A Million Ways To Spend Our Time

Part 7: Can You Give Me Sanctuary?

The next morning, we were awakened by a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Aurora said sleepily. She made her way to the door and opened it quickly. "Morning," said Ray, looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. "Did you two want to get some breakfast with us before we leave? We have to be out by 11:00." Aurora smiled at Ray. "Sure. I'll tell Alana." "Okay. Just come downstairs when you get ready." "Sure will. Thanks." Aurora smiled once again and closed the door. "Well, Alana. Apparently we have been invited to breakfast." "I heard. Ray is so nice. Dorothy is a lucky woman." Aurora chuckled. "Yeah, she is. Now get up and let's get ready. I'm sure you don't want to miss saying goodbye to your boyfriend before they go." I threw a pillow at her. She dodged it and laughed at me.

We made our way downstairs to the front lobby area. Ray, Dorothy and John had already arrived. "Morning, ladies." John smiled at us. "Good morning," we replied at the same time. "Did you have fun at the pool last night?" "Oh yeah. Had a ball actually." "So Jim behaved himself?" Ray raised an eyebrow when he asked us. I neglected to tell Ray the whole story. "Yeah, he was fine. Silly and intrusive, but overall tolerable." "Ray smiled. "That's good. I was wondering what he would do without supervision." Robby came strolling out of the elevator. "Morning." He smiled at us. "I see you remained intact after I left." I smirked. "Oh yeah. It was fun." "I left a moment after you did, Robby. Glad we all went, though." "Really?"Robby raised an eyebrow. "So how was he, Alana?" Robby smirked as he teased me. I rolled my eyes. "Oh hush. Nothing of that sort happened." "Robby! I told you Alana would never do such a thing!" Ray glared at Robby as he scolded him. "I was just playing, man. Breathe!" Ray collected himself. "Good." Jim suavely approached the group, only to pause and stare at me. "Hello, Alana. Aurora. Morning boys. Dorothy." He nodded his head at her respectfully. She returned the gesture and smiled. "Hello Jim," Aurora said confidently. "So what's on the agenda for today, Ray?" "Well, we have to play in Bakersfield tonight. So, I wanted us to go get some breakfast together before Alana and Aurora had to go back home." "Bakersfield, huh? Where else do you have to go this month?" Aurora looked at Ray curiously when she asked. I knew what she was up to and tried to hide a smirk. "Well, we also have to be in Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Diego, followed by Oregon at the end of the month." "Cool. Lots of traveling." "Oh yes. Hence, I'm so glad I was able to see Dorothy last night." They smiled at one another. "So where are we going for breakfast, Ray?" Apparently Robby was really hungry again. "I believe there's a nice pancake place nearby." "Okay, that sounds good," John retorted. "Alright," Jim said calmly. "Does that work for you two girls?" "Sure," Aurora replied. "I like pancakes," I stated. "Okay, then. Let's go." We all exited the hotel and began to walk to the restaurant.

We entered the pancake restaurant, each one of us now awake and hungry. We found a large enough table for all of us in one of the corners and sat down, waiting for one of the waitresses to approach us. "Too bad Alana isn't our waitress today," Jim teased as he smirked at me. The others chuckled at his remark. "Why, so I can trip and fall again?," I retorted smiling. "Nah, that was only the first time. You've improved greatly now." Ray smiled at me. "I believe I have too, thank you Ray. Just had to reminisce." We sat in silence for a moment. "I'm hungry." John made a face at Robby. "We know that, Robby. We know. Plus, we all are at this point. And you can't have any seafood today." "I wasn't gonna ask for any." "I'm surprised." John shook his head and looked around for the waitress, who was finally approaching our table.Everyone placed their food and drink orders, and the waitress walked away to go get them put in. Aurora looked up and around the table at everybody. "Hey guys, we just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. We truly did not expect this and are forever grateful for your generosity and entertainment. Not to mention the music." "No problem. Like I said before, you two are a breath of fresh air in our atmosphere." Aurora smiled. "Thanks, Robby." "Yeah, it was nice talking to you. I enjoyed it," John added. "You guys are our friends, so you're always welcome." Dorothy smiled at us lovingly. I couldn't stay silent anymore on that note. "Awww, thank you Dorothy, you're too sweet." "Not only are you kind people, but I believe we're on a friendly give and take basis at this point, Alana. Ever since you made us those beautiful paintings." Ray smiled at us. "Next time we're in town we'll come back to your restaurant, Alana. That way you can show us your new 3-D art." Ray's eyes lit up. "Good idea, Jim. We will look forward to that." I blushed. "Alright, I'll be sure to bring it with me and look out for you. Like Aurora said so fluidly, we do appreciate everything and enjoy your company." "So do we," Ray replied. Moments later, our breakfast finally came and we all ate in silence hungrily.