It was a long day. The snow kept coming and I was worried I might not make it. The flight into Chicago was delayed and I was lucky that I had a longer layover there; I used every minute. I hate rushing between planes, I almost missed the connecting flight to Milwaukee.
After picking up my rental car, brushing it off, I got caught in rush hour traffic. Crawling forward on snow crusted roads I missed my exit, all told it added an extra hour before I was finally pulling into the hotel parking lot.
It was just late and I didn't want to take the time to find and choose a place for dinner so I hoped that the hotel restaurant had something.
I checked in and got my room key and headed towards the elevator. Passing by the restaurant I stuck my head in to see a typical sports bar which had seats at the bar as well as some high top tables. I always hated those. I want a chair to actually sit on, those giraffe chairs were only good for leaning. But something smelled good, French fries. Not that I would be having any, but I was starving so I would definitely be back.
I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and rolled my bag behind me until I found my room. It seemed like every time I thought the hall had to end, it turned again and I continued on. Finally I got to the end of the hall and used my keycard to unlock my door. I glanced at the door that shared the little mini alcove and noticed the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle.
The little green light above my handle lit up and I turned the handle downward and let myself in. I flicked the switch next to the door to turn on the light, pulled my bag in behind me and let the door shut with a bang.
I love the first look at a hotel room; seeing what I got. A bit of an adventure. It smelled really good, clean kind of herbal. I noticed the adjoining room door next to the floor length mirror. My first thought was how to use that mirror to best effect. Some ideas immediately came to mind, I like to watch.
The room was simple and everything was visible from the doorway, the king sized bed with a pristine white duvet and what looked to be approximately a hundred pillows, like something from a Pottery Barn catalog. It seemed to take up most of the room. There was a little desk and black rolling chair in the corner. I left my bag and dropped my backpack with laptop on the desk and looked for plugs. My phone was almost dead, which reminded me to text you.
(Hey. Finally got checked in. I'm in 357. Maybe meet downstairs for a drink? The boss is buying 😃)
I hit send and started plugging everything in. I hate cords that are a mess, so I take some time to run them behind the lamp and wrap the excess.
(Glad you made it. Would love a drink. How soon?)
I smile as I read your response. I really couldn't wait to see you tonight.
(Meet you in 15, get a seat at the bar.)
<🙂>
I go back and grab my bag, heart racing a bit as the thought of having a drink with you sets in. I throw my bag on the bed, unzip and quickly start putting my week's worth of clothes into the dresser. I find the closet and grab 4 hangers and start hanging my outfits. There isn't one that won't need an iron at some point, but later. Probably tomorrow. Maybe I can find something to distract me from an evening of ironing. Maybe. I smile.
I close my bag and put it in the corner.
I stop in the bathroom and take care of myself, wash my hands and the splash water on my face. A bit of soapy warm water, a rinse, and then grab the hand towel. I look at myself in the mirror... isn't going to get any better. I leave the room and pause in the doorway to reach in my pocket quickly to make sure I have my room key.
I'm not paying much attention as the other door opens. I'm nearly run over by my neighbor. She seems startled as she realizes that I'm standing in her way. I smile and apologize, which seems to throw her off too. She finally looks me in the eyes and starts to stumble out an apology, but I put my hand up and let her know everything is good. Besides, I tell her, most people don't miss me. She finally smiles. That makes me happy.
She's got that traveller look to her. Late 30s, black stretch pants, white blouse and grey cardigan. Like they give them out with an MBA or something. She's a bit heavyset and the sweater covers her ass. She's got short brown hair with some layers. But she's wearing thick blue plastic glasses and all I can think of is the Stanton Optical commercial with the dude in the pink leotard mocking something about Janet's face... but these really worked for this woman.
I waived my hand towards the elevator to indicate "after you" at which she said that's only cause you don't trust me not to run you over. Was that flirting? Nah, that doesn't happen. Not to me.
As we walk together towards the elevator I ask how long she would be here. She was leaving on Thursday and she might not have to leave the hotel, her meetings were being held in the main conference room downstairs. With the cold weather I wouldn't leave either if I had the choice.
The elevator doors opened with a swish and she hit the button to take us to the first floor. I was starving by now.
I mention that I was meeting you for drinks and she smiles and a look crosses her face that I can't quite read. The ride was over quickly and we made our way to the bar. I tell her good luck and enjoy dinner. She moves over to one of the high top tables as I look for you.
I stride over to the bar as I finally found you and make my way to your seat. I love the way your face lights up when you see me and tonight was no different. You rise to meet me and I slide my arms around you as I bring my lips down to yours and kiss you. Long and firm, lips slightly parted. I refrain from letting my hands wander and instead tighten our embrace. You melt into my arms and you just give the hint of a groan.
As we finally part, we greet and you let me know the boss bought Scotch. Glenlivet 12 year, I smile and raise my glass to toast. You grab something half filled, clear with lime. We clink glasses, I really deserve this drink.
I swirl the translucent brown liquid in the glass and take in the smoky, boozy aroma. I lift it to my lips and take an initial sip. It's smoky vanillaish, charcoally, and slightly sweet as I receive the soft heat on my tongue. I let it linger in my mouth, enjoying the feel, the coolness mixes with the heat. Swishing slowly to ignite all of my taste buds before swallowing. It burns slightly as it works it way down to my stomach.
G&T? Of course you reply. I sit and we start to talk, even tough it's been days since we've seen each other it's like picking up a conversation started just moments ago, so natural, so comfortable.