Serial Passion

Chapter 2

The sun began to wane, giving the city a golden hue. I took his outstretched hand and trailed behind him to the automobile. Alastor towered over me and looked more like my body guard than my date. Even with my two inch heels, he was more than a head taller than me. His military posture and broad shoulders made our size disparity even more prominent.

"Which hotel are you at, deary?" His smooth, reassuring voice could convince me to do anything.

"I'm at L'hôtel Cramoisi. I don't have much to pack, so it'll only take me a minute to get ready and check out." He nodded at my answer. When we reached the car, he opened the passenger door, and motioned for me to step into his 1921 Dodge Roadster.

"It is rather a shame about the Dodge Brothers," he said while he sat behind the wheel. "They both died before this car was out on the market. But, the good news for Henry Ford is that his competition is dead. If only the competing radio stations had the decency to do that for me, haha!" His cheery voice and white smile overshadowed his dark comment.

He effortlessly clicked the key into position, starting the engine. Every movement he made was precise and decisive. Everything he did reaffirmed how utopian he was: from the way he turned the steering wheel, how he smiled at waving passerbyers, or to how he kept his appearance spotless.

I let out an inaudible sigh before trying to strike back up the conversation. "This is a bit embarrassing, but I've never been in an auto before. My family and I have been working towards saving for one, but Pops thinks we should keep waiting for the prices to lower. It's my first time leaving my small town, and I had no idea there were cars this fancy until a few days ago."

"Your Pops has the right idea. I've been told not to report on this, but it's estimated that auto prices will keep lowering until they're only a few hundred dollars. This car was a necessity for me to get to work, but you should tell him to keep holding off for a while. Patience is key in everything! We're just about at the hotel now. I'll wait for you in the lobby."

He parked the car along the curb and waved at me to stay seated until he could open the door for me. I couldn't plan out a person as polite and well mannered as he is if I tried. His cordial behavior was a bit off putting, but this is probably how all aristocrats act. Regardless, I began to have doubts about this arrangement as I packed my bag.

Is it really a good idea to go over to his place? He is technically a stranger after all, and Mom told me to be weary of boys and their intentions. I would also like to spend more time in the city on my own, but I'll never get a chance at a job like this again! Maybe I just need to stop acting ungrateful. I should feel lucky to even be in his presence. I've been an avid fan of his for years; he's helped me through so many hard nights and cheered me up countless times. Even if he was only a voice over the radio, I feel like he was personally there for me. Alastor is a good person, and I can't let some little worries get in the way. I should take control of my destiny and make this decision for myself! He very well could be the man of my dreams, and I'm sure Mom would love to see me with him. Still, I can't let myself act too desperate. I don't want to go back home empty handed and think about all I missed here.

I locked my suitcase and carried it down the stairs. Alastor by the entrance being friendly with the hotel receptionist. "Hey, Mr. Alastor? Are you sure it's still okay for me to come over? I have enough money for a few more nights here, and I don't want to be a burden in your estate if I'm not going to be working tonight."

He looked down at me and gave a warm smile. "No need to worry, sweet heart. I invited you over, and you'll cause no issue at all. You spending a night or two at my place before you get used to it is not a concern. I see that you already have your things packed and with you, so I know you'd be disappointed if I suddenly changed my mind now," he said.