BANALITY : Draco Malfoy

14

The days continue to pass until it is Monday again. Consequently, it is time to clean the sofas in the lobby. Joan or Jean or whatever her name is once again goes upstairs to clean the carpets. Hopefully, she doesn't use the vacuum on the top floor today, disturbing the guests who aren't forced to wake up before the sun has risen.

It occurs to me that one of the guests that she could awake might be Draco. He said he was only staying in the other hotel for a few days. He could be somewhere in these walls, and I wouldn't even know it yet.

He didn't try to steal me away this weekend. In fact, he makes plans for us this upcoming weekend. It will be the longest I've gone without seeing him. He didn't explain why he wouldn't be around, although I didn't ask. Inquiring does imply that I have some sort of idea about the permanency of our situation.

I don't.

Graham greets me again when the lift dings. His voice is the melodic one he uses for customers. When I round the corner, his spine is straight, and his head is held high. He relaxes upon seeing me.

"I don't know why I always expect you to be a guest," he says. "There is a lull between 4 and 6 every day since the night owls have come back and the early birds are still sleeping, or at least still getting ready in their rooms. At least, if Janet isn't on duty."

"Right," it's all I can manage before I begin to work again.

The sofas are filthy again. This time, I start with the wooden chairs, putting off the mess. The ground needs sweeping as well. I huff, even though I don't want to make noise. It betrays something about me to Graham that I don't want him to hear. After all, I have feelings.

"You coming to Vanish again, Friday?" he asks.

I almost laugh, "what?"

"Well, it seems Ali, Amanda and John made up," he says. "They didn't tell you about Saturday?"

No, they didn't. As much as I understand that they are closer than me, they used to make a more conscious effort not to leave me by the wayside. Yet, it seems they are without me more than usual. Maybe it's because they cannot text me. Really, it's because I am forgettable.

"No," I shake my head. I don't look back at him, hoping he will take the hint.

"Well," he does not take the hint, "John invited Ali out, on like a date, but I know he had no romantic intentions for the night. Anyway, she said no, because she just wants to be single, but you and I both know that it is to spare Amanda's feelings. Then, John asked them both to go to a party at Paul's, and we all went together, and nobody got in a cat fight."

"Good to know," I'm sure my voice is not as dry as I would like it to be.

"Anyway, we are going to Vanish on Friday, so you should come," he says.

"Maybe," I get on my knees to scrub the legs of the chair.

"Really," he presses on. "You still owe me a night of drinks, and I do intend to collect."

"I'll come if they ask me," I shake my head.

They won't ask me. They would've already done so if that was their intention. This way, I won't have to think about buying a different dress to wear or keeping my liquor at an appropriate amount to consume.

"I'm asking you," he says.

I turn around. He is looking at me with kind eyes.

"Thought you were married to the job," I ask.

"I am," he continues. "Doesn't mean I can't have an affair."

I roll my eyes and continue to clean, moving on to the fourth chair at the table. Soon enough, I'm all done. When I finally get up and move on to the sofas, Graham comes out from behind the desk and stands next to me. I continue to get out the vacuum while he taps his foot.