***********Annabeth "**********
When Ray said we were going to check out somethings for the weekends event this wasn't my expectation at all. I was thinking documents, presentations and all things work related, but looking at the things around me, I can't help but feel like I'm in for a not so joyful joyride.
Littered allover are things and the kind of people I believe Karen is supposed to take me to meet tomorrow. Apparently, not just Karen was thinking I needed prepping.
Are my that bad? I can't be right ? I mean I look really good on a normal day so why would I need so much prepping for an event I wouldn't even be noticed at.
"Hey, Mi amor" A man who looked like a modest drag queen called from behind me. I have to admit he looked really good. His make up was neatly done and his bun looked so neat.. too neat. I couldn't help but admire him.
"Hey..Lucy" I said briefly looking at his name tag.
" Oh my, Fiorella!. Your sound just like an angel." He said smoothly through his deep Italian accent, gently brushing his fingers against my chin.
"Why thank you, Lucy. I'm flattered. Your voice sounds better though. I'm in love with your accent." I said giving him a sincere smile. I really am in love with it. I just love Italians, every single thing about them.
"You do?" He asked feigning shock. I nodded in response. " Oh bellissima, you are really pretty already but I am going to make you even more stunning than you can ever imagine, okay? Just trust me" he said
With that he walked off bouncily throwing orders here and there. I have to say, he and Karen would get along just fine.
Karen got really angry at Ray for supposedly 'taking her place ' and at me for accepting his proposal. She had a right to be angry though. But I couldn't just disagree with Ray. I mean she has only booked the appointments, she hasn't paid for them. But If I should reject Ray, all these people solely here for me would just have to go home.. Naa it doesn't sound right.
I'd get her four scoops of chocolate chip ice cream, that should pacify her.
"Alright, amore.. let's get started." Lucy said bouncing on his feet. " I'm going to take out the mirror so you do not see me do my magic..uhh huh.. I really can't wait to see your expression when I'm done. Gawwddd I feel giddy." He said grinning widely.
He took out the mirror and began to perform his magic.
********************
I leaned into the seat of the car releasing a deep sigh of relief. I was finally out of that.. hellhole. I might sound rude right now considering how much work they did on me..but girl... It was horrible!!!.
A hot bath, skin or body scrub - whatever y'all call it-, agonizing facials..I can go on. I'm never doing this again..ever. Didn't think I'd have to work this hard just for a trip to Dubai.
"You look really tired." Ray said giving me a sly smile. I looked at him in anger only to see that he was infact trying to piss me off.
"No shit, Sherlock" I said turning around to face the window. He burst out laughing at my actions.
"What's funny, you asshole. Does my situation look funny to you?" I am seething right now. He doesn't get to laugh. He proposed this travel, he brought me out in the middle of the night to do..this and now he's laughing at me?.. I should kill this guy, maybe the others would learn.
"Alright, I'm sorry. It's just.. you look really funny with an angry face."
"Is that supposed to be an explanation, Ray? You know what, no answers needed.. just drive me home, please?" He nooded and started the car.
We didn't talk anymore throughout the entire journey. I just looked out the window while he focused on driving. The silence was uncomfortable but I was sleepy so I didn't really bother till he pulled up at the entrance of my apartment.
"Wait here." He said before stepping out of the the car and coming over to my side.
He opened my door stretching his other arm forward . I laughed stepping out the car as he closed the door behind me.
"I'm sorry for not being considerate at that moment." He said taking few steps closer to where I stood.
"It's alright. I had fun but It was painful and I can be grumpy when I'm sleepy." I said giving him a small smile
"Okay. I'm also sorry for pulling you out of your house that late at night. I just felt you should prepare before you rest so that when you do, it would be a wholesome one."
"I understand, Ray. It's completely fine. But I must let you know that after all of this, I'm definitely arriving late to the airport."
"Oh no, that wouldn't be necessary. I'd have a driver come pick you at 7pm tomorrow. That should be enough time right? If it isn't you can sleep more after the conference tomorrow."
"It should be. Thanks, Ray." I gave him a small smile, standing up on my toes I pecked his cheek. Just really close to his ears. "Sleep tight" I said turning to walk into the building.
"You too, Anna." He called from behind me.
I didn't wait to see him leave. I just went straight to the elevator and into my apartment.
"Finally, Anna. Oh my fucking God, Anna!! You are glowing!" Paige shrieked upon seeing me.
"Paige, you are awake" I went to her giving her a really tight hug. She never goes to sleep without me, she always waits until I'm home. " You stayed awake, Why?" I asked her, pulling away from her a little to see her face.
"Why wouldn't I?" She asked looking confused.
"Why would you? It's four in the morning, Paige. Don't you have work tomorrow?"
"Of course I do, Anna. But that is the point of coffee, isn't it?"
"It still doesn't make me comfortable, Paige. I do not need you high on caffeine the entire day just because you stayed up late for me."
"It's not really about you, Anna, so you do not have to feel guilty. Its just a habit. I did it for my dad then and now you are the closest I have to him now. I can't help but do the same to you. Please don't take it away from me." She said pleadingly with her head down. I lifted her head to see her eyes clouded with tears.
She hasn't healed from his death yet.
"It's okay, I won't. You can stay up as long as you want. But you know it ain't healthy right?" I said rubbing her back softly. Her smallness and warmth made me remember Eva.
"I know, but I can always call in sick. Don't worry, my supervisor is really understanding. So long as I do the work from home though." She said shrugging her shoulders while mine relaxed in relief.
"Alright then. Come on let's go to bed." I said leading the way to her room, knowing that Karen would be on my bed and Paige wouldn't sleep alone.