Aubrey spent a fair amount of time catching up on work and being brought up to date with business dealings discussed in his absence. He could review emails in his company inbox, but couldn't respond to them - not for the duration of the trial. For matters that did require his authorization, there were certain protocols he had to follow, to ensure his responses wouldn't be tracked back to this hotel.
Multiple times, Destiny asked to help him; he wouldn't allow her. That sent her on a mission to read current and past news stories, familiarizing herself with new journalists who were receiving recognition. Social media wasn't allowed, which irritated Carlos to no end; he didn't hesitate to complain about that on an hourly basis. Watching television was allowed, at least.
"Not to whine when you guys are only doing your jobs and protecting us and shit, but...this entire situation is like...a more tragic version of the old Real World show, where people were all thrown together in a house and only allowed to drink, fight each other, and fuck each other. Except...without the drinking, fucking and actual fun." Carlos plopped on the couch, equipped with a television remote and fashion magazine provided to him by one of the agents. "And even if one of you agents were gay, I don't feel safe flirting with you, because the last time an agent flirted back, he came too close to ending me. So, unfortunately for y'all, none of you get any of this."
The FBI agents stared blankly at Carlos, then returned back to their duties.
All it took was for one person in the room to express being hungry for an FBI agent to initiate a room service order. Darius stood in the corner of the suite with his phone held to his ear. He was working out the logistics they'd put in place for tomorrow's hotel transfer.
The parentals continued swapping childhood stories about Aubrey and Destiny, with Aubrey outwardly cringing once certain stories came up in conversation. They refused to leave the main suite until bedtime. Everyone was understandably on edge.
Darius addressed everyone's nerves by stating, "We're all stressed and under pressure, but I'm hoping dinner will help to relax us."
"Relax?" Mr. Richards echoed. "Is he for real?"
Destiny hid a laugh behind one hand.
~~~~~~
"Hey, man, how are you enjoying your first week?"
It was a question barely heard over the loud commotion that is present in most fast-paced hotel kitchens. The tall, lanky, red-haired new hire shrugged. "It's a gig."
"Not passionate about hotel cuisine?" the cute, brown-haired girl joked.
He laughed along with her, but wondered, Wait a minute - is she flirting with me?
"People are going to try to make you anxious by mentioning how high our turnover rate is-"
"Because our turnover rate is high as shit!" one of the chefs interjected, shouting over a bubbling pot of marinara sauce.
She rolled her eyes and gave the chef the hand. "See what I mean?"
"I barely recognize half of the faces in here!" the chef said with gloved hands cupped around his mouth. Then, chuckling, he returned to stirring the pot in front of him.
The new hire looked between his two co-workers. "So, the staff here changes quite often, huh?"
"Not everyone wants to do this forever," she replied. "Some of the hotel guests here are snooty and rude as hell. No appreciation, no consideration for us. If we call them out on it or report it to management, nothing is ever done. One of us will get fired before they ever hold a hotel guest accountable. Holding a hotel guest accountable means potentially getting a one or two star rating on Yelp."
YOU ARE READING
50 Shades of Drake 5 and 6
FanfictionAubrey Drake Graham and Destiny Richards have managed to overcome an onslaught of trials and tribulations throughout their relationship, and the most recent tragedy has shaken their entire world. Unfortunately, more challenges are headed their way...
