Scarlet Springs (Ari Levinson) AU - 18+

2

Ari

"You got the files?" Sammy once again checks with me and I nod, not even looking up from my magazine. It's the third time he's asked me in the last hour since he randomly manifested in front of the desk. Not that he called ahead to tell me he'd be coming. He never does.

"Yep, I got 'em". Taking a long drag from my cigarette, hoping that he'll just leave and let me get on with things. I don't need someone checking up on me.

I can still feel him staring at me, waiting for me to acknowledge him before he sighs. "We can't afford to fuck this up Ari, you know that". He looks around at the motel. "Otherwise we're gonna have to shut it down".

I look up from my magazine and stare at him. "We won't, I got it all under control ok? Besides it's not yours to run".

"No, but I'm an investor, so I need to know the investment is a beneficial one - not just to me but also to you as well".

"You know full fucking well it is". I eye him knowingly. "You honestly have that little faith in me?"

I don't really need an answer to that because I already know he does - but it's fun seeing his reaction all the same.

He lets out another sigh and leans against the desk. "It's not that..."

I shrug and go back to reading. "So you do your job and leave me to worry about doing mine, ok? Otherwise I'm gonna take your half of the investment and shove it up your ass - or even spend it, I'm not sure which one would be more fun".

A small snort escapes him as he just replies with, "jerk", saying no more. The closing of the door as well as the sound of the car engine starting up is enough to tell me that he's left.

"Idiot". I mutter - he knows full well that this place is beneficial. He didn't have to invest, and yet he did. That part of the decision is solely on him.

It's going to be another quiet night - aside from a couple of guests staying in one of the double rooms, my job is pretty easy. Check the vending machine is working, that the rooms and clean and ready for any guests, and to prove to my friend that this is worth it. I'm optimistic, even if Sammy isn't - but that's just him all over.

However, the girl that wanders in the next evening surprises me a little - for a start she's out late and judging by the small bag she has, she's a hitch-hiker. Her eyes are tired, and she seems a little defeated. I pick up her anxiety, even as she asks if she can use the vending machine and whether we have a bathroom she can clean herself up in. Her fingers claw at her skin self consciously, her eyes scanning the room. I'm almost sure I see a bruise to her arm, but then again it could just be a shadow. It's almost as though she's afraid. Like a rabbit caught in headlights.

There's something about her though, aside from her pretty face that could rival a models - I can't help but take pity. This is a woman who clearly needs some luck, but she's thankful for the room I offer and happily heads off to settle down for the night. I go back through the notes Sammy left before realising that there were probably no towels in the room I assigned her to.

She's thankful for them as I go to give them to her.

I want her name though - and after some deliberation she gives it to me.

Margot...

That's one that'll stick with me, as well as her face.

**

I'm busy doing a few push ups the next morning, keeping up with the usual routine I didn't dare give up when I took over this place, when the door to the reception area opens and I see a pair of feet standing there and waiting patiently. I get up from the floor seeing Margot looking well rested and fresher than she did last night.

"I came to give the key back. Thanks for letting me stay the night". She says quietly, eyes not really making as much eye contact with me - more so her surroundings again. She's constantly on edge so it seems.

I take it from her and put it back on the hook. "Did you have a good night?" I enquire, trying to strike up some kind of casual conversation that'll help me learn more about why she's out here.

She nods. "I did - probably the comfiest so far. Thanks".

"Where you headed?" I ask, leaning back against the desk and crossing my arms.

"I don't know really. Just travelling and if I end up in a place I like? I'll try and get a job so I can afford somewhere".

Interesting.

"You get much custom?" She asks.

I shrug. "Depends on the week - got enough to get by though - there's a gas station not too far as well as a diner so I occasionally see a few familiar faces".

"You run this place by yourself?"

I nod at this. "Yeah, me and my friend - but he lives elsewhere. Hates the idea of staying out here even though I'm here. He comes by to check in though - did that just yesterday".

"You don't seem too happy about that?" She notes my expression.

I chuckle at this and shake my head slowly. "He just had a tendency to wanna boss me about. Pisses me off"

"He's all business then".

"You bet. He didn't wanna invest in this place to begin with".

Margot frowns. "What changed his mind?"

"The reward we'll get outta it - anyway like I said, just me here as well as the guests when they check in. Got a few who've already made reservations for next week so with any luck the business will pick up now that vacation time is on us"

She checks her watch. "Well...guess I'd better be heading off. Thanks again, Ari - wasn't it?" Now double checking she's getting my name right.

"Yeah, you look after yourself out there" I tell her, knowing that there can be a few horror stories while hitch hiking. Not that she'll catch a ride out here today. The road is all but dead and not as direct as others. If she does then she'll be lucky - best get her room ready again for tonight.

"I can handle myself". She assures me.

Can she?

I just accept it, knowing that she'll be back later anyway - probably feeling embarrassed that she had no ride to get. "Well, good luck". Is all I can really say.

"Thanks". She smiles lightly and then without another word, makes her way out and down the road towards the main one that passes by.

I pull back the curtain and watch her go to the end before she puts her bag down and stands there, beginning the long wait for nothing, her head looking left and right every so often in the hopes of a car venturing towards her. 

Turning away from the window, I get back to work looking through the files Sammy left and then going to make myself a coffee. I'll take her one at lunchtime if she's still out there, but for now I have work to do.