part 10
I arrived on Miami Beach at the address on Harding Avenue at around 9 PM. I knocked on the door but no one was there, what could I do? I did not know anyone or anywhere else to go. So I had the taxi take me to the Carrolton Hotel, which I knew was close by and wait in the lobby where I would be safe, till I could decide what to do.
I was exhausted and scared as I walked in through the hotel entrance but tried to look and act like a tourist who was waiting for someone before booking in. I sat in the lobby for what seemed like an eternity, probably about an hour, with only about $30.00 left in my pocket. I started to walk from the hotel back to the apartment. I knocked on the door still no answer I banged very hard as I became more desperate by the second and suddenly a light came on and the door opened.
He was friendly and welcoming and said he worked shifts as a waiter. He had just got home and gone to bed. He knew I was coming but no idea when I would arrive. I apologized for disturbing him. The flat was sparsely furnished he and roommate worked split shifts sharing apartment. He threw me a pillow and blanket said I could sleep on couch no problem. I lay on the couch fully clothed and stared at the ceiling all night. In the morning the guys showered dressed and got read for their waiter jobs. I was told to make myself at home, they were not home much. They ate at work and often worked nights and split shifts so just I come and go as I please.