The Pilot

Chapter Six

"Great!" She thought to herself as she felt the dizziness take over her.

She came round again a few seconds later but knew she needed to get up. She shakily got to her feet and realised she wouldn't make it back to the hotel on her own. She was however, only a block from the restaurant that the team were at. She started to make her way there hoping they were all still there. 

She arrived at the restaurant just a few minutes later and made her way inside. "Ah, Ms Spampinato, how lovely to see you" Pierre, the head waiter exclaimed with excitement whilst pulling her into a hug. "The rest of your party are still at their table, would you like me to take you through?" "Yes please Pierre, Thank you. It's lovely to see you too" She smiled genuinely. When the table was in sight, Pierre pointed the way and left her to it. She cautiously made her way over. Finally arriving at her team's side. She staggered as she got there but Kevin was quick to jump out of his seat and catch her. He guided her down in to his empty seat and crouched down beside her. "Stefania, what happened? You're head is bleeding!" He asked in shock. "It's nothing, really, I'm OK. I'm just not sure I can make it back to the hotel on my own", she said. "Stefania Spampinato, tell us the truth right now" Chandra said giving her a death stare. Stefania let out a sigh "I eh... I ran into Cooper." Kevin jumped to his feet, "Did he do this to you? I'll kill him!" He grabbed his jacket and started to head to the exit. "Jason, please stop him." Stefania pleaded. "Bring his fiery Scottish ass back here!" 

Jason returned with Kevin in tow a few seconds later. "Listen guys, Cooper didn't do this to me. It was a shock seeing him. He tried to grab my arm and I passed out, banging my head on the ground. I promise, he didn't hurt me but I don't really want to discuss it tonight. I just need to get back to the hotel." "OK then let's go", Jason spoke up. "Absolutely not!" Caterina announced. "We don't all need to go. Kevin and I can take her back. You and Chandra should stay and enjoy your night. Danielle you'd better come with us too and let this two enjoy some alone time" She winked. 

Caterina and Kevin both lifted Stefania up from her chair and helped her walk to the exit. Danielle trailed behind them carrying hers and Caterina's purse. Once outside they ordered an Uber which wasn't long in arriving. 10 minutes later they were back at the hotel. Once inside the lobby they made their way over the elevator. Caterina turned to Danielle "Danielle, could you please go and ask the receptionist to send the hotel medic up to your room to check out Stefania at their earliest convenience please?" Danielle gave Caterina a nod and made her way to the front desk as Kevin and Caterina took Stefania back to her room. 

Danielle arrived in the room a few minutes later. Caterina was propped up against the headboard of Stefania's bed with Stefania sitting beside her and her head on Caterina's shoulder. Danielle couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in her new boss at this moment. She caught Caterina's eye giving her a half smile. "The medic should be here within the hour" Danielle announced. "I'm going to get changed if no one has any objections?" Kevin and Caterina both shook their heads and so Danielle made her way into the bathroom.

From the bathroom she could hear Caterina telling the Italian that she wasn't allowed to go to sleep until she'd been given the all clear from the medic. "But I'm so tired" the brunette whined. Danielle let out a soft chuckle hearing this. Maybe she had been too quick to judge Stefania.

She exited the bathroom and although it was fleeting, she was sure she caught the gaze of the Italian checking her out. Stefania was quick to look away but not before she had taken in the sight of the blonde standing in her room. She was just wearing a pair of grey joggers with a plain white t-shirt. She had removed her makeup and thrown her hair into a messy bun but she was one of the most beautiful things Stefania had ever seen. 

Stefania was brought back from her thoughts by Kevin speaking. He had been scrolling Instagram on his phone and announced. "Well I guess we know why he's in town. He's opening the latest addition to the BarBella chain and he's launching his new beer at the same time." "Of course he is" Stefania sighed and rolled her eyes annoyed that he still uses THAT name! Before anyone else could say anything though, there was a knock on the door.