A break in the rain gave them respite as they returned to the truck, crossed to the hotel lot, parked, and entered the building.
“Want to meet me in my room when you’re ready and we’ll order food?” he asked, standing outside the door to room 205.
She nodded. “If I wasn’t so cold and wet, I’d say order now.”
“Go change.” He motioned for her to enter the room. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Once she was inside, he walked to his room, swiped his key, and entered. The room was an average size for a basic hotel stay, with a single queen-sized bed, a nightstand, a four-drawer dresser, and a television stand with a flat-panel tv on top. A mini fridge sat between the television stand and dresser.
The décor contrasted with that which he was accustomed to seeing in coastal lodgings, yet the dark greens and browns created a cozy, earthy environment that blended with the pine-covered island.
He discarded his wet clothes, pulled the tags off his new garments, and put them on. Dry clothes had never felt so good. After tossing the soaked clothes in the provided laundry bag, he set them aside to take to the dryer later.
True to his word, Alvin had sent a bag of toiletries to the room. Jack removed the comb and ran it through his hair, then took the bar soap and washed his hands. On afterthought, he brushed his teeth even though he’d be eating soon. He couldn’t imagine his breath was too fresh, and Anna had been subjected to enough today.
Not that he was thinking of being that close to her. He really wasn’t. But his breath could probably be smelled from across the room. Which is the only reason he brushed his teeth. Good hygiene was important.
Someone wrapped on the door, and he heard Anna call out, “It’s me.”
He crossed the room and let her in. “How’s your room?”
“Cozy.” She looked around his area. “A mirror image of yours.”
“Makes sense.” He shut the door behind them. “The menus are on the tv stand. I’m fine with whatever you want to order.”
“Oh, they have an Indian restaurant. With Biryani! I haven’t had that in ages. Do you mind? I know not everyone enjoys the spice of Indian food.”
“I enjoy a good korma. Want me to call in the order?”
She flipped the menu. “You can order from their website.”
“Even better.” He reached for the paper.
“No, sir.” Yanking back the menu, Anna smiled. “You sneakily paid for the rooms. Dinner is on me.”
If he thought arguing would do any good, he’d protest, but he knew better. “I’ll walk down to the vending machines and buy drinks. What do you want?”
“Soda is fine, maybe a bottle of water for later.”
“Do you have your wet clothes? I can drop them off in the dryer on the way.”
She handed him a bag he hadn’t noticed her carry in. He left the room laundry room, used the last of his change on the dryer. He had four single dollars in his wallet, but he doubted that would be enough for their four drinks. A card reader on the vending machine made him grateful for technology. He swiped his card and pushed the correct buttons to get a soda for him and one for Anna, along with several bottles of water.
“Food’s ordered,” Anna said when he entered the room. “Approximate wait time is forty-five minutes.”
“Thanks.” He set the sodas on the nightstand and put the waters in the refrigerator.
“Did you call your family and tell them you’re stuck here?”
He pressed his fingers into his neck and massaged a knot. “No. Did you?”
She shook her head. “I can only imagine the rumors and questions they’d come up with.”
“If we can leave early enough in the morning, we might make it home before anyone notices.” His gaze shifted to the window as a gust of wind howled. “This should pass by morning.”
“The ferry starts running at six. Factoring time in the time to cross to the mainland, and travel down the coast, we’ll be lucky if we make it to the regular church service.” Her face twisted in doubt. “Not to mention the time needed to change into fresh clothes.”
“We’re adults. Do we have to tell anyone where we are?” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind except you know they’ll jump to conclusions.”
