Chelsea
———
"Girl. You are not going to believe what a day I just had."
"Trust me Chels, I already believe you... Every single thing." She replied calmly, unfazed by the worry in tone—she never was. "So take a deep breath, and give me all the tea baby."
My stroll back to the hotel passed by in a hurry. I narrated every single detail of my day—from the airport back in Toronto to losing my shoe, the incident with Nathaniel Vaughn, my missing bags, and my near sack experience.
"How hot is he?" She asked, her voice teasing.
"Bitch! Are you kidding me? Is that all you could make out from all I said."
"Calm down. Everything you've said is on brand for the great clumsy Chelsea, I'm not surprised. For the luggage, you said he's famous right?" Her voice filtered through the speakers, soothing as always.
"It appears so, he's featured on one of largest billboards in Time square. Said something about 'young billionaire prodigy.'"
"Name?"
"Nate— Nathaniel Vaughn," I replied in a hurry.
I let out a deep sigh of relief. I didn't know what she needed the name for, but the calmness and confidence in her tone made me feel relaxed for some reason.
"Um... He drives a Rolls-Royce," I continued. "He has blonde hair, blue eyes, he's muscular, I think. It was stupid of me, what was I thinking? A Rolls-Royce as an Uber—"
"Chelsea, write this down."
I paused, my voice fading into silence.
"He's the heir to the Apex Group Empire. It's says here that their headquarters is around Times Square, that's close to you, right?
I nodded my head repeatedly like she could see me from the phone.
"They're closed now, but they're open tomorrow. Go get your load girl."
"Yes!" I shrieked. "Sloane, you've saved my life yet again, what would I ever do without—"
"It was just a simple Google search, you fool." She brushed it off, but I could tell she was grinning hard. "Oh and, Chels, you're right. He is hot."
"Bye." I replied and hung up on her.
My journey back to the hotel was smooth, for the first time since Toronto, I was at peace, not having anything to think or worry about. All I needed was to crash somewhere soft and call it a day.
————
My eyelids felt heavy as though weighed down by remnants of sleep as I woke up, my body aching from yesterday's stress. A wave of dull soreness spread through my muscles as I stretched. A deep sigh followed—half exhaustion, and half relief. There was no work for me: No meetings, no rushing, no pretending that I had everything figured out. Just a quiet sunday in this hotel room, all I had to do was visit Apex Group Empire later in the day.
The soft hum of the air conditioning filled the room, blending with the faint sounds of the city beyond the glass, and heavy curtains. Sunlight peeked through a small gap, casting slanted golden rays across the king-sized bed where I laid. The sheets were a mess—evidence of my restless sleep—but they felt cool against my skin as I threw them aside.
Dragging myself out of bed, I stepped onto the plush rug, its softness providing comfort and warmth to my feet. The hotel room was sleek and luxurious, it's wall painted beige, it had dark wood furnishing, and minimalist decor. The scent of fresh linens lingered in the air, mixed with the faint scent of lavender seeping through the diffusers. I made my way to the bathroom flicking on the soft white lights.
The mirror reflected my tired face as I stepped into the bathroom, my hair disheveled, and scattered across my face. I ran a hand through it, thinking of what to do with it since I didn't have my hair brush with me. I leaned on the cold sink, reaching for the complementary toothbrush.
Thank goodness, what would I have done without this.
I let my mind drift while I brushed. It was only my second day, and I felt this exhausted, but I didn't mind anyway. This trip was for the best.
My body was still soaked while I rushed out of the tub, at the sound of my phone vibrating against the nightstand. I wrapped the towel around my body, and brushed the other against my damp hair as I stepped back into the room. My heart jumped a little as I sighted his name flashing on the screen—Xavier. My heart felt lighter as I picked up the phone and pressed it against my ear.
"Hey, You," his warm voice greeted me, teasing but affectionate.
"Good morning babe," I took a deep breath, pressing the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued drying my hair.
"How's my baby doing?" he asks. "How is New York treating you?"
"Fine babe, just a little bit stressed from the journey and work," my breath hitched as I answered. I couldn't tell him about the missing luggage, I didn't want him worrying more than he already was, and quite frankly, it was an embarrassing encounter that I didn't even want to think about.
Xavier chuckled softly, the familiar sound making my chest ache in the best way. "I still can't believe that I didn't get to see you before you left."
"Babe, there was nothing we could do about it, it was impromptu, and you know I have to be here," I replied in a childlike tone. "I miss Toronto. I miss you more."
There was a brief pause, then his voice cut through, soft and relaxed. "I miss you too, and remember that I love you."
I shut my eyes and bit on my lower lip, releasing it slowly at the weight of his words. I knew where he was heading with that. Two weeks ago, his best friend Liam, got dumped by his girlfriend after she secured a new job in the UK, and I knew he was scared of losing me too.
"I'm sorry I left so abruptly," I murmured, tossing the used towel to the side. "I didn't even get a proper goodbye, but three weeks will be gone before you know it, and I'll be back there with you. I promise."
He exhaled. "I get it. But don't apologize, babe. I just wish I could be there to hug you tight, and hear you whine about every little thing—"
"Is that shade?" I gasped, pulled the phone to my face, and acted fake shocked."
"Babe I have to go," His voice cut through suddenly. His tone filled with subtle disappointment. "Just don't overwork yourself, and remember that I love you."
"I love you too bye,"
I set my phone down, and sank into the bed, relief washing through me. The unspoken tension from two days ago was suddenly dissolved.
Now, all I had to do was rest, and go for my bags
————
The afternoon sun was scorching as I trekked down the curb.
My gaze shifted from Sloane's directions on my phone, to the towering glass building looming ahead—Apex Group.
Gotcha!
I took a steady breath, and strode towards the entrance, my Crocs scraping against the floor as I walked. The security guards eyed me as I stepped into the building.
"I'm here to see Nathaniel Vaughn," I said, my voice even, as I approached the receptionist.
The receptionist gave me a sour look, barely giving me a chance to explain before shaking her head. "No appointment, no entry."
My chest tightened with frustration. I wasn't there for an appointment, I just needed to get to his trunk. "Can you at least tell him—"
"Security!" She yelled, her eyes locked on a fleet of papers.
What a bitch.
I barely had time to register what was happening, before two towering security guards started moving toward me. Their broad shoulders and stiff expressions made their intentions clear, their steps slow but deliberate. My chest rose and fell with fear, but I stood my ground, my fingers tightening around my bag.
"All I need is to meet your boss, and grab my belongings."