AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“For them, for myself, for my children. I did it for my family. I’ll continue working my ass off till the day I kick the bucket if I have to so my children and their children are comfortable.”
“Damn,” Juliette whispers. “I want to be you when I grow up, Xander.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, okay.”
“I’m serious. You’re inspiring. Mason and Madison are lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.”
We finally arrive in front of the hotel. It’s an enormous building. According to Xander, it’s 12 stories, with numerous rooms, an indoor gym, a restaurant, three swimming pools including one on the roof, a ballroom, a spa, and basically any luxury that their high-profile, rich guests may need. I’ve never been inside before. I’ve never had the reason or the means to, but I’ve always admired it from afar.
I step out of the car at the same time Xaner does. A valet appears and he hands him the key. Just before we step into the hotel however, someone else arrives. I’m pretty sure there’s only one person in the entire state of Virginia that drives a bright green Porsche.
“That car is hideous,” I state as Xander and I watch the owner step out.
“You have good taste,” he says and I can hear the smile in his voice.
Declan walks up to us dressed in a cowboy’s outfit. Boots, shorts, hat, and everything. There’s even a long rope coiled up and tied to his belt. My mouth falls open.
“What the hell are you wearing?” Xander asks, horrified.
“You like it?”
I cough. “Declan, Halloween’s in three months.”
“I’m aware of that, Julie. But I thought I would dress up. Spice up my day a little. You don’t like it? The woman I was with last night certainly liked it. The role play was definitely,” he pauses and winks at me, “spicy.”
“Okay,” Xander says, shutting him up, “we’re going. Don’t follow us.”
Of course, he follows us.
“What do you even want?” Xander asks his friend.
“I came to wish Julie a good first day of work,” he replies.
“Thanks, Declan,” I speak up.
He seems impervious to the stares and pointing from the people in the hotel’s massive lobby. Some people don’t blink an eye, however; they’re probably used to the crazy. I actually like Declan. He keeps things interesting. And judging by Xander’s lifestyle, he definitely needs someone like Declan to keep him on his toes.
“Don’t look at him. Maybe we can pretend we’re not acquainted,” Xander whispers to me.
I laugh. “Everyone knows you two are best friends.”
“Unfortunately,” he mutters.
“I can hear you,” Declan grumbles.
We’re stopped by someone approaching our little group. His name tag reads John. He’s wearing a white T-shirt and black slacks. He seems to be in his thirties. His dark hair has been slicked back and his brown eyes roam over me, disapproval clear in them.
“Welcome, Mr. Callahan,” John greets with a smile. “Mr. White.”
“John, how’s it going?” Declan questions. “This is Julie.”
“Juliette, this is John. He’s the manager of the hotel,” Xander takes over.
“Nice to meet you,” John says through gritted teeth. It’s immediately clear he doesn’t like me.
Great.
