The Girl From The Hotel

(How I met Daddy Part 2)

As he walked away, a sudden realization washed over me: there had been no proper introductions between us. I had his name in the hotel register, but he had no idea what to call me. I worked every other day, and I knew that I would not see him the next morning . A smile crept across my face as I pondered the mystery of it all—what name had he scribbled next to my phone number? Had he chosen something whimsical, perhaps a nickname that captured the fleeting magic of our encounter, or had he simply written “the girl from the hotel”?

I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions, caught between confusion and anticipation. I couldn't quite decipher whether I had a crush on him or if it was merely an inexplicable attraction, but the feeling simmered within me, a constant reminder of our brief encounter. He had my number, and I was left in a state of limbo, waiting for a call that never came. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, each passing moment filled with the hope that he might reach out. As time wore on, I began to entertain the possibility that he had lost my number or perhaps miswritten it.

Just when I thought I was ready to move on, a new job opportunity emerged—one that promised a better salary, fewer hours, and the flexibility to balance my college studies. I made the difficult decision to leave the hotel where I had met the enigmatic Chinese guy, resigning myself to the thought that I might never see him again. My new role as a translator for a coffee exporter opened up a world of experiences, taking me to coffee farms across the country and allowing me to bridge communication gaps between cultures, yet a part of me still wondered about the mystery that had briefly ignited my heart.

My new job provided a fresh start and a much-needed distraction from the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. It allowed me to focus my energy on professional growth and development, which helped shift my mindset away from dwelling on the past. Engaging with new colleagues and tackling new challenges gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment, making it easier to let go of lingering feelings.

The sun was just beginning to rise over the lush green hills of the coffee farm, casting a golden hue over the rows of coffee plants. I was knee-deep in work, my hands stained with the rich earth, when my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a rare moment of stillness, and I glanced at the screen to see an unfamiliar number. Curiosity piqued, I stepped away from my colleagues, who were busy chatting and laughing, and answered the call.

“Hi,” said a deep voice, thick with a strong accent that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Hi,” I replied, my heart racing slightly.

“Do you remember me?” he asked, and for a moment, I was taken aback. I thought for a second, trying to place the voice. Then it hit me like a wave crashing on the shore—of course, I remembered that voice, that accent. It was him, the charming traveler I had met three months ago at the hotel where I worked. He was one of the few Chinese guests, and his laughter had filled the lobby with warmth.

“Of course, I remember you!” I exclaimed, a smile spreading across my face. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been well,” he replied, his tone brightening. “I’ve thought about you often since that day. I didn’t call sooner because I was busy with work, but I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

As we spoke, I felt a rush of nostalgia.The connection we had felt so genuine, yet life had swept us in different directions.

“I’m actually working on a coffee farm now,” I shared, glancing around at the vibrant landscape. “It’s beautiful here, but I miss the old days at the hotel.”

“Coffee farm? That sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to see how coffee is grown,” he said, his enthusiasm evident. “Maybe I could visit you there?”

The idea sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “That would be great! I’d love to show you around.”

We continued to talk, the conversation flowing effortlessly as if no time had passed. I learned about his work, his dreams, and the things that made him tick. It felt like a reunion, a rekindling of something that had been left hanging in the air.

As the call came to an end, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. “So, when can I expect to see you?” I asked, my heart racing at the thought.

“Soon, I promise,” he replied, his voice warm and reassuring. “I’ll make it happen.”

After hanging up, I returned to my colleagues, a smile plastered on my face. The mountains around me felt a little brighter, and the coffee plants seemed to sway in rhythm with my newfound hope. Perhaps this was the beginning of something beautiful, a chance to explore not just the world of coffee but the possibility of a deeper connection with someone who had left an imprint on my heart.

To be continued....