Late November is always a tough time to find a hotel in Brisbane and I was here at short notice. An engagement party that I had waited until the last minute to agree to attend on the Saturday afternoon meant I had to be in town Friday night and stay through to Sunday.
With no hotels at a price, I was willing to pay a search of the web found me a cheap private room at one of the City's many backpacker hotels. Advertised as a "triple", the room featured a double bed next to a single, a sink, a private toilet, but no shower, and a wardrobe. A tine TV hung from the wall. Shower facilities were shared in the main hallway.
It was private enough. I would have a few drinks, get to sleep early, head off to the party, return drunk late and wake up for my Sunday lunchtime flight home. I felt a little old for the place being in my 40s, however I did not anticipate spending enough time in the common areas to feel out of place amongst the young travellers sharing the dorms.
By seven pm on Friday evening, I had checked in and headed out for dinner and a few drinks. Half a dozen beers later I returned to find the hotels limited bar area occupied by two young British girls in their early 20s and one young man from America. All having a great time playing pool and drinking strong shots of something I knew was too much for me.
Slightly buzzed and not ready for bed I purchased a frankly bargain priced beer and took my place on the small couch off to the side of the room so as not to interrupt the young American who was clearly intent on achieving something with the taller, slimmer British girl. In a bikini top and denim shorts she was an absolute beauty and I admired the young American for his charm offensive.
As the three rotated turns at pool the second British girl, slightly shorter, long blonde hair with curvy hips and large, bouncy breasts that heaved around her tank top appeared to be dropping away from the other two. It appeared that the young American would land his prize and the curvy blonde would be left alone.
Knowing that an old guy like me hanging around would likely make that an even more uncomfortable situation I threw down my remaining beer and prepared to head to bed. As I stood the American called to me to stay. Have a game of pool, no need to run. I tried to make my excuses, but he leaned in and whispered, "Help a brother out. If there's just me, they are going to leave together. Run a distraction man."
Helping a brother out seemed like a noble pursuit. I had no plans to embarrass myself by trying anything here, but if I could help a young couple to find some holiday fun, then that's what I would do.
Three rounds of pool and as many beers later the four of us had introduced ourselves and were having a ball. Laughter filled the room and the American who I now knew was called Matt, was clearly having success getting the attention of Leah, the tall Brit. The curvier second Brit was named Shona. As much as she laughed and was enjoying the night I knew when Matt made his move, she would not be comfortable left alone with some random older guy. I thought it was time to make my excuses and leave.
A quick trip to the bathroom and my intention was to say goodbye to all and hit my luxurious private room. Well luxurious in that it was not a dorm with 6 beds. On my return I found Matt had indeed had some luck as he and Leah were nowhere to be seen. Shona sat alone on a bar stool, vodka with something by her side, holding the pool cue.
"Well, they have just taken our twin room. So much for private space, stay for another game?"
Seeing as Shona had given up her bed for her travelling companion I thought "sure, why not?" and racked up the balls for a new game. What harm could hanging out, keeping this young traveller company do? Leah and Matt would surely have their fun and return within the hour.
They did not. Shona explained that throughout their trip Leah had been on something of a tour of men as well and this was not the first time her own needs had left Shona high and dry. She complained that she was never as hot or confident as Leah and this whole trip had made her feel like a second-class citizen. She had a few saucy tales to tell, but felt her friend's model like physique made her feel like a cast off.
I glanced up her young curves, at 23 she seemed shapely and firm. To a man of my years her pretty face, large but firm breasts, jiggling hypnotically without a bra in her tank top, curvy hips and soft white thighs were the stuff of dreams. Then I snapped out of it. Feeling like the pervy old man I didn't want to be I assured her she was a gorgeous and desirable woman and that a man younger than myself would no doubt be dreaming of someone like her.
She laughed and quipped, "Good effort trying to be nice, not creepy and nearly achieving both."
Was that a good thing, by this stage I couldn't tell and decided to excuse myself and head to bed before I made a fool of myself.
Shona told me I didn't have to go and that she knew that I was not trying to make any moves on her. She appreciated that, but was also unsure about hanging around in the common area approaching midnight. Especially as other guests would no doubt be returning much more drunk and much less well behaved.
"They could be all night. You have the triple private room. Could I use the small bed until I get a message that the coast is clear in my room?"
"Sure, but I warn you I will be going to sleep and I will snore." Another really poor attempt at light hearted humour. I shuffled on the spot. "Seriously I will be going to sleep but feel free to grab some rest until your bed is clear of the Matt and Leah zone."
Shona did a small double fist pump along with a quiet "Whoo hoo, thank you." I led her up to the small private room on the first floor.
As we entered, she sat on the single bed cross legged. "You just do whatever you do and go to sleep. I have my phone. If I fall asleep that's fine. If she calls, I won't wake you. Just warn me if you sleep naked, OK?"
"Oh no no no, I don't." I almost spat out. "I mean usually boxer shorts, but as I have a guest its boxers and t-shirt today."
