Chelsea
———
The final hum off the plane that filled the air, served as a cue to get ready. We had arrived at New York.
After a prolonged stretch, I unbuckled myself and grabbed my hand luggage, making my way into the line of passengers strolling down the aisle. As I walked, my legs ached from hours of sitting in place, but my curiosity overruled it. I couldn't wait to explore the Big Apple.
The fresh air hit my skin as I stepped out of the plane. I dipped my hands into my pocket, reaching for my phone. I couldn't waste anymore time, I had to call Xavier.
—————
The air outside JFK was thick with the scent of jet fuel, coffee, and the distant promise of rain. The strong feeling of nostalgia and wanderlust lingered in the air. People moved around like a living current—buying and selling, hugging and parting, shouting and sobbing. The airport beamed with life—even busier than the one back in Toronto. I could only imagine what the heart of the city had in store.
A symphony of car horns and shouts hummed around me as I stood on the sidewalk, my phone clutched in my slightly trembling hands. The flight had drained me, and all I could think about was the comfort I would derive from sinking into the backseat of my Uber—he should be here any minute.
I hadn't stood for long when I noticed a sleek black car parked right in front of me like a beacon of salvation. A middle aged man who I perceived to be the driver, stood beside it, holding the door open, the trunk was open too. I switched gazes from the man to my driver's profile. His profile was blank, but other details seemed to match... Or not, I didn't care to check.
The Uber drivers back in Toronto never held the door open for their passengers, but I guessed New York was different, or he was just being a gentleman. I was so tired, I didn't bother to question it.
"Mr Lin? I thought I'd never find you." I said, relieved as I threw my bags into the trunk.
His face shrinked into a frown, and his lips slightly parted as I turned round the vehicle. But before he could utter a word, I slipped into the cool and luxurious leather interior, slamming the door shut against him.
I shut my eyes gently as I settled in. I was relieved, but a subtle doubt lingered in my head.
This is too good to be true.
I turned to my left, and I realized that I was not alone.
Across from me, a man sat with one leg crossed over the other, his head buried into his device. The dim lighting of his tablet shed light on the angles of his face. He raised his head with a smile, but his expression slowly shifted the moment he saw me. His gaze was unreadable. A mix of shock and amusement. He switched the car lights on, and for what felt like a long time, we just stared at each other with shared confusion.
He was... Handsome. His blonde hair framed his face perfectly—chiseled jawline, high cheekbone, Roman nose. The depths of his blue eyes danced with a calm intensity, his parted lips, rosy and inviting. His navy blue shirt wrapped around his body like a second skin, the top two buttons undone. Everything about him hinted at power and affluence.
"Is this a shared ride?" I blurted out, putting an end to the uncomfortable silence.
"Shared ride... Who are you? Are you lost?" He asked. His tone is firm, but calm.
Oh God no. Could it be?
Panic began to set in, as the realization washed over me like rain.
"I'm sorry, I think I'm in the wrong—"
I turned to leave, my hand reaching for the door handle, but before I could finish my sentence, the car door swung open. In front of it stood one of the most gorgeous women I'd ever set my eyes on.
She radiated with an aura reminiscent of a goddess, the kind that made you wonder if you somehow stepped into a perfume commercial. Lengthy bundles of silky brunette waves cascaded over her shoulders. She had piercing hazel eyes framed by thick lashes, and lips painted in crimson matte. At the sight of her, I became fully positive that I had made yet another terrible mistake.
She bent over, and looked into the car. Her eyes laced with irritation and disdain, scanned me in an upward-downward spiral before turning to him.
"Nate," she called, her voice dripping with possessiveness. "Who— What's this?"
"Relax. You just got here." He replied. His tone calm and measured.
Nate. Of course. The name suited him so well.
"My— my apologies," I stammered while hopping out of the vehicle. "I thought this was my Uber."
Her lips curled into a smirk as she scoffed. "Uber," she added while she made her way into the car, dodging me like a disease, and slamming the door behind her.
I sealed my eyes in shame as the Rolls-Royce sped off—I hadn't seen the logo earlier—leaving me behind with my embarrassed self.
You've embarrassed yourself enough for one day Chelsea.
My actual Uber—a less sleek, ordinary Toyota—picked me up shortly after, taking me to the heart of the city. Even though the feeling of humiliation lingered in my chest, I couldn't help but feel completely enthralled.
New York was alive and beautiful.
Multiple neon signs flickered in the afternoon sky, their colors reflecting off the endless parade of yellow cabs, commercial vans, and sleek flashy cars. Several billboards towered above, advertising everything from high-fashion ads, box office promotions, and broadway musicals, each one demanding attention. The sidewalks were like an endless river of people—fast-walking executives, street performers and entertainers, couples tangled in their own little worlds, and others at the sidewalk cafes. The air buzzed with a symphony of honking horns, distant laughter, and the rhythmic beats of music spilling from a nearby bar.
I pressed my forehead against the window, goosebumps settling over me as I took it all in. The sheer energy of the city was intoxicating and electric.
Back in Toronto, life felt structured and measured, almost predictable. But here? Here, the air itself pulsed with endless possibilities and adventures.
I exhaled deeply, the embarrassing feeling from earlier, temporarily forgotten.
The cab rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Arlo NoMad, my destination. The hotel stood tall and modern, Its minimalist architecture blended effortlessly into the Manhattan skyline. Warm lights spilled out from the lobby, casting a golden glow on the pavement, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I caught a glimpse of the chic décor, cozy corners, and the promise of comfort after the long, chaotic day I had.
I let out a sharp exhale, a small smile stretching out from my lips. "This is it." I fastened my grip on my tote bag, reaching back for my other bags, only to grasp at air.
My eyes widened in shock, and my stomach dropped, as I whirled around, scanning through the curb, the sidewalk, and the street. Nothing.
My eyes widened, as my thoughts scattered around for a minute, then the harsh reality hit me like a freight train.
My pulse spiked as my gaze darted to the street like I could find them there.
"Oh shit, Nate's trunk... Goddammit Chels—"
Before I could finish my sentence, the familiar chime from my phone erupted, causing me to lose my voice momentarily. I whipped it out, and with my faltering hands, I unlocked it with a swipe.
Yvette: Helloooooo, you still want your job?
Fuck me!