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As I made my way over to the hotel restaurant, my senses were immediately captivated by the alluring scent of the dishes being prepared. The fragrance of freshly cooked meats and aromatic herbs and spices wafted through the air, tantalizing my nostrils and making my mouth water with anticipation.
The sight that greeted me as I entered the restaurant was equally breathtaking. The kitchen was open, allowing me to see the chefs hard at work, expertly preparing a variety of dishes with meticulous attention to detail. The sizzling sound of oil in pans, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, and the hissing of the grill combined to create a symphony of succulent delight.
As I marveled at the culinary wizardry being performed before me, I reached for my phone to capture the moment. I snapped a few pictures of the chefs and the vibrant dishes being prepared.
Feeling my stomach grumble, I realized just how hungry I was. I quickly messaged Laura, telling her about the amazing sights and smells of the restaurant and urging her to come down and join me for a meal.
***
As Laura and I savored the last bites of our sumptuous meal, we felt a sense of satisfaction that only came from indulging in the finest cuisine. The flavors and textures blended together perfectly, creating a culinary experience that was nothing short of extraordinary.
Despite being filled to the brim with delicious food, we were in no rush to leave. The ambiance of the restaurant was relaxing, with soft music playing in the background and warm lighting casting a soft glow over the tables. We continued our conversation, relishing each other's company and the brief moment of tranquility.
"Thank you for booking such a magnificent hotel. It's quite an experience," I said smiling.
"Oh, if you are amazed at the hotel food, just wait until I'm finally free tomorrow, and I can show you around this whole area. It’s a treat," she replied, giggling. "I love myself. So any time things get too hard, it’s best to believe I'm running to a beautiful place," she added.
It was hard to be jealous of this sweet tipsy soul right then. Then she told me she was living in my dreams, which only made me like her more.
Feeling a sense of obligation, I insisted on paying for the meal. But Laura, with a gentle smile, refused my offer.
"It's your boss's money. Shouldn't you at least spend a little of it when you can?" she giggled.
It was a generous gesture, and I knew Laura didn't have to. This whole trip was like getting to know all over again. She had her own troubles, yet I could feel how considerate she was. My heart ached for her because she might be stuck in this position forever.
After our dinner was finished, I decided to head back to my room. I crawled into bed feeling completely relaxed and content. I drifted off to sleep with the thought of my daughter's loose tooth still foremost on my mind.
Chapter nine
Anthony
My phone alarm went off at 7 a.m., piercing through the stillness of the hotel room. It took me a few seconds to realize where I was—I had slept all through the night in the luxurious hotel bed. As I stretched my limbs, I stepped onto the plush carpeting of the room, sinking my toes into its softness. The sensation was so delightful that I paused for a moment, savoring the feeling.
I surveyed the room, taking in its opulence again, as it gave another impression from the evening before in the morning light. The king-size bed was covered in crisp white linens and plumped fluffy pillows. The bedside table held a sleek digital clock, a notepad, and a pen. The room was decorated in soothing earthy tones, with modern art pieces adorning the walls.
The real treat, however, was outside the window. I walked over to the window, slid open the heavy drapes, and was greeted by a breathtaking view. The city skyline stretched out before me, dotted with towering skyscrapers—their glass facades glittering in the morning sun. A flock of birds flew past, their wings flapping in unison.
I slid open the window and took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air. The city was slowly coming to life, with cars honking, people chatting, and the distant rumbling of construction work. I felt a surge of excitement—this was the kind of life I wanted for myself, full of hustle and bustle, opportunities, and adventures.
Feeling invigorated, I made my way to the bathroom. It was just as lavish as the rest of the room, with marble floors, a spacious bathtub, and a glass-enclosed shower with a rainfall showerhead. I brushed my teeth with the complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste provided by the hotel, marveling at how minty fresh my breath felt afterward.
Then, I decided to indulge in a long, relaxing bath. I ran the water, adding the lavender-scented bath salts placed in the room, and sank into the smooth embrace of the tub. The water was just the right temperature, enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth. I closed my eyes, letting my mind drift and listening to the soothing sound of water trickling.
As the water began to cool, I reluctantly got out of the tub and wrapped myself in a fluffy white towel. I walked over to the sink and looked at myself in the mirror. My skin was glowing from the steam, and my hair was tousled from the water. I smiled, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Laura's number. She answered groggily, her voice raspy from sleep. I told her to hurry up and get ready as it was almost time for her meeting. I could sense her rushing around on the other end of the line, grabbing her clothes and moving around the room.
I decided to make myself a cup of coffee while I waited for Laura to get ready. The hotel room had a small kitchenette, complete with a coffee maker and a selection of coffee pods. I picked out a dark roast, popped it into the machine, and waited for the rich aroma to fill the room.
As I sat there sipping my coffee, my mind began to wander. I wondered what I would do while Laura was meeting with her investors. I couldn't shake the feeling of boredom that had been nagging at me lately. It seemed like all I had been doing with my time was just trying to survive and raise my daughter right. I hadn't given much thought to what I really wanted for myself, my dreams. Did I even know what they were?
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. A vibrant image flashed before my mind's eye—me standing on a stage, speaking to a crowd of thousands, people applauding and cheering. I had always wanted to be someone important, to make a difference in the world. But how could I do that when all I knew was the path I had been walking—one which could lead me down the darker side of myself?
I opened my eyes and looked out the window again. The city was alive with activity—people rushing to their jobs, cars honking, and sirens blaring in the distance. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Just then, I heard a knock. I opened the door and Laura was there, grinning at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm ready," she said. "Let's go."
“That was… impressively fast,” I chuckled. “Let me grab my keys and wallet, and we’re off.”
