JOBLESS.

(ALICE)

PRIMROSE HOTEL .

I stared at the huge neon sign that welcomed me, as I alighted from the taxi. This is where I’d be staying till I find a good apartment.

According to my calculations, my money would be just enough for a three days stay. And my remaining money would go into rent and other necessities.

“Welcome to primrose hotel.” The receptionist said with a smile.

“Third floor, room 307.” She said again, after I have made payments, handing me a key card.

I locked the door behind me, going straight to lay down on the bed. I was tired.

I didn’t know how long I had slept till my doorbell dinged.

It might be a mistake.

It dinged again.

I cursed, dragging myself out of bed.

“Room service,” a male voice said behind the door.

“Oh. Thank you.” I had totally forgot I ordered dinner.

“This our special set dinner of pasta and chicken breast.” He set down the food on the table.

“Enjoy.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and there’s a pool party happening tonight, it’s for everyone staying in the hotel, if you’d like to attend.” He faced me, eyes boring into mine.

“I have work tomorrow, I don’t ….I don’t think I should be in a party.”

“It’s till dawn, but you can retire whenever you want. It’s 7 pm now, it starts by 8.”

“I’ll think about it.” Why is he so daring?

“Sure. See you.”

I took a deep breath when he left. I couldn’t quite understand the tension between us just now.

I ate my food and washed up. I had a swimsuit in my box, deciding to go for the pool party. Maybe few hours of fun will be the small therapy I needed.

I wore the swimsuit robe over it and headed to the pool. I paused at the sight before me.

People were already kissing, dancing and champagne were being passed around.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

“Running already?” A familiar voice said behind me.

I turned and it was the room service boy. He held out the glasses of drink he carried for me to take.

“You should sit. There are still performances.” He smiled, sauntering off into the crowd.

I found an empty far corner, and went there to sit.

“Fancy seeing you here.”

My eyes widened at the person in front of me. It was the hospital room guy.

“May I sit?” I nodded.

“It seems you’re following me,” he turned briefly towards me.

“What?” my brows furrowed.

“Relax,” he gave a short laugh, “I was joking.”

“Didn’t know you as someone that could joke."

“Ah, the hospital? I could be in danger of sexual assault, how dare I joke in that situation.”

I laughed. Heartily.

“Oh, I’m funny now?” he smiled.

“Well I never thought of it like that.”

“You should be careful. I am good guy you know.” A smug smile speed on his face.

“ ‘course you are.”

“I guess you’re not, seeing you are in a strip pool party.”

“Strip?" I paused, "Did I hear you right?”

“What? You didn’t know? Everyone comes to Primrose for that.”

“Is this another joke?” I turned, facing him.

“Look,” he nodded towards the center.

The light went dim, and the boys came out, totally naked!

The women cheered.

“What the…,” I took my eyes off immediately, and heard him laughing.

“You should look. They already started dancing.” He laughed again.

“It’s not funny. And what are you doing watching them? Are you gay?”

No response. He just laughed.

I was pretty sure I saw the room service boy. He was amongst the strippers. I should’ve just stayed up in my room.

“Come on. Let’s leave.” I heard him say, and without much talk I followed him.

“Which floor are you in?” he asked in the elevator.

“Third floor.”

“Oh, Same.”

We rode quietly, the silence totally engulfing us.

The elevator dinged open and I finally breathed.

“I’m Alex.” He turned to me, extending a hand.

“Alice.”

I got into my nightwear and prepared for work tomorrow. There’s really nothing to prepare, just have to decide on what to wear and make sure I have all my files.

When the alarm woke me up by 7 am, I snoozed it. I was tired, emotionally stressed and it was taking a toll on me physically.

But I knew the best thing I could do for myself now is get to work, and face the new week.

CARA INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM.

I breathed as I stepped in.

My desk remained the only thing untouched in my life. I sat looking over some project designs I had to get through with.

“Alice, Mrs. Cara wants you in her office,” a junior designer called.

When I came in, she looked me in total assessment. That has always been her, making sure her employees and everything is prim and proper.

“Alice sit.”

“Is there a problem ma’am?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“I received a report that you’re offering freelance gigs to potential customers that visited our firm.” She paused.

“What? No.” I shook my head.

“There’s evidence Alice. You’re very exceptional in your work, and look at you now, a project manager. But you know the company’s principles.”

“Ma’am, I don’t know who made such reports, but I can prove I didn’t do it.”

“Hand over your phone. It would be accessed by the security team.”

I waited in my desk, eyes darting towards everyone in the office.

Who could have made such reports?

I had no trouble with anyone. So who is it?

I got called again and went to know the outcome.

“Here . Look at it.” She handed me the files from a messaging app in my phone and pictures.

“Claire?” I said immediately I saw the photo of her talking to me in the hospital.

It was obvious she and Edward also did this.

A messaging app was installed in my phone and texts were exchanged, all with people that Edward asked me to meet.

But what I didn’t know was that, it was all a setup. All those people I met, Claire too, already came to our firm, and pictures were taken.

It was a perfect plan. That must be what he was up to, the nights we drank.

I wonder what else he had done.