Chapter one: ella
I put on my housekeeper uniform. This is going to keep the men away. It’s like repellent. I dabbed on some lipstick and thru my hair up in a ponytail. I’m not sure if I am going to like this new job but I need one. I need to pay my bills, somehow right? I got all my stuff together and decide to just walk to work since it is just a couple of blocks away.
I walk out onto the streets of New York City. It smells horrible. I walk around the corner to the hotel and WHACK.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I ask.
“I am so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I can tell.” I say as he began to help me pick up my stuff.
He is handsome. He has longer brown hair and a jawline that looks like Michelangelo carved it himself. I could not keep my eyes off him. I didn’t want him to notice me staring at him.
I look at the ground and say, “Next time make sure you are paying attention.”
I finally go to work and my trainer Mary has been waiting for me. I am just on time. It’s going to be a long day. We have a list of fourteen rooms we must complete before we would be able to go home. From what she tells me, they are very particular about how their rooms look. They want everything to look perfect. This isn’t a cheap hotel to stay in. The first couple of rooms Mary did herself. She just wants me to watch to see how things are supposed to be done.
Once we got to the fourth room, she asks me to clean it myself and she is going to go to the next room. When she is done, she will come back and check it for me. I start in the bathroom. They have left wrappers and things all over the bathroom sink and floor. That wasn’t such a big deal. It is simple to pick up and throw away. They want to make sure we get all the soap scum spots off the shower walls and floor which I did.
Next, I tackle the actual bedroom part. The sheets are disgusting and sticky which led me to believe they had quite the time while they were staying here. I took all the bedding off and put new bedding on. I dust the room and wipe down all the tables and furniture that I could. I did the dishes in the sink, clean out the refrigerator and I am done. Mary walks back in and starts inspecting my work.
“Wow, you did pretty damn good for this being your first room.” She says.
“Thanks, cleaning isn’t that hard of a job.”
“Oh, it is. You will see. You will be sore when you go home tonight. Just wait.”
We head to do the next eight rooms. It didn’t take us to long considering there are two of us cleaning them. We got the rooms done in about four hours. We have two rooms left but they are stayovers.
“What are we supposed to do with stayovers?” I ask Mary.
“They are easy. Basically, you just if they need their trash taken out or new sheets. You just do whatever they ask for you to do.” She replies.
“Oh, that won’t take long at all.”
We each took a stayover room. This wouldn’t be too bad. I mean new sheets and taking trash. Easy Peezy. I knock on the door and announce myself as Housekeeping.
“Once second.”
The doors open slightly with a man in a towel.
“I can come back later, sir.” I say as I notice it is the guy from this morning.
“No, that’s okay. Give me a couple of minutes to get dressed. Be right back.” He replies.
Holy crap. He is staying here. Out of all the hotels he could be staying at and he is staying at the place I work. What the hell? I can’t lie. He looks pretty good in just a towel. I have some dirty thoughts go thru my head but stopped them quick. He ran into me and knocked me down. I am mad at him. I couldn’t be crushing on him. What the hell is wrong with me? Get it together. Shit. I wait by the door for him to return. I grab some trash bags and sheets.
“Come on in.”
He is wearing some shorts and no shirt. God, why couldn’t I stop staring at him? Has it really been that long that I can’t even function around a man with his shirt off?
“So, I’m here to take your trash and provide new sheets.”
“My sheets are fine. I have no trash. So, there’s nothing that you must do for my room. But you can sit down and take a break.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m sure you have been working hard all day. Plus, I owe you after knocking you down this morning.”
Crap, he recognizes me. Well, at least he feels bad. I might as well take a short break since he is offering. I sit down in the desk chair and sigh. Believe it or not, my feet are killing me. I can’t wait to get off and soak in a hot bath. Mary is right. This job does make you sore.
“So how long have you worked here?” He asks me.
“I just started today. I was almost late this morning because of you.”
“I am so sorry again. I didn’t mean to knock you down this morning. I feel horribly about that.”
From the look on his face, I could tell he is being sincere. He has beautiful blue eyes. I couldn’t help but notice. He is toned. He has broad shoulders. I wonder how much time he spends working out to look like that?
“I am usually here at least a week out of the month. I have been staying at this hotel since they opened recently. It’s nice.”
“It sure is. I don’t know how anyone can afford to stay in one of these rooms but I guess it’s worth it.”
“It’s not that much to stay here.”
“It costs an entire weekly wage to stay here for two nights. So, I would say that it is expensive.” I reply.
His smile is contagious. I can’t help but smile in return. I shyly look down at the ground because I don’t want him to catch me looking at him.
“So, what do you do for a living?” I ask him.
“I am founder and CEO of a couple different companies. I come into town often on business. I own a publishing company, a couple restaurant chains, and some other businesses. Altogether nine businesses so far. I always think of new adventures to dip my toes in though.”
“A CEO? How the heck did you manage that? Isn’t that like a major accomplishment?”
“I just worked really hard. I made sure I exceled it school. I attended a prestigious school and got a master’s degree. I knew what I wanted and I went for it.”
“You look so young. Wow, that is amazing. I can’t believe it. You should be proud of yourself.”
“Thank you, I am very proud of myself. I have multiple successful businesses. I’ve accomplished a lot in my short life already.”
Okay, this is my queue to go. I am sitting over here making googly eyes with a rich man while he is shirtless and it would never happen between us.
Chapter 2: alexander
She is way too pretty to be single. I couldn’t imagine. She has emerald green eyes and I can tell she is scared to smile but she does it brightens up the room. She doesn’t have to be shy around me. I need to work up the guts to ask her out if she shows up tomorrow. If she says no, then I’ll just have to keep trying. It’s getting late and I must get up early for my run. I lay down and fall fast asleep.
As I leave the hotel, I am secretly hoping I will run into her again this morning on her way to work. I want to see her again. Maybe invite her for some coffee if she has time. I run around the same block about ten times but didn’t see her. Maybe, she doesn’t work today. I am disappointed. I’m not going to get the chance to ask her out. I knew I should have just bucked up and did it.
I went back to the hotel and took a shower. I ran close to four miles this morning. I sat down at my laptop to start working on some business plans when I heard a knock at my door.
“Housekeeping.” She says.
I open the door and there she is asking me if I need anything.
“Go ahead and come in. I will have to look around to see if I need anything. I hope you aren’t having to rough of a day.”
“My day is going quite well actually. I am fixing to head home for the day. Oh, and my name is Ella.”
She looks at me and tries to be subtle but she can’t help but stare. It is mutual. I start talking to her so we can continue our conversation from yesterday.
“How is it to be a CEO of a company?”
“It a very hectic schedule to make sure everything operates smoothly. I travel a lot and normally work between 12-14 hours a day even if I’m not in an actual office.”
I look at her and smile. I am walking around my room making it seem like I am looking for something.
“Well Ella, it doesn’t look like I need anything replenished and I only have a little bit of trash so no need to waste a trash bag just yet.”
“Okay, sir. I should make your bed at least.”
“Nonsense, I can make my own bed. You go ahead and enjoy the rest of your day. I say to her with a smile.
She smiles back at me and it makes me smile even bigger. Her smile is so gorgeous. I need to do it now. Ask her. Do it. I am too late. She is gone down the hallway. Fuck! What is wrong with me? Why can’t I just ask her? It’s not that complicated?
I have been lonely and looking for someone but no one has peaked my interest until her. My past relationships haven’t been so great. Most women flock to me because of my money. They don’t really want ME. I am hoping she is different. I would love to get to know her more. She seems to have an interest in me. I could not get her out of my mind. I must do something. Our first encounter didn’t depict me in the best light. I must change that. Show her who I really am.
Is it weird that I am nervous? I call my best friend Shawn.
“Hey man, remember me telling you about that girl I knocked over?”
“Yeah, what about her?”
“I think I’m going to ask her out.”
“What? REALLY? You haven’t asked a woman out in a long time. You sure you are ready to through all of that again?”
“Yes, there is something different about her. I need to get to know more about her.”
“Go big, man. Women love jewelry and flowers. You can never go wrong with that.”
Shawn is right. I have never heard of a girl that didn’t like jewelry or flowers. I look around online for a diamond necklace. I want to get her a nice one. I shop around online to see if I could find some simple but elegant. I want something nice for her. I wish I knew more about her so I could know what she likes at least this would be much easier. After looking at about sixty necklaces, I found one. It is only a small one for $3500. SOLD For the necklace, it’s not a bad price! It’s 20% off. Great deal! I will get roses since that seems to be every girl’s favorite flower. I am starting to get nervous. I know she will be back by today. It’s go time.
chapter 3: ella
“Housekeeping.”
Alexander opened the door. How does he always look so yummy? I know deep down that he will never go for a woman like me. I know not to get my hopes up but it is nice to be able to at least look at him. His eyes are like deep pools of water and his jaw chiseled and distinct.
“Come in.”
“Do you need any service today?”
He looks at me and laughs, “There are a lot of things that I need but I don’t think you can give them to me right now.”
Wow, I could take that so many ways. I didn’t know if he means it the way I think but I could hope so.
“Okay, well I will be back tomorrow.” I say as I start to walk out.
“Wait!” he says grabbing me by my arm to stop me.
“What do you need?”
“I want to see if you are interested in going out with me? He says as he hands me flowers and a necklace box.
Does he really think I am the type of girl that because you shove a fancy jewelry box and flowers in my face that I am going to say yes?
“No, I’m not interested.” I say and walk away.
I know that men like him don’t settle down with women like me. I am not wealthy. We don’t run in the same circle. I can’t get hurt again. I can’t get my hopes up about something that would never work out. As much as I would love to go out with him, I just can’t. He doesn’t really want me. He is just lonely from traveling. I can’t be that person for him. I want more. I promised myself that I wouldn’t settle for a random hook up anymore. I need something substantial.
I call my best friend Charlotte and tell her about Alexander. She starts to laugh.
“You are always good at turning men down for dates. I have a guy that I am setting you up with tonight and you don’t get to say no. He is a nice guy and has his act together. All I am asking for is one date. If it’s an epic fail, then at least you tried.”
“Fine, but you will owe me. You know I hate blind dates. They never end well.”
She sends me the details. I am meeting him at the restaurant. I put on a white summer dress and head to the restaurant. I am not going to lie. I am not excited for tonight at all. The last time she set me up it did not go well. The guy ended up being a complete asshole.
As I walk up to the restaurant I notice him standing in front.
“Hello, I’m Ella.”
“I’m Michael.” He says to me shyly.
“Thanks for taking me out tonight.”
“My pleasure. Shall we go in?”
“Sure.”
We get our table and order our food. There is no conversation happening at this point. Pure awkward silence. I try to think of something to ask.
“So, what do you do?”
“I am interning at a Law Firm.”
“Oh, that’s interesting.”
Ya, this guy doesn’t know how to conversate. I know this is just going to be a long night. Once we get our food, there was no conversation. We just eat and then wait for the check. Once the check comes, he hands her his card. He thanks me for letting him take me out and then the waitress informs him that his card is declined.
“I have money in there. I don’t understand why it would be declined.”
“No worry, let me just pay for it. I am getting tired and have to work in the morning.”
I hand her my debit card, she runs it and I sign the receipt. We get up and walk outside.
“I’m so sorry about that. I don’t understand. I’ll have to call my bank tomorrow. Could I take you out again?”
“It’s fine. Things happen. I’m going to head home now. Maybe we will get together again. Let me think about it. I got a busy work schedule right now. I’ll let you know. Thanks for tonight.”
“I would like that. Walk home safe. Do you want me to walk you home?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks though.”
I walk back to my house in awe. I couldn’t believe Charlotte set me up with this guy. He couldn’t hold a conversation. He couldn’t pay for dinner. This is officially the worst date I have been on. I should have known better than to agree to this again after last time.
I immediately call Charlotte. I am not happy. It was a waste of my night.
“How did it go? I need details.”
“Not great, let me just say that you are not allowed to set me up anymore. This date was awful. By far, the worst date I’ve ever had.”
“What happened?”
“He is awkward. He couldn’t hold a conversation at all. Pure awkward silence the whole time and to boot, his card was declined so I ended up paying for dinner.”
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I thought he was nice guy. I’ve been working with him for a couple of months now. He said he wished he could find a decent girl around here so I thought of you. I’m so sorry.”
“He might be a nice but just not for me. I need to be able to hold a conversation with the person I am dating. It can’t be like I’m talking to a door.”
“I understand girl. Alright, well no more blind dates for you. Goodnight.”
We get off the phone because it is getting late and I must work in the morning. I change into my night clothes and go to sleep.
chapter four: ella
“Ella, I really want to take you out. Why won’t you just let me?”
“I am trying to find someone that is looking to settle down and make a life with someone. I just met you.”
“Just give me a chance at least. If you don’t enjoy our date, then at least you gave me a shot.”
“Because girls like me don’t end up with men like you.” I say as I look down at the ground feeling insecure.
“What do you mean men like me? Because I have money? Why does the fact that I have money change the fact that I like you? You are a beautiful woman and I want to take you out.” He tells me with a smile.
This is so confusing. Looking at Alexander it is so hard to say no. It has been a long time since a man has called me beautiful. He seems genuine. I guess I can understand what he means by that. I can’t say he doesn’t want to be with me because he has money. I should at least give him a chance, right?
“Okay, but no expensive gifts. I don’t need that stuff. I couldn’t afford a necklace even close to that if I saved up for three months.”
Alexander agreed and we went our separate ways.
Chapter 5: alexander
I didn’t think I would find someone but I ran into Ella and could not take my eyes off her. I could tell she was pissed but she couldn’t keep her eyes off me either. I feel so lucky that she agreed to go out with me. You don’t find women that are beautiful, down to earth, and sophisticated that often. I didn’t want her to slip thru my fingers.
I want to take her to the most expensive restaurant in town but figure since she told me she is a simple girl, I will just make reservations for White Camingo. It isn’t super expensive but it wasn’t cheap either.
I call Shawn and talk some more about her. I tell him how the necklace and flowers were a bust. A woman that didn’t enjoy receiving necklaces and flowers are rare. I could tell she isn’t like any other woman that I have ever asked out. He told me I should get her a dress to wear. I try to explain that she didn’t like gits but he advises me to do it anyway. I did as he advised. I call a local boutique LA VI and have them find her a dress and put it in a pretty box. I wouldn’t give it to her unless she doesn’t have anything to wear. I don’t want to make her mad.
I am starting to get nervous. My palms are moist and my throat is beginning to get dry. This isn’t like me. Usually, nothing makes me nervous. She has a different effect on me. I could tell that this is a good thing. I am excited to see her all dressed up tonight. I am going to get to see her in a different setting.
It is time for me to start getting ready. I head back to the hotel from LA VI and head up to my room. I wasn’t sure what I want to wear tonight. I am usually in a suit. However, I feel like maybe I should change things up and let her see the other side of me. The casual Alexander. I want her to see me in a different setting too. I’m just going to wear some dark jeans and a nice button up shirt. Let her see me in something other than a suit. I had finally got her to say yes and I didn’t want to mess it up. I need tonight to go perfect.
I have never cared so much of what my appearance looked like before now. I want to make sure I look to the best of my ability. Although, I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable either. She already is on the fence about me because I have money.
I take one last look at myself before I head out the door. It doesn’t take long to get there since she only lives a couple blocks from the hotel. I drive my Audi down the street and see her house. Why am I so damn nervous? Get it together. It’s just a date. You got this. I took a deep breath, gained my composure, give myself a pep talk and head up to her door.