The Story Of Us

Chapter 2 ◇The Houghton Hotel ◇

Seeing that Lerato was on the verge of falling asleep, Catherine chuckled softly. "Good girl," she murmured, her tone affectionate.

Soon, the only sound was the soft hum of the car and Lerato's quiet, steady breathing, her head leaned against the window. The world outside slowly darkened as night fell, the streetlights casting shadows onto the highway.

Catherine glanced at her from time to time, watching her young guest sleep. There was a sense of protectiveness that she felt towards her. A fierce need to shield her from anything that could harm her.

As they continued to drive, the miles shrinking behind them, Catherine was lost in thought. The week ahead held so many possibilities and opportunities. For the both of them.

An Hour passed, the night sky growing darker, and finally, they arrived at the hotel. The Houghton Hotel, to be exact.

Catherine killed the engine, and looked over at her sleeping guest. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, peaceful and content in her slumber.

Catherine reached over, gently shaking Lerato's shoulder, not wanting to startle her. "Lerato," she whispered, "We're here. Wake up." Lerato's eyes slowly fluttered open, her mind blurry from sleep. It took her a moment to remember where she was and why she was here.

"We're... here?" she slurred, voice still thick with sleep.

We're at the hotel," Catherine confirmed, a hint of amusement in her tone at the cute scene. "You slept through the entire drive."

Lerato sat up, rubbing at her eyes, a sheepish expression on her face. "Sorry," she mumbled, "Guess I was more tired than I thought." Catherine chuckled, amused by her guest's bashfulness. "No need to apologize," she reassured. "You needed the sleep. Come on, let's get inside."

They got out of the car and walked towards the hotel, their luggage in hand. The cool night air a stark contrast to the warm interior of the car. As they entered the hotel, Lerato's eyes widened at the sight before her. The lobby was grand, the high ceilings and ornate decor exuding a sense of luxury.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Catherine remarked, a hint of pride in her voice. "Wait until you see the room."

They made their way over to the reception desk, where Catherine checked both of them in. A young man who works there handed them the keycards for their room. As they walked towards the elevator, Catherine turned to Lerato.

"Ready for the grand tour?" she asked with a smirk, holding open the elevator doors for Lerato to pass through first.

Lerato nodded, her excitement and curiosity mounting. They stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind them with a soft 'ding. The elevator ride was quick, the doors opening again moments later onto a long corridor, adorned with plush carpeting and tastefully designed lighting.

"Right this way." Catherine started down the hallway, walking with a confident stride. Lerato followed closely behind, her eyes darting from side to side, trying to take everything in. They stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, and Catherine slotted the keycard into the lock, opening the door and stepping aside for Lerato to step in first.

Lerato stepped inside, her breath catching in her chest. The room was expansive, far grander than she had imagined.

The bed was king-sized and swathed in soft, rich fabric, the room filled with tastefully chosen furniture. But what caught her eye was the wall of windows that offered a panoramic view of the city, the city lights flickering below.

"Like what you see?"
Catherine chuckled, watching as Lerato took in the room, the stunned expression on her face amusing.

"Come on, look around." She closed the door behind them, the soft click sounding like a gentle reassurance.

Lerato wandered around the room, taking in more details. The plush carpet beneath her feet, the smell of fresh linen, the soft, warm lighting. Everything in the room felt soft, comfortable and expensive.

"There's a bathroom through that door," Catherine pointed to the right corner, "With a jacuzzi tub. And room service is just a phone call away."

Lerato took a few more steps, her eyes landing on a tray sitting on a small table, covered with a silk cloth. A bottle of champagne and two glasses sat beneath it.

"Champagne?" Catherine inquired, watching as Lerato's gaze fixed on the tray. "A little welcome gift for you, as a token of my hospitality."

"You know I don't drink." She responded with a chuckle.

Catherine laughed, the sound warm and slightly amused. "I know, I know," she responded, "Just..nervous, I guess." She chuckled again. "You don't have to worry about it," Catherine reassured, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I respect your boundaries, remember? Now come sit down."

She gestured to the couch, which was placed in front of the window, offering a splendid view of the city skyline. Lerato walked over to the couch and settled down onto the plush cushions with a sigh. The couch was just as comfortable as it looked. The city lights outside created a soft glow in the room, almost creating a cozy intimacy.

Catherine sat beside her, a comfortable distance apart. Her eyes were fixed on the skyline, the city stretched out before them like a blanket of stars.

Lerato watched Catherine for a moment, taking in the way the city lights bathed her face in a soft, almost dreamlike glow. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, rather it was companionable, each lost in their own thoughts.

"You're quiet," Catherine observed after a moment, her words breaking the silence, "Penny for your thoughts?"

Lerato chuckled softly, her gaze still fixed on the skyline. "Just... this seems a bit surreal," she admitted, a hint of wonder in her tone. "Last year, we were just talking on the phone, and now I'm here, staying in a luxury hotel room with you."

Catherine smiled at the admission, shifting her body so she was facing Lerato more directly. "Yeah, it's been a whirlwind, but it's real," she said, her voice soft. "I'm glad you're here, y'know?"

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