We were both supposed to be at work at three the next afternoon. It was three, I was there, but there was not sign of Erika. I watched my boss, a short balding man in his late forties staring at his watch.
"She's late again. That's going to be her third write-up. I'm so tired of her..."
Just then, the door flung open and in she came-her wild curly hair bouncing as she rushed to the time clock.
"Erika, we need to talk about your punctuality." He began.
"Shit, I'm late. I'm sorry Joe. I had car problems." She was so tactful. "The thing that kicks in when the battery dies didn't kick in."
"Alternator?" He interrupted.
"Yeah, that." I couldn't take my eyes off her. She had him eating out of the palm of her hand, and I was mesmerized at her skill. "...So finally he got it fixed and here I am." She put her hand on Joe's shoulder, making sure to brush his cheek a bit. "So please forgive me just this once, Joe?"
She had him. "This once, but next time call me and let me know you're going to be late, okay?"
"Oh, absolutely. You're the best, Joe." She gave him a quick wink. He smiled like he had just conquered China. "Oh, hey Annie. How's it going?"
The goddess said my name. "I'm good, you?"
"Well, I had a late night last night," she said with a chuckle, "but I'm doing great."
I don't believe I mentioned we work at a hotel. She usually takes care of the bar (because she has that outgoing, bartending personality), and I check in guests. Tonight was the same, only the bar was much busier than I was, so I went over and helped her bus tables. I was bringing a load of glasses into the kitchen when she rushed in.
"Thanks, hun. I'm getting my ass kicked over here tonight."
"Oh, no problem." I sat the dishes beside the sink. I turned around and she was right in front of me.
"I'll give you half of my tips tonight," she said. Then she shoved something in my pocket. "You've got somebody up at the desk."
I scurried out of the kitchen and back to the desk. The man standing there was just a pizza deliverer who had never delivered to our hotel before. So, I gave him directions, and he headed down the first floor. I reached into my pocked. It was a napkin.
"I owe you. Jack's still out of town. I need to make Joe think there's something wrong with my car. Can you give me a ride home?"
The napkin smelled like her. She'd sprayed her cotton-candy scented body spray (it reminded me of high school) on the napkin! My mouth watered. "Joe, I need to use the phone. Can I use the one in your office?"
My hand was so shaky I could barely dial the numbers.
"Hello?"
"Dade, she wants me to give her a rid home tonight. What should I do?" I whispered excitedly so Joe wouldn't hear.
"Who, Erika?"
"Yes, she put a note in my pocket. What should I do?"
"Give her a ride. I'll be waiting up. I want all the juicy details."
"Are you sure?"
