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ONE
~ Kinsley ~
This isn’t my first time in a helicopter. I can’t help but feel the exhilaration and excitement I felt the first time I flew in one. The sight of fluffy clouds and the ground below always gets me. It feels surreal and makes me realize just how big the world is.
One of the perks of my job as a corporate property inspector and liaison between my company, Zephyr Enterprises, is that I get to travel by helicopter often. I inspect residential and commercial properties that are of interest to Zephyr, where they either want to invest or purchase them. My job has taken me to all continents, allowing me to see the world's marvels from a bird’s eye view.
Today’s view is a little different from what I’m used to. There’s snow as far as the eye can see, covering the mountains like a thick blanket. I’m on my way to Lockwood Ski Resort, nestled deep in the mountains. And even though it’s remote, it’s one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the country. Many celebrities frequent the resort because of its five-star status. Unfortunately for me, I will not be brushing shoulders with any stars.
The resort has been undergoing renovations, and most of the staff are on their way home. It’s the week of Christmas, after all, and the current owner wanted to give his employees a special gift this year. The resort will be closed, which suits me just fine since now I don’t have to deal with other people while I do my job. I can spend a night at the hotel, having brought my own dinner and breakfast. The kitchen staff is already gone as well, so I was told that unless I feel the need to cook myself, my packed meals will have to do.
“Ms. Butler, we should be approaching the resort in a few minutes.” The pilot’s voice sounds through my headset, and I give him an acknowledging nod.
The skies are surprisingly clear this time of the year, and the flight has been incredibly smooth. I usually don’t travel this time of the year, but when my boss asked me whether I was willing to sacrifice two days away from my very Southern family, I jumped at the chance.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. They simply tend to get a little much this time of year. Having moved away from the South when I was eighteen, I left that life behind and started a new one in New York. My mom still calls me Fancy Pants whenever she sees me, insinuating that I’m too fancy to visit them in their humble abode—her words, not mine.
But here I am, ready to do my job, and nothing is going to stop me.
The helicopter begins its descent, and my jaw drops at the incredible sight from my window. The resort is more extensive than I imagined it would be, and my eyes sparkle with excitement. The hotel is a gorgeous and rustic building with wooden detailing that I’ve only ever seen in magazines.
When we touch down on the helipad, and the propellers stop moving, I’m helped out of the helicopter by the co-pilot. He even helps me with my luggage and gives me a casual salute.
“Thanks, guys,” I say to the pilot and co-pilot. “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“See you then, Ms. Butler,” the pilot grins at me.
I make my way to the hotel entrance, feeling the cold air slice it's way through my clothes. I’d better get inside before I freeze to death. Luckily I packed for the weather conditions, so I can simply change into warmer attire before heading out and inspecting the property. Maybe I can even have my dinner in the fancy dining area I read about.
I step inside, and the warmth makes my muscles relax. I have never been a fan of snow and cold, but this is for work. If I had to choose the perfect destination, it’d be on a beach where it’s always warm.
But it is what it is. And it’s only for one night, so what’s the worst that can happen?
I walk towards the front desk, and out of nowhere, a guy talking on his phone pushes past me, grumbling irately as he passes. He almost knocks me off my feet, causing my suitcase to topple over. I crouch down, grabbing the handle, and I let out a sigh. Rude people are everywhere, am I right?
Being the outspoken person I am, I’d normally approach him and give him a piece of my mind. But the ambiance in the hotel, as well as its gorgeous decor, has me in a great mood. And I’m not going to allow some jerk with no manners to spoil it for me.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” I hear the young woman behind the front desk say to me.
I look up and see the rude guy is no longer there, and I approach the front desk.
“Hey,” I smile and hand her my ID. “I’m Kinsley Butler. I’m the inspector with Zephyr Enterprises.”
“Yes, of course. Mr. Tennant informed me of your arrival. You have your pick of any room you’d like, Ms. Butler.”
“Nowhere near where that rude guy is staying,” I scoff.
She narrows her eyes slightly at me, and I clear my throat. “Two-nineteen, if it’s available.”
“Excellent choice. That is one of our most popular rooms,” she says with a smile and hands me the keycard. “The rest of the staff will be leaving the premises, so when you checkout tomorrow afternoon, you can simply leave your keycard on the desk. The card will deactivate on its own.”
“Okay, great,” I say. “Thank you so much.”
I walk up the stairs, dragging my suitcase behind me and staring bright-eyed at the artwork against the walls. The hallway splits in two, with the left hallway closed off due to the renovations. I turn right and head down the hallway, passing the empty rooms.
Two-nineteen is on my left, and I open the door with the keycard. My jaw drops as I step inside, and I let out an amused laugh. Now I know why this is their most popular room. It looks like an apartment, with a lounge area and flat-screen television. The bed is massive and looks incredibly comfortable, and the bathroom has heated towel racks and the fluffiest towels I have ever seen.
I let out another chuckle and fall on the bed like I’m in a movie, and I stare at the ceiling for a few seconds. My excitement is hampered by the sound of my phone ringing, and I push myself upright. Fishing my phone out of my pocket, I quickly answer it.
