LEORA
I get into the hotel and immediately go take a shower while Kathani arranges for my nail technician and hairstylist to come over. I really did not have much time left.
I had told Leon to lay low until tomorrow. We had to catch Mr. Chase unaware, and I was seriously hoping he hadn't gotten word of our arrival yet.
In my haste, I realized I had forgotten my robe at home, so I put on the one the hotel provided and stepped out of the bathroom into a room bustling with hairstylists, a nail technician, and of course, Kathani.
"I was about to come drag you by your hair," Kathani scoffed and dragged me by the hand, sitting me in a chair.
"Come, we don't have much time," she said, and immediately everyone got to work.
In about half an hour, my hair and nails were done. I decided to skip makeup today, since I was heading to a product launch anyway. Just a bit of lip gloss and eyeliner, and I was good to go.
I begged the nail tech for simple nude nails and ended up with the cutest French tips ever.
My hair was straightened and pinned to one side with navy pins, extensions removed. Though it seemed I needed to get my hair dyed again.
I put on my outfit and was ready to go—a navy-blue two-piece: sleeveless top, matching mini skirt with a cloth belt. I paired it with a white blazer, coffee-brown stilettos, and a matching bag.
Luckily, the paparazzi hadn't gotten wind of my arrival, so leaving the hotel wasn't too difficult. A couple of fans stopped me for selfies, which I obliged.
I pulled out my sunglasses as we arrived at the venue.
"You ready, girl?" Kathani asked, as my bodyguard opened the door for us to a throng of waiting fans.
We pushed through the crowd to the red carpet, where I took a few pictures before being escorted inside. There was a small meet-and-greet section, which I enjoyed because I loved interacting with my fans when they weren't invading my personal space.
I signed autographs, took pictures, and finally headed into the main event. Cocktails, games, and product trials kept me busy, and I even ended up with a makeover at the end. It was nice to have a moment to just enjoy myself.
•••
"Are you ready to go now?" Kathani asked. I nodded. Tomorrow was packed—I had to confront Mr. Chase, ensure our finances were secure, handle media interviews, and fly back to LA for a board meeting.
We returned to the hotel, and I rushed into a long shower.
"Were you that eager to cleanse yourself of the common folk?" Kathani laughed.
"Are you not engaged? Why don't you go pester your fiancé instead of me?" I asked, stepping into the shower.
"Well, unfortunately for you, I'll be sleeping here tonight. I don't want you waking up late tomorrow and hearing a handful from Mr. Walker," she said, strolling in and brushing her teeth.
"Oh my God," I sighed, stepping out of the shower and slipping into my robe.
"I'm sleeping on the left though," I said, tapping her ass as I passed.
"That's private property, bitch!" she yelled, and I laughed.
I put on my pajamas and ordered room service, which arrived in less than thirty minutes.
"I ordered dinner," I waved the bags at Kathani, who had just stepped out of the bathroom.
"You are beyond blessed, my darling," she grinned, putting on her pajamas and walking to the table where I was eating fish and chips and scrolling through Instagram.
"I just knew you'd order that," she said, picking up her bag. I had ordered pasta for her. Her favorite.
"I don't know your problem with fish and chips, and honestly Kay, I don't care," I rolled my eyes, and she smacked my arm.
"I'm calling Leon right away to come take you away," she whined, holding her arm.
We ate in comfortable silence until Kathani suddenly slid her phone toward me.
"OMG, look at this," she said. I almost spat out my drink.
"What the fuck?"
It was Jake. He had posted a picture of us from the premiere and after-party with the caption: "Bradon and Lynnette may be worlds apart, but Jake and Leora aren't."
The media ate it up, fueling rumors about us. I groaned—I did not want to be with him anymore.
And it wasn't even about wanting someone else. There had been a time I had cared deeply for someone—someone I couldn't stop thinking about. But after my accident, nothing had felt right. No closeness, no intimacy, not even a kiss—every attempt with any man since had made me feel wrong, queasy, almost sick. My body didn't respond the way it should, and I couldn't understand why.
Even last night, the memory of that stranger helping me with my zipper lingered. How comfortable I had felt in his hands, how my body had responded instinctively—it had confused me. I had never felt that with anyone since the accident. Not with anyone. Not even close. And that confusion had been gnawing at me all night, making me uneasy, flustered, and strangely alive at the same time.
It didn't make sense. It couldn't make sense.
"That son of a bitch," Kathani muttered, scrolling through replies and blogs.
"I'm going to bed," I said, picking up my bags and tossing away an empty soda can.
"Keep that phone away so you can sleep, Kathani," I instructed, charging my phone on the bedside table and slipping under the sheets.
"Good night," I whispered, letting exhaustion claim me..
Outfit Check
YOU ARE READING
Déja Vú
Romance"I will do it" The most beautiful lady I have ever met walks into my office,wearing a blue mini gown hugging her curves,with a v-neck line that showed a decent amount of cleavage. She paired it with a pair of gold drop earrings and a gold necklace...
