"THE EMPTY HOURS" "Sebas!" "I'm glad you made it." "What's up." "Uncle Gerry?" " How are your mother and sister?" " They're well, thanks" "I asked you to come here because I need someone I can trust, to look after my place." "It will be a good experience for you." "and you'll earn a bit of money" "In that case." "I'm all for it" "All this shit with the medica check ups and lab tests is going to take a couple of weeks" "Maybe more, maybe less, it depends on what the doctors say." "Don't you worry Uncle." "I'll stay as long as it takes." "I left everything settled in Jalapa anyway." "That's great, son." "The clothes lines are here and the laundry sink is there." "Room number 9, where my truck is, is not for rent" "Why not?" "It's full of paint cans, cement and other stuff" "I was fixing up the motel a bit." "but it will have to wait because of this medical stuff" "When I get back, I'm going to change some roof tiles and add some over here" "I'm going to pull out some diseased palms and paint the place." "I must get it looking ship-shape." "This is the linen cupboard, where cleaning products are also kept" "You have to keep it locked or things get lost." "Lucha." "The laundrywoman, never notifies when she'll be coming, but she is very dependable." "Does she do the cleaning?" "No." "She only washes and irons." "I had to fire the maid a few days ago" "The night-watchman said he would find someone else" "If she doesn't come today." "you'll have to do the cleaning yourself" " I'm here to look after the motel" " Look... to manage a hotel." "you have to do a bit of everything" "It will only be for a few days." "The rooms are a very similar." "Change the sheets and towels each time." "And make sure that there is always a box of paper handkerchiefs by the bed" "Ok" "This little drum is for beers." "sodas, condoms or whatever they need" "You put the stuff out here and turn it." "So you don't bother them." "The most important thing in this business is discretion." "Don't worry." "Well." "Sebas..." "I'm leaving you in charge of my motel." " Don't fool around too much..." " No, of course not" "Do be careful, there's some crazy dudes round here" "I can look after myself" "Really, son, the situation is rough." " Let me know how things are going." " Sure" "Yes, Sir." "They are single story houses." "They have two bedrooms, a dining room area with an open kitchen" "It's a compound with nine houses with a shared swimming pool" "They also have access to the beach." "Yes, they are very nice" "Very nice." "Why don't you come to see them?" "Yes." "I'll show you the house and explain our financing options." "Yes?" "Perfect" "Hold on" "Coconuts?" "What'll you have, dude?" "This one." "That one?" "Hold on." "Dude, I'll put a straw in" "Here's a ten" "Do you have any change?" "haven't got any." "Better take another one" "No." "One is enough" "What'll we do then?" "Don't have change." "Let's flip a coin." "If you win I'll give you the coconut for free" "But if I win I get to keep the change." "Oh yeah?" "Hold on" "All set." "Dude." "Do come back." "The key?" "I'm sorry" "What?" "Are we going to flip that coin or not?" "You're on" " What?" " You flip it" "Heads" "Tough luck!" "It's heads" "It's tails, my friend" "Tails?" "No way" " It's tails" " Don't cheat" "Me?" "I'm playing fair." " You're playing fair?" " Yes" "Come on." "What's your name?" "Jacinto" "At your service" " How old are you?" " Twelve." " See you" " I'll be back for my other coconut." "Yes, bye" " Good afternoon!" " Hello." "I'm sorry but this room is not available." "But the porch is vacant" "True, but it isn't fit for rent." "So, what do we do now?" " We can do it right here" " No way." " You're so boring!" " It's not that" "The rest are all available" "Is that one next door vacant?" "Room 10, yes it is." "That one then" "I'll bring your key straight away." "Sorry." "I like this place" "What?" "I like this little motel." "It has charm." "It's very different from the last one" "Didn't you like the last one?" "Not really." "It was quite decadent" "And what about the smell..." "Yuck Don't remind me!" "Well." "If you want we could meet at your work" "It's a bit far for me but." "No" "I've already said I don't want that." "You're right." "The truth is this place isn't bad at all." "Simple." "No luxuries." "but worth it" "And it's very discreet." "Far from everything." "Maybe this way we could meet more often?" "Miranda." "Don't start" "I'm just saying it because nobody knows you here." "I'm going to shower." "Miranda?" "Are the towels out there?" "I can't see any here" "No" "Reception." "I'll bring them in a moment" "Yes." "Better pass them through here." " Sorry." "The maid didn't show today" " Don't worry, thanks." "Here are the towels." "Are you ready, Miranda?" "I'll take you out for seafood" " Hi" " Good afternoon" " Mr Severino?" " Yes" "I am Sebastian, Gerardo's nephew." "Pleased to meet you" " Can I help you?" " No thanks, I'll take care of it." "Feeling hungry?" "A bit, yes." " It looks as though it might rain" " Yes." "As the song says, 'It looks like rain, the sky is turning grey.'" " Is that your dog?" " Yes" " What's its name?" " Bodoque" " I'll be inside." "If you need anything..." " Alright" "I'll call you if I need something." "Thank you." "Come here, Bodo" " Enjoy your meal." " Thank you." " The motel seems quite full tonight." " Yes" "After partying in Tecolutla, they came here." "So it filled up" "It's not full every day but it's full now." "Look my uncle said that you were going to find a new maid" " Didn't she come?" " No wonder what happened." "But... don't worry, she'll come tomorrow." "Could we find someone else?" "I need someone urgently" "Melinda will come tomorrow" " Make sure that she does" " Don't worry" " Enjoy." " Thank you." "Santa Lucia Condominiums." "Good morning Sir, how are you?" "Well" "I have a client interested in house number 3." "No... number 4" "Yes." "He said that he'd let me know this week" "I would be delighted too!" "I've advertised all over the place" "But things are slow." "People lack funds and banks are making it very difficult." "Yes, of course." "No." "I gave my word" "I gave my word and won't leave until the condo is sold" "Don't worry." "Even if I have to stay another two months." "Hello?" "Are we on for today?" "I called you several times." "Yes." "I know that being a manager and family man" "Leaves you with little time for other things" "Just kidding" "Can you make it?" "Are you sure?" "We can leave it for another day..." "So we'll meet over there directly?" "At 2 o'clock." "As usual?" "Look at you!" "You must be young Sebastian" " Lucha?" " At your service" "Have you been here long?" "I arrived a little while ago but I didn't want to bother you" "Did you notice anything strange?" "Strange in what way?" "Like people trying to get into the rooms." "Don't worry young man." "nothing ever happens here." "Well." "I'll be at the reception if you need me" "Alright" " Excuse me" " Bye." "Hello?" "Hello?" "What's up." "Uncle Gerry?" "What?" "Hello?" "I can barely hear you." "Hello?" "Can you hear me better?" "Can you hear me?" "Hello?" "Ok." "I can hear you over here." "No." "Wait" "Hello?" "Yes, I hear you now" "What's up?" "Hello?" "What's up." "Man?" "I'm back" " How did it go, son?" " Good." "I've got to go now." " Have you ironed everything?" " Just left some sheets." "It looks like rain, could you bring them in later?" "Yes, I'll take care of it." "I'm off then, bye." "Lucha?" "Could you help me out until I can find a new maid?" "No." "I can't." "I only come here as a favor to Mr Gerardo." "I work full-time at another hotel so don't have the time" " It would just be for a few days." " Honestly, I can't." "But I'll see if I can find you a reliable hardworking girl." " Please do." " Don't worry." "I'll find you one" "Good afternoon." "Thanks" "No." "Leave it open so my partner can see I'm already here." "Thanks" "Sorry to bother you." "Fetching the sheets." "It started to pour" "You can wait here There's no point in getting wet." "Aren't you too young to be working here?" "It's my uncle's motel." "He had to leave so I'm replacing him." "Just for a few days, until he gets back." "That's very bold of him, leaving you here alone when you're so young." "Maybe but I'm not all that young..." "You can't be over 16." "Right?" "I'm turning 18 in three months" "I almost got it." "So, what's it like here?" " What?" " Here" "Boring" "There isn't much to do." "You must find out all sorts of stuff..." "I'd rather not meddle." "But you must wonder who the people who come here are." "Like those guys over there" "I bet he's a young guy from around here." "Well." "He did look young" "About 21 or 22?" "More or less." "I bet it's his first time in a motel" "He didn't look like a first-timer." "Really?" "The plot thickens." " The girl looked..." " Don't tell me that" "Better tell me what car they drive." "They were riding a motorbike" "A small motorbike" "That makes it easier she's a hooker he picked up." "No?" "Don't tell me they're engaged!" "How disappointing!" "I didn't expect them to be so banal" "So what?" "So ordinary" "So boring" "They didn't look as though they were bored" "Not while their passion lasts, but that is temporary" "Look." "A ray of sunshine." "Excuse me." "Hello?" "What's up." "Mom?" "What?" "I can barely hear you." "Hold on." "Don't hang up." "Any news of my uncle?" "You don't say..." "Calm down." "Mom..." "You know what my uncle's like" "And what did the doctors say?" "So when are they going to do the new lab tests?" "What's up with the maid?" "She hasn't come." "I'll try to get another one tomorrow" "Because Ms Melinda didn't show." "You've been saying that since the other day!" "It's hard to find someone who is reliable and trustworthy" " You already said that" " Yes." "My uncle asked you..." "I'm doing the cleaning myself..." " Tough luck" " What do you mean?" " Nothing can be done" " What do you mean?" "Well." "There just isn't anybody who is reliable and trustworthy" "You were asked to take care of it days ago!" "I know, I'm telling you!" "You're telling me?" "I'll be right back." "The building is over 300 ft2 plus another 100 ft2 of private garden, not to mention the swimming pool and the beach access" "I truly believe it's one of the best deals in the area." "The master bedroom." "which also has two built-in double beds." "Over there is a large and comfortable bathroom." "you can go in." "And this is the kitchen" "There's quite a large space for a pantry over here." "It is very versatile." "you can adapt it to your needs" "The open plan is very practical and functional, and gives the house a very nice touch." "The whole house is going to smell of food" "MAID WANTED" "Hello!" "Hi, Mario" "I just wanted to say that I'll be waiting for you" "Don't be long." "Hello?" "I can barely hear you." "Hold on" "Wait a moment" "Yes, I can hear you better." "What's up?" "You're with Uncle Gerry?" "And what did they say?" "What?" "Yes, a truck drove by." "I know what I'm doing." "Just relax and look after my uncle" "Don't worry, everything is fine" "Are you ok?" "Yes." "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you" "Don't worry," "I'll get your key" "Relax, I'm not in a hurry" "Coming!" "Impatient horny bastards!" "Hello" "Thanks" " You shouldn't have" " It was my fault you got dirty" "You'll never guess!" " What?" " About the clients." "You're on" "First clue" "They arrived in a brand new pickup" "He must be a well off cattle rancher." "around 50 or 55, right?" "Yes, to the rancher." "And he brought his secretary... 25 years old" "Ranchers don't have secretaries." "But you got the age right" "Some table dancer?" "No?" "I give up." "Let's say they have a lot in common." "Then she's his wife." "No?" "Or girlfriend, or lover." "That's right... but they have something specific." "What do you mean?" "You've lost me." "I'll make it easy they play for the other team" "They're gay!" "You got it" "Here's your prize" "Thanks" " Do you mind if I smoke?" " No, go ahead" "My name's Miranda." "What's yours?" "Sebastian Ramirez Novoa, at your service." "Pleased to meet you." "Mr. Ramirez Novoa." "Are you from round here?" "No." "I'm from Jalapa" "A girlfriend?" "I'm so nosy, aren't?" "Since you're in on other peoples' privacy, it seemed ok to ask you." "but you don't have to answer..." "No." "Don't worry." "Well." "I do have a friend." "But... she isn't my girlfriend" "So you just kiss and stuff?" "Yes." "But she left" "Why?" "Because she met another guy" "You were too slow..." "Find another one then!" "Love comes and goes." "Right" "How about you?" "Me?" "My thing isn't at all serious" "I missed the marriage train" "To be honest." "I was never looking for that." "It's difficult in my line of work." "I travel a lot" "I'm like a sailor." "a man in every port" "It's better that way" "I get the good part the compliments." "The fun" "I don't get the jealousy or the routine or the complaints." "Do you see him often?" "Enough" "I'm sorry." "Didn't mean to pry" "No." "Don't worry." "What bothers me is his lack of." "He can never be on time" "I've been waiting for him for an hour" "I always have to wait." "The king of waiting." "I'm going to my room." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello?" "Mario?" "Hello?" "Where are you?" "And why didn't you let me know earlier?" "I've been waiting for you for over an hour!" "Do you recall that I cancelled an appointment to see you?" "No, I'm an idiot because I knew you were going to do this to me." "Tonight?" "Come off it, Mario." "No." "I've got tons of things to do." "Are you sure you can make it?" "What about Silvia?" "No." "You know what?" "I can't" "I'm busy too" "It's on the house." " No way." " Please" "Ok" "Thanks" "Another margarita?" " Ok." " Coming up" "Thanks" "Open!" "Fucking Mario!" " Good evening." " Good evening." "Miss" "Please follow me" "I'm not here for a room" "I came to see the young man" " Young Sebastian?" " Yes." "I'll let him know" "Thank you." "I thought there would be more clients at night." "It depends on the day." "But they are definitely ouder at night." "I can imagine." "Hey... what about going out for some fun?" " Right now?" " Sure!" "I know a place that has a great vibes." "It's on me." "Cheers." " Let's dance" " No." "Come on." " Please." " No." "I don't dance." "You should ask those pretty young girls" "I'm sure they would be delighted." " Come on..." " No." "Go on." "Ask them." "Ask them." "I'll cheer you on from here" "The same" "One tequila." "Cheers." "No." "I don't want to leave." "Please, let's go." "Where should I take you?" "I love you." "Mario" " What did you say your name was?" " Maria" "The clotheslines are here and the laundry is just beyond" "The motel has ten rooms." "They're all similar." " We clean them as soon as they're vacant" " Ok" "I'll show you one of the rooms" "You always have to change the sheets and towels" "Put the soiled ones in the storage room" "Lucha takes care of washing and ironing." "What else?" "Always leave paper handkerchiefs next to the bed." "I'll show you where the cleaning products are." "If you run out, I'll buy more" " Any questions?" " No." "Sir" "The most important thing, Maria." "is to be very discreet with the clients" "Alright." "Sir, don't worry" "Here." "Sir." "I found this on the floor" " Where?" " Room number 10." " Thank you" " You're welcome, Sir." "Hey... have you worked in a motel before?" "No" "Don't worry, it's very simple." "Hardly anyone comes here anyway." "The only trouble is when clients are drunk and they make a mess in the rooms" "And there's also the groups that come in to have orgies" "They leave a lot of work for us!" "I'll be right back." "I've come to apologize" "I'm so embarrassed I don't know what came over me." "I even ruined your date." "It wasn't anything" "Of course it was" "Did you get her phone number?" "I think it would have worked out well." "I got really wasted," "I even lost my phone." "Thanks a lot!" "I was so worried." "I have many important contacts and I didn't..." "What?" "Look." "A mermaid" "That stain up there, looks ike a mermaid." "No" "It looks more like... an iguana, doesn't it?" "An iguana?" "No way." "An iguana and a mermaid have nothing in common." "I can't see the mermaid" "Come on." "Come over here to look at it" "Come on." "Look" "Up there, see?" "In the corner" "No?" "Down there, see it?" "That thing is the fish tail." "Then above that's her hair" "And those two spots are her tits" "Got it now?" "If that's a mermaid then I'm..." "What?" "A handsome stud like..." "What?" "An iguana?" "Don't you have to get that?" "No." "The maid can go." "It doesn't sound as though she's going" "Well." "Have to get going anyway." "Hello?" "Maria?" "This is Sebastian, from the Palma Real Motel" "Are you coming in today?" "You're late" "Why?" "You and I had reached an agreement" "Just tell your husband it's a job like any other" "I'm not shouting at you, I'm just saying" "Hello?" "Shit!" "How's tricks?" "Why are you running off?" "How much will you give me?" "One peso for each one" "Oh yeah?" "Better give me every third coconut you bring down." " Yes or no?" " Ok." "Watch your head." "Dude." "Send them down." "Come on, I'll catch them down here" "These are enough to set up my stand" "What can I do for you?" "We're here to deliver mattresses." " I didn't order anything" " Look" "The purchase was made by Mr Gerardo Novoa Sanchez about a month ago." "Address for delivery Palma Real Motel." "on KM 7 4 of the Nautla-Poza Rica road" " Let me make a quick call" " Ok." "How's it going?" "Move it, move it" "And the old mattresses?" "Ok" "Ok." "Don't worry." "When wil the operation be over?" "Sign here." "Please." "Right here" "Thanks" "Here's your invoice." "All set" "Bye." "Thanks." " And the mattresses?" " We put them back there" "Good afternoon." "I saw you were looking for a maid." "So I came in." "Yes." "Yes I am..." "There are 10 rooms... well 9 actually." "They're all the same So there isn't much to do." "I've just received new mattresses, that's why it's such a mess." " Can I help you?" " No, don't worry" "Why not?" "Come on" "Ok." "Thanks." "Careful, it's a bit heavy" " Thanks" " You're welcome." " I'll show you the rest of the motel." " Ok." " After you" " Thanks" "This is the reception." "And that's the storage room with the cleaning products" "My name is Sebastian" "I'm in charge of my uncle's motel." " What's your name?" " Rosa" "Pleased to meet you Rosa" "Well." "What's important in this motel is to be very discreet with the clients" "Yes, of course." "I'll show you another room."