A Nicer Hotel

Laura watched a borderline-steamy romance drama as Dan napped on the other bed. She enjoyed the sappy romance. It was an escape from her current thoughts. An awkwardly cute scene where the young woman walked in on her suitor naked made her laugh aloud.

"What's up?" Dan asked as he tried to sit up on the bed to look at the television.

"Oh, sorry, it's been forever since I've seen this show. I didn't mean to wake you," Laura said as she looked him over. "You look a little more rested. Hungry yet?"

"Eh, I could eat," Dan answered as he looked back at the screen. "Oh, I haven't seen this since I was a kid. You loved it. Any ideas about what you want for dinner?"

"I honestly want to sit down somewhere and eat. It's been a while, and... well, I want to get out of here for a bit."

"Okay, where do you want to go?" Dan asked with a frown.

"How about Jake's Diner? It's cheap, fast, and has good food." She didn't want to spend much and knew they served decent portions for the price.

"Works for me, it's just around the corner. I'll get my pants back on."

"I really want to wash the clothes we got, but... well... I guess they'll do for tonight," Laura sighed as she eyed the bags on the table.

It didn't take long for the mother and son to get ready and head out to dinner. Laura took a little extra time to make herself look presentable. Hopefully, it would keep anyone from noticing she was wearing unwashed clothes straight off the rack. The waitress, Tina, by her nametag, seated them with a wink as she looked Laura in the eyes.

"I think she was winking at you," Dan commented with a laugh after the mocha-skinned woman flounced off toward the kitchens.

"I noticed," Laura muttered as her frown turned into a small laugh. She wanted attention and she was certainly getting it. It felt nice to have a young, beautiful woman flirt with her, however harmless it was.

Dan smiled at her.

"What would you lovely couple like to drink?" a redheaded waitress asked as she stopped by the table, her notepad poised in her hand. She froze, as her eyes flicked between them. "Oh, I'm sorry. You... uh... what you would like?" she tried again.

Laurafelt her face flush. She tried to smile. "Water if you will and the Blue Plate Special. Double green beans, please," she answered after a moment.

Dan laughed. "I'll just take a double cheeseburger, fries, with a Coke, please," he ordered.

"No problem, it'll be out in a moment," she said in a professional voice before moving off toward the back.

Laura heard a distinctive, high laugh come from the kitchens. He turned to see Tina come out a moment later. She winked at them and laughed before going over to the counter to greet a family of four standing by the door.

"That was embarrassing," Laura said into the silence. She watched the attractive hostess bounce around the small restaurant.

"No, I think the first waitress, Tina, played a trick on our server. Anyway, what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"I'm going to look around for somewhere to live while you're at work. Full day, right?" Laura asked.

"Yeah."

"Then I'll focus on finding an apartment and hopefully get somewhere with the insurance company again. If I keep trying, something will come of it." Dan had a doubtful look on his face but she ignored it. If you complained long and loud enough, someone would do something. She hoped anyway.

The food wasn't bad as the pair ate quickly. Their waitress kept their drinks filled and asked if they needed anything more than she might have normally. Dan made sure to tip well as they left.

"You know, I might ask the manager if I can borrow their washer and dryer," Laura mused two hours later as they sat in the hotel room, staring at the television.

"Want me to come with you?"

"No, I can do it. Thanks," Laura said as she slipped back on her shoes. "Be back in a few."

Twenty minutes later, Laura came back with a big smile. She felt some measure of success that something had gone right. "I can use the washroom. Rosa will show me where everything is, as long as I don't mind their detergent. At this point, I'll take anything," she confessed as she gathered up both of their clothes. "Off with what you're wearing. Might as well get everything washed while we can."

Rosa was a nice woman her age that talked with her about anything that came to mind. They both had sons and each had their fair share of issues with men not wanting to hang around. Laura didn't go into much detail about her circumstances, but Rosa seemed happy to have someone to talk to. Before long, the clothes were done and Rosa was headed off to finish her rounds before leaving for the day.

Laura came picked up the basket she'd borrowed and headed back to the room. "That went well," she greeted with a sigh as she dropped the clothes off on her bed. "Here, come help me fold these."

Dan looked up from his phone when she came in. "Sure."