“Glad you approve. Anything I need to know before I get started on the rooms?”
“We rented one-fourteen Monday. He paid for several days because he wasn’t sure how long he’d be in town. I forget his name, but he put a card on file. He wants us to hold housekeeping services unless he requests them.”
Charlotte nodded, not surprised by the guest’s preference. Some patrons preferred to maintain their privacy during their stay.
Wally closed the distance between them with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Listen. If the guy makes a request, let me handle it. If it’s something I can’t do, I’ll call Betsy in. Just consider it one room you don’t have to worry about while the guy is here.”
Charlotte stiffened, panic stealing her breath. She was sure all color drained from her face when Wally suddenly approached her, concern etched in his features.
“No, no, Charlotte. He’s not one of them. You’re safe. I swear it.”
Charlotte’s lungs started to burn, and she struggled to regain her breathing. “Are you sure?” Her voice squeaked, and she hated how small and vulnerable she sounded.
“I’m sure. He’s working on the construction site in town. The construction company made his reservation, so it’s legit.”
Charlotte placed a hand to her chest as if to stop her heart from pounding so hard. “Then why do you want me to ignore his room?”
“Because he’s a big guy. Dark hair. Kind of quiet. Friendly enough, but I’d be wary of him if I ran into him in a dark alley.I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable around him. And he’s a stranger. He might seem like a good guy, but you can’t ever tell these days.”
Charlotte shook her head, appreciative of how Wally looked out for her. “You had me worried there for a moment. Look, I promise I’ll be careful around him, but I’m here to do a job, Wally. You don’t have to protect me from every stranger who stays at the motel. I’m sorry I overreacted.”
Understanding shone in Wally’s eyes. “You didn’t overreact. I’m sorry if I scared you. It just seems like you finally feel safe here. I don’t want to do anything to change that. Forgive me for being protective of you. Mona and I have grown fond of you, and I can’t help wanting to look out for you. Mona says I act like a caveman sometimes, but I don’t mean anything by it.”
She smiled as she stepped in to hug him. He seemed surprised by her action, but after a moment, he wrapped his arms around her to awkwardly pat her back. Charlotte stepped away from him, affection replacing her fear instantly.
“Thank you for looking out for me. If I feel uncomfortable taking care of the man’s requests, I’ll let you know. I promise. I should get to work.”
Wally pursed his lips as he studied her. “No. Take a break instead. I gave you a scare, so take a moment to collect yourself. Then you can start on the rooms. A few minutes to relax are hardly going to throw you behind on your work.”
She nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Wally. I don’t know what I’d do without you watching out for me.”
The tips of his ears flushed red, and he turned back to the coffee pot. “Go on. Take your break and then get to work.”
She smiled as Wally busied himself with topping off the cup of coffee that was neither empty nor cool. Taking pity on him, she headed for the back door he had entered through, throwing one last parting remark over her shoulder.
“You know where to find me if something comes up.”
Once outside, Charlotte pulled her thrift store black jacket closer to her body to ward off the chill. Her entire housekeeping uniform was black, which hid any dirt her clothes collected as she cleaned and helped her to blend into the background. Her black shoes were ugly but heavy-soled and offered better support since she was on her feet all day. They cushioned her steps as she moved over the back parking lot to a grassy area on the side. She settled on the bench of a picnic table, letting the cool air sweep over her.
The winter weather had been unpredictable at best. January was halfway over, and the unseasonably warm weather was being shoved to the side by a cold front which chilled the temperatures and added a dampness to the air. Charlotte didn’t mind the cooler weather. Something about this time of year produced yearnings for hot cider, pots of homemade soup, and cozy fires.
Her hands balled into fists as she fought against a familiar urge which never really left her. Many people would find this time of year desolate, with the leaves off the trees, the grass dead, wildlife hibernating, and fewer people outside. With her favorite digital camera in her hand, peering through the viewfinder, she found this time of year mysterious, almost romantic, like a secret long hidden and waiting to be discovered.
Capturing the world as she saw it was a passion that ran deep. No matter what she tried, she couldn’t squelch it or forget about it. A year had passed since she last held a camera, and she rarely used the camera feature on her cell because snapping even a selfie was a joy she could no longer afford. Her life depended on her leaving that part of her long buried in her past.
She still remembered the day she was forced to walk away from her passion. It was a day she both missed and loathed. It haunted her nightmares and changed her life forever. She wished the memory had faded over time. Her life would be simpler. Well, maybe not simple, but manageable. Hell, not even that. She’d already managed the changes in her life. She’d learned to adapt, to accept the way things had to be. But she still dreamed. She still yearned. She still indulged inwhat-ifs.
Days like today, when she had a hint of her past finding her, reminded her of why she made the choices she had to make. Being a photographer was her joy, but if she had a hope of staying invisible, of remaining hidden, she couldn’t risk showing any semblance of the person she once was.
Chapter Three
Ben dropped the face shield of his welding helmet before pointing the torch at the part in front of him. Sparks flew as flame touched metal, and he guided the tool with ease until the job was complete. Turning off the welder, he pulled his helmet off, feeling sweat bead on his forehead.
“Nice work, Weston.” The foreman, Sonny Hartcourt, slapped a large palm against Ben’s back. “That’s all the welding we need right now. Think you can help Hanson over there with the rewiring?”
Ben nodded. “Sure thing. Can I take a couple of minutes to step outside and cool off first?”
Sonny smoothed a hand over his thin beard and nodded. “Yeah, okay. Go ahead and take your break. We’re running ahead of schedule today anyway.”
