Awful Collision

Lylah Jeurgens walked down the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the plush carpet. She had stayed at this hotel before. The layout was familiar and comforting.

As she approached her room, she slipped her key card into the slot and pushed open the door.

The familiar scent of fresh linens and the soft glow of the lamps welcomed her back into her sanctuary. Lylah smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and relaxation wash over her.

A small smile tugged at her lips. But that serenity was short-lived. The familiar scent of mint and wood hit her like a ghost of the past. She didn't even need to look to know he was there.

He sat at the mini-bar, a glass in his hand, the liquid swirling as he twirled the glass.

"So, where did you vanish to after your little moment with Mr. Replacement?", Raj muttered before draining his glass.

Lylah just picked up the tv remote from the cobalt carpet, her gaze caught on his familiar blue baseball cap.

She bent down to pick it up, but then she paused, the cap's familiar stitching pulling her back in time. A memory surged.

"Handle with care, yo, brooooo", he teased.

Lylah blinked away the tears. A lump formed in her throat. Another flashback, another wave she thought had long since stopped crashing. She pulled her hand away from the cap like it burned.

Without looking at him, she breezed past the bar, dropping her bag on the bed, with a sigh, she slipped off her heels and massaged her ankle.

Her gaze lingered on the tasteful artwork and the elegant curtains. This was her space-at least for the next few days. And she was ready to make the most of it.

Maybe some room makeover shopping tomorrow.

Something light, something fun.

And so it was decided. Lylah walked into the bathroom, to freshen up, before she retired for bed. After all, she did have an adventurous day ahead of her the next day.

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Lylah woke before her alarm. The early morning light seeped into her room through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. For a moment, she just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting her mind settle.

There was no sign of Raj, no scent of liquor and definitely no baseball cap.

Just peace.

She sat up and stretched, rolling her shoulders. Today was hers. No ghosts. No drama.

She pulled on some dark blue low-riser bell jeans and an off-the-shoulder crop top. Her gold necklace glinting faintly as she moved. A light beat of lip gloss, hoops in her ears and a sprint of sandalwood and citrus perfume. Simple. Fresh.

Her phone buzzed.

Conference Check-In Reminder

"Don't forget to collect your badge by noon"!

Plenty of time, she thought.

She headed down to the lobby, taking the elevator alone.

"Good morning Miss Jeurgens", May greeted.

"Hope you slept well", she smiled.

"I did, thank you", Lylah returned the smile.

The air outside was crisp and welcoming. She grabbed a can of malt from the store on the corner and started walking-no destination, just a route that felt like hers.

After a few blocks, she stumbled upon a small interior design boutique tucked between two art galleries. It was a gem-clean, minimal, but warm. The kind of place that whispered luxury without screaming it.

She walked in, running her fingers along the edge of a velvet snow globe near the window. She could already see this on her side-drawer, or maybe before her dressing mirror.

"Can I help you with anything?", a soft voice asked.

She looked up to see a tall woman with nappy curls and warm brown skin standing behind her.

"Just browsing", Lylah replied.

"But your place is beautiful", she added.

The woman smiled.

"Thank you. I curate everything here myself. If you're furnishing, I'm offering 20% off custom orders for conference guests this week."

Lylah paused.

"Wait-you're part of the Conference?"

"Presenter", the woman replied, offering her hand.

"Aria"

"Lylah", she replied, shaking it.

"I'm just attending"

They exchanged a few more words-about lighting, textures, favorite pieces.

For the first time in a while, Lylah didn't feel haunted.

She left the store with the snow globe, a velvet sample book and Aria's card. As she rounded the corner, heading back toward the hotel, she caught a glimpse of someone familiar crossing the street.

Raj.

He hadn't seen her. He was wearing that same blue cap, walking into a coffee shop on the other side of the road.

She froze.

Then turned in the opposite direction.

She had things to do. A day to enjoy.

She could deal with Raj later.