The Maid
by Nita Prose
Contents
Chapter 7
Overview
Molly returns to the fourth floor, sees police guarding 401, and recalls how her relationship with Rodney began. In a past incident, she stumbled upon Rodney, Juan Manuel, and two men in a compromised room; later, over dinner, Rodney said Juan Manuel was undocumented and homeless. Molly agreed to secretly provide rooms and cover their tracks, deepening her complicity.
Summary
Molly, buoyed by Rodney asking her on a date, returns to the fourth floor and finds a police officer stationed outside the sealed Black suite. She steadies herself by focusing on work in Room 407 but can’t stop thinking about Rodney.
A flashback to over a year earlier: Molly accidentally entered Room 305, encountering Rodney, Juan Manuel, and two imposing men with a duffel and equipment. Rodney vouched for Molly’s discretion and asked her to leave the room spotless and keep quiet. After they left, Rodney arranged to meet her that evening.
Molly dashed out to buy a new outfit, returned to work, then met Rodney at six. Mr. Preston quietly questioned the wisdom of the date, but Molly went with Rodney to the Olive Garden.
Over dinner, Rodney explained that Juan Manuel’s papers had expired, he’d been evicted, and Rodney was secretly housing him in vacant hotel rooms. Rodney asked Molly to identify empty rooms, provide keycards, and clean away any evidence, keeping the plan from management. Flattered and moved, Molly agreed to help and promised secrecy; they sealed the understanding with an awkward, hopeful kiss.
Who Appears
- MollyHotel maid and narrator; sees police at 401, recalls past events, and agrees to secretly aid Rodney and Juan Manuel.
- RodneyBar manager; recruits Molly’s discretion, claims to shelter Juan Manuel in vacant rooms, secures her help, shares a tentative kiss.
- Juan ManuelDishwasher; present in the compromised room; described as undocumented and homeless, beneficiary of the secret room scheme.
- Two imposing menUnidentified associates in Room 305 with a duffel and equipment; pressure Rodney, speak bluntly, then depart.
- Mr. PrestonDoorman; notices Molly’s rush, quietly questions her going out with Rodney, shows concern.
- Police officerOn the fourth floor, stationed outside the Black suite; brusque and in the way.
- SunithaHousekeeper colleague; covers for Molly while she slips out to buy a date outfit.
- ShopkeeperBoutique clerk who outfits Molly for her date with Rodney.