𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐙.

3.

The morning sun crept through my blinds, warming up my room way before my alarm had the chance to blare. I rolled over, squinting at my phone, trying to shake off that sleepy haze. Monday's always felt like a slow start, but I had to get up. Today was stacked between work, coffee, and that rooftop hang later, I didn't have time to waste.

I slid out of bed, stretching my arms above my head before dragging myself to the bathroom, with it's huge mirrors and that fancy showerhead that always made me feel like I was in a spa, was one of my favorite parts of the house. I turned on the water, waiting for it to get hot and then stepped under the stream, letting the water wake me up completely. As I lathered up favorite body wash, the scent of vanilla filled of the air and I felt myself coming to life.

After rinsing off, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and went straight into my hair routine. I combed it out, fixing it just how I liked it. I brushed my teeth, making sure my smile was on point and finished up with a light layer of makeup just enough to look fresh and put-together.

Once I was dressed in a casual but stylish fit, black leggings, a loose cream sweater and my favorite Chanel shoes I grabbed my bag and headed out. I had to go to my favorite coffee spot before the day really got started. The air was crisp, that kind of fresh fall morning that felt like a clean slate.

I walked into the coffee shop, the smell of freshly ground beans hitting me like a warm hug. I ordered my usual a caramel latte oat milk with an everything bagel toasted to perfection and found a spot by the window to sip and people watch while I planned my day.

I scrolled through my calendar reminding myself of the meeting I had set up with a client for an event proposal. My assistant mentioned something about a new project a tour I'd be coordinating. I didn't have all the details yet, just that it was for an artist with a big name, someone who needed everything handled down to the smallest detail. I was about my business, so I wasn't worried.

By the time I finished my coffee, I knew it was time to head out and make it to the meeting. I stopped out of the coffee shop, the morning sun warming my face as I sipped the last of my iced caramel latte.

My truck was parked right outside, blending in with the rows of cars lining the busy street. I slid into the driver's seat, tossing my bag onto the passenger side, and cranked up the engine. The familiar rumble of the truck was a comfort, drowning out the noise of the city for a second.

I adjusted my shades, put my car in drive and pulled out merging into the flow of traffic. Drake's voice flowed through the speakers as I navigated through downtown, weaving past the slow movers and tapping my fingers on the wheel. I had my mind set on this meeting, but it was hard to ignore the feeling today was gonna be more than just business.

I pulled up to the building and parked my truck, spotting a spot close enough so I didn't have to walk too far. I cut the engine, took a deep breath and grabbed my bag making sure I had everything I needed. As I stepped out, the city noise hit me horns honking, people chatting on the sidewalks and that hustle and bustle vibe that downtown always had.

I locked my truck, swung my bag over my shoulder and made my way toward the entrance I pushed the glass doors and adjusted my shades, feeling that mix of nerves and focus settling in. This was just another meeting, but I couldn't shake the feeling something big was on the way.

I stepped into the sleek conference room where a few people were already gathered, laptops open, papers spread out. The vibe was professional but laid-back the kind of environment I thrived in. I greeted everyone with a nod as I set my own laptop up, pulling the event proposal I'd been working on for weeks.

We were halfway through going over the logistics, venues, travel schedules, press appearances, when the door opened and I heard someone walk in. I didn't bother to look up at first, too caught in my presentation. But when I finally glanced up, my heart skipped a beat.