Chapter.04

February 12

'Welcome Mr. Sidney. How are you?' the women behind the reception gretted us.
'Thank you Margaret. Hope all is well here?' Sidney answered and while still holding me in his arm he told her 'May I introduce you to this loveley lady. This is Sandy.'
Me smiling unconfortable at her and she looking very curious but professional neutral at me.
'Welcome to the Shore-Hotel to you too, Miss Sandy. If you need anything just tell me and I'll be glad to help you.' than she was again looking at Sidney 'and here is the second key you wanted. I hope you enjoy your days.'
Away we went to the elevator. Inside Sidney was using the key-card Margaret gave us to let it start up. I saw our room was on the 3rd floor. The last one. So I guessed we'll have a great few.
When the doors opened I was too surprised to step outside.
'What's wrong?' Sidney asking me 'you want to stay in the lift?'
'Well ... äh ... no. I don't think.' and I took his hand he was holding up to tell me that it's safe to step outside.

It was the first time ever that I steped outside an elevator and directly into a room. Not a hall with a lot of doors to other rooms. Nope. This lift ended directly in a living-room. Our room. Well, apartement. Because now we were standing in this living-room. And it was a great one. I let go of Sidneys hand and started to look all around me. Opposite was a wall full of windows. Windows where you can see the sea and you can go outside to a little balcony. On the right was a door to another room - I guess the bedroom. And there was a big white velvet couch in the middle of the room with a small glastable in front and all walls are coverd with bookshelves. Bookshelves full of books. There also was a big winged chair, that matched the couch, with a light standing behind. I think the perfect place to read all this books. In the left corner a desk is standing with an iMac. All of this was a wonderful mix between ultra-modern and old-english style.

Sidney was watching me while i literally inhaled that beautiful room, going to the windows, looking outside and than turning around, looking at him.
'This is the most beautiful Hotel-room I've ever seen. Ummm, I know this may sound weird, but is it okay if I ask how much we have to pay for that?'
But instead of answering me he again started to laugh, while coming to me and huging me.
'C'mon Sidney, please, I'm just curious ...'
Still grinning he said 'Okay - Miss I'm only interesting - after I showed you the whole apartement I'll tell you.' and taking me by my hand toward the only door in the room. Before he opend the door he suddenly lifted me up in his arms and carried me over the threshold and than sat me on the bed. A little bit breathless, because he is not the youngest and I am not the lightest, he kissed me on my forehead and asked
'I hope you like that room as much as you like the living-room.'
and of course I did. This room was nearly as big as the other one, with the same light wooden floor and big windows that let to the same balcony. And there was a big four-poster bed with a lot of cusions on it. One wall was covered with a built-in closet and the other with shelves full of DVDs and CDs. There was also the bathroom-door.

I collapsed back on the bed and started to giggle. Giggle like a hysteric maniac. Sidney also laid back, resting on one arm and holding my waist with his other. When I stoped laughing his hand went up my side till he touched my face. Turning it so I have to look at him. His thumb caressing my cheek very softly. His eyes told me that he was happy - his eyes giving me a beatific smile.
'You know that you are awesome, right?'
Me slightly shaking my head. After he pulled me in his arms and we rolled over once or twice he wispered in my ear 'Well, you are awesome! and I love you!'
I wisperd back 'as I love you!'

The bathroom was not less formidable. It's a big room with old looking black and white tiles, but the installations are all hyper-modern. A big tube, standing on silvery lions-feet and including a whirlpool, two basins, with a hugh and wide mirrow above, and a big walk in shower with massage jets. The loo was seperated in another room.

Finally sidney told me that we have to pay nothing for this apartement. Because it is his apartement. Than it became clear why nice Margeret at the reception said 'second key'. And yes, you only can go up here if you have that key. He also told me that this hotel was originally built by his mothers parents and now his older brother is the owner. Some time, when it was not that successful he invested to help David. At that time he also got this, at that time, unused floor renovated.
And because he loves the sea and this house so much he comes here very often. To relax, to read and to study new roles. Untill today he never had been not alone. I was the first girl he invited to join him here in his second home, like he called it. Sidney also told me to feel like home here, too. And once again, if I needed anything I'll get it.

Because I'm a caffein-junkie I asked to get down to get me some coffee. Down at the lobby, where also a bar is located. I put myself on a barstool and Sidney left me for a short time to see his brother.
'Barry?' I asked in surprise when the bartender turned around to face me.
'Sandy!' he smiled at me 'How are you? We haven't met in ages, I think. What are you doing here?'
'Barry! ohmygoddess. Hey! I'm fine, thanks. So, this is the hotel you are working for for about ten years?'
'Well, yes. You want some coffee, right?'
He still knew me too well, so I just smiled and nodded. I knew Barry for years now. First time we met was in California about four years ago. He was on vacation and I'd been new there. We met at a coffee-shop and because somehow we liked each other, we spent a lot of time together, exploring my new home-country. When he was back in England and I'd been there for vacation, or because Thomas had been there for work and I accompanied him, we met again and had again a lot of fun. He also introduced me at one of the last times to his girl-friend, Sheila. And we liked each other by first sight.
So, now I finally know where he is working. What a surprise. He worked here ever since.
'Here is your coffee with milk. Just like you love it.' he smiling at me.
'You still remember. How cool is that! Thank you!' and after I took a sip of my coffee I gave him a thumb up - it was very delicious. The best coffee I got since a long time. Since I left America.
'So, what do you do here? Are you stalking me?' he's teasing me.
'Well - actually, nope, sorry. But I'm really glad I've found you. What a beautiful surprise.'
'Yes indeed!' but suddenly his face went dark and he went on 'Oh, ummm ... I know we haven't met for a long time now, but may I ask you a favour?'
And because I know him very well and I really like him I said
'Yeah, sure. What do you need me to do?'
'You remember Sheila?'
'Yes of course. You know we still text from time to time. How is she? You are still together, aren't you?'
'Yes. And, well, that's the problem. Or no - not a problem, ummm ... see, she is also working here, but nobody knows about us. And ...'
'I don't need to talk to anybody about you. Don't worry hunny.'
Now he's looking released and happy again
'Thank you' his lips forming without saying a word.
And because I'd been the only one in the room he came around his bar, huging me now and than sat next to me on another barstool.
'You're looking really great' he told me 'but you haven't answered my first question - what do you do here? Just a great accident? Are you on vacation? Where is Thomas?'
So I told him that Thomas and me split, but we are still friends. That I'm here with my new friend. I also told him that I think I found the right one, the one I want to spend my live with. Barry told me that two months ago he'd asked Sheila to become his wife, but she is to afraid to tell her dad. So they are still waiting.
During my second cup of coffee we talked about Mia and Christopher, about my work, about his family, about my family. Untill suddenly he stood up, almost saluting to somebody I wasn't seeing, because I sat with my back to the door.
'Mister Sidney, Sir. Great to see you again.'
'Barry, great to see you too.' I heard the most wonderful voice answering Barrys geeting.
While Barry hurried back behind his bar Sidney put his arms around me, murmuring in my ear
'So you just made friend with the barkeeper? Is there any need for me to be jealous?'
Me just burst into laughing. Barry and Sidney now staring at me, curious.
'I ... I'm sorry' I said between me calming down 'Stupid me. But I was so surprised to see you, Barry. I didn't even think about you knowing Sidney.'
Now both boys looking at each other - very curious. That's why I went on to explain
'Well, Sidney - Barry and me are old friends. We first met in California years ago. And Barry, this is the guy i was talking about - my Sidney.'
'So, no need for me being jealous?' Sidney again asking me.
'No! Totally no! We are just good old friends. Also I know and I like Barrys ...'
but before I could end Barry chiped in 'my fiance.' while looking pleadingly at me.
And that was the moment I remembered not to tell anybody who is his girl.
Now after summoning all that informations I need to talk to Barry once more, in private. Because I know his girl is working also here at the hotel, and if he wants me not to tell anybody that they are an item ... well, it'd be better if we do like we don't know each other. Irks - I hate it to have secrets. I don't like it when I am not alowed to share things with my love, but I'd promised.