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?
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?
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. 