August Skye

Part 14

Laura exited the room where August and I were, giving us a private space to talk before our stylist arrived. August approached me, her footsteps soft against the carpet. Her arms encircled me in a warm embrace when she was close enough, and I leaned into her. We stayed like that for what felt like forever. Her warmth was familiar and something I'd missed dearly. Something I don't ever want to be without again. 

Her eyes twinkled playfully as they held mine and, with a delicate touch, she traced her finger down my cheek. "I missed you," she confessed, her voice a whisper.

A fluttering sensation filled my stomach that I labelled as a mix of butterflies and anticipation. "I missed you too," I confessed too. "Very, very much."

Her face brushed mine, our foreheads resting against each other. Still, she didn't look away. She chuckled softly at my words, the sound momentarily filling the otherwise silent space. It made the corners of my mouth lift. "Expected." She said, her lips brushing mine. "I'm August Skye, after all."

My laughter rang out. "Wow, full of yourself much?"

A smile graced her lips, her eyes shifting from mine to my lips. She studied them for a moment, not leaning in, not pulling away. Suddenly, her eyes lit up with a spark of inspiration that I'd never seen so bright before and she broke away from our embrace. A cheeky smile played on her lips as she rummaged through her bag on the hotel room bed.

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I watched her, still frozen in place. "What are you doing?" I asked.

With a triumphant expression, she pulled out her notebook and a pen. She turned to me, took my hand and led me towards the door. Her goodbye was a rushed peck against my lips that didn't at all satisfy my craving for her. I tried to hang on to it but she managed to pull back. 

"Inspiration struck, Baby. Goodbye!" Without warning, she opened the door, gently pushing me out into the hallway. With a loud, cheerful voice, she called out, "Layla! Can you get my wife ready for my concert now, please? Thank you!" Her eyes fell back on me again and she smiled. "I love you and I'll see you later."

Before I could respond, she blew me a kiss and the door closed, leaving me alone in the hallway. I tried the doorknob, but it was locked. I sighed, resigned to my fate.  A young woman with shiny black hair, perfectly trimmed bangs and squinty eyes emerged from another room, walking towards me. "Hi, I'm Layla."

"Willow." I offered a hand and she shook it, hesitantly with a look as if a handshake was out of the norm. It probably was but it was something I've gotten used to in the world of business. 

"Shall we get started?" she voiced. "Hair and makeup is ready for you."

"Okay," I agreed and followed her across the hall from August's room. From there, I could hear the faint strumming of August's guitar. I couldn't recognize the tune, but it was soothing and pleasant to listen to.

In the room, the stylist expertly fixed my hair and makeup before another brought in my outfit. It was a stunning rose gold long-sleeved blazer with short pants that looked incredibly luxurious and fit my body like a glove. Underneath the blazer, I wore a black sequin top, which Layla assured me would perfectly complement August's outfit.

My accessories were all gold, matching the buttons on my suit. I wore gold high-heeled slippers, and my purse was a stylish mix of rose gold and black, which beautifully complemented the top I wore. Once I was ready, Layla guided me out of the room.

"Laura requested for you to travel to the event with her," Layla informed me. "August will travel alone."

I frowned at the news hoping that maybe, I would get to see her before she began to serenade the world, but nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Layla."