked into my room. 

I placed my groceries in the kitchen and sat down in the living room, going through the classifieds. What was it with me and old people and newspaper? My eyes fell upon the name of Ethan's company. I heaved a sigh.

Why does his handsome face have to be there to taunt me?

I continued my search on the page: waitress, chef, hotel manager, baby sitter, personal assistants, receptionist, news reporter, and strippers, too. I wanted to apply for them all, except stripping of course. Tomorrow, bright and early, I would go out in search of a job.

I felt exhausted already and hungry. I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich with a tall glass of orange juice. The afternoon sun was just disappearing when I walked out on the small patio.

My phone rang.

I looked at the caller ID but it was private. It must be him. I let it ring. I don't know why I did that when I was hoping that he would call to at least make sure I was alright.

It rang again; this time it was Halley's number. 

He must be using Halley's phone or put her up to this.

I sent it to voicemail.

I found enjoyment in the calls then switched my phone off for the rest of the evening.

A knock came on my door softly after I returned inside. I jumped up from my chair with  a rush.

Who's that at the door? Has he found me already? Did he pay someone to follow me?

Thank goodness there was a peephole on the door. I looked through and saw a smiling cheerful face. I opened the door.

"Sorry to disturb you, Emma, but I'm having a dinner feast in my suite to celebrate my birthday and I was wondering if you'd like to come. It begins at eight."

"Happy birthday," I said, trying to sound as excited as he was.

"Actually, it was yesterday, but will you come by?"

"I'll drop by, but maybe only for an hour or so. I have something important to do tomorrow so I'll need my sleep."

"Okay. Thanks, Emma."

_________

At eight, I had watched people piled into his suite. I even made out the old lady who had been at the reception table in the main office. I slowly made my way up, wondering if I should really attend or go back and lock myself in the apartment, but my feet were carrying me forward. I had to start socializing and bonding with people around me. I couldn't just shut myself out from the world and become a complete stranger to everyone.

The world isn't a bad place, there's just bad people in it, so I'll just have to watch my back. Always watch my back.

"Hello, Emma; glad you came," Roger greeted as I came through the door; he was wearing a formal suit.

His penthouse was huge. The place was beyond amazing; It looked so simple and plain on the outside. There was even a pool, which was occupied by some trashy looking young ladies in bikinis. A DJ was playing some really hyped music. Everyone was already dancing and drinking. Waitresses and servers passed around with drinks and finger foods. A smiling, young guy gave me a glass of nonalcoholic sparkling drink.

I began to laugh really hard along with everyone when the old lady got on the dance floor; she was boogying with her cane. Everyone cleared the floor and began chanting and clapping for her; I joined in.

"My grandma is crazy," Roger said behind me.

"Oh, she's your grandmother?"

"Yeah," he leaned in closer to my ear so I would hear him over the loud music. His manly scent was wonderful. "Wanna dance?"

"Um... No... I don't... dance," I loudly said back in his ear.

"Oh come on, Emma. It would be fun."

With that, he took me to the dance floor and everyone started dancing with a partner to Neyo ft Pitbull's "Give Me Everything". 

Everyone was swaying to the beat and the hype of the song and I fell into trance too.