The Waiting Game

THE WAITING GAME - 13

JULY 2018

NEW YORK, USA

Ariana immediately stood up and looked upwards. Traver took that as a sign that she wants to go there, so he grabbed a tray and placed Ariana's food and coffee there. He went out of the counter and led the way. Ariana followed him, watching his every move.

When they reached the stairs, Traver went a couple of steps ahead and carried the tray on one hand. Then, he offered his free hand to assist Ariana. Ariana took it while biting her lower lip, still looking at him intensely. Fortunately for her, Traver is busy watching her steps, making sure she's not going to trip and fall, so she can freely stare at the man of her dreams.

"How can you carry that tray in one hand and not worry about it? It might slip, you know." Ariana uttered, to start another conversation.

"I've been doing this for a long time already. Let's say I had mastered the art of carrying things from by previous jobs." He answered, glancing at Ariana with a smile. They finally reached the second floor. "I'm more worried about you. Those heels might injure you." He said while looking at her stilettos.

Ariana squeezed his hand. She can feel the butterflies raging on her tummy.

"Oh, I'm so sorry..." Traver apologized, realizing that he's still not letting go of her hand. He was about to pull away, but Ariana held his hand tighter. "Please don't let go of me..." Ariana blurted out and her eyes widened upon realizing what she just said.

"I mean... you're right these heels are starting to make my feet hurt. Um... I need support. Right! That's it! So please hold me..." She babbled. She looked away and closed her eyes, stopping herself from saying anything else that will make her more obvious.

"Are you alright? Can you walk? How bad is it?" Traver panicked. He kneeled to get a closer look at her feet. Ariana just looked at him in awe.

"Relax, baby... I think I can still-"

"Do you need me to carry you?" Traver offered, still worried. He didn't even notice that little endearment slip-up from Ariana which the latter was extremely grateful for or else she'd want the floor to swallow her due to extreme embarrassment.

Nonetheless, Ariana is still furiously blushing. Not only for calling him 'baby' but also because of his offer.

"Shit! You must be in so much pain that you're starting to turn pink." Traver pointed out which made Ariana more embarrassed. He turned to Elise. "Elise! Can you carry this tray for me?" He asked, while looking at the doors with green light. "Stay here, okay? I'm just gonna hand this over to Elise." He said to Ariana, and the latter just nodded, not daring to speak.

"To room six please..." He told Elise while handing the tray over. The latter was quick to adhere to his request.

Traver walked back to Ariana to carry her. Ariana quickly wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her like a bride. "You alright?" He asked her softly.

"Y-Yeah..." Ariana whispered and snuggled her head closer to his neck.

Traver carried her to the vacant room. "It's like a living room!" Ariana commented while scanning the room.

There is a long couch and two one-seaters with one long wooden table in front. There is also a black flat-screen television by the wall, speakers, a clock, air conditioner, and pots of plants. The floor is carpeted, making it seem like home.