Page 5 of Paradise Pride

“Are you hitting on me?” she asked. “Because that’s not going to work.”

“No.” Now it was Florence’s turn to blush. “No, I wasn’t.” She shook her head with a grin. “All I’m saying is, I think you’re beautiful.”

“Oh.” Meghan stared at her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Florence didn’t know what to do with herself in the uncomfortable silence that followed, and she was thankful Meghan changed the topic.

“So, Florence, tell me about the festival. What can I expect tomorrow? Just so I can prepare Kim when she comes back tonight.” At that moment, Meghan’s phone lit up, and she raised a brow as she read the message. “Never mind. Kim’s staying with Andres.”

“Are you surprised? You seem disappointed.”

“It’s not that.” Meghan stared up at the building. There was only one light on in the enormous block, which was in her room on one of the top floors. “It was creepy when we went up there earlier, but at least we were together so we could laugh about it.”

“Wait. Are you scared?” Florence shot her a teasing smile. “You are!”

“Just a little uncomfortable.” Meghan hesitated. “Would you mind walking me up to my room later?”

“Of course not. But just to get things straight. If anyone’s watched too many movies, it’s you.”

Meghan rolled her eyes. “I know it’s silly. There’s no one in the building apart from the reception guy, so there’s nothing to be worried about, but I get…” She swallowed her words and fiddled with her napkin.

“You get what?” Florence saw a hint of genuine distress in Meghan’s features. Although she didn’t know her, it was clear this wasn’t a cry for attention, and she felt a stab of guilt for making fun of her.

Meghan was silent for a long moment as if there was something she wanted to tell her. “It’s nothing,” she finally said. “I’ll be fine once I’ve locked the door behind me.”

5

Meghan

“I’m sorry about this. I’m not usually such a coward.” Meghan felt her legs shaking as the lift went up. Not because she was afraid right now, but because she knew she would be once Florence had left. She’d be sitting up with the lights on, her body tensing at every noise. It was going to be a long night.

The evening had been so much fun, but eventually Florence had to close up as they weren’t allowed to be there after midnight, and as she’d helped her clear up, her growing anxiety reminded her she’d be alone soon.

“Don’t apologise. I’m with you. You’re totally right. It’s spooky here when it’s so quiet, but I can assure you, this hotel isn’t haunted.” Florence’s attempt to make her feel better didn’t help one bit because it wasn’t a fear of ghosts that had her on edge.

The ping of the lift echoed eerily through the empty hall as they stepped out and headed for her room. Meghan scanned the ceiling for security cameras, but she didn’t see any. Surely, they would have some form of surveillance here, or at least a security guard on duty. Knowing the receptionist was asleep didn’t fuel her confidence either, and as she stopped in front of her door, her heart was pounding hard.

“Are you okay?” Florence asked.

“Yeah. I’m just going to check the room. Do you mind waiting?”

Sensing her distress, Florence stopped her. “I’ll do it. You stay here.”

Meghan watched her from the doorway while Florence checked the closet, the bathroom and even went on her knees to look under the bed.

“All clear,” she said with a sweet smile.

“Thank you, again.” Embarrassed and worried Florence might think she was a paranoid wreck, which admittedly, she was, Meghan returned her smile and straightened her back as she headed inside.There’s no one here, she told herself.You’re safe.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Florence leaned against the doorpost and studied her intently. “I can stay if it would make you more comfortable.” She held up her hands. “I’m not hitting on you. I want you to feel safe, that’s all.”

“That’s very kind of you, but it’s not your job to make me feel safe.” Meghan took her hand and squeezed it. “I’ve had a great evening. You go home and get some sleep. You’ll be super busy tomorrow.”

Florence nodded and turned to walk away, but before Meghan had a chance to close the door, she came back. “Wait.” She reached out for Meghan’s hands. “You’re trembling. I felt it earlier, but it didn’t register.”

“I’m just cold.” In truth, she was shaking all over and the tightness in her chest that had started as soon as she’d gone inside was growing.

“It’s not cold here, and you look terrified.” Florence glanced at the two beds. “Look. I have to be here tomorrow morning anyway, so if you want, I’ll stay with you. That way, we’ll both get more sleep. My housemate works here too, so I can ask him to bring me some clothes, and housekeeping will change the sheets so your friend will be in a clean bed when she comes back.” She paused. “And I doubt I’d get into trouble for sleeping in a guest’s bedroom because the whole creepy-empty-hotel scenario is a great argument.”

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