The Hotel

by Melanie Jones Brownrigg

  “It won’t be a problem. I assure you,” Molly said as we waved goodbye.

  ◆◆◆

  Arriving home, as soon as the groceries were stacked away, I began cooking dinner. Greg had already texted his upcoming arrival. Though I had thoroughly convinced myself that mine and Greg’s marriage was solid, I silently prayed that, if it wasn’t, I was stepping up to the plate in time to redeem our relationship. I solemnly vowed to never be lazy again. Greg was worth saving and I didn’t intend on losing him. And considering this was the third night in a row for Greg getting home early from work, it must mean he was anxious to be with his wife, not his possible lovers, which thrilled me to no end. If this were a contest, it felt like I was winning.

  Turning the burners down low, I ran upstairs to get ready. A few minutes later, I was standing before the full-length mirror in the bathroom. Nails — check. Hair — check. Sexy attire — check. Favorite dinner — check. Even Ava was over at my mom’s. Everything was good to go. Everything was perfect. Try as I might, I couldn’t recall when I’d last placed so much effort into my appearance or a meal for just me and my husband. Tonight, I had pulled out all the stops.

  Hearing the hum from the garage door rising, I checked on the meal and quickly lit some candles and placed them on the already set table. By the time the garage had closed, and Greg’s car door slammed, I had opened a bottle of Greg’s favorite wine and poured two glasses.

  When Greg walked through the door, I was poised against the kitchen counter and trying to look my sexiest best. When his gaze caught mine, he smiled and then took his time running his blue eyes over the length of me. In a tipped scale of appreciation, his lips turned up with a hint of excitement. With a current of electricity coursing between us, he made quick haste in getting to me.

  “Oh Emily, you look unbelievable.” He whistled low and then grabbed me into his arms, kissing me. “Give me a second,” he said. Keeping my seductive look, I waited patiently for him to remove his tie and jacket, hang them on the back of a dining chair and stride himself back over to me. “This is unexpected. Let me have a look at you.” He twirled me in a circle and admired me from every direction. “I love your hair and this dress. You look absolutely amazing.” He ran his hands up and down the form-fitting, clingy dress I had squeezed myself into. “Wow,” he murmured, drawing his mouth down on mine again and kissing me to the point I feared dinner was burning. “Can we have dessert first?” he asked arching his brow and pushing his ever-growing attention into my stomach.

  My mouth emitted a small giggle. “Yes, just let me turn everything off.”

  Being assured everything could wait, Greg scooped me in his arms and carried me upstairs where we had the romp of our lives.

  Like I said, my marriage was sturdy. Nothing to worry about there.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  (Thursday - Five Days Before)

  The next morning was met with a groan. Every part of me was exhausted. Our romp had been like a marathon and by the time we ate, the steak had dried out. So what, I told myself. The meal was only part of getting my husband’s attention. Apparently, all I needed was the sexy dress.

  Greg couldn’t keep his hands off me when we told each other goodbye. “I’ll see you later tonight,” he said. “I love you, Emily.”

  “I love you too, Greg,” I echoed as he treaded down the hallway toward the garage.

  Tonight’s agenda was dinner with my friend, Kay, and Greg had racquetball with his buds. Neither of us would be home until late. My dinner would end around eight and I would swing by my mom’s and pick up Ava. Generally, I always beat Greg home as he sometimes had a drink with the boys after they played.

  A little before noon my doorbell rang. When I opened the door, I found Molly Jensen standing there. She was wearing a gorgeous off-white pantsuit, carrying an expensive Fendi handbag, and several diamond rings adorned various fingers. She didn’t wait for any hellos or other pleasantries, she just lifted her designer shades to the top of her blonde hair and began rattling, “Emily, I have the money for you. It’s all here, and in cash. You can count it if you’d like to. I can’t apologize enough for yesterday. Just as I thought, Paul was simply moving some money around and failed to coordinate with me. I’m so embarrassed. Here, here, take this.” She pushed out an envelope filled with green bills.

  I gladly latched onto the package. “Gosh, Molly, thank you. I didn’t expect you to go out of your way to repay me.” Though I was thoroughly surprised, it was a relief knowing my electric could be paid. “Would you like to come in?” I swung the door wider and gestured with my hand. “I haven’t eaten lunch and there’s a bottle of wine.”

  “Oh, you’re so sweet. Thank you for your gracious invitation, but unfortunately I have to scoot.” She paused as if pondering something. “You know, on second thought, I think I will have a quick lunch with you.”

  Unsure of what to make of her sudden change of plans, I opened the door and waved her inside. “I hope pimento cheese is something you like, or peanut butter.”

  “The pimento is fine.” She followed me to the kitchen and watched me pull the ingredients from the fridge. “I’m going to wash up first, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course,” I said. “You know the way.”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  While I went back to preparing the sandwiches, Molly headed off to the restroom. By the time she returned, I had the plates prepared and the wine poured.

  “Have a seat,” I said, gesturing to the dining chairs.

  Carrying the wine to the table, I went back for the sandwiches. On my return trip, I watched as Molly surveyed her surroundings, once again silently giving her disapproval. I hoped she kept her mouth shut about investing money with Paul as a way I could afford to remodel. I just didn’t want to hear it, not again. Sliding into a chair opposite hers, I considered reminding her that, only yesterday, she couldn’t buy groceries. Maybe that would alleviate her need to demean my household. “I really appreciate you paying me back so promptly.”

  “Let’s not talk about that fiasco again.” She held my gaze. “If you don’t mind, I’d prefer you didn’t mention it to anyone as the whole ordeal was terribly humiliating. We have millions of dollars. It’s just that I moved some money around at the same time as Paul. We just crossed accounts in the process. But I’m sure you know people will think we’re having financial difficulties and that just couldn’t be further from the truth.”

  “I understand,” I said agreeably.

  Molly took a couple bites of her sandwich and then stared at it. Quickly she gulped from her wineglass, and then screwed up her face like she was drinking pickle juice.

  “You don’t like it?” I asked. “Would you prefer the peanut butter, or water instead?”

  “No, no, it’s delicious,” she cooed. “It’s just that I suddenly remembered I’m supposed to be having lunch at the Royalty High Country Club.” She flipped her wrist and glanced at her diamond encrusted watch. “Oh, my goodness, I’m so late. And then this afternoon is going to be filled with some charity work. You know ... busy, busy. I’m always in high demand.” She paused long enough to look down her fake nose at me. “Well, I really must be going.” She abruptly rose from the table and darted to the front door, already having it open before I could catch up with her. “Thank you for lunch. I’ll see you later.” With a patronizing glare, she abruptly turned and scurried down the sidewalk.

  “Okay, well thank you for dropping the money by,” I said to her back as she walked away.

  What a bitch. Unless I missed my guess, the only reason she repaid me was because I knew too many people within her circle and, like she said, she didn’t want me talking to anyone about what had happened. I thought I just might anyway.

  ◆◆◆

  Going back inside, I finished my lunch, did some housecleaning and then carried my bag of clothes down to the car from when I cleaned out the closet. First, I went by my bank and deposited the cash from Molly. It turned out to
be twenty dollars short from the check I’d written. For a moment, I pictured myself counting it in front of her and then sticking out my hand for the remaining deficit. While I was pleased as punch to have received any payback at all, it still irked me for her to have stiffed me. In my mind, she did it on purpose, just getting away with a little of mine and Greg’s hard-earned money.

  From the bank, I drove to the nearest resale store to drop off my bag of clothing. On the way, my mom called and verified she had picked Ava up from school.

  “I’m already home,” my Mom said.

  “Thank you, Mom,” I said appreciatively.

  “Hey Momma, guess what,” I heard Ava’s voice in the background. My mom quickly placed the call on speakerphone.

  “I can’t, baby. Tell me.”

  “I won fifty dollars at bingo last night. Can you believe it?”

  Actually, I was surprised. “Wow, honey, that’s great. Congratulations.”

  “I’m going to save it for our family vacation.” She paused. “Well, I might want to go back to the store and buy some shorts. I’ve grown since last summer.”

  “We’ll see,” I told her. “Maybe I’ll double your winnings and you can get some new clothes, as well as save for your vacation.”

  “Holy cow Mom, that would be great. You’re the best.”

  “Listen Emily,” my mom interjected, “tonight I’m joining an embroidery group. They meet once a month and usually on Monday nights. But Gertrude, the lady’s house where the meeting is, is going to be out of town this next Monday, so they’ve changed it for tonight. I’d really like to go, and I thought Ava might like to join me. I’m sure it’ll disburse before you come by to pick up Ava, but I didn’t want you to panic in case you arrived home and we weren’t there.”

  “Mom, I’m really looking forward to it. Gigi says it’ll be fun and guess what.”

  “What?” I asked playing along with my daughter’s drama.

  “Gigi says there’s another grandma bringing her granddaughter, so I won’t be the only kid there.”

  “It’s Annabelle’s granddaughter, Hannah,” my mother clarified. “Her mother is Jordan Hughes. You know, you work with her at the bank.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’d love for Ava to get to know Hannah better.” I couldn’t have been happier. Hannah was a sweet child, unlike Sarah who was spoiled beyond belief. “Well okay then, I’ll see you when I see you.”

  After waiting at a red light and then turning into the parking lot, I pulled up to the drop-off lane at Twice Blessed, a charity-based facility associated with the church Greg and I attended. Anyone could donate goods which would be cleaned up and resold, the proceeds going to families in need of assistance.

  After waiting for over five minutes while two trucks in front of me unloaded some very nice-looking furniture, I decided it would be faster if I placed my car into parking gear and retrieved my bag, thinking I could just walk it up to the attendant and be on my way.

  “Please, take it inside,” the attendant directed me, pointing to the glass door entrance of a small, white-bricked building. Then he went right back to unloading a set of wooden chairs in such great condition, I couldn’t understand why someone was disposing of them.

  I frowned but followed his instructions. Moving my car from blocking the lane, I killed the engine, locked the doors and heaved the black plastic container into the store, where I finally deposited my bag next to the front counter.

  “What do you have?” the red-haired clerk asked.

  “Clothes,” I answered.

  “Would you like a receipt?” she asked, pushing up her red-framed glasses that didn’t go well with her hair color.

  “No, thank you,” I answered.

  “Thank you then,” she said.

  Turning to make my way out of the store, I heard a familiar voice once again. “Sarah, you’re going to have to choose from these selections. There’s just no getting around it. Not right now.”

  Molly Jensen and Sarah were over by the children’s clothing section. Thankfully, being short, I easily ducked down and buried myself between two rows of clothes.

  “What if the other kids find out that my blouse came from here? It’s so humiliating,” Sarah argued in an embarrassed tone. “Do I have to? Can’t we pick up something from Gucci’s, or even Nordstrom? Please. Don’t make me do this.”

  “You need a white blouse for tomorrow. There’s no other choice. Not right now while Daddy’s moving money around. It’s just for a stupid picture anyway. You won’t ever have to wear it again.”

  “But it’s a class picture, Mom. For the rest of my life, every time I look at it, I’ll remember where my shirt came from.” Sarah’s voice was filled with distress. “Can I just skip school tomorrow? I don’t really care about going to the museum anyway ... not if someone found out where my clothing came from.”

  “Just pick one, Sarah, and hurry up about it. The sooner we get out of this loser place, the better, and God help us if we run into someone we know.” From a split in the clothing rack that I was hiding behind, I saw Molly holding up three white blouses. “At least we’ll have one and then we’ll discuss you suddenly having a fever later.”

  “Okay, I’ll take this one. But I really am feeling sick,” Sarah acquiesced. “And I think I’ll die if I have to wear it. If I do, then everyone will know I was seriously ill.”

  The two hurried to the register without Sarah bothering to try it on. They were out the door in record time. Through the window I watched Molly and Sarah scurrying to their newly purchased vehicle and all the way, Molly had her eyes glued on the delivery van to the point she almost tripped over a curb.

  Did Molly consider shopping at Twice Blessed to be charity work? Was Paul really moving funds around? Or were they destitute?

  When I stood straight from my crouched position, I found myself in the section of clothing in my size. Honestly, like Molly, I too had looked down my nose at buying used clothing, preferring cheaper wear from the likes of Ross. But as I rifled through a few selections, my eyes bugged out seeing several Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Prada choices. There were several other high-end, name brand outfits too, all for around twenty-five dollars each. It suddenly occurred to me that some of the wealthier people from our church wouldn’t want to be caught dead wearing the same garb on multiple occasions. People like Molly.

  Unable to resist, I sifted through the rack and found several items well worth trying on. By the time I was to the end of the rack, I had to fetch a cart because my hands were too loaded. After trying on several dozen items, I proceeded to the cashier with a brimming cart.

  “Can you believe this?” the red-haired clerk asked. “If these would’ve been in my size, I would have snatched them up immediately.”

  “I didn’t realize this stored carried any high-end clothing.”

  “Oh, we don’t. These are from Margaret Winslow ... you know, that rich broad who lives over near the Royalty High Country Club in the Rivercrest Estates.”

  “Is that right?” I asked curiously, remembering this was the same neighborhood where Paul and Molly lived.

  “Yes,” she went on. “She said she was recently divorced and was cleaning house, a real out with the old and in with the new, including the husband.” She gestured to the truck outside, still unloading stuff I couldn’t believe someone was discarding. “You just happened by, like ten minutes, after I hung this stuff on the rack. You’re lucky these were your size. Can you imagine what you would’ve paid for this stuff fresh out of the store?”

  “Yes, I can,” I agreed. “What else did she bring in?” Yes, I wasn’t stupid. Greedy possibly. But not stupid.

  “There are some handbags still in the boxes, some jewelry and, of course, the furniture.”

  I hate to say I was a pig. But I was. I just couldn’t pass up the deal of a century. I left with a large portion of the clothes, several of the purses, a few pieces of jewelry, and those six wooden chairs I had been eyeing from when I first
arrived. It took me two trips to accomplish it. I took home three chairs at a time, brought back three of my rickety old chairs to be resold, and then repeated the process. And then when I left, I added in a silk Isfahan rug of muted burnt reds, pale yellows and light tans, thinking it would be a great addition to our living room. It all went on my credit card. I’d have to pay for it later, but I couldn’t pass up the deal. I even called my mother and several of my friends and told them to get over here quickly because I hadn’t taken everything.

  Back home, I adjusted the oak chairs around our dining table and stepped back to admire the improvement. They were high-back, barley twist treasures from the early 1920's. It was hard to believe anyone, Margaret Winslow included, would ever part with such fine craftsmanship. After scooting the living room furniture around, I placed the rug. What an improvement. I had a good mind to go back and pack the car again. But my thoughts were interrupted when, for the next thirty minutes, my mom called to rave about all the stuff she had just purchased. Apparently, she was hiring a moving van and had scarfed up the remaining furniture and most of the jewelry. She said several of my friends showed up and were fighting over the remaining clothes, handbags and other items.

  Upstairs I went through the clothing and decided what items needed to be washed versus dry cleaned. While everything looked fresh enough to immediately wear, I felt a little weird about not first laundering the items. Deciding tonight I’d wear the Channel jeans with the off-white scoop-necked top, I gathered a load of washables and headed for the utility room.

  When the load was complete, I dressed for dinner out with Kay and added the coordinating tweed blazer in a pale blue and cream, which had been simply refreshed through my dryer. As far as jewelry went, I examined the selected pieces and chose a thin silver necklace with what looked to be a full carat diamond pendant. I wondered if it was real or a cubic zirconia. My guess was it was genuine, but honestly, I wouldn’t know the difference. And truthfully, I wouldn’t have been aware I was wearing name brand clothing, except I had looked at the labels.