Chapter 10. Stewart. (April 1996)
I've stopped at many Travelodge's over the years, some good and some bad, but as my stays are rarely more than a couple of nights at most, the quality of the accommodation is of little concern. The Travelodge I pulled into on this particular day though I remember to have been amongst the better ones.
Changing from the flat driving shoes to my high heels, I entered reception at the same time as a smartly dressed guy whose manners supported his attire. With a gracious sweep of his arm the guy courteously insisted that I go first.
A little later I was unpacking the few things I had with me; it was only a one night stay, when there was a knock on the door. On opening it, instead of a member of staff I found the polite guy from reception.
"Hello, they've put me in the next room so I thought I'd introduce myself. Stewart."
He proffered his hand.
"Sandi." I told him shaking hands.
"Delightful name," he said stepping over the threshold. "To go with a lovely lady."
Stewart's eyes took in my undies on the bed, "Good taste in lingerie to."
He went on to invite me out for a meal later, saying he knew of a 'charming little place, excellent food' not far away. Exuding old-world charm Stewart took my hand to raise it to his lips when I thanked him and said I'd be ready in an hour.
"I look forward to the evening then." Stewart said, lingering to glance at the room again.
"Bit pokey singles, aren't they. I always book a double for added comfort," he told me.
There seemed some sort of magnetism between us and I think we both knew then, I certainly did, that on returning from the meal it was to his room we'd both be heading!
To add a little more personal detail, Stewart was a married man in his late forties, while I was thirty two.
Returning exactly on the hour, Stewart walked me to his car and opened the door for me to climb in. (He did the same thing when we left the restaurant for the drive back later, very much old-world gentlemanly courtesy.)
I'd wanted to pay my share of the bill but Stewart wouldn't hear of it.
"Nonsense you're my guest. It's a pleasure to have the company of a beautiful lady such as yourself."
Back at the Travelodge he quickly nipped round the car to hold the door open for me to alight, eyes unashamedly on my legs while I did so. An arm around my waist, Stewart steered me gently towards his room.
"I assume you're in no hurry to return to your pokey little room. Or am I being presumptuous?"
"No, maybe not till morning." I answered quietly.