The hotel was underneath a train bridge. A train thundered over. My cabby shut the boot and handed me the bags, one of clothes, and one of tools.


    Inside, a second train shook the ceiling.


    “Are they always this loud?”


    “Yes, ma’am. Unfortunately.” The receptionist looked up without moving her neck.


    “You don’t advertise that fact.”


    “No, ma’am.”


    ”You should.” I tucked the newspaper under one arm and smiled at the glaring manager, who overheard.


    Upstairs, I blocked the door with a chair and, on second thought, the couch. The latter was much heavier. I turned the fan on high, and stripped down to my underwear. Then I sat on the homemade barrier and spread out my newspaper on the couch.


    The ice cubes in my coffee melted as I read the paper.


    The door opened without any sound of a key in the lock. Just the handle clicked, and the door slammed against the couch. An eye appeared in the crack, saw me in my underwear, and got two sizes wider.


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    I covered myself with the newspaper and, pausing to think, kicked the door shut.


    I heard a muted apology through the door. I climbed on top of the couch and pressed my face to the peephole.


    An upright bellhop stood next to a cart of cleaning supplies. His mouth hung open.


    The shades weren’t closed. Standing on the couch, I realized my butt was in full view of the neighbors. Well, good for them.


    When I was dressed, I moved the couch and checked the peephole. Opening the door, I startled the man again and smiled, shoving my hand toward him.


    “Eliza Bailey.”


    We shook hands.


    “Ah—ah.” The guy’s face was bright red.


    “Don’t sweat it. Why don’t you make it up to me somehow.”


    “What do you mean?”


    “I don’t know. Buy me a drink at the hotel bar? You had the nerve to come back here. I guess you wanted to apologize, or maybe just sneak another peak.”


    He paused, working up to an apology, and turned a darker shade of red.


    I waved him off. “Just buy me a drink. I’m in town on business and I could use some information anyway. Someone who knows the local area.”


    “I could take my lunch,” he said. Then he  narrowed his eyes. “You really asking me to buy you a drink?”


    “It''s only fair. You’ve seen me naked. But don’t get your hopes up. Next time I’m going to put a chair, the couch, and the bed against the door.”


    “Fine.”


    “Good. I’ll meet you downstairs in five minutes.”