Silence creeps between the three of us.
“What the fuck are you doing?” he whispers through a laugh.
“Athena thought she saw a fan,” Nora explains.
“Oh, really?” One of his brows lifts and I know he knows I am full of crap.
“Yup,” I chip in, “and I look like horrendous, so y’know…” I trail off and Nora nods next to me.
“Right.” He folds his hand into his pocket.
My heart is slamming against my ribs. Nora side-eyes me and I shrug my shoulders.
“I think maybe next time you should choose a better hiding spot, Athena.” With that he walks off.
Nora stares me down as I begin to walk towards the lift.
“Nothing happened!” I say more defensively than I would have liked.
“Okay.” She rolls her lips and presses the button for the lift.
“It didn’t.”
“Okay.” She holds her hands up in defence and I roll my eyes.
“You okay?” I find myself asking her after a beat or two.
“Yeah, just work stuff, but all good.”
“Cool,” I mutter as the doors ping open on my floor. I give her a smile then step out of the lift and walk towards my room.
My phone vibrates and I glance down.
Royce
I didn’t think you looked horrendous.
My cheeks flame.
“Oh, Athena,” Nora calls out.
I stall, locking my phone screen. Turning, I see her half hanging out the lift.
“Your friend is welcome to hang out with you whilst you’re here. She’ll just need to sort her initial flight out and then she can bunk in your room with you.” Her smile widens.
“Thank you so much.” I spin, holding my hand across my heart and my lips pressing into a huge grin before I close myself in my room.
I decide to order in room service once I’m settled, then run a bath and start making some notes on this new book. I didn’t want to write it, but I am here now, following an F1 driver around the world to try and piece a romance novel together. I have no idea on the plot, but I know I want them to have an epic love. Like always. I rooted for their happily ever after.
Sinking into the tub, the bubbles cover my skin as I push play on my phone and watchGilmore Girls.I could have spent hours in here, I felt tired and achy. The urge to nap was strong but I fought it off.
Sitting on my bed, still wrapped in the warm, fluffy white towel, I pick up the phone and order myself burger and chips. I need a chilled night. Anaïs had messaged about us getting together but I said I would let them know a little later once I had made a dent in my notes. I really don’t want to give up on my dream, but I feel like it is slipping further from my grasp as each day passes.
Sighing, I click on the TV and flick through until I find something to watch.
A knock at the door has me muting the television and I know it can’t be room service. Pushing up, I pace towards the door and peek through the peephole and see Royce.
Damn it.
