Free After the Cabin by Amy Cross

too?”
    “Didn't I tell you?” Karen asks with a mischievous grin. “God, that must have completely slipped my mind. Wicked old me, huh?”
    “I was actually thinking of getting in touch,” Matt continues. “It was fun meeting you last week.”
    “You too,” I reply, making my way around to the other side of the desk. I feel I need to throw myself into my new job, and so far Karen seems to be treating the hotel more like a social club than a workplace. That's not going to be my approach; I'm going to buckle down and be the best employee this place has ever had. Glancing at Matt, I see that he's still looking at me, and by the time I look down at the paperwork I feel I might actually be turning red. “I'm really just learning the ropes,” I explain, shuffling through the pieces of paper. “Mr. Rice said it's better to learn on the job rather than going through some long training course, so...”
    “You'll find it's pretty relaxed around here,” he replies. “We all help each other out from time to time.”
    I glance at him again, and this time I can't help wondering whether he might have seen the video. After all, the leak has been mentioned in a few news articles recently, and I wouldn't be surprised if curiosity had driven him to seek out a copy. Then again, maybe I'm just getting full of myself. Most people probably have better things to be doing, and Matt seems like a genuinely nice guy. The last thing I need is to start thinking that everyone's paying attention to me. I don't want to become paranoid.
    “I should get back to work,” he says after a moment. “I'm sure someone'll come in to the restaurant soon. Gotta keep that soup pot stirred.”
    “He likes you,” Karen whispers, as he heads back along the corridor.
    I can't help sighing. “I really don't think -”
    “He likes you,” she adds, nudging my arm. “He's hot, too, and he's one of those slightly old-fashioned guys who holds doors open for ladies, stuff like that.” She taps at her phone again. “I mean, I prefer guys who are a bit more modern, but if you like the chivalrous angle, Matt's a good pick. He's got that kind of hot, slightly bohemian look going. Personally, I'm more into...” Muttering something, she seems lost in her conversation with the guy she's texting.
    “I'm not looking for anything right now,” I tell her, as I log in to the hotel's computer system. “Believe me, the last thing I need is a boyfriend. I'd pity any guy who got involved with me while I'm in this state.”
    “State?” Karen continues to tap at her screen for a moment, before turning to me. “What state?” She pauses. “Oh, right. Yeah, but still, if a guy kinda drops into your lap, you'd be crazy not to at least explore the opportunities. Besides, he's already seen your crazy nose, so that hurdle's already been jumped.”
    “But has he seen the video?” I ask.
    She pauses. “I have no idea. It's not the kind of thing that comes up in a conversation.”
    “He probably has,” I mutter. “I'm sure it's everywhere by now. That's how the internet works, it brings out the worst in people.”
    “You didn't used to be so cynical,” she says, getting to her feet and grabbing her coat. “Can you cover for me? I'm taking an early lunch, Daniel wants to meet up and I just can't ever say no to him.”
    I flinch when I hear that name. “Daniel?”
    “I'll introduce you to him some time,” she adds, hurrying around the desk and heading to the front door. “He's really cool, but he's kinda shy and I don't think he wants to meet my friends just yet. I think it's a language thing, his English is fine but he gets all worried. Cute, really.” She rolls her eyes. “Plus, I guess guys see it as some kinda huge, meaningful moment when they start meeting a girl's friends. Whatever. Back in two hours, okay?”
    “But -”
    “You'll be fine!”
    With that, she hurries out into the car park, leaving me alone at the reception desk.
    “I'm sure I will,” I