“Yup, all of the team are. We’re all on the same floor.”
“That makes me feel better,” I admit, waiting at the elevator and Nora slips her key card in and I watch as the floor numbers on the screen.
“Only the drivers are on separate floors,” she smiles as we step inside.
The lift ride is short. Nora chats idly and I am assuming she is trying to calm my nerves. I am excited, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. This is a big thing and it’s totally out of my comfort zone.
She is still talking away, catching my gaze a few times as she leads me down the corridor of the hotel then hovers outside my door.
“Do you know what I mean?” is all I have heard out of everything she had said.
“Yeah,” I say softly as she taps the key card to the fob, the door unlocking.
She walks in and I follow, just as she slots the key into the light switch. She spins to look at me, giving me a wide smile.
“Get yourself settled and I will meet you downstairs in say…” She trails off as she turns her watch to face her. “An hour.” Her eyes are on mine. “Is that enough time for you?”
“That’s plenty,” I admit, when in truth, I wanted to curl up in a ball on my bed and sleep for the rest of the day.
“Perfect, meet you downstairs in the brasserie.” She hums, seeing herself out.
I watch as the door closes softly before clicking into place.
Once I know she has gone, I turn and look around at the room. It’s large and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sheer curtains, and short pile carpet that looks like it has never seen a stain.
The bed is huge and has been sweet talking me since I stepped into the hotel room.
I take a second to decide whether I want to face plant the bed or whether to shower… I choose the latter. At least that way I know I am semi ready when I decide to dive on the bed. Peeling my sticky clothes from my body, I dump them in the corner of the room and head for the en-suite.
After the world’s best shower, I am wrapped in a fluffy white towel as I fall into the bed. Just a moment or two, I tell myself. I felt exhausted, but I was going to try my hardest to stay awake. I needed to eat, I felt starving suddenly.
Groaning as I roll onto my back, I rummage for my phone in my bag and text Edel. I know she won’t get it just yet, but I miss her already.
A moment or two passes and I sit up, arm pressed across my chest, and will for myself to stand. With one heavy sigh, I push to my feet.
Dressed in light pink denim shorts and a white cami vest, I pull my dark curly hair into a messy pony. Spraying my perfume, I sit down at the small dresser and apply some makeup. Dotting lighter concealer to my visibly dark under eyes, I smudge it in before moving to my cheeks and adding a light pink liquid blush. Rubbing a clear gloss over my pouty lips, I flick my lashes with a few coats of black mascara, framing my eyes.
Swiping my backpack from the floor, I slip my feet into my trainers and make my way to meet Nora.
Anticipation prickles at the base of my neck, palms a little clammy. This felt huge all of a sudden, and I couldn’t help but listen the recurring thoughts ofwhat the hell was I doing?
Riding the lift, the doors ping and I make my way cautiously towards where Nora said to meet. Rounding the corner, I let my gaze roam around the busy bar just as the front of desk approaches me.
“May I help you?”
“I’m meeting my work colleague,” I say quietly but Nora has already spotted me and is waving at me from across the room. “Ah, there she is.” I softly nod, then duck my head down as I walk past him and stride towards her.
Her lips are pressed into a wide smile, her laptop out on the table, a few coffee cups to her side. “Hey.” She stands andpresses a kiss to my cheek before I take my seat, and she calls the waiter over.
“What can I get you?” The waiter’s eyes bounce between us both. Nora ushers for me to go first.
“I’ll have a hazelnut latte, please.”
“Americano.” Nora beams at him.
He gives her a soft nod before he turns on his heel and walks away.
“Feeling better?” she asks, rearranging the empty cups.
