Chapter 6 The Western Rabbit Hole

• *Author’s POV*
• In the following days, Sandra and Thodoris gradually grew distant. Thodoris was primarily focused on socializing and partying, whereas Sandra attended his classes with Jake, took thorough notes, and excelled in both his assignments and hers.
• Initially inseparable, Sandra made efforts to set Jake up on dates, but his awkward demeanour hindered his smooth interaction. However, a surprising turn of events occurred when Noor Verdyan, proficient in English and Economics, unexpectedly caught Jake's attention.
• Despite knowing that this new development would mean less time together, Sandra, in her role as a supportive friend, encouraged Jake to pursue a connection with Noor. As Noor and Jake's relationship intensified, the once tight-knit trio of Sandra, Jake, and Thodoris became practically estranged.
• Noor replaced Thodoris and the trio’s dynamics changed to honour students in the making. The overall atmosphere shifted, new connections formed, and the college dynamic took on a fresh perspective.
• Feeling relatively relaxed as Jake pursued his own endeavours, Sandra, excelling in two majors decided to add some excitement to her life by securing a position as a clerk at a nearby bed and breakfast.
• Although she had never worked at her family's establishment, she nonchalantly used it as her employment reference. When they contacted her dad for the reference check, she successfully secured the part-time job.
• While navigating through routine tasks, Sandra discovered several appealing perks associated with working at The Western Rabbit Hole.
• As it turned out, the place was a popular hangout for many students, and clandestine meetings and intriguing gossip became commonplace. The atmosphere at The Western Rabbit Hole was a focal point of students’ private affairs, unveiling secrets and animating the hidden aspects of college existence.
• The manager observed positive feedback and generous tips flowing in for Sandra's performance, prompting a raise to retain her. On a Friday night, Carnie coincidentally walks in with an older companion. Surprise, right?
• When she noticed Sandra at the front desk, Carnie's face registered shock. "Wait, when did you start working here?" she whispers, drawing near.
• Sandra casually responds, "I've been on the job for about a month now," gesturing as if it's no big deal. Sweating nervously, Carnie glances at her date and insists, "I wasn't here, alright?" with wide-open eyes.
• "I hope you have a pleasant stay, Mrs Summers," Sandra retorts, maintaining composure.
• Despite the early hour, Sandra shakes her head at Carnie's discreet meeting, recognizing the importance of her job. Aware that Fridays involve numerous two-hour check-ins, she begins rallying the team to change the sheets promptly. Time to hustle!
• So, the legitimate Mrs Summers enters in a storm, demanding a key to her husband's room. "I know he's here, little girl. His car is right outside," she shouts.
• Quick-thinking Sandra, aiming to prevent the escalation of drama, says, "Mrs Summers, please take a seat. I'll check the guest list for a Mr Summers."
• Mrs Summers, fuelled by rage, folds her arms, and Sandra devises a clever plan. She sends a discreet text: "The wife is here. Run if you can. Don't come downstairs."
• Playing her part, Carnie replies, "Nicolous says you can send her up." Sandra contributes to the act by calling Mr Summers, "There's a lady downstairs insisting she's your wife. Can't give her a key without your consent."
• Mrs Summers seizes the phone, yelling at her husband. When he descends wrapped in the bed and breakfasts gown, he coolly states, "Honey, I told you I'd be out on business. What are you doing here?" attempting to play it cool.
• He nods at Sandra, "Thanks, Miss. I'll take it from here," hinting at a generous tip. Less than 20 minutes later, the Summers are checking out. Mr Summers produces a gold credit card, casually saying, "I think a grand buys a lovely winter coat."
• Sandra hands it back with a smile, "Do come again," as they breeze out through the glass doors. Smooth operator!
• Mr Hooper rushes out, "A grand for a tip? What kind of magic smile are you flashing?" he whispers in disbelief. "At this rate, your tips will outshine your salary."
• Later that night, no single tip hits a grand, but altogether, the girl walks away with a cool 3k. Pleased with her hustle, she plans to stash the cash in her savings the next day.
• Back at the hostel, Carnie's impatient, holding a bottle of Jack Daniels and Cheetos. "Took you forever. Was gonna start drinking solo," she complains.
• "Fridays are chaos," Sandra says, kicking off her shoes. A text from Jake pops up, "Classic art essay due Monday."
• Throwing her phone away, Sandra claims the night for herself. Flopped on the bed, bra off, she casually drops, "He looks 50."
• "45."
• "Still ancient."
• "I'm 10,000 away from paying my yearly school fees."
• "Shut up!"
• "Wifey has a heart problem, hubby has needs. I want money," Carnie chimed as she handed a glass to Sandra, "To the hustle?"
• Trying to down a whole bottle of Jack had its consequences. With no time to hit the bank, Sandra scrapped that plan for a quick Starbucks and some doughnuts. Sitting at her desk, tackling that essay made her stomach churn.
• Quickly kneeling, hoping to keep everything down, a customer walks in. Tapping his fingers at the front desk, he shouts a noisy hello.
• Peeking over her desk, Sandra grinned, "Chill, no need to shout. I'm right here," she said. Their eyes locked, and things get a bit awkward.
• “I..." "We..." They both mumbled simultaneously.
• Giving Sly the go-ahead, Sandra took a little head nod, "Room for one," Sly jumped in.
• The keyboard decided to join the party with a louder voice and more syllables. “Room 4 is available on the west side and room 9 on the east side.”
• “What do you suggest?” Sly’s kept his eyes on Sandra.
• "Uh, east is probably quieter, I guess."
• “Will you be escorting me to my room?”
• “We are not that kind of an establishment.” She shook her head and scrunched her face for effect.
• “I want to speak to your manager,” Sly declared, leaning on the counter. The level of seriousness on his face made a mockery of the professionalism at a funeral home.
• After a quick chat with Mr Hooper, the verdict was in. He stepped out and entertained Sly's request to have Sandra show him to his room, but Mr Hooper insisted on handling it himself.
• Then, spotting the name Ingram on the booking form, he had a sudden change of heart. "His old man could shut us down with one call," he whispered to Sandra, pulling her aside.
• Sly just waited, expectant of the outcome he wanted. Sandra turned to look at Sly with a less than enthusiastic expression. She knew he was to be avoided, and Mr Hooper's persistence only made things difficult. Shaking her clothes into place, she braced herself for a practised smile.
• “Mr Ingram, this way, please,” she said, gesturing with her left hand. Room 9 seemed to be miles away at this point.