Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Instead, I rested my arm on the arm rest and watched as she talked to her quirky best friend until the lead actor walked in. 

The airline attendant walked by, refilling my drink before she made her way up to the front. I smiled as I took a sip. Maybe things would get better after this trip?

I wouldn’t have to keep taking care of Micheal. Wouldn’t have to work doubles to help him pay off his debts. I could put money into savings, or at least money into a better place closer to work. 

Kane would probably let me crash on his couch for a day or two until I found something. He’s a softie and always been willing to help me out in the past. It had been that way since I started working at the bar. 

The couple on screen did the stumbling through their meeting as he awkwardly flirted with her. It was painful to watch, I finished my drink before grabbing my bag from the empty seat beside me. 

Before heading to his job, I’d grabbed us coffees and a few magazines to pass the time. I pulled out the trashy gossip magazine. Wanting to lose myself in the over the top drama for the flight. 

I opened the cover and my heart dropped at the title, ‘Royal Wedding’ splayed across the front of it. A grand picture of a woman in a lavish gown, her dark hair pulled back away from her face as she smiled up at her groom. His reddish blonde hair cropped short as he lifted his hand to the surrounding crowd. 

Sighing, I flipped past it, hoping for something, anything else to read. ‘He cheated’ the next article read, showing a shot of a dark haired actor holding hands with a blonde woman in a skimpy silver dress as they snuck out of a club. 

Damn cheaters, at least this one didn’t make my heart hurt. I could understand his actress girlfriend’s pain. 

Men sucked. 

And not in a good way. 

My drink was filled again as I flipped through the magazine again. My head felt floaty and the pain was muted. 

I tossed the magazine into the chair beside me, silently watching the movie. I didn’t need to put in the headphones to know what was coming. Closing my eyes, leaned my head back.

Why couldn’t I find something like in the movies?

The flight didn’t take long at all and before I knew it we were landing. I made my way out of the plan and into the terminal. Letting out a long sigh as I shifted my carry on in my hand and moved out of the airport to flag down a taxi. Once I was in the taxi, I told the driver the address to the hotel and looked out the window. Watching the scenery change as we drove to the hotel. After paying the driver, I checked in and the receptionist handed me my keycard. 

I took the elevator up to the floor of my room, trying not to cry as I looked at the beautiful hotel. Everything was trimmed in gold and the halls were lined with an expensive looking red carpet, the walls were covered with pale marble and lights accented everything. It had cost more than I wanted to think about but I was going to make the best of it. Adjusting my bag, I made my way down the hallway, stopping at my room.

Placing my keycard in the door, I pushed it open and stepped into the room. Reaching out, I flipped the light switch on and soft light filled the room. 

It was better than I had imagined. Stepping closer to the bed, I took in the rose petals scattered over the white comforter that covered the bed. I picked up one, running the soft petal over my fingers. Turning, I looked at the small table that sat in front of the balcony window. A tray was left there with chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, and long stem crystal flutes.  

Dropping my bags, I stumbled over to the table. Picking up the bottle, the sweets could wait.

Removing the scrap of foil, I moved to the balcony. I twisted the metal cording, the cork came off with a loud pop. I shouldered the door open as I took a long swig from the bottle and looked out over the view.

This was what I’d been waiting for. I’d never seen the ocean before, not outside of movies or television shows.  

Now it was real, I could smell the salty tang of the ocean, and even in the darkness the view was breathtaking. The stars and moon reflecting over the dark water. It looked like something out of a fairytale. 

This night was supposed to have been magical. I took another long pull from the bottle. The bubbles tickled. Making me scrunch up my nose and close my eyes. It was light and bubbly, kinda fruity. Probably would have tasted better if I were sober. I’d taken a nap on the plane and woken up to a full glass of wine and a wink from the flight attendant. 

I wasn’t sure how much I’d drank, but everything felt sparkly. A breeze blew across my face and I opened my eyes. A bath, that’s what I needed.

It would help me relax, I’d been dreaming about soaking in that massive tub since I’d seen the pictures. 

I took another long pull from the bottle before moving back inside the suite and making my way to the bathroom. Bumping my hip against the dresser. That was probably going to leave a mark. Like my broken heart, the pain was dulled.  

I sat my drink down and tugged my sweater over my head. Letting it drop to the floor before I picked up the champagne bottle and took another swallow, moving into the bathroom and turning on the light.

The bathroom was just like the pictures. All tile and marble with chrome finishings, the fixtures even looked fancy. I’d probably never see something this nice again and I was going to enjoy it.