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"Talia," I reply, using the alias that has become second nature to me, although it sounded like it rolled off my tongue a bit too easily. "Talia Rogers." A small smile plays on my lips as I hold out my hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Jeanie."
Her warm smile instantly puts me at ease. "Nice to meet you too. Well, Talia, I can offer room and board, along with a bit of pay," she explains. "Are you okay with cleaning, serving, and possibly working at the bar?"
I nod eagerly and my cheeks warm up with a relief that washes over me. "Yes, that would be great. Thank you for giving me a chance."
Jeanie's eyes hold an understanding gaze as if she knows I'm running from something, but didn't want to pry. "Great. Welcome to Jeanie's. Let's get you started."
As we discuss the details, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this place could be a safe haven, at least for a little while.
By the endof my first day of work I realize this may be the best place for me right now. Jeanie doesn't care about my past. She's got a motherly warmth that I've been missing desperately. She seems to like the work I’ve been doing today, which is a relief. Her motel is a place to lay low, away from the prying eyes of my father's enemies.
I’ll be doing everything from cleaning rooms to helping at the front desk. The work is mundane, but it’s sure to keep my mind off the danger I left behind. For now, anyway.
My days will be filled with a variety of tasks, from meticulously cleaning each room to assisting guests at the front desk. While the work may seem mundane, it will be a welcome distraction from the constant danger that loomed over me. But even as I throw myself into the work today, I can't let go of the nagging feeling that my past will catch up to me eventually. For now, I'm no longer a mafia princess. At the moment, I’m a girl with too many secrets and nowhere to call home.
The motel guests are few and far between, each with their own stories. The handful of guests at the today have their own unique appearances and vibes. The old man with a cane, the young couple with matching baseball hats, and the woman with a loud laugh. I plaster on a fake smile as I hand over their room keys, but inside I’m constantly on edge. I wonder if they can see the fear behind my smiles. Do they know that I jump at every car that pulls up, fearing it's someone from my past?
After finishing my chores for the day, I make my way to Jeanie's office, a small, cluttered space that serves as the heart of our motel. The door groans in protest as I push it open, revealing Jeanie hunched over a mountain of receipts, sales orders, and overflowing paper folders.
"Ah, Talia, come in," she says without lifting her gaze. Her voice is warm and inviting like the golden New Mexico sunshine, but there's a touch of exhaustion in her speech.
"How did I do with everything, Jeanie?" I ask, closing the door behind me.
"Great first day," she answers, and finally looks up.
"You look busy with paperwork," I add.
She nods, her eyes tired but kind. "Just the usual headaches of running this place. But enough about that, how are you settling in?"
I hesitate for a moment. "I'm… well… I’m getting by. Thank you again. I appreciate this opportunity."
Jeanie leans back in her chair, studying me. "You're a hard worker, Talia. But you're also a mystery.
You don't have to share anything with me if you don't want to, but just know, this place... it's a safe place. Just thought I'd let you know."
Her words wash over me, offering a sense of comfort I hadn't realized I was seeking. "Thank you, Jeanie. That means a lot... more than you know."
A small, knowing smile graces her lips before she leans over to rummage through her desk. After a moment of searching, she produces a metal key and holds it out to me. "Speaking of which, I've got a more permanent place for you to stay," she says in a warm tone. "It's not much, but it's better than the lumpy couch in the cramped laundry room… I saw you there this morning." My cheeks flush with embarrassment at being caught napping in such a public area. "I noticed you using the machine to wash your clothes after the bus rolled through town," she continues. "But it was a good sign for me. Cleanliness is a sign that you care about your hygiene and appearance." The corners of her eyes crinkle as she gives me an approving nod.
As Jeanie hands me the key, she smiles warmly and gestures towards the end of the hallway. "The room is yours, dear. It's been empty for some time now."
I take the key from her outstretched hand, feeling its weight and smooth metal surface. A sense of gratitude washes over me as I realize this small gesture represents a glimmer of stability in my otherwise chaotic life.
"Thank you so much, Jeanie," I say sincerely.
"Don't mention it. It's the room at the very end, past the guest rooms. My staff usually stays there, but as the bartender and the diner supervisor both live in town, it's been empty for a while."
I take the key, feeling its weight in my palm.
“Well, I should get back to this paperwork.” Jeanie announces, returning her gaze to the pile in front of her. "But if you need anything, just let me know."
“Have a good night,” I tell her, turning to leave. “And thanks again.”
I head to the staff sleeping room at the end of the long corridor of motel room doors. It’s a forgotten part of this transient world. The door sticks a little as I push it open, revealing a small, run-down space. The paint is peeling, and the single window is dirty, but it's mine.
The room has a bed with a worn mattress, a small dresser, and a lamp with a faded shade. It's not much, but it's a far cry from the luxury I grew up with. Yet, there's a sense of peace here, a quiet that I've longed for.
I sit on the edge of the bed, the springs creaking under my weight. This room, like me, has seen brighter days. But it's a start, a place to rebuild myself away from the shadows of my past.
