One month had already passed, and Serene never talked about that night to anyone, not even Sydney. Sydney who was so curious about Serene's experience in the hotel, couldn't get a proper answer from Serene.
When she asked her about, why Serene spend the night in the hotel, even the answer was obvious, Serene will just say, “I don't want to talk about it. It's so boring.”
Sydney's original plan was to make her friend enjoy a sizzling night with a stranger, that's why she intentionally crop some instruction. A mission failed for her because Serene looks uninterested about telling her things about that night. She believed that, Serene probably got bored with the party because obviously she isn't a party goer. So instead of asking more about it, she just let her friend live in a peaceful life.
Serene's experience in Casa Roma was absolutely memorable, but she will just laugh at it when it crosses her mind. The world was too large for the two of them to meet again, but if it happens, then it is true that destiny knows how to play a great game.
The bakery shop she'd been working on in Brooklyn is facing a bankruptcy. The owner gambled all his money in the casino, and all that he has now, was a million dollar debt and a not-so-large bakery shop.
Serene was adviced to find another job, and got 80 bucks as separation pay. She was still glad that her uncle was already discharge in the hospital, and was now able to do some light labor in Richmond. She couldn't complain about the separation payment nor the sudden closing of the bakeshop. She understand that the owner can no longer run the business or pay them their whole salary for the week. It is a good thing that they were advised early, about the real situation of the bakery shop.
Serene was scanning the classified ads section in the newspaper which she just borrowed from the landlady living below the apartment building. She roamed around the downtown yesterday just to find printed job notice and hiring in the walls and post of the street. But none of them got her attention. She was looking for a decent job that pays really well. Some of the businesses open for hiring offers only part time position and she needs to be hired full time.
A bread beside her coffee was her dinner. Money just slipped off her palms, even her bank account was empty and she still has a few debts to worry. She's jobless for two days now, and she isn't used on spending a day without doing anything, plus the factor, that she will not earn on sitting all day in the couch.
Her worn out phone that she last bought second hand when she was still in college, lit up. The screen glowed, and a notification pop up. Serene stared at the screen and read the name of the sender.
“Bailey babe,” she reads. Bailey's last name wasn't Babe, but Cardova, Bailey Cardova. Aside from Sydney, Serene's closest buddy was Bailey, a friend she met in college. They are both graduate of HRM in the same University, but they aren't classmate since Bailey was one year ahead of her. They occasionally talk over the phone, and Serene had mentioned Bailey about the bakery's bankruptcy and her status 'unemployed'.
Serene folded the newspaper and throw it on the table. She took the phone, looking at it with hopefulness. She is sensing a good news from the text message. She opened the inbox and click the unread message highlighted on her screen.
From: Bailey babe
I have a good news Sere. A friend of mine told me a luxurious hotel here in Queens is open for hiring hotel staff. I'm in a blind date, so gotta ring you later for more details. My intel was a bartender there, so this is an easy shot for us. Gonna drop my job in the Pink House for this one..
Serene smiled at the message. Working in a luxurious hotel would be great. She has no experience working in a hotel yet but since Bailey has too many connections, she might get accepted. Bailey was conscious about her being single at the age of 26, so she was desperate to get a boyfriend that would last for years. She got dozen of it when she was 22 but none of them lasted for a year. She always shared her sentiments with Serene who, since has no experience with man, barely understand Bailey's problem.
It was a good thing that there is an opportunity waiting for her in the end. She would stop stressing herself on finding a job, tonight and probably tomorrow. She relaxed her back on the sofa. When she thought of how desperate Bailey is to get a not so permanent boyfriend, she would wonder when will she think about this stuff as well. She has been working since graduate and her last love interest was still in college. Just this last month, she met another man who made her heart flutter by its sweet words to her. Although he act so arrogant and satyric, that guy she met in the party has a pure heart. That's rare qualities of a billionaire like him. She never mentioned to anyone about that guy she met in the Casa Roma hotel. Serene doesn't want anyone to misinterpret that night that the two of them spend together.
Serene would thought of him from time to time. He was like a dream, that she will forever fancy. At least she met a kind of man like him.
Her phone vibrated. She hadn't turn off the mute and only vibration in her phone. She was used on muting her phone because she's always busy with work. Bailey was calling. Serene picked up the call, relaxed her feet on the side of the sofa, and greeted Bailey, her career saviour.
“Hey, I was waiting for your call. How's the blind date?” she asked, not really curious about what happened with Bailey's search for the next big boyfriend, but Serene thinks it wasn't necessary to direct the conversation about the job in the first 5 seconds of their talk.
Bailey was now back on her apartment. She throw her heels elsewhere and sat on her couch. “Nah, it was, how should I say it— a failure? Yeah, it doesn't go well. But it's fine, I will met Mr. Perfect anytime soon. No rush. ”
Serene wanted to laugh with the ‘no rush’ statement. “That sounds awful. Anyway what about the job? Am I qualified there? You know I still have no experience working in a hotel, unlike you.” The fact that she has no experience, worries her a lot. She was hardworking and smart. She would do well in her career, but Serene had no confidence to try her luck in the career she had chosen. She has been waiting for the perfect time and now that there is a clear opportunity, she wants to grab it without hesitation.
Bailey can hear the excitement but she cannot distinguish wether Serene was excited that she will finally use her knowledge and skills in the field of hotel and restaurant management or she was just excited that she'll finally have full time job that will pay her well. “About it, we will meet my intel tomorrow. He was a bartender in that hotel and his salary every month was above $1500. He said he'll recommend the two of us to the recruitment manager. Don't worry too much, we will get hired no matter what.”
Serene can't help but to believe that Bailey had uses its last card again ‘blackmailing’ to that intel she was referring. When they were in college, Bailey would take embarrassing pictures and videos of the meanest girl in the University, so when they try to bully her, she can use something against them.
“Tomorrow? At Queens?” she asked. She had to take the train to get there. Bailey just told her about the job and now they'll going to meet her friend the next day to discuss about it. That was too soon but that's not really a problem for Serene.
“Yeah, so move your ass out and pack your things up. We will get hired, I assure you so tell the landlady, that you're already leaving that ugly place. Same address, Sere.” Serene had already been in Bailey's place, since the two of them celebrated Bailey's birthday last year.
“Yah, I do remember. You sure, I don't need to go back in Brooklyn right?” It is not like Serene was doubting her friend, she just doesn't want to abandoned her apartment room because this is the cheapest place she can ever afford in NYC. If she lose this place and didn't got accepted in that job, she'll need to face more bills on the rent.
“Of course, Sere. If ever that bartender scammed us then you can live with me, and we can have a double blind date. A good idea right?” Bailey laughed at the idea. Serene had already live with her two years ago, when they were just starting to settle in NYC, yet Bailey was a big distraction to Serene. Bailey was exactly her opposite so they decided to live separately. That is how Serene become a part time worker in many open shop in the town. She will go to Brooklyn, to Queens and then back to Richmond, to just find a permanent job, that all turns out to be just temporary.
“Okay, okay. I'll take the train tomorrow morning so I can get there before 8 or 9. You are a god's gift, Bailey.” Serene was excited about the news that she'll finally get her first job in a hotel. It was all thanks to Bailey's connection and bad habits of blackmailing people.
.............
She really took the train as early as 6 AM. There is no much to pack with her but just few 'good' clothes and some personal belongings. She really bring one bag of clothes and a backpack. She will have a uniform in the hotel so she doesn't need to worry about apparels. Her glasses was tucked above her nose, her sweatshirt almost a shade of yellow and she wore her best jeans today. She rarely use it to maintain its denim color. Serene was so excited about the job. Finally she's one step closer in practicing her chosen career. Their neighbor in Richmond would stop gossiping about her graduating in a hotel management degree but ended up working part time in a bakery shop in New York City.
Serene only had 3 dollars in her wallet left. She had already calculated the expense in the train, taxi and bus, deducting it with her last drop of allowance. Only 3 dollars to support her life in Queens. After the exhausting travel, she arrived at the Bailey's apartment. It is way better than hers. She jogged to the second floor, and knocked on the first door she saw on the second floor. She can still remember the direction very well.
The door opens up, and the sleepy Bailey who had a drool on her mouth just let Serene in. “You are so early, men,” she brawled and throw her back again on the bed. She just finished watching Stranger Things S1, three hours ago, because she remembered her subscription will expire later this day.
It was already 8:30 AM and that's not early in Serene's vocabulary but since she wasn't as loud as Bailey, she let her friend sleep while she look over the refrigerator and eat a breakfast, which is only bread and butter.
She's back in Queens. Her father also lives in that borough, but she has no plan on showing up in front of their mansion, and beg for them to feed her. She was poor but she can still eat and provide herself a shelter. She had long forgotten that she was also an Almirez, and she once live in luxury like Sydney and the guy she met in the hotel. Never she wished to go back on living in a palace, nor getting a black card. She is enjoying her life now. At least she can stand using both of her feet, so when things collapsed behind her back, she can still walk without looking back.
Bailey woke up two hours before lunch. She showered after drinking milk, and then joined Serene on the table.
“I texted Ethan and he said, he never expected us arriving on time, so it's okay that we are kinda late. He is on his brother's pizza restaurant, and he will take us with him tomorrow. We still need to talk to him, although I don't see the need. We are in, but Ethan still wanted to meet us. That asshole.” She rolled her eyes, and then bite the tuna sandwich Serene prepared while waiting for her to woke up.
“It is better to meet him, Bailey. God knows what kind of business you have with him,” Serene replied.
Bailey pulled the wet towel in her hair and throw it on the couch. “Just grab what's in the plate and don't ask about anything. Remember I got you so just trust me, Sere.”
As if Serene can back out. She had only Bailey and three dollars in her wallet.
After they dress up, they headed to the Pizza place. The place was crowded because it is lunch time. All seats are occupied, and kids run around. It was a total chaos. Serene can already smell the scent of the freshly baked pizza, but like some geeks eating on the side, she dislike the noise of the children and them running in every direction they desired like they were in a play ground. Their parents wouldn't care because they are talking to the other parents on the next seat about the NBA playoffs.
They stopped in front of the cashier. The cashier was a large bearded 30 year old something guy. He looked at the ladies in front of him with appraisal.
Bailey smiled, displaying her lively and friendly aura at the cashier. “Do you know Ethan Scart? He said he was the brother of the owner of this pizza restaurant.”
The cashier didn't give a respond but took the telephone ang rung a number. “Two ladies looking for Ethan. One is freak and the other is a nerd.” The cashier scanned them while giving the description. Bailey was offended with the freak term but she decided to ignore it.
“Tell him, it's Bailey Cardova,” she said emphasizing her last name because she thinks it sounds so sexy.
The cashier didn't said her name on the phone. “There is a door on the left side. Not the wood door, but the steel one.”
Bailey nodded but didn't thank the cashier because of its unfriendly behaviour towards her. Serene just followed Bailey as they track the steel door. Bailey knock on the door and pushed it open once noticing it wasn't lock.
The room was like a casual living room. Ethan was on the sofa reading the new release volume of One Piece. He heard the door opened but since he know it was just Bailey, he just pretended he didn't heard them.
“Move your butt out, Ethan. I have here my best pal, so be professional.” Bailey and Serene sat on the opposite sofa, while Ethan sat properly putting aside the comic manga.
Ethan was a tall and thin guy. Like Serene he has his glasses before his eyes. He was two years older than Bailey, and he just know Bailey through her girlfriend, Allison.
“I have told Jonas about you. I told them that to two of you are my close friends, and you guys are hardworking as ever. I'm his most trusted man in the hotel so he will definitely believe that lie. I'm just on leave today, and I'll be back tomorrow. You are coming with me tomorrow too, so better pack your things and bring everything you want to bring with you except furnitures and large appliances because that's a stay in basis.”
Serene got more excited when she heard it will be a stay in work. She wouldn't need to worry about rent.
“Take you resume with you and other documents because they need that for record. By the way I haven't properly introduced myself for the fresh recruit.” Ethan offered his hand in Serene's direction. He intentionally ignored Bailey in the side. “I'm Ethan Scart and I'm a bartender in that hotel. They pay well, so you won't regret working there.”
Serene accepted his hand and shook it lightly. “I'm Serene Almirez.”
Bailey rolled her eyes because of the formality. “As you know Sere, I'm a friend of his girlfriend. But this jerk was hitting another woman which I also knew, and I told him I'll send the pictures of him and his other woman to Allison.”
Ethan glared at Bailey. “You can spill that without your friend listening.”
Serene shook her head. “I know how her mind works. I know for sure that she blackmailed you just to secure us a spot in the hotel.” Ethan nodded.
“I see, but don't believe that I have another woman, that's a friend of mine,” Ethan defended himself. He doesn't want Serene to get a bad impression of him. Serene just smiled and nod, although she wanted to question him, of why he was so offensive if he is really not cheating with her girlfriend.
“What time should we go?” Bailey asked, leaning on the back of the sofa.
“The chopper will head off exactly 10 AM so be there before 10.”
Serene gave Ethan a second look when she heard the word chopper. “Excuse me, why would we have to use a helicopter?” That's only necessary if the hotel was located far from Queens but it was clear that the hotel was in Queens.
“Because the hotel was located in an island. It's up to you if you want to ride a cruise or a boat. It is okay for me if you swim as well.” Ethan find Serene's question quite funny.
Just last month Serene rode a helicopter to get into an island as well. There is only one island in Queens so.. “Is the hotel you are referring to was Casa Roma?”
Ethan was amazed that Serene knows the prestigious hotel. Only elites know Casa Roma. “How did you know? Only the rich one knows and can afford Casa Roma. That is 1000 dollars in one stay.”
Bailey's eyes widen. “That's so expensive. So we will work in that hotel? Oh I wish some millionaire will pick me up, and take them in their limousine. I'll diet and start another skin care routine tomorrow.”
“Why not use a love potion instead,” Ethan countered and laughed at his own joke.
The question about why Serene knows Casa Roma was left unanswered. Ethan didn't asked for more and she also doesn't want to talk about it. Although Ethan seriously hate Bailey, he still thinks Bailey is a good friend whom he can joke around. They ordered pizza and some beers and talked about some more. Serene stay silent at the side. She don't drink, and don't feel like joining the crack jokes and weird stories of the two. She just listened to them until Bailey got totally drunk and Ethan had no choice but to contact a cab for them.
