Facade - Jacob Elordi

nine

The ringing of my alarm shot me out of a deep sleep. At first I woke up confused with it still being dark outside. I almost shut my phone off and went back to sleep until I read New York on my alarm title. I jumped out of bed, feeling nauseous with anxiety and for the fact that I just woke up. I thanked myself for packing almost everything last night except a few hygiene products I needed in the morning. My groggy state of mind would not have been able to scavenge everything I needed in time. By the time I finished getting ready and throwing some more things into my suitcase, it was almost time for Jacob to arrive.

I sent Lana a text letting her know I was about to leave and hoped she has a great day. I'm mostly covering all my bases in case our plane crashes. I think that's half the reason I've never flown. Heights are one of my biggest fears, and being sprung this opportunity so quickly gave me no time to consider how terrified I might be. I made sure to throw my valium in my bag, knowing I'll most likely need it for the flight.

A soft knock at my door echoed through my small apartments walls. I checked my phone seeing no texts, but realizing it was 4:01am. I grabbed my suitcase and purse, ready to head out the door. I opened the door to Richie, stoic as always.

"Good morning, Miss Charlotte. We have the car waiting downstairs for you," He greeted. I could see his annoyance that I wasn't already down there waiting.

"I'm sorry. I was just double checking I had everything," I apologized, not wanting to be on Richie's bad side.

"No worries. I'll grab your bags. Jacob will meet you down there," He said as he took my suitcase out of my hands. I kept a tight hand on my purse, letting him know I'd like to keep it on me.

"Thank you." I said as I walked down my buildings stairs. A black SUV was parked with hazards on in front of me. Jacob stood by the back passenger door, dressed in a dark green suit. The cream tie contrasting against the dark colors.

"You didn't tell me it was business formal," I said standing in my casual sweatpants and crewneck.

"It's just a short flight so I just thought I'd save time changing. We will fix your attire once we get settled at the hotel," He reassured me. "Is this your first time flying?"

"Yes," I admitted as he opened my door for me. He gently closed it and got in the other side himself.

"You're in for a treat," He smiled smugly, clearly happy with himself. "Do you get your envelope?"

"Yes. I went ahead and signed everything," I confirmed. "Also, where the hell did you get a picture of me?"

"Oh it's just a temporary picture until we get you to the office and take an official one, eventually. I just found it online," Jacob answered. "Can I see the papers?"

"They're in my suitcase. So is the badge," I said turning around in the moving car to look for it.

"Charlotte, that badge stays on you. I don't care where you put it, just have it available. Even if you're just getting in the car with me," He said sternly.

My cheeks burned as I felt like I already messed up and we haven't even started the job yet.

"I'm sorry."

"It's like your name tag. Your pass to get into everything," He explained, realizing he sounded a bit harsh.

I nodded as he explained some parts of the drive to the airport, what time were boarding and what time he expects us to get there. He mentioned that there's not much business to do today, just getting settled and having dinner with a few loyal buyers and colleagues. As he finished his spiel, my eyes started to get heavy. My head dropping a couple times, taking a glance at Jacob to see if he noticed my tiredness. As his eyes were glued to his laptop, he clicked a button on the center console. My bottom and back started to get warmer.