The Arrangement

Chapter Seven

Taylor's POV

A month later ...

I see sunlight shining throughout my room when I wake up on Friday morning. Nicolas and I have been meeting up every other day for occasional coffee, food or just to hang out.

It's actually been really fun with him but I'll never actually admit that to him.

We're meeting today to discuss the gala.

I groan as my alarm clock starts blaring loudly. I hit it until it stops making noise and I get out of bed, heading to the bathroom.

I grab my toothbrush and put some toothpaste on the brush, bringing it up to my mouth and brushing my teeth slowly.

Once I finish that, I take off my pajamas and turn the shower on to the hottest setting. I step inside and stand under the water, closing my eyes for a second.

I sigh and open my eyes, grabbing the soap bottle and squeezing some in my hand, massaging it throughout my scalp and hair.

I rinse my hands and hair out, grabbing the soap again and applying it all on my body, rubbing it all over my skin.

I rinse all the soap off me and turn the shower off, stepping out and grabbing the dryer from underneath the sink.

I turn it on and yawn, pointing it towards my head, feeling the heat on my scalp.

I grab my phone off the charger and check my text messages, seeing that I have 2. One from Sophia, and the other from Nicolas.

Sophia: I'm going into town today to get some things for the apartment. Need anything?

Nicolas: 4 o'clock Thomas. Don't be late.

I roll my eyes at his message and reply to both of them.

Taylor: No, I'm good. Thanks though. Love you Soph!

Taylor: As I told you already, I will try Romano.

I look at the time before placing my phone back on the counter.

1:58 p.m.

I smile as I realize I still have time to get ready. I grab my curling iron and plug it up, deciding to curl my hair for fun instead of leaving it in it's wavy state.

After I finish curling my hair, I head back into my room, grabbing the first outfit I lay my eyes on and throwing it on.

A black jacket and a black tube top. I pair that with a plaid red skirt and some Doc Martins. I look in the mirror when I finish getting dress and smile, my new hair look surprising me.

I look good.

I text Nicolas that I'm on my way and grab my black purse from my closet. I leave my room and grab my keys from off the counter, exiting the apartment and getting into my car.

__

As I get outside of Nicolas office, I park my car and head inside his work building.

"How may I help you?" The secretary asks, popping her gum in her mouth loudly and looking at me with disgust.

"My name's Taylor Thomas? I'm here to speak with Nicolas," I tell her. "He's expecting me."

"He's expecting....you, sweetie?" She asks, looking me up and down. I grow irritated and fold my arms across my chest.

"Well that's a dumb ass question. Why don't you go ahead and answer that, sweetie?" I say. Her eyes grow wide a bit and she picks up the phone, dialing a number as she looks back up at me.