AllFreeNovel
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Sliding my phone in my bag as the car comes to a stop in front of the main building, I let out the breath I was holding. My hands are shaking as I reach for the door handle, anticipation overwhelming me.
“Celia and Taylor, why don’t you get us checked in?” Ansen suggests as he rounds the back of the SUV. “Eli and I will grab the bags.”
Nodding, I look to my left to find Celia staring up at the building in awe. It reminds me of the houses you’d find in Tuscany. Large, all stone, pillars. The building is intimidating in both size and beauty. I can only imagine how beautiful the villas we rented are.
Without waiting for Celia, I march up the steps and push my way through the large, ornate, wood doors. They’re as heavy as they look, their size making me feel small. To my left, the lobby is lavish with pristine, cream-colored couches and matching chairs surrounding wrought iron tables. There’s a fire burning, the distinct sweet smell of oak permeating the air. To my right is a gift shop, the open double doors calling to me. Rows of wine as far as the eye can see.
Later.
As I approach the front desk, a perky brunette greets me. After checking us in, she hands me a map of the grounds and circles the villas we’re occupying. It’s not until I count the key cards that I realize we’re one room short.
“I booked four villas,” I explain, showing her the confirmation email I printed out.
“I’m so sorry. We only have three available. I’m not sure how you were able to book the fourth. The two villas that are occupied have been booked for well over a year.”
Which means I have nowhere to sleep.
“Villa five has two bedrooms if you want to share, or I can call around and try to find you a hotel room,” she offers when I don’t reply.
Villa five is where Celia is staying. Kate and Zoe were originally going to come with us, but Steve was fed up with their antics and forbade the duo from traveling with us. I took great joy in delivering the news to them when I found out.
The last thing I want to do is share a living space with Celia, even if only for a few days, but I don’t have a choice. I know for a fact the hotel where the production team is staying is booked solid.
“Thank you, but we’ll manage,” I state, forcing a smile as I gather all my things and head back out front. Everyone is standing next to the SUV waiting for me as I descend the stairs. Handing out key cards, I let Steve and Eli know which villa they’re in. When I get to Celia, her eyes still filled with excitement at her surroundings, I state the facts of the situation.
“There was an issue with our reservation, so you and I are sharing a villa.”
“Um, no.”
“Um, yes. You have two bedrooms, and you can’t sleep in both. Or you can find somewhere else to sleep.”
“Why don’t you just stay with Eli? We both know that’s where you’re going to end up anyway.”
Brushing off her snide remark, I grab the handle of my suitcase and lead the way down the path. Steve’s villa is first. He doesn’t even bother to say anything to us as he closes the door behind him. Eli’s villa is next. He opens the door but stands in the doorway for a few seconds before disappearing inside.
When we finally reach our villa, Celia storms past me, leaving her suitcase in the hallway while she claims the larger of the two rooms. Not that I care. We’re not here for vacation. The only time I’ll spend here is at night, to sleep. She can have whatever room she wants.
Eli texts me as I’m putting the last of my clothes in the tiny Armoire.
ELI: Pizza will be here in thirty. Are you going to be okay staying with Celia?
ME: I’ll survive. You should be more concerned about her safety.
ELI: Noted. Come on over whenever you want. I already opened the bottle of wine they had waiting for me.
ME: You’re speaking my language. Be over in a minute.
Heading back out into the main living area, I find Celia with her phone pressed between her shoulder and her ear, her foot up on the table, bright pink nail polish covering the toes of her right foot. Not just the nail. The entire toe. The way I used to pain my toenails before I knew how to apply polish.
“It’s bullshit. I shouldn’t have to share with the help. Ansen needs to pull his head out of his ass. If he knew what was good for him, he’d fire her for screwing up the reservation instead of punishing me because of her mistake.”
Clearing my throat, Celia glances in my direction but doesn’t stop bitching to whoever is on the other end of the line. Instead of being polite and informing her of the fact I’m leaving, I ignore her and slam the door behind me.
Childish?
Maybe. Then again, when it comes to Celia, she has a way of bringing out the pettiness in me.
Walking up the steps of Eli’s villa, I get the feeling I’m being watched. Looking around, clearly on edge, I don’t see anyone and press onward, forcing myself to raise my hand and knock.
