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slipped on her boxer shorts that she had discarded earlier—sleeping in the nude was a given in her book. After silently opening her door, she moved to room seven, the one she knew Thea Danvers occupied. She knocked decisively. At first, she wasn’t sure if the woman heard her, but then she heard a shuffle within the confines of the four walls before she heard a small voice.
    “Who is it?”
    “Ms. Danvers, it’s Jo. I heard noises, just checking to make sure you’re okay.” Jo wasn’t sure what to say without causing the woman any embarrassment.
    The door opened partially and it seemed to Jo that they were both uncomfortable.
    “Thanks for asking, but I’m fine.”
    Jo hadn’t missed the red swollen eyes, indicating that the woman had been crying for some time. The green eyes staring at her were welling with tears as they stood looking at one another. That woeful childish expression was Jo’s undoing. She moved a fraction closer, put out a finger, and gently lifted Thea’s chin and looked into her eyes.
    “Pardon me for saying so, but you don’t look fine. Can I help? Sometimes talking to a stranger releases the tension.” Jo waited as she saw the expression on the face change to astonishment.
    “I appreciate your concern, Ms. Lackerly, but there’s nothing you can do. Thank you for your offer.”
    “Suit yourself, but can I ask you to keep the noise down, then. Some of us paying guests want to get some sleep.” Jo knew her words were harsh as she retreated to her room before slamming the door.
      “So much for good intentions,” she grumbled. “Fucking great. Try to help someone and she throws it in my face. That’s the last time I’m going to come to the aid of that frigid bitch.”
    Jo discarded her shirt, sank down on the bed, and looked up at the cream-colored ceiling.
    The door to her room burst open and in marched a furious Thea Danvers striding quickly toward her. “What do you mean ‘keep the noise down’?”
    Thea had obviously lost touch with reality during her angry outburst and Jo felt a wicked streak rear as she looked at the woman standing inches from her. “Ms. Danvers, didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s polite to knock?”
    Jo watched the realization of her actions cross Danvers’ face and she smirked in satisfaction. She noted the woman’s eyes grow large as she stared at her semi-nakedness.
    “I usually invite people to my bedroom when I’m in this state of undress. Not have them forced on me,” Jo added.
    She watched in fascination as the pink shade she’d seen in the bar now turned a beetroot red.
    “I’m…I’m sorry…truly, I’m sorry. I…I don’t know what could have possibly gotten into me.” Thea put a hand to her mouth, as if trying to stifle a sob that threatened to engulf her.
    Jo watched once again, the multitude of emotions that passed across the other woman’s face, and knew now was not the time to push the younger woman. “Hey, sit down, Ms. Danvers. I’ll make you coffee. How do you take it?”
    Thea sank gratefully onto the side of the bed and gave her a watery smile of thanks. “White, no sugar.”
    “Coming up.”
    Jo set to work on providing the coffee and once she handed the woman a cup filled with the hot liquid she sank down opposite her on the bed and drank from her own cup. She realized that the woman opposite her wouldn’t look her straight in the eye before recalling her state of undress and a grin replaced the smile.

    †

    Thea kept her eyes averted. The ample breasts of her guest sent a shiver down her back. The woman didn’t seem to be embarrassed that a virtual stranger was seeing her half undressed.
    Silence descended on them as they sipped from their respective coffee for a few minutes. Thea finally broke the silence. “I received some bad news, I’m sorry if my…my crying woke you up. I apologize.” Thea continued to avert her eyes.
    “I’m a light sleeper. If the cat was crying outside the window, I’d be awake.