Chapter 3: The Hotel Lie

On the weekend, I left early.

After all, my cover story is that I have a clingy girlfriend from another school, so I have to meet her every weekend. I packed a duffel with a change of clothes, toothbrush, my favorite hoodie, and all the necessary supplies. The air outside was crisp, the campus lawn slick with dew as I hurried off, head down, hoping not to see anyone I knew.

Because I hadn’t been satisfied the night before, I planned to spend the night alone, needing a break from all the lies.

I messaged the group chat: [Help me out for dorm check, I won’t be back tonight.]

Roommate Tyler teased: [What’s up, getting a room with your girlfriend?]

I replied: [Don’t talk nonsense.]

Tyler: [Don’t be shy, we get it. Be gentle, and remember to use protection.]

I didn’t know how to answer. The blinking cursor mocked me. They had no idea how off-base they were.

Or maybe… it was easier to let them think whatever they wanted. Safer that way. I shoved my phone into my pocket and stared out the Uber window at the city lights.

While I hesitated, Marcus messaged: [I won’t help you with the dorm check.]

[I don’t think you should rush into getting a room with your girlfriend. You’re not ready to take responsibility yet.]

Suddenly, I felt rebellious: [Stop lecturing me. Tyler will help me tonight. I really can’t go back.]

Tyler chimed in: [Don’t worry, bro’s got your back.]

Marcus didn’t reply for a long time.

About five minutes later, Tyler sent a private message: [Why is Marcus acting weird? He just left with his jacket, looking pretty upset.]

I didn’t think much of it.

He must have his own plans.

Around eight that evening, someone knocked on my hotel door.

I asked, “Who is it?”

Marcus’s voice came from outside: “It’s me.”

I opened the door, surprised. “How did you know I was here?”

Marcus lowered his gaze. “Because my family owns this hotel.”

I’d heard rumors that Marcus was the son of Savannah’s richest man, with family businesses everywhere. Now it was obvious. I suddenly felt awkward in my thrift-store hoodie and faded jeans, standing in a room I’d only booked for the student discount.

I got a little nervous. “What are you doing here?”

Marcus looked at me, shaking the bag in his hand. “I was worried you’d forget, so I brought you condoms.”

My face flushed. I stared at the Walgreens bag, caught between embarrassment and gratitude.

He glanced around the room, voice low. “Where’s your girlfriend?”

Nervously, I clutched my clothes and started to lie: “She… she hasn’t arrived yet.”

Marcus’s expression darkened.

He moved closer, his breath warm on my neck. “Do you even know how to do that kind of thing? Do you need me to teach you?”

My face burned. I couldn’t meet his eyes. The room suddenly felt too small, too hot. I took a step back. “No, no need. She has something tonight, she’s not coming.”

Marcus’s eyes lingered on me. “In that case, can you keep me company tonight?”

“Tonight, I’m feeling a bit down.”

The AC rattled overhead, blowing cold air that smelled faintly of bleach and stale cigarettes.