The gentle hum of the plane's engines filled the cabin as the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, announcing the descent into New York. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. The local time is 4:15 p.m., July 31th. Temperature on the ground is a pleasant 75 degrees Fahrenheit."
I settled back into my seat, feeling the slight tug of gravity as the plane began its slow descent. Evelyn, beside me, was reviewing some documents on her tablet, while James Besos sat across the aisle, scribbling furiously in his notebook. The weight of our conversation still lingered in the air.
"So, that's it," James said, glancing up and closing his notebook with a finality. "With this investment, I can take BookJungle to the next level."
I smiled, leaning forward slightly. "I fully trust you, James. I look forward to seeing how you turn this platform into something bigger than books."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Bigger than books… who would've thought?"
With a gentle shudder, the plane's landing gear made contact with the ground. The small window next to me revealed the impressive skyline of the city, its towering structures resembling colossal figures on the horizon.
As we disembarked, the cool air of the terminal hit us, a stark contrast to the warm, enclosed atmosphere of the plane. After shaking hands with James one last time, we parted ways. He waved over his shoulder with a grin. "I'll keep you updated," he called out, disappearing into the sea of travelers.
I turned to Evelyn, who was already checking her phone for hotel details. "So, where are we staying?" I asked.
She smiled, tapping the screen. "I've booked us at the Kensington Grand. It's one of the top hotels in the city. Total for the week? About $10,000, all-inclusive."
"Sounds perfect," I said, already anticipating the luxury.
We hailed a cab outside the airport, the driver leaning out with a casual, "Where to?"
Evelyn spoke up from the backseat, "Kensington Grand Hotel, please."
The cab rumbled into motion, the tires splashing through puddles left by a recent rain. As we sped through the streets, the city unfolded before us—iconic skyscrapers piercing the sky, the chaotic yet rhythmic flow of people and cars. Bright billboards flashed overhead, advertising everything from Broadway shows to the latest tech gadgets.
We passed through Times Square, the neon lights casting a surreal glow across the streets. Tourists crowded the sidewalks, snapping photos, while street performers entertained small crowds. The energy of New York pulsed through the air, buzzing with life.
After a short ride, we pulled up to the Kensington Grand. The sleek glass facade of the hotel reflected the city lights, giving the entrance an air of grandeur. A doorman in a sharp suit greeted us with a nod as we stepped out of the cab.
Inside, the lobby was a blend of elegance and modern design. Plush seating areas, marble floors, and golden accents. A staff member approached with a warm smile, offering us warm towels to freshen up, followed by a tray of welcome drinks. I took a sip of the cool, citrus-infused water, feeling the travel weariness melt away.
The concierge led us through the lavish hallways of the Kensington Grand, his polished shoes barely making a sound on the plush carpets. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, and soft lighting cast a warm glow over everything. As we reached our floor, he stopped outside two adjacent rooms.
With a smooth motion, he unlocked the first door and gestured for Evelyn and Mom to enter. "This will be your room, ladies."
Evelyn stepped in first, inspecting the space with an approving nod. The room was elegantly designed, with two queen-sized beds draped in fine linens, a large window offering a view of the city skyline, and soft beige tones giving the place a calm, serene atmosphere. Mom smiled, clearly pleased, as she walked over to admire the view.
"Thank you," Evelyn said as the staff placed their luggage neatly by the door.
I reached into my pocket, pulling out a crisp bill and handing it to the concierge. He accepted it with a nod and a discreet smile, "Thank you, sir. Please let us know if you need anything at all."
He then turned toward my suite and opened the door. "And for you, sir, the Master Suite."
The moment I stepped inside, I could feel the air change. The suite was sprawling, with sleek modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the room with natural light. The bed, a king-sized masterpiece, stood in the center, flanked by elegant side tables and plush seating. To one side, a small living area with a flat-screen TV, and in the corner, a marble-topped bar with a selection of fine spirits. A balcony stretched out beyond the windows, offering an even more spectacular view of New York City.
"This is perfect," I muttered to myself, running a hand along the soft leather couch. The space was everything I had hoped for—quiet, luxurious, and mine to enjoy.
The concierge placed my bags near the entrance, nodding one last time before exiting with, "Enjoy your stay, sir."
As the door clicked shut behind him, I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. Evelyn and Mom's laughter from the adjacent room floated through the wall, reminding me that they were just a knock away. It felt good to be here, all of us together, a rare break from the nonstop grind.
I headed over to the balcony, pushing open the sliding glass door and stepping out into the cool evening air. The city stretched out below me, alive with energy and possibility. This trip wasn't just a getaway—it was the beginning of a new chapter.
***
As we stepped out of the Kensington Grand, the cool evening air hit us, and the city buzzed with life. The lights of New York sparkled above, and the faint hum of traffic and distant chatter filled the streets. Mom tucked her arm through mine, and Evelyn walked alongside, a small smile playing on her lips as we strolled down the bustling sidewalk.
"So, where to first?" Mom asked, looking up at the tall buildings towering around us.
"I've heard of a place," I said, grinning, "It's called Tony's Slice of Heaven. Supposed to be the best pizza in the city—maybe even the world."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "The best, huh? That's a bold claim. Are we talking pizza or a spiritual experience?"
I chuckled. "Both, apparently. I mean, it's in the name. 'Slice of Heaven.'"
"Tony's?" Mom chimed in, looking amused. "Sounds like one of those places with checkered tablecloths and a guy in the back tossing dough in the air."
"Oh, absolutely," I laughed. "Probably some guy named Tony yelling 'Mamma Mia!' every five minutes."
Evelyn burst out laughing. "If Tony isn't wearing a chef's hat and shouting at us in Italian, I'll be disappointed."
We turned a corner, and there it was—Tony's Slice of Heaven. The neon sign flickered slightly, casting a warm red glow onto the sidewalk. It wasn't fancy, but the smell of fresh dough, garlic, and tomato sauce wafting out the door was downright irresistible.
"Well, this is it," I said, holding the door open for them.
Inside, it was exactly as we imagined. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths, faded photos of Italy on the walls, and behind the counter, a burly man with a thick mustache was indeed tossing dough into the air.
"Called it," Evelyn whispered, nudging me with a grin.
We took a seat near the window, and soon enough, the man behind the counter—presumably Tony—walked over. "What'll it be, folks?" he asked, his voice thick with a New York accent.
Mom smiled up at him. "What's your most popular pizza?"
Tony puffed out his chest proudly. "The Sicilian Special. Extra cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and a little something special we keep secret."
"Sounds perfect," I said, as Evelyn nodded in agreement.
"Make that a large," Mom added, clearly excited. "We're not holding back tonight."
As Tony turned to leave, Evelyn leaned in. "I bet the 'secret' is just extra garlic."
Mom laughed. "Or love. He probably says it's 'made with love.'"
I smirked. "Well, whatever it is, I'm starving."
When the pizza arrived, the smell alone was enough to make us all fall silent for a second. It was a monster of a pizza, thick and golden, the cheese bubbling and stretching as Tony set it down in front of us.
"Buon appetito!" Tony called with a wink as he headed back to the kitchen.
Evelyn grabbed the first slice, cheese stretching a mile as she lifted it. "Oh my God," she muttered through a mouthful of pizza, "This is heavenly. Tony wasn't kidding."
Mom nodded, her mouth full. "He really outdid himself."
I took a bite, and all I could do was nod. It was good—really good. "Okay, maybe this is a spiritual experience."
We all laughed, falling into easy banter as we devoured the pizza. Evelyn teased me about my inability to fold the slice New York-style, and Mom made exaggerated 'mmm' sounds every time she took a bite, clearly enjoying herself.
"This," Mom said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smile, "is exactly what we needed. Good food, good company, and a break from everything."
I looked at her, smiling. "Yeah, it's perfect."
Evelyn raised her glass of soda. "To Tony's Slice of Heaven—and to this trip."
"To Tony's," I echoed, clinking my glass against hers, as Mom laughed and joined in.
As we finished up and made our way back out onto the street, the night felt full of possibility. We had only just begun our adventure, and already, it was shaping up to be one of the best.
Dio Stat's Info:
Lvl: 15
Skill Count: 3 (Key selling point analyze) (Analyze) (Global Monitoring System)
Strength:35
Agility:24
Intelligence:28
Endurance:21
Charm:23
Dio influence, power & riches:
Money - 3.5 Million Kroner (-100k hotel expenses)
Associate - 9
Asset - 0
Digital Asset - 250 BTC
Goons - 10
Car - 1
Guard - 0
Employers -50
Company - 1