Chapter 4
Luke
I can’t help it, I have to stand and stare at this lady. She’s not calling a tow truck because she doesn’t want to bother people? One part of me says, but that’s their job, but another part of me says...she has an uncommon consideration that I don’t usually see in people. A thoughtfulness that is missing in today’s society.
And maybe, it’s missing in me.
Oh, I think I used to have it, once upon a time, but I suppose when you rub elbows with people who don’t have those higher traits, you have a tendency to lower yourself to their standards. After all, why be the only one in the room who’s being kind and thoughtful and considerate?
Why be the person who offers to give up their room for a complete stranger?
“Well, kids, you know, you could share the room. It’s two double beds. I’m just saying that, in case you want to. Normally, I wouldn’t recommend it, but with the weather, and with her car being stuck...”
I feel like the lady behind the counter wants me to give my room to the woman behind me. Even before she said she couldn’t drive her car. It’s the manly thing to do. Which, again, is something city living has suppressed in me—the old-fashioned idea of being a gentleman.
“I wouldn’t want you to give up your room for me. I’ll just go sleep in my car. It’s not that cold now,” the lady says, but I shake my head immediately.
“No. If someone’s leaving, it’s going to be me. But I’m willing to share the room, if you are. I... I could provide references, you could call my parents and my sister. I’m known as a pretty decent guy.” I hold up my phone, showing her that I’ll give it to her so that she can call whomever she wants to so that she will feel comfortable with me.
I can’t believe I’m begging a stranger to share the last room at the inn with me, especially since it rightfully should be mine, since I was here first.
She stops. Obviously she doesn’t want to spend the night in her car, and I don’t blame her.
“That’s really big of you,” the lady behind the counter says, like I’m seven and just offered to share a piece of gum with my sister. Still, there’s something maternal about this woman, who makes me feel cozy the way walking into the inn didn’t.
“I don’t want to put you out,” the woman says, but she’s not walking out the door.
“You’re not putting me out. We’ll both have a bed to ourselves, and we can set up a schedule for the shower. I’m booking two nights.”
“I thought I would too. Just in case the roads aren’t drivable tomorrow.”
“I can give you a discount,” the lady offers. “Each of you pay half, rather than the full price.”
I am not rich. I’m not a millionaire, not even close, but I do make good money at my job, and this place is obviously on its last leg.
“I’ll pay the full nightly rate for both nights,” I say.
“I will too,” the lady behind me chimes in immediately after I finish. It’s like she’s picked up on the run-down vibes, and pities the sweet old lady, and decided to do that too. I guess after what she said, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. She seems like the kind of person who’s looking out for others in a genuine way. Not one of those people who push “like” on a social media post, throw up a sign in their yard, put a bumper sticker on their car, and then look down on everyone who’s not as good as they are.
Those people are annoying. And I’m surrounded by them in the city.
Maybe I’ve become one myself.
I don’t really want to do self-reflection, not now, not if I’m going to spend the next two nights sharing a room with a stranger.
As though the lady can read my mind, she says, “We do have this area right here where you can spend some time, and you don’t have to be cooped up in your room together. I also have the breakfast area, where we serve breakfast from five to eight in the morning. There is hot water there and packets of hot chocolate and coffee. I have a few tea bags as well.”
The lady speaks, looking at me again over her glasses. I feel a little bit like I’m back in school, although none of my teachers looked like that. It’s just the vibe she puts out.
“That sounds fine.” The woman behind me answers before I do. I’m still stuck on the idea of anyone in their right mind getting up at five AM, but maybe that’s what they do here in the sticks.
“We’ll be good. We’re adults. We can handle this.” I turn to the woman. “Would you like me to call my parents?”
“Sure. I trust you, but it never hurts to verify as well.”
I nod and then dial my mom. She answers on the second ring, and I explain what’s going on and then hand the phone to the woman.
“Hello, this is Allison,” the woman says.
Allison. That’s her name. I suppose I should introduce myself, since we’re going to be sharing a room tonight.
She seems cheerful and sweet as she talks to my mom. I think she’s charmed my mom, since Mom sounded a little unsure about the whole idea of me being stranded at an inn, but she seems to have no problems making conversation with Allison.
The innkeeper has booked my room and has explained to me that they don’t take credit cards or bank cards, and that if I need to get cash, I have to go out and get it from the ATM that’s conveniently located outside facing the parking lot.
I totally missed it on my way in.
“I’ll be right back,” I say.