Hotel

Five minutes pass, which feel like an eternity to me. There's the taxi.

The journey back is depressing: a severe headache overwhelms me and an inexplicable shame consumes me.

As soon as I arrive, I lie down on the bed. Every unanswered question sticks to my mind like glue. As the minutes pass, my sleepy, stressed eyes slowly close. A faint smile graces my face as I remember his last words.

Morning arrives quickly, right on time. I try to blur the memories of the night as I get dressed.

This time I don't want to wear my usual skirts and shirts. I choose a very high-waisted skirt under a green dress and a thin blouse with black flowers. The skirt is a bit short, quite daring, but I don't care. 

My hair is still straight, so I'll wear it down. A little daring make-up and blood-red lips: I don't want to impress anyone, but I don't want Sam to take me for a fool.

I arrive quickly. Luckily, when I walk in, his desk is deserted. I've never seen such an unreliable boss.

A few minutes later, the door opens and my heart starts racing. A persistent nervousness takes hold of me.

"Good morning, Estela!"

I ignore him.

"Ahem... Estela, hello."

I pretend to be deaf, don't look up, and continue typing. Seeing his failed attempt at greeting me, he gives up and sits down to work. 

I don't want to talk to him, but I'm not in a position to win this war with my boss.

"Estela! ... Pass me yesterday's sales figures," he orders, without even looking at me, reaching over the computer.

I get up confidently, take the documents and bring them to him. When I look at him, his eyes are so lost in me that it seems as if the world has stopped turning.

He has that spicy, deep look that rocks my world when I remember what happened last night.

"You look very beautiful today!" he blurts out without thinking, in a relaxed tone.

"Thank you... sir."

As I take my seat, I don't understand what's happening. The screen flickers and a short, vague sound startles me.

"Sam... Sam... help me!"

Sam shoots out like an arrow, settles down next to me, and with a single click, everything returns to normal.

"The cable, Estela, you must have moved it," he boasts, rolling his eyes.

Even though the problem is solved, Sam doesn't leave. His strawberry breath brushes my ear, emanating a scent of perfume mixed with his natural scent, and his chest almost touches my shoulder.

Our eyes meet and a devastating attraction completely corrupts me. I lose my sanity, my senses... everything around me disappears.

 Slowly, his soft, full lips brush against mine. His playful tongue pushes its way in and kisses me.

His kiss tastes like infinity, like chocolate, like cloudy skies that the sun dispels with its light... like glory and eternal life.

I am dismayed, but I don't reject him. I let myself be carried away by that wonderful feeling. His soft, slippery hand caresses my thigh as he kisses me, slowly moving up, almost reaching my underwear, when loud knocks hit the door.

"Mr Hill! ... Mr Hill!"

It's Natali, as reckless and undesirable as ever.

Sam quickly withdraws, sits down at his desk and runs his hands through his hair.

"Come in!" he shouts, adjusting his tie.

When Natali enters, time seems to stand still. Her cruel, cold gaze lashes out at Sam, then turns to me, just as evil and ruthless, full of envy.

It's unbelievable... just this morning I had decided to change my lipstick. To make matters worse, it wasn't matte, but an old creamy pencil that spreads everywhere like drops of water. Sam has his whole mouth smeared, as if he had eaten strawberries. And me?

"The meeting in Ohio... is today, sir," Natali orders him, her arms crossed.

"What... it can't be!

"We have to leave in an hour. I've already reserved our seats," she blurts out, her tone sour.

"Three..." Sam shouts, looking up.

"What?" he asks, trying to ignore Sam's face.

"There are three of us, Natali! Estela has to go... it's essential.

"Essential!?"

"Yes... come on, hurry up," he replies harshly, avoiding her prying gaze.

Natali leaves, irritated and annoyed. Her impeccable hair sways in the breeze coming through the curtains, and she slams the door shut with her usual jealousy and annoyance.

"Estela... come on! I'll take you to your house, you pack, and then we'll go to mine. This meeting is crucial for the company, everything must be perfect."

I don't hesitate or ask questions. I gather my things and follow Sam. His car is parked as if it were a priceless relic: an expensive and elegant Ferrari sports car. Inside, everything is black, with Sam's scent permeating every seat.

My home is small and modest. When we arrive, Sam rushes in and doesn't even stop to look around. He flops down on the small armchair and urges me on with his gaze. I go upstairs without thinking, grab some clothes, make-up and essentials, and come back down just as quickly.

Then comes the other stop.

The entrance to Sam's flat brings back memories, but the pressure of the trip and his words about the perfect business deal overwhelm me. I don't analyse anything else.

Luckily, we arrive in time for the flight. There's Natali, wearing a provocative red dress that almost completely highlights her enviable backside. She has perfect curves and a beautiful face.

Sam doesn't seem impressed; he seems used to seeing what's hidden beneath the clothes and knows it's not as incredible as what's on the outside.

The trip is uneventful. My nerves make my heart race, but the excitement calms it down.

When we arrive at the grand Paraíso hotel, tall and luxurious like Sam's flat, the reservations clerk greets us with a very friendly voice:

"Welcome! Oh dear! I'm so sorry, Mr Hill.

"What's the matter?

"I see there are three of you... but the reservation is for two. It can't be!" she mutters, rolling her eyes at us.

Natali smiles, raises an eyebrow and shrugs, radiating satisfaction.

"Don't worry, sir. I have another room, there's just one thing: it's the only one and it has to be shared. I'm very sorry," says the girl, with distress.

"Oh! Perfect... don't worry. We'll stay in it, the other one will be for the secretary."

My eyes light up and I can't help but turn to Natali. She's furious; her anger is evident. She digs her extravagant nails into her expensive handbag, turns around and goes to find her own room.