Hilliardâs brow furrowed in surprise, pondering his own dilemma of how to maintain privacy later.
Both were navigating the unfamiliar terrain of romantic relationships.
âI promise, Jennifer.
Iâll stay out,â he assured her.
Once she started the shower, the bathroom was filled with the sound of water running.
Hilliard sat rigidly on the bedâs edge, his hands aimlessly moving, unsure of where to place them.
His previous close moment with Jennifer had been under the influence of too much alcohol.
However, this situation was starkly different; he was completely sober.
Recalling online dating advice, he took out several items from his jacket, laying them on the nightstand.
Staring at the condom box, his mind wandered, uncertain of his next move.
After much deliberation, he considered consulting Jennifer, fearing the items might alarm her.
As these thoughts circled in his mind, he reached for the items on the bedside table, deciding to put them away first.
Yet, before his fingers could graze them, Jenniferâs distressed sound echoed from the bathroom.
Instantly alert, he asked, âWhatâs wrong, Jennifer? Did you slip?â
âNoâ¦â
Her voice was laced with discomfort.
The hotelâs bathroom lacked both bathrobes and towels.
Jennifer took a deep breath, gathering her courage before she spoke.
âCan you help me find a bath towel?â she asked.
Hilliard was taken aback.
âIsnât there a bath towel in the bathroom?â he questioned.
âNoâ¦â Jennifer replied, her voice trailing off.
Hilliard was at a loss for words.
He rose to his feet and made his way to the closet next to the bed.
Upon opening the closet door, he discovered the coat hangers, disposable slippers, bath towels, bathrobes, and hair drying caps all neatly arranged.
âI found them.
Do you need a bath towel or a bathrobe, Jennifer?â he inquired.
After pondering for a moment, Jennifer responded, âBoth! Iâm feeling quite cold.
â
âAlright, Iâll bring them over to you,â Hilliard offered.