Before Us

Sherri and Haven were ready to cross the street when he jogged up to them and got their attention.
“Sherri? My dad changed his mind. You’re hired. Tour starts in a week. Are you able to join us?”
“What about Haven?”
“She comes too. You must always make us look our best.”
“Yes, sir,” they both replied in unison.
“Okay. Can you come back tomorrow to fill out the paperwork
and stuff?”
“Sure can. What time?”
“Let’s call it nine again. Sherri, I’m sorry he gave you the runaround. My dad should have known better and knows you will both do great since you worked with my grandpa. He wants to get you a room here tonight for your trouble.”
“That’s very generous. Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you,” Haven said, ducking her head.
“We’re going to go grab a bite and we’ll be back.”
“Sounds good. I’ll meet you in the lobby when you get back, and we will book your room. Here’s my number.” He replied, handing it to Haven. With that, they parted ways. Sterling watched as they crossed the street and headed around the corner to the back parking lot. He was glad that he would see more of miss Haven Campbell.
He found her to be very fascinating.

“I can’t believe it worked!” Sherri said as they got in the car.
“Me neither. Boy is Sterling handsome.” Haven remarked as
they pulled out of the parking lot. Sherri made a block. She
headed towards the fast-food Italian restaurant they passed
on the way in. No burgers for them tonight, this caused a
celebration.

After dinner, they returned to the arena parking lot and once again parked in the deep shadows. Haven texted Sterling and a few moments later he met them in the lobby. He booked them a deluxe suite and headed upstairs with them to show them their room. Sterling told them if they needed anything to let him know. Gunner also called their room to let them know he would cover their room service.

Once upstairs, Haven and Sherri couldn’t believe their eyes. The living room was bigger than their kitchen and living room combined. It had a beautiful view, fireplace, and big screen tv with plush furniture to sit in. There were two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, including a jacuzzi tub. The beds had
silk sheets and big, fluffy comforters on them.

Sherri and Haven were watching television and enjoying the fire and the beautiful view of the night sky and city lights. Have grabbed the menu beside her and started perusing the desserts. There was a huge ice cream menu and a cake and pie menu.
“Hey mom, I could go for something sweet. Want some dessert?”
“Sure. What’s on the menu?”
“Cake, pie, ice cream… I want a peanut butter sundae with hot fudge sauce.” Haven said, passing the menu over.

“Oh, I want a piece of dark chocolate forest cake.”
“Okay, I’m going to order them and head downstairs to get
them.”
“Gunner said we could use room service.”
“I know, but I could use a walk.”
“Uh, huh. You just want to see if you can go run into Sterling
somewhere.” Sherri winked.
“Mom, come on. He’s cute and all, but I’m not the person he
would date. He would rather be with other rich and famous
people.”
“Maybe,” Sherri said, as Haven called downstairs to the restaurant. Ten minutes later, she left.

The peanut butter sundae looked amazing, with gobs of peanut butter in the ice cream and peanut butter and hot fudge sauce pooling on the edge of the glass. They piled the whipped cream high, and a cherry sat on top. The dark forest cake looked just as amazing, with layers of chocolate cake, whole cherries, and
thick chocolate frosting. She thanked the server, picked up the tray, and headed upstairs. In the elevator, she started thinking about their circumstances before turning around and stepping into the hall.

Sterling stepped out of the shower and pulled on a pair of comfy sweatpants. He had called room service before his shower and knew they would knock soon. Sterling unlocked the door before returning to the bed and turning on the tv. He was flipping through channels and thought he heard something in the hallway. Having stayed at this hotel lots of times, he knew there  was security on every floor, so his safety wasn’t a concern. He was about to open the door when it flew open and Haven crashed into him.
“I was trying to knock, but this tray is too awkward. Mom,
why didn’t you-” she said with her back turned to him.

She turned around, and her eyes bugged out in horror. The dessert tray flew up in the air and the contents went flying. In the end, the cake landed on his feet and the sundae landed on his shoulder.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. All the doors look the same, and I
thought I had our room number. When my mom didn’t let me
in…”
“It’s okay.” Sterling smiled, chuckling at her. “I’m washable.”

Haven ducked her head in utter embarrassment. Just then,
another knock sounded. It was room service.
“Hey, Dave. Could you please send someone to clean this up
and then send Miss Haven and her mom some more dessert
to their room? Room 304. What was it you ordered?” Sterling
said, glancing at her.
“Uh… a peanut butter sundae with hot fudge and a piece of
dark chocolate forest cake,” she mumbled.
“Of course, mister Steele. I will send Maria up. Miss Haven, your dessert will be up in about fifteen minutes. Have a good evening.” he said, and walked away.

Haven and Sterling stared at each other. She tried not to focus on his smooth skin or defined muscles. A quirk of a smile tugged at his lips, looking both amused and annoyed.
“I-uh-I’m sorry. I gotta go.” She stammered, dashing out and sprinting down the hallway. Sterling watched her run down the hall, smiling to himself. Haven let out a breath of air when she arrived at their room. She was humiliated. Even worse, she
had to face him the next day.