When the Beat Drops

6. Breakfast and Bonding

Opening the door, Eva found Mr. Dupont and a security guard standing there. Mr. Dupont appeared less irritated but still somewhat officious. "Mr. Klein?" he said, looking past Eva towards Joost. "We've removed the women from the premises; they have been taken down to the police station. We need you to come and check your belongings if you wouldn't mind," he continued.

Joost nodded, standing up slowly and walked towards the door. As he did, Joost focused on Eva, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you... for everything." He smiled, a genuine smile. Eva couldn't believe how beautiful a smile this young man had. It almost took her breath away.

Eva smiled back warmly, "Go on, Joost. It'll be ok."

With a deep, weary sigh, Joost reached the door where Mr. Dupont and the security guard were waiting to take him back to his suite.

Joost hesitated for a moment before turning back to Eva. "Would you mind coming with me?" he asked. "I don't know why, but I think I'd feel better if you were there."

Eva smiled gently. "Of course I will. I don't mind at all."

She made sure her robe was still tightly wrapped around her body, put on her hotel slippers, and stepped out into the now silent hallway with Joost. Together, they followed Mr. Dupont and the security guard back to his suite.

Joost hesitated at the doorway before stepping into his suite, Eva right behind him. The scene that greeted them was worse than he had imagined. The room was a mess. Furniture was overturned, and broken glass glittered on the floor. The sight of vomit on both the sofa and his bed was upsetting. Joost grimaced, the smell hitting him hard. He glanced around quickly, relief washing over him as he saw that his clothes were still in the laundry bag and his iPad was still in his case. He didn't have that much else to check on as he had his phone in the pocket of his jacket along with his wallet, and he'd had that with him when he ran out of the room. It all seemed to be there amidst the chaos. "I think it's all still here," he said.

Mr. Dupont, looking equally worried, gestured to the damage. "We'll have this cleaned up as soon as we can, Mr. Klein. I apologise for the inconvenience."

Joost noted that he had changed his tune a bit since he'd seen the women and what they were like. Joost wondered if Mr. Dupont was worrying about his job. After all, he was supposed to be on duty when a huge group of women managed not only to get into the hotel but into a guest's room. Joost said, "Thank you. I'd appreciate that."

Eva patted his arm reassuringly. "Shall we get you out of here? It's been a long night, and I don't know about you, but I could use some breakfast. Would you like to join me in the restaurant? It would be nice not to eat alone."

Joost turned to her, grateful for her invitation. Even if the suite didn't smell of booze and vomit, he didn't feel much like being alone. "Yes, please. That sounds great. I haven't really eaten much in days."

Mr. Dupont interjected, "We'll arrange for your suite to be cleaned and restored to its original state right away. I know it looks bad, Mr. Klein, but our housekeeping team and maintenance will work wonders if you can give us two or three hours. If you and Ms. Simone would like to go for breakfast and then enjoy some complimentary treatments of your choice in our spa, it will give them time to do their work."

Joost nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Mr. Dupont. That sounds like a good idea. What do you think, Eva? Fancy spending some time getting pampered with me?" Feeling a sense of relief that things might be ok, he grinned at her. She noted that his dimples were spectacular.

Eva returned his grin with a big smile, genuinely quite excited. "Sounds like fun!" She didn't think she'd have a chance to use the spa-she wasn't made of money, and even the little room she had was only hers because of a staff discount procured by her daughter. She added, "I don't think I've had a proper pamper session in years!"