Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“Thanks,” she said as she put the paper in her bag.
“No problem,” he answered.
When he didn’t move she gave him what he wanted: her
attention.
“You okay?” His brow furrowed making him only slightly
more handsome than any twenty-something kid should be.
“I’m good,” she answered.
“I mean, you really okay? ’Cause if you’re staying there you
must have some heavy shit weighing on you. I’ve got a pad.
You can come with me. My friend won’t mind. It would be
better than going there.”
“How do you know where I’m staying?” Josie asked.
He pointed at the plastic bag. “The Robert Lee, man. Bad
news. Looks good on the website, but it’s a dump. I’ve seen
hostels in Russia better than that place. You really shouldn’t
stay there. I don’t think it’s safe.”
Josie looked at the plastic bag and the picture stamped on it.
It was a hotel that didn’t meet the standards of a kid who
stayed in hostels.
“I’m not staying there. I’m just looking for someone who
is.” Josie folded the bag into a packet and put it in her pocket
as she asked, “Is it close?”
“Five blocks maybe. City blocks, though. You’ve got
heels.” His smile brightened. “I could go with you just to make
sure you’re okay. There’s a party later. It would be cool if you
want to go.”
“Thanks for the invitation, but I’m leaving on the red eye.”
She stood up. He stepped back to really get a good look at
her. She shrugged into her coat and tried not to laugh. It had
been a long time since someone tried to pick her up. She
would tell Archer about this kid, Archer would kiss her and
say ‘the man obviously has good taste’ and then they would
make love.