Helen didn’t respond to the first knock. The second time, she realized that it was, in fact, her hotel-room door that someone was knocking upon. “Who is it?” She peered through the peep hole, but could only see some sort of take-away containers.

“Room service,” came the muffled voice.

“I haven’t ordered room service,” Helen responded.

“Room service for Stewart.” Followed by another knock.

Well, that was just annoying. Helen was certain that if they had her name, she’d be charged for this regardless. She opened the door to clear up that mess.

And, as she was ready to tell the server in no uncertain terms to ‘bugger off,’ Helen instead found herself sweeping the woman standing outside her door into a huge hug. “Nikki!”

Nikki Wade threw an arm around Helen, returning the hug. She then pulled back, planting a kiss on Helen’s lips. “God it’s great to see you.”

“What are you doing here?” Helen pulled Nikki back into the room. She locked the door as they entered. “I thought you weren’t getting your visa yet.”

“I decided to surprise you.” Nikki’s face bore a rather smug smile. “And I did, didn’t I?”

“You certainly did.” Helen placed her hands on Nikki’s cheeks, letting herself enjoy another brief kiss. “I can’t tell you how great it is to see you.”

“You can show me,” Nikki responded, nudging Helen back further into the room. “If we can find a bed, that is.” Nikki looked around the place. Helen had booked an all-suite hotel that gave her a small sitting area apart from the bedroom.

“So you need a bed now. What, are you getting old?”

“I was just thinking of your comfort, Madam,” Nikki countered.

“What’s with the ruse?”

“I thought it’d be more efficient if I brought us sustenance. No reason, then, to get out of bed.”

Helen responded with another kiss. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“And to think, it’s only been a few days.”

“Well then, we’ll put that in the fridge for later.”

“Later?” Nikki feigned ignorance. “After what?”

“After I properly welcome you to America.” Helen took the containers and stashed them away.