A Tale of Two Carnies

23 - A Confused Mess

During the drive back to the inn, the rain finally arrived, the sort of deluge that forced drivers to pull off the side of the road. We waited it out in a grocery store parking lot.

Shelly studied her nails while the raindrops drummed against the car roof. "I'm glad you're driving. I would be a nervous wreck."

The worst of the storm passed a few minutes later, and I eased back onto the road, driving slowly. With the wipers on high, driving was manageable. When we pulled into the inn, the parking lot was already jammed. Another Saturday night crowd.

"I was hoping to get a spot by the door. Toting these dresses across the lot, I'm afraid they'll get soaked."

"They won't if we're careful," Shelly said. "The store bags are plastic and waterproof. I'll help you carry them to your room."

I found a spot at the edge of the lot near the Beast and handed the keys back to her. She slipped them into her clutch. "You ready?"

"Let's do it!"

We grabbed the purchases and made a mad dash for the door. Running made no difference. We were both soaked by the time we reached the porch.

The bell above the door dinged when we entered but nobody paid attention. The place was too busy with partiers. "Follow me." I led her to the staircase and up to my room. While unlocking the door, I tried to remember if everything in the room was presentable.

We entered and I threw the bags I carried onto the bed.

"Don't!" Shelly exclaimed in a scolding tone. "You'll get the bed quilt all wet." She carefully laid the bags she carried onto the floor.

"Yes, ma'am." I set my bags beside hers.

She walked to the window and looked out. Then she inspected the room. "I was never in these rooms. They're Spartan but quaint."

I handed her one of my room towels.

She stepped in front of the mirror. "Ugh, my hair is a disaster."

"Sorry, I don't have a dryer."

While she dried herself, I searched through the dresser drawer for a fresh shirt to give her, glad Raya had done my laundry that day.

"Here." I held out a zip up sweatshirt. It would be too big on her, but she'd be able to roll up the sleeves.

She hesitated, then took it. "Thanks."

"You can change using one of the bathrooms. There's one at each end of the hall."

"Or, you could just turn your back," she said.

I did so.

"And no peeking in the mirror."

I held my hand over my eyes.

"You can turn around now."

I pulled a dry shirt for me to wear from the drawer. "I don't mind if you want to peek."

She scoffed and turned her back.

"Okay, I'm done."

We looked at each other, both feeling a bit awkward. At least I did.

Shelly looked out the window. "Still raining. I'll just get soaked again going back to the car."

"Sorry, I have no umbrella."

"You don't even have a TV. How are we going to pass the time?"

"We could go downstairs."

"We're underage, remember?"