The Red Carpet, Part 4

The Red Carpet, Part 4, by Kathryn

"Is anything wrong, dear?" Dot asked, as they strolled along the stone path.

The California sun shined bright that afternoon on the couple, who were wondering around The Beverly Palms Hotel garden. Beautiful plants and flowers were everywhere, along with a fountain and few benches for seating.

Herbert seemed lost in thought, taking a few deep breaths occasionally then letting them out slowly.

"Herb?" She asked again.

"Oh! Sorry. No, I was just thinking. Tip was kinda acting strange earlier... When I came back from seeing Aunt Sharon, I stopped in his room to see how he was settling in."

"And?"

"He hadn't unpacked a single thing, and the room was dark. He looked kinda down, too. You don't think he's thinking twice about this trip, do you?"

Dot stopped walking. Tip? Think twice about coming to sunny Los Angeles, where there was nothing but fun, food, and pretty girls?

"Surely not..." she said, half laughing, half being serious. "But maybe I should go see if he's okay."

She turned around and hurried back towards the hotel lobby entrance, as Herbert yelled,

"Don't forget our dinner date with Aunt Sharon! I know how long it takes for you to get ready!" And with that he sat himself on a bench, pulled his fedora over his eyes and began to take a nap.

                                                         ***

Dot knocked softly on Room 312.

"Tip?"

She turned the handle and stuck her head through the crack and into the dark room. The shades were drawn, blocking all the bright sunlight outside, and just as Herbert had said, Tip's suitcases lay on the bed, unopened.

She took a step in, and was surprised to see Tip laying on the bed, still in his brown suit and hat.

"Tip!" she cried, rushing forward, her heart thumping wildly.

To be continued!