The Damsel Hotel

New Atmosphere

Already settled down in my office. When is the new assistant getting here? I should have hired someone more punctual.
A phone call from Stella.
"Sorry, I just got on the elevator. I'll be there soon!"
"Okay. Hurry up."

"You're 30 minutes late."
"I woke up a little late, but I tried to get here as fast as I could."
"It's your first day, so I'm letting you off the hook."
I type into my laptop, so she doesn't notice that I'm staring. The white blouse, black pencil skirt, and black stockings fits her well. Am I kidding myself? Checking out an employee? Pull yourself together man. Wait, she looks tense. I can always tell when someone is intimidated or uncomfortable.
"You can sit down you know."
She sits on the couch facing away from my desk. I guess I should take a break and say something.
"Since you're going to be following me around, I want you to be comfortable around me. I am 24 years old. I started working here about 2 years ago."
She turns to face me.
"Mr. Shredder, is there anything you need me to do?"
I guess she's not interested.
"Actually, I don't like the way that sounds. I'm not that old, so call me Neil."
I'm getting as uncomfortable she is, so I get up and quickly walk out of the room.
"Let's go."

We walk into the elevator and I press the 1st floor button.
"So, where are we going?"
"For a tour around the resort, to get you used to the place."
She's standing close to the glass and staring outside, while I'm standing near the doors. I've been in this elevator too many times. I'm not amazed by the view anymore. Stella broke the silence and turned around to face me.
"I'm curious, is that your real hair color?" So she is interested in learning about me?
"Nope, I dyed it and I'm pretty sure people aren't born with silver hair."
"So what's your natural hair color?"
"Blonde."
"Oh. It's so healthy looking. I heard it's high maintenance though."
"Yeah." I guess I should ask something too.
Except someone walks in. A man almost as tall as me with black hair and hazel eyes appears. He's wearing a fitted tshirt and jeans. Its my buddy from high school aka Dustin Burdock, from the front counter. "Oh hey boss."
"Hello. Your shift didn't start yet?" He walks in.
"Naw. I start at noon." His attention turns to Stella. "Who's this? Your lady friend?"
"My new assistant, Stella Avalon."
Dustin lifts her hand up and kisses it. "Nice to meet you, I'm Dustin." He grins which makes me feel uncomfortable. She moves her hand away. Phew. Surprisingly, she returns the smile. Is she blushing?
"Nice to meet you, I'm Stella. So, how do you guys know each other?"
Finally, at the first floor.
He pats my back. "Close friends since high school. He was in my homeroom class and swim team."
"That's cool. Swim team huh?"
"You should see us in action. I'm pretty fast, but not as fast as Neil over here." We make it out of the lobby and I interrupt.
"Dustin, I'm going to show Stella around. Are you tagging along?"
"Duh." He puts an arm over her shoulder. "The more the merrier."

We took almost an hour going around. It would have been quicker if Dustin hadn't come along and kept stopping to talk 90% of the time. After the tour, we went to the hotel's restaurant. Right now, we are having an early lunch, so he could eat before his shift. Waiting for Dustin to get our food while we wait at the table. I'm sitting across from Stella.
"Do you know where everything is located now? Just in case I need you to run some errands."
"Yes Mr.- I mean Neil. You look so mature, so I keep messing up." She laughs.
"I'm only a few years older. You can be casual around me."
"Okay, 'Neil'." She teases.
Dustin arrives with the food and drinks. He sits next to Stella. No surprise there. "The food here is good, but don't get used to it. There are many great restaurants in Lando. I can drive you around the city if you want." Great. Only paying attention to her. I'll just sit here and eat.
"Sounds good. I haven't gotten the chance to explore the city. I just got here last week."
"Weekend sound good?"
"Yeah." They're going to be alone. Does that count as a date? I can't let that happen! They attend the same workplace.
"May I go too?"
"For real? You're actually leaving the hotel and not even for business?"
"I want to see how it feels to be a tourist and see if I can make the hotel atmosphere more welcoming." Great excuse. In my mind, I'm high fiving myself.
"Okay then, but be warned. You're going to be third wheeling."
"Whatever. Don't tease me Dustin." I can already see it. The both of them sitting in the front of the car, while I'm sitting in the back. The both of them pointing at stuff together, while I'm walking behind. Why am I even jealous?
"I won't let you be the third wheel. I don't like leaving others out." That shocked me a little.
"Thanks. What a great trait for an employee." Ugh. Why did I say that? Employee? Are you kidding me?
Dustin sighs. "Okay, I won't leave you out either. Neil the great and powerful and Stella the curious and beautiful, I shall escort you around thy island." Dork.

We discussed the day and time, then they exchanged phone numbers. We finish up and Dustin leaves. Me and Stella head back up to the office.
"The resort is nice."
"Thanks."
"Thanks for taking your time to show me around."
"Not a problem. If you need help with anything, just ask me."

When we got up to the office, it became awkward once again. I spent the day typing and writing, while Stella filed stuff and we had a few, short conversations. The office atmosphere is better when she's here. I'll look forward to Saturday.