Guests

The Selfie

"Ha ha ha!" I burst into laughter so loudly that Kay looks at me in fear while she lines her eyes.

I'm lying on the bed, looking up, as I read the message and try to contain my laughter. I search for Rick's profile on Instagram and start looking at his photos. Not yet, but soon there might be one of us there.

"What's happening, crazy girl?"

"Rick is so funny."

"That sounds more like you're up to some mischief."

"Guilty as charged!"

"Poor guy. He has no idea whose hands he's fallen into. Tell me again about those kisses."

"Just wait a second, he's coming over here."

"How?"

"We haven't taken a selfie all day. And he asked me for one, and since my mercy knows no bounds, I granted his request."

"Oh! Your first selfie! Just so you know, he told me he loves you."

"He told you he loves me, and you're telling me now?" I reproach indignantly, rolling over. "I thought you were my best friend..."

"Well, the lack of that information didn't stop you from making out with him, friend."

"That's true, it wouldn't have changed anything, but maybe I would have asked him to say he loves me."

"Better not. I'm afraid there would be a rumpled bed in Room 207." I laugh mischievously, more than I'd like to show. "He probably had to take a cold shower or..."

"Don't go there, I don't want to hear it."

"It's a reality that men..."

Rick's polite knocks on the door prevent Kay from completing that sentence, which would bring forth an irreversible mental image for eternity.

"You pervert!" I exclaim.

I get up, open the door, grab him by his shirt, and pull him inside. It's so delightful to see his surprise and uncertainty in the face of this new side of Athena. Of course! He doesn't know me in my lover persona. I'm very passionate, and if he's not careful, I might just incinerate him.

"Hello, Rick," I greet with a calculatedly sexy tone.

"H-Hello, Athena..."

"Hi, love," Kay interrupts, still applying her makeup. "If you two are going to do the Kama Sutra, wait until I leave, if you don't mind."

"K-Kama Sutra..."

"Someday we'll have to do it, right, Rick?" He can't respond. I have him so confused that poor thing might just faint. "But for now, let's start with a selfie."

I grab my phone, switch the camera to the appropriate mode, and we both smile.

"I like it! Let's take another one looking at each other!" I exclaim, setting a trap for him.

As we get into that pose, I take a photo, and the next second, I kiss him and take another one. You have no idea how much I have to restrain myself from throwing him onto the bed—mainly because of Kay, and secondly because it's not the right time yet.

"I didn't wish you a safe trip." I search for the photos in the gallery and send them to him via Instagram.

"It doesn't matter. I imagine you want me to arrive safely."

"I want to check my schedule for these days. I'd love to show you a couple of places in L.A. before you return to Spain."

"That would be fantastic. The interview is tomorrow, but the flight leaves the day after. The legend says it might be possible."

"I hope it can be fulfilled then."

I've returned to being the usual Athena, affectionate and hopeful. I think I could manage those two days without affecting the calendar of events and activities awaiting me as I resume my professional and public life. I'll discuss it with Kay, who is temporarily assuming the role of my agent—though I handle the more strategic matters with Connor.

"I hope your trip is peaceful too." He wishes me well. I nod and wait for him to say it. I need to hear it. "I-I love you."

I smile like a love-struck teenager for the first time and kiss him again. I open the door, and as he exits, I respond:

"I love you too."

He smiles, and I must hold back tears as I watch him walk down the hallway toward the elevator. Leaning against the door, I witness him disappearing, and I pray that everything goes well and that we cross paths again. We both want it. Life can't deny us that.

We've tried to do things the best we can, and we love each other... I don't know if that will be enough, if life will throw a curveball at us, but I wholeheartedly wish that we can be together.

Kay approaches, puts her hand on my shoulder, and closes the door. She senses my feelings and embraces me.

"Shall we celebrate my release from prison?"

I smile sadly.

I need to clear my mind. I mustn't wallow in my misery! Especially because there isn't any. I have many reasons to be happy and celebrate.

"I'll finish getting ready, and then we'll go, Kay Scofield."

"That's my Thee!"

🎸📖💜

A new chapter of #Guests has arrived. It may be brief, but it follows the previous chapter that was equally concise.

And what of poor Rick? Will his heart be able to withstand Athena's teasing ways? At long last, he finally got his selfie!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the story and how it has progressed thus far.

Thank you for taking the time to read my work.