Dumpster Fire

CHAPTER 15

Steve rubbed at his eyes, checking the clock on the computer.

3:45 am.

His shift was nearly over. The phone rang and he was tempted not to answer it. The fourth ring triggered his guilt.

"Bloomington Motel." He wrapped the cord around his finger, following the coil pattern. "This is Steve how can I-" Head fell to the counter. "Yes, we do have complimentary breakfast." He held the phone away from his mouth to sigh heavily. "Of course I can bring you extra pillows. Mmhmm. Two? Sure." He leaned back. "And which room? Of course. Be there as soon as I can."

Eyes glanced to the clock.

3:48

Steve stood, letting the chair spin as he made his way to the supply closet, unlocking the door. 

At least I'll get overtime. He snagged the pillows. "Again." 

"Again what?"

Steve startled, eyes wide as he slammed the door closed behind him. " Eddie ." A sigh of relief.

"Well no shit." Brows furrowed as a smile crossed the thinner man's face. "Who else were you expecting?"

Steve chuckled, holding up his burden. "I'm not off shift yet."

Eddie shrugged, his Metallica t-shirt drooping off the striped long sleeve underneath. "I'll wait."

"'Kay." Steve landed a kiss on Eddie's cheek. "Be back soon."

"Better be." Eddie turned to slap Steve's ass as he left, earning a gentle glare. "You love it!" Eddie hollered through cupped hands as the doors closed.

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "Idiot." Yawned, climbing the stairs to room 205.

He knocked, waited. Heard movement from inside, knocked again.

"One moment." Muffled through the door.

Steve sighed. Rolling his eyes closed. The hotel job had been a massive step up from the video rental position, but after two years it hadn't gotten easier. If anything it was more tedious every passing day.

"Thank you!" A young blonde, flushed and wrapped in a robe, snatched the pillows breathlessly.

Steve froze. "T…" he shook his head. "Tiffany?"

The blonde froze, opened the door back up. Took him in for a minute. " Steve ?!" Her grin widened as she ducked into the room, "Be back in a minute, babe."

A feminine voice complained as Tiffany stepped into the walkway, wrapping her robe tighter. "Steve The Hair Harrington." Eyes moved to his head. "Didn't recognize you without the-" she motioned.

"Ah, yeah." Steve ran a hand through his hair, now considerably less styled. "Outgrew it."

She nodded, popping a cigarette out of her pocket. "Got a light?"

Steve acquiesced, watching her light up. Slipping the lighter back into his front pocket. "How is everyone from the old gang?"

"Well," She exhaled. "Me and Estelle got close." She side eyed him. " Real close."

"She in there with you now?"

Tiffany nodded. "We're just visiting family." She inhaled. "You heard about Tommy, I'm sure."

Steve felt a slight pang. "Yeah."

"Tragic." She tapped her cigarette out. "But some people can't out run their demons."