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“Bitch!” I call through the letterbox before walking down towards the car. I turn to look at the house to find her looking at me through the window, still laughing and waving like a lunatic. I quickly flip her off before jumping in the car and pulling away from her house.
It’s an hour's drive to the hotel where the function is being held tonight, so we are staying over. Calvin had offered to drive us, but I told him I wanted to drive myself. I guess part of me is still worried tonight will be a disaster, and I want to be sure I can make a quick getaway if I need to.
I turn on the radio and increase the volume. I don’t get to drive long distances very often as I’m usually working or busy with Luna, so I decide to make the most of it and take my time. I’m child-free until tomorrow, which also doesn’t happen very often. Sure, Luna will go to Pennys occasionally, but most of the time, I will stay as well.
As I drive, my conversation with Luna plays over in my mind. Would she really be okay if I started dating? I keep saying I don’t want to date, but I enjoyed going to a meal with the guys separately, and they made me feel good about myself. They are funny and intelligent, and we laughed until I cried. When was the last time I got home feeling as I did those nights? Sure, Penny and I always have fun when we go out, whether just the two of us or with friends, but this was different. Both times, Calvin and Drew made me feel like they weren’t there because they felt sorry for me. It was as if they didn’t want to be away from me.
The only one who seems to keep me at arm's length is Logan. As well as we worked together that night, I think there is something about me that he doesn’t like. He’s always pleasant enough and says “hi” when he comes in to see Mr Young, but I don’t think he would choose to speak to me if he didn’t have to. Which is a little awkward, in all honesty, as I know there will be a time I will be asked to help him out like I’m helping Calvin tonight, and I don’t know how I feel about it. The thought of spending time with Calvin and Drew is appealing, but spending time with Logan is not. Maybe things will be different when we do have to spend time as just the two of us. It was okay that night in the office, and he did carry me into the staff room the following day to make sure I got a decent rest. Surely, that shows that he doesn’t hate me completely. Maybe I should speak to Calvin about it tonight and get his take on the situation. Maybe I should stop worrying and concentrate on getting through tonight in one piece.
I continue to drive, my mind and nerves racing until I reach the hotel. When I look up at the impressive building, I start to worry that I must have the wrong address. I recheck the SatNav and see that it’s the correct postcode. Maybe Calvin gave me the wrong one. He has given me the code to get into the car park, so I pull up alongside the barrier and type it in. The bar lifts, allowing me access, confirming it’s the right hotel.
I find a parking space and park up before climbing out of the car and getting my overnight and dress bag out of the back seat where I placed it in the hope of avoiding any creases. You wouldn’t believe how many hours of sleep I have lost over the fear of something going wrong, me forgetting my shoes or dress. I have even had nightmares that I made a mess of my make-up, and everyone laughed at me. Stupid, I know, but it’s a real fear that I’ll make a mess of everything.
I walk up to the main entrance, and a bellboy holds the doors open for me.
“Afternoon, Ma’am,” he says with a smile and small bow.
“Good afternoon. Thank you,” I reply, smiling. Ma’am, I don’t think I have ever been called Ma’am before. It makes me feel like royalty.
I’m still smiling when I reach the front desk, where I can see a few others with suitcases and suitbags over their arms. I smile and say a few polite afternoons, feeling completely out of place. Everything is marble, black and white. The place is pristine, and I don’t think I have ever seen a floor shine as brightly as this one.
I move to the front of the queue and smile at the receptionist.
“Good Afternoon, Ma’am. Can I take your name, please?”
“Afternoon, it’s Chelsea Hughes.” I hold my breath, hoping she doesn’t turn me away and tell me I’m in the wrong place.
“Ahh, yes, I have you here.”
I feel myself relax for the first time since I pulled up.
“You are in room 382, and everything is ready for you. Mr Anderson called ahead to request that we let you know he will be running a little late, but he has booked you in for a full body massage in one hour, all paid for.”
I stare at her as she pulls out a key card and a few leaflets.
“Here are your room keys and some information you may need. The spa is open, and you can use anything that is in there. Your robe and slippers have already been left in your room, as well as your time slot for the massage, which is located in the spa.” She gives me a big smile and hands me all the leaflets. “Would you like any help with your bags today?”
“Oh, um, no, thank you, though,” I stutter as I take all the leaflets from her. She smiles at me and directs me to the lifts, telling me which floor my room is before wishing me a pleasant stay. I thank her again and head off in the directions she gave me.
Luckily, I find my room easily and let myself in. I come to the top when I see the room for the first time; it is beautiful and so luxurious. The bed’s enormous, with pure white bedding, the comfiest looking duvet and pillows I have ever seen and pressed to perfection. The room is so big to also have a seat by a large window, which I realise is a door leading to a balcony. I quickly hang up my dress bag and open the door to let the chilled autumn air fill the warm space. Stepping onto the balcony, I look at the view and smile. It’s beautiful up here; there's so much to see. I bet it's even better at night seeing everything lit up below.
Walking back into the bedroom, I retrieve my handbag and pull out my phone, planning on messaging Calvin to thank him, but I find he has beaten me to it.
Calvin: I’m so sorry I’m running late. I hope they have let you know at reception. I have booked you in for a massage to make it up to you. Enjoy it and relax a little; you deserve it. I will knock for you at about 19:30 to go down for the function. Enjoy your break. I look forward to seeing you xx.
I quickly type out a message thanking him and place my phone on the side before reading the information about the spa and what I can expect to find there. Smiling, I grab the robe and slippers and praise myself for having the sense to pack a bikini. As soon as I’ve changed and pulled my hair up into a bun, I leave my room eager to relax and make the most of this wonderful place.
15
Chelsea
I’m putting the finishing touches to my lipstick when I hear a knock at my door.
“Two seconds,” I call, doing a last check of my hair and make-up in the full-length mirror before walking over to the door and opening it.
“I am so sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived, I.” Calvin stops mid-sentence when his eyes fall on me. His jaw drops open for a second before he closes it quickly and gives his head a quick shake. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself,” I smile, taking in his black tuxedo. Calvin grins and holds up a bottle of champagne in one hand and two flute glasses in another. “I thought we could have a quick drink before going down.”
