Illicit Attraction

19. THE OTHER MAN

ERA

Remembering that tragic day was really a horrible nightmare. It left me with nothing but Timothy helped me survive. We returned to the U.S.A. and I stayed with him in New York.

With a small spark of determination, I worked for myself. I jumped from one job to another - from a food cart vendor, a waitress in bars, to a dishwasher in a restaurant.

Now, it was five years ago but the pain about Henry's death was still in my heart. He was a wound that would never heal forever. Though I was alive, I felt empty and dead inside.

"You ready?"

Timothy pulled me from my thoughts as he steered the car to the side of the road.

"Yeah, I guess."

Stepping out of the car, I raised my face and looked at the huge building proudly standing along the avenue. It was called Valente Residences. About four months ago, I applied here but only the slot for the maid position was available. Yes, I grabbed it since I had no choice. Though I wanted to work in a higher position, my educational background just wouldn't fit any corporate field.

Maybe now I was in the lowest rank, but when this company granted my request for managerial training - which the administration was currently offering - my career would step up. I wouldn't be stuck like this. I was still dreaming of a better life even though my beloved was gone anyway.

It was past three in the afternoon. I was on the 29th floor, heading to a huge unit. Once I got in, I snorted as I scanned the whole place. "What the heck?" I whispered, frowning. How could the guest ruin the classy design of his unit? The living room's center table was full of empty beer bottles and pizza boxes. The huge leather sofa had some liquid spills on its surface. Broken glasses were scattered all over the carpet.

"Oh, my God. It's so disgusting..." I whispered, pushing my cleaning set toward the bedroom. Then my eyes almost popped out. Bed Sheets were wet and pillows were all over. The TV was airing porn flicks. And some used condoms were on the mattress, making my stomach turn upside down. "This is sick," I complained to myself, putting on my hand gloves.

This was my everyday routine here. Though cleaning rooms like this one was making me physically and emotionally drained, I couldn't quit. I needed this job. I needed money so I could start with my own.

A few more hours passed by. As I cleaned the glass wall of one of the second-floor units, I sighed lightly, staring at the sunset. "It's almost quitting time," I mumbled. My last task was Mrs. Hane's room, though old, she was very sophisticated like a British queen.

"I'm leaving now, Mrs. Hane." I smiled as I cleared my cleaning set and placed them back on my rolling tray.

"Wait, I have something to give you, honey," the old lady said as she approached me from the door.

I looked at her then down to a pair of gold earrings in her hand. Even though they were just the size of a peppercorn, they sparkled like the most radiant star at night. I wanted to grab the gift, but I found myself refusing. "It's so kind of you, Mrs. Hane. But I can't accept that due to the company's policy."

She smiled. "You're very honest and hardworking, Miss... uhm what's your name?" She looked at my ID and continued, "...Campbell."

Yes, I was using Emily's surname. Anyway, it was really my parents' surname.

"Please... just call me Era," I said shyly.

"Era." She took a last look at the earrings before putting them in her pocket. "This hotel needs employees like you. I wonder why you stay just like being a housekeeper here. You look smart and overqualified for this job."