Shane's Room

As Shane headed to his room, he glanced back at the young woman he had just met. Brandi had turned and was staring across the parking lot. She didn't seem to be in any hurry to get to her room. Shane unlocked his door and a thought occurred to him. He turned toward Brandi and cleared his throat.

"You don't have a room here, do you?" he asked, quietly.

Brandi shook her head. "It hardly seems worth it. I mean, it'll be morning soon. I kind of need to conserve my cash right now."

Shane nodded. He'd been strapped for cash quite a few times in his life. He understood her logic. He sized up the girl. She was definitely a stranger and he had no reason to trust her. Still, he found himself wanting to help her. There was something pathetic and yet alluring about this woman.

"You're welcome to crash in my room, if you'd like. I'll warn you though, I haven't slept in a bed for days and I'm beat. I won't be much for company."

Shane knew that even with the "I'm so tired" caveat, his offer made him sound like a letch. He doubted Brandi would take him up on his offer. What girl in her right mind would?

Brandi smiled and stepped past him into the room. "Thanks" she said, "It's kind of cold out here."

Shane locked the door and sat down on the edge of the bed. Brandi slumped into a chair next to a little desk. For a few minutes, the two sat in silence, not making eye contact. Finally, Shane spoke.

"So, Brandi. What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?"

Brandi looked up, eyes glistening. "Oh, as usual, my life is messed up." She didn't know why, but it was easy to talk to Shane. "I just broke up with my jerk boyfriend and he left me out here."

Shane shook his head. "That's no way to treat a lady" he said, sympathetically.

Brandi smiled and moved from the chair to the edge of the bed. "Like I said, he's a jerk."

Shane leaned back until he was lying flat on his back. The cheap motel bed felt like heaven to his achy back. He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes as he sensed Brandi cozying up next to him. "Brandi, what is it you do?"

"Do?"

"You know, for a living. What kind of job do you have?"

"Well, I used to work at a factory but now I guess you could say I'm unemployed."

"And that's why you're conserving cash, right?"

Brandi caressed Shane's hair. "Yep, but hopefully something will come along soon."

"You know" said Shane, yawning. "You should talk to my sister, Penelope, she works in town and might be able to hook you up with something."

Brandi leaned in close and kissed Shane's forehead. "Yeah, I should definitely talk to her."

Brandi leaned back to see if Shane had picked up on her not so subtle moves. Unsure, she leaned in for a mouth kiss to seal the deal. Just as she was about to make contact, Shane let out a snore that shook the windows. Brandi jumped back with a little "Eep!" and turned her back to Shane. Pulling a pillow over her head she tried to drown out the chainsaw next to her and catch a quick nap.