Valentine’s Day trapped with my ex

My worst Valentine’s Day would have been last year, the day I discovered my husband had been cheating on me. No, though. {this? This was even more bad.

One year later, I was working the evening shift at the hotel and alone celebrating the holiday. From any love trouble, I felt I was safe. I was incorrect.

The doors slid shut behind me as I entered the elevator and gazed straight up—**right into the haughty, arrogant face of Mike, my ex-husband.**Very

Worse still He was not on his alone.

Model-perfect blonde, his new partner was chuckling at something he said and clutching to his arm. His lips turned into a smile the instant he spotted me.

“Well, well,” he said, drawing slow. “What are the probabilities?”

I clenched my teeth and pushed the floor button. **Exactly one minute. I merely had to last one minute.

Mike would not let me off that simple.

“Babe,” he said to his girlfriend, drawing her in. “Can you find it shocking?” Right now, my former wife works in a hotel. Sort of depressing, don’t you think?

With closed fists, I fixed my gaze upon the doors. **Ignite no response. Prevent him from winning.

He stopped no stop. He kissed the neck of his girlfriend—**exaggerated, flashy, intentional.** _ Loud enough for me to hear, he said, “Mmm, you smell amazing.”

The woman laughed, fully blind.

** thirty extra seconds. Only thirty more seconds.

Then the elevator jerked out of nowhere.

The lights flickering caused everything to become **black** the following second.

The lift came to a standstill.

quiet.

Then a loud **BANG.**

The emergency light flashed faint and spooky.

“What the hell?!”” Mike caught himself.

I got out of there and grabbed my radio. “Reception to distribute; the elevator is stuck.”

stationary. Then there was a crackling reply. Power’s out. We are still working on it. It will take minimum two hours.** < Two: **hours** I turned my head slowly to meet Mike’s wide-eyed look. This was a dream. A nightmare. His lover gave forth a theatrical sigh. “Ugh, I detest little areas. Like most others, this is my main terror. Mike swept his hand over his hair. “It’s good, honey. We are going to be leaving shortly. She huffed. “God, this is hot right here. I think I am not breathing. Closing my eyes **Just dismiss them.** She turned then, nonetheless, to me. Hello, hotel woman. You do have a secret button or some sort? Lady of the hotel? I let a long breath in. Not one. The power grid is under my control nowhere. She moaned and slanted against Mike. “Baby, get active.” He sighed, then **turned straight ahead**. “You know, had you not entered the elevator, this never would have happened.” I chuckled—**actually laughed** “Correct. Because somehow I am responsible for the power loss? Mike gave a smirk. “Bad karma, I guess.” The eyes of his girlfriend expanded. “Oh my God, is this a sign?” Like perhaps this is the universe speaking? Mike sh shrugged. “Could be. Maybe my ex still has feelings for me, and fate is keeping us together.” **That was it** I turned to him, slowly. Mike, you know what? You might be right.” His smirk widened. “See? I knew you—” I took a step closer. “You’re right,” I continued, my voice dangerously sweet. “Maybe this *is* fate.” Mike blinked. “Uh… yeah?” I nodded. **Then I reached inside my pocket, pulled out the emergency key I usually carried as hotel staff… and held it up.** His face **dropped.** “Oh,” I remarked, **dangling the key in front of him,** “would you look at that? Seems like I *do* have a way to get out.” His girlfriend gasped. “OH MY GOD, OPEN THE DOOR!” I tilted my head. “You know… I was going to. But now, I’m thinking… maybe I should let karma do its thing.” Mike swallowed heavily. “You wouldn’t.” I graced a smile. ** happy Valentine’s Day, Mike.**_ Then I **sat down** in the corner, crossed my arms, and let them **sweat it out**.