Broken Promises

Kate

How many mistakes can you make? I roll my eyes at Kendal as she goes on about the latest miserable collapse of her relationship.

“But I love him.” She whines on again and again.

“He obviously didn’t love you, as it is blatantly obvious he was banging Ruth all this time.” I was blunt with her. There is no point in pussyfooting around when she should have seen it coming. “He cheated on his last girlfriend to be with you; what made you think he would be anything different? He is a known to be a cheater from his other girlfriends. Give it up.” Jesus Christ, how many times did I tell her!

I’ve got to get out of this godforsaken town. They are all cheating, lying bastards. I swore never to date any of the guys in this town.

“But…” she starts saying, but I cut her off.

“Look Kendal, I’ve had it up to here with everyone in this godforsaken town. Between you, that other piece of shit, and I can’t even say her name because she treats me like I was the one who was wrong.” Tears fill my eyes as memories of telling my mom that her partner tried it on with me several times, and she didn’t believe me.

“Don’t blame me for your mother!” she huffs out and I couldn’t believe it. “I let you crash here, but I think your time is up.”

I choked up. “What?” half of it got stuck in my throat.

“You heard me. You think you are better than all of us here? Well, fuck off.” She threw a duffle bag at me, the same one I came with. “You probably want Frankie for yourself. That’s why you are being bitchy!”

“What planet are you on? He was fucking kissing Ruth and groping her when we came out of the bar.”

“He said sorry, and you are jealous because he wants me and not you!” She continued believing him.

Six months living with her, and I thought she was a friend, but I guess not. I grab what is mine and stuff it into the bag. I didn’t come with much. Kendal couldn’t look at me as I lugged the bag over my shoulder.

“Good luck with douchebag.”

I stroll through the town and shake my head as I spot Frankie kissing Ruth again. Looks like he has moved on. It’s 4pm in the afternoon, and I’m considering where to go. My temporary office job finished last week, and I was waiting for the agency to come up with what was next. They shut at 5pm, so I head there to find out if they have anything wider afield.

“Hi, is Kay in?” She was the one dealing with me.

“You are in luck. She just got back in.” The person who I can never remember her name directs me to take a seat.

Two minutes later, I was sent into her office. “I need something out of this town.” I plonk myself down with my bag. Kay knows my back story, and has helped me out with every agency job going in this town.

“How far do you want to go? We have an agency in the city. I can find out what they have, then it wouldn’t be too much for you to get a job since you are already with us.” She smiled sweetly.

I loved Kay; she was like a lovely grandma. She didn’t ask questions, but was there when you needed someone to talk to. Oh, and she knew who my mother was, smoked like a chimney as well.

“Yeah, that would be great, thanks.” I felt like a failure right now, running away from all of my problems instead of facing up to those who treated me like shit.

A brief phone call, and Kay had me set up with a temporary job and accommodation whilst I worked there. “It is at the Bridge Hotel. The work is temporary for four weeks and you will have a room to share with one of the full-time workers.” She handed me a print off. “If you catch the 6pm train out of here, you will be in the city by 8pm.”

My bottom lip trembles as I can’t thank her enough for what she has done for me. “Thank you Kay, I won’t forget you.”

“Oh, love, you deserve happiness. I hope you find love where you go.” She pinched my cheek.

With one last hug, I made it to the station and bought my ticket. I’m glad I do everything online so I don’t get mail, although it would end up at mom’s house if it did.

As the train takes me to my destination, I trawl through Facebook and Instagram, deleting and blocking those I don’t want on anymore.

The train draws into the station, and I hop off, pulling up my map on my phone to find out where I am going. A fast-food joint is right outside the station, so I grab something to eat before I make my way to the Hotel I’m to work at.

The front of the building appears very grand, and the concierge opened the door for me as I climbed the stairs. The extravagance and luxury of the environment are very apparent, and I feel like I do not belong here.

“Welcome to the Bridge Hotel. How may I help you?”

“Yes, I’m with the agency, and I have a job lined up here.” I was feeling uneasy and had a strange sensation that I wanted to vomit, so why did I have such bad vibes?

The receptionist gave me a once over and shook her head as she reached for the phone. “Mr. Stanley, a woman, is here for the housekeeping job. The agency sent her.” She made lots of humming noises before replacing the phone. “He will be along shortly.”

Four weeks will be enough time to find something else and get me on my feet. I need this. But then this man walks in and smirks at me.

“You must be Kate. so, can I ask why you are here?”

“A job and somewhere to stay.” I shrug my shoulders.

“There are rules we follow here. One, no talking to the other staff unless it is because you need something. Two, absolutely no mobile phones whilst working, they stay in your room. Three, if I find you stealing off customers, there will be penalties to pay. You get paid weekly at the end of the week, and we deduct accommodation off your wages, and we will provide you with one meal after your shift has finished. Any questions?”

I wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, but I needed this. “No,” I muttered weakly.

“I will team you up with Gani. Once you get a couple of days’ work into you, I will give you your own set of rooms to look after.” The way he leers at me, it sends a shudder down my spine.

I follow him, unsure if I am doing a last walk to my death. We walk along corridors which are obviously staff only. When he finally reaches a door, he knocks on it and a Philippine looking woman answers.

“New person. You teach, she stays here.” With that, he turns and marches off. I gulp, wondering what I have gotten myself in for.