Dusty Shelves

A Proposal

"Evening miss" I said to the girl behind the counter. She was rather young, in her early 20s but a bit old for me I thought. Not that I was interested.

"Evening sir. Can I help you?" she asked with the familiar look. I smiled and looked at Alice who was glaring at the girl behind the counter.

"Yes. I was first wondering if you could give me the number to Todd Steven's room. You see, we organised it so we would go up and scare him tonight. His girlfriend is pregnant and we need to give him the good news. I would be extremely grateful if you could give me room number to let me share the fabulous news"

"Certainly. He is on the 4th floor, number 319"

"Thank you so much. Secondly, I was wondering if I could get a room for my girlfriend and I to stay in. Preferably the same floor if that's possible" I said with a wide smile. I was good at persuading girls. I didn't do it to a point where they thought they might have a chance, though. I wasn't that much of a tease.

"Sure. There is one two doors down at 321"

"Thanks again. Have a wonderful night" I said and took the key card off her. She smiled slightly at me and as I turned I saw her glare at Alice.

We walked to the elevator and I held Alice to my side. She loosened up and smiled at me.

"Sorry about back there. I get kind of jealous of other girls being with you" she said and looked away shamefully.

"There's no need to be jealous, my love. I don't like any other girl but you" I said and kissed her forehead.

"I'm glad" she said as the elevator doors opened to reveal the 4th floor.

"Well, I don't know how he is going to take this. I  think I should maybe meet you in the room" I suggested.

"Not happening. I knew him before you"

"I'm a guy" I stated. It sounded stupid out loud. Damn, it sounded better in my head.

"I'm glad you finally figured that out dear. Now, I am coming in with you"

"You are not coming in and that is final" I said and crossed my arms ending all discussion.

"We need to talk to you Todd" Alice said as we were sitting in his sitting area. She is extremely stubborn.

"About what?"

"Lucy"

"There's nothing to discuss" he said and poured himself a glass of whisky and downed it. he was pouring his third glass when I went over and stopped him. I poulled out of my grip and discarded the bottle onto the bench carelessly. He looked terrible. He had a beard, his hair was a mess of blonde unlike his usual tidy form. He smelt terrible and his clothes were stained. His hotel room was littered with bottles here and there and the remnants of old takeout boxes.

"Todd, we have great news. Can you please come over here?" Alice said and looked at him with pleading eyes. He walked over and sat on the lounge.

"What do you want? To rub it in more that my best mate got the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with?" Todd asked in a burst of anger. His eyes were welling up with tears and I went to his side.

"You haven't heard our news yet" I said and smiled at Alice. He looked from me to Alice.

"What?"

"You're the father Todd. It's your kid. She's a month pregnant" Alice said with a wide smile. Todd looked up and stared at Alice with his mouth hanging out. He blinked repeatedly and opened and closed his mouth.