The Hitcher, Part 3

The Hitcher:
By karriejj@hotmail.com

Part III:

John and Konni stood in line in the lobby of the Super 8 Motel. A young woman
was frantically filling their rooms as quickly as the travelers approached
the desk. Konni approached and handed John a steaming cup of day old coffee.
The stress showed in his face but lifted as Konni offered a consoling smile
and rubbed his back lightly.

"It'll be all right John. Your company will understand. There's nothing you
can do about the weather."

"I know," he said returning Konni's smile. "I just hate getting off
schedule."

"Next?" the desk clerk announced.

John approached the counter. "Two rooms please," he asked sliding his credit
card toward the clerk.

She typed quickly and then stated apologetically, "I'm sorry, we've only one
room left." She looked past them and stated loudly to the remainder of the
people in the lobby. "I'm sorry, we just filled up. No more rooms."

An audible groan filled the lobby. Mixed in were a few "Fucks, God Damns, and
Shits" as well.

John sighed and shook his head. Before he could protest, Konni slid in
closely next to him and put her arm around him.

"The one room is fine." She said smiling.

John turned to her and she leaned in so their noses touched.

"I'll be a good girl, I promise." She whispered playfully as she pulled him
closer. A wave of mixed panic and excitement spread through him.

"Yeah," he said to the desk clerk as he stared into Konni's eyes, "The one
room is fine."


Konni opened the door to the room and flicked on the lights. John followed
closely behind carrying her backpack and his suitcase. She paused for a
moment and turned to John.

"You're going to love this..." she warned with a smile.

John peered over her shoulder and spied the one single king sized bed. Again,
he sighed and the two of them entered the room slowly. Konni went straight to
the bed and playfully sat and bounced.

"Ooh, this is nice!" she teased.

John ignored her and dropped the bags at the foot of the bed. He paced
nervously for a moment, rubbing his hands across his face. He finally stopped
and turned to her.

"Listen, I don't know about this. I don't know you... I'm married..."

Konni stood and reached for John's pack of cigarettes and lit one, continuing
to listen to John's little speech.

"... You are very attractive and I don't know if I can control myself around
you," he finished.

"Are you done?" Konni said through a milky exhale and raising her left
eyebrow. "You sure are full of yourself aren't you? This is just two people
in a jam, and one of them being completely considerate and kind to put the
other one up for the night. It ISN'T a green light for you to get some.
Nothing more. Nothing less. If my flirting has gotten you all riled up then I
apologize, it won't happen again."

She paused to trim her growing ash and draw again. "And who say's I'm
attracted to you anyway? I control what I do, and whom I do it with. If you'd
be more comfortable with me gone, then just say the word."

John was taken back and realized how pompous he must have sounded. "Konni,
I'm sorry. I was way out of line. It's just what I said. I find you
attractive. I didn't mean to imply anything, honestly."

Konni's mood brightened a bit. "It's OK John, but just because I'm in your
debt doesn't mean squat."

"Hey, enough about this. I'm sorry. I apologize... But I'm starving and I
could sure use a beer or three. How about you? My treat."

"Yeah," Konni smiled. "That would be great. I could use a shower too. I can
do that while you're out."

John jingled his keys in his pants and turned.

"Hey," Konni called after him. "Can you get me some more of these?" She
tossed him an empty pack of Virginia Slim 120's. "You might want to get some
more for yourself also. You're running low."

John smiled as he studied the pack. "No problem," he said smiling, and left
the room.

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