Chapter Fifteen: A rude Stalker
Like magic Noah slept through the entire flight to Arkansas on Aiden's chest. I dozed off after our argument and the next time I opened my eyes, we were descending on the airport.
Aiden placed Noah in his seat and made sure he was secured. When it was okay to step down from the plane, I picked up Noah and Aiden helped with the baby bags and mine.
We took the fastest route out of the airport to flag down a taxi to take us to a hotel since tomorrow we begin our journey to finding who Alex B. was and to getting Noah the home and parental love he deserved.
I took in a deep breath because the sooner I complete my task the sooner I get back to Manhattan to run my firm before Charity's new found love for humanity bankrupts us.
I took out my phone from my bag and took it off flight mode. The ding-ding sound flooded my phone. I glaze through the messages and most were from Jackson and few were from Charity and Tyler.
I opened the first message Jackson sent to me just out of curiosity.
I AM SORRY, AALIYAH. PLEASE PICK MY CALLS OR RETURN MY MESSAGES.
I simply deleted the text. My cheeks were almost red and I blink severally to stop what appeared to be the start of a very uncomfortable sob. Aiden walked before me, carrying both our bags and Noah's.
Aiden dropped our bags on the floor and hailed for a taxi and one actually stopped. He crouched down to talk to Noah, who I was holding.
"It really was nice to meet you Noah; of course I can't say the same about your mother… take good care buddy"
Then Aiden surprised me, he did not just forget to say goodbye to me, he boarded the Taxi that stopped and left me carrying a baby and two bags standing in the middle of nowhere.
"Did that jackass just leave us here, Noah?" the infant seemed like he wasn't interested in what I was saying anyway.
"Don't worry buddy, I am capable of getting us a taxi and a suitable hotel room"
I hailed the next taxi and it stopped.
"Please take us to a secure resort, thank you" I told the driver.
The resort the taxi driver took us to wasn't just beautiful, it looked expensive and for a moment or two, I considered turning around and getting a cheaper place but I couldn't put Noah through around car ride unless I had to and since I was well to do and could probably afford the place, I decided to check in.
The receptionist smiled brightly as she saw Noah and I. she waited patiently for us to approach her before she said anything to us.
'Welcome to Palm-black Masters Resort, how may I assist you?" the receptionist asked.
"Palm Black? Is this one of the numerous Masters family resorts?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes ma'am, it is the best resort in Hot Spring" the receptionist answered with an alluring smile.
She was about my age, tall in height with a model's body and a face of a goddess. I guess if you were going to convince people to spend a ridiculous amount of money at a vacation spot, the first rite of passage is to hire every woman's nightmare. But let's face it, I am not every woman and I really don't think Noah would be hitting on her throughout our stay.
I look around and saw a couple of women glaring at the receptionist and by the corner, husbands with a contrite looks on their faces. I flash a reassuring smile at the receptionist.
"We would like a room please" I asked politely.
The receptionist checked her computer before looking up.
"We are almost fully booked but I have one room for you and if I may have your card and any form of identification, we can proceed to getting you and your cute little man settled"
I handed over my card and my ID card to her. After a moment, she handed a key to me and called for someone to take me up to my new room.
"Don't give those women a second thought. They ought to hold a tighter leash on their men" it was unlike me to comment on a personal matter.
"I wasn't" the receptionist seemed offended.
I smiled nevertheless and waited patiently for someone to help with our bags and show us to our room. An older bald man appeared with a young man that took my bags while the older man asked for us to follow him. He had a friendly smile on his face. As we were about to leave the reception, the receptionist spoke up.
"Wait" she took another set of key and handed it over to me.
"This suite is quieter and very far from the frat boys that will be here all night. I am sure your little man will appreciate it" she told me.
"Wow, thanks. You can charge the extra fee to my card" I handed the card to her but she declined.
"I am giving you the family and friends discount" she smiled genuinely at Noah and me.
Look at me, I was already making friends and if I was going to find the person in Sarah's picture, it wouldn't hurt having the only person who comes in contact with every guest in Masters Resort as friend.
"Thank you, I am Aaliyah and this is Noah" I introduced myself even though I didn't have to.
"I am Lois and please enjoy your night"
Just as I turn to be taken to my new suite, I saw a familiar body and a pair of hazel eyes I wasn't planning on forgetting any time soon, standing a few steps away from me talking to a young man wearing one of the Resorts logo. He was probably an employee.
I walked up to face him.
"Let me guess, you are stalking me, aren't you?"