There were few instances when Finley actually allowed herself to feel proud of herself. Becoming a detective was one of those moments. This was another. In her mind, she knew it didn't compare, but for some reason it still caused her heart to swell with a feeling of accomplishment. She'd overcome so much to get to this moment and while she didn't recall what exactly she had done to get here, she knew she was better for it. The hotel started off as being a problem, a pain in her ass that she just couldn't get rid of, but somehow it had turned into exactly what she needed. Was that why she wanted to give back to the people there? She wanted to help the guests, to protect them. Was that why the small badge clipped to her top seemed to shine with such honor in her eyes? There wasn't much to the badge, just a thin sheet of gold-plated metal with the word 'Security' etched into the metal. She understood that this meant a good deal of responsibility falling onto her shoulders, but that was something she was not unaccustomed to. In fact, this time she was sure she would do better because she'd overcome her personal demons and obstacles.
Finley had never felt so light, so carefree before in her life. Obviously, that meant there was something wrong. Perhaps it was that that shook her out of the dream and brought her back to reality. The world where she was burdened with the guilt of leaving her job and the grudges she could never forgive. She sat up in the bed and glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table. She rolled her eyes when she realized that dawn was still some time away; there was no way that she would be falling asleep again. She didn't want to dwell on the dream, but she couldn't stop herself from wondering just where in the hell it had come from. She didn't want to stay at the hotel. She wanted to leave, to get back home and get back to her life. At least, that's what she told herself. She conveniently ignored the voice that admitted that what she truly wanted was for Wren to come with her. Still, she didn't want to end up working for the hotel! Where had that crazy idea hatched from?
Tossing and turning under the covers did nothing to help clear her thoughts, so Finley dressed herself and went for a walk. The hotel grounds were quiet and starting to brighten with the rising sun, but the air was still cool in the shade. She was thankful for that, at least. Adjusting to the heat had almost been as difficult as adjusting to life in the hotel. The fresh air didn't do much in shaking her dream from her mind, but it still helped her feel a little bit better. The quiet air also did wonders in helping carry a voice to her ears, a voice she recognized as Charlie's. Walking around the building of Morning Star Grill, she heard him say something about a dream before sliding down to a pitiful looking position on the ground.
She frowned slightly; he was obviously distressed and his words made her think of her own dream. She may not have been a counselor or even the best listener at times, but Finley liked Charlie well enough and she could never sit idly by while someone was struggling with anything, whether it be emotional or physical.
"Hey," she greeted gently, stepping over towards him and kneeling down in front of him. "You alright there, Charlie-boy?"