JUNO (sabrina carpenter x you)

chapter 4

Y/N's POV

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I shifted my car into park, turned off the ignition, and lingered in the lower-level parking lot of the Marriott for a moment, lost in thought.

I was processing everything.

Overthinking, really.

This just doesn't feel real, any of it really.

In just a few minutes, I would be picking up Sabrina Carpenter for a hangout — something in which, might I add, she initiated.

Only twelve hours ago, we had met for the first time. I never imagined that leading up to this very moment, but here I was, sitting like an oaf in my car nervous as hell to let alone see her again.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled sharply before reluctantly stepping out of my Mercedes. I shut the sleek matte black door behind me and locked the vehicle, stealing one last glance at my reflection in the tinted window.

I chose a fairly simple yet clean look, a look in which Laurie insisted in helping me put together. I wore dark brown dress slacks, platform Doc Martens, and a black tank top, all topped off with a slightly cropped cream cardigan and a black belt. My dark, wavy hair flowed freely with my curtain bangs styled just the way I liked.

As far as makeup goes, I went with my usual soft winged eyeliner and a bit of eyeshadow, slightly tinted brown/gold and mascara. Nothing too crazy, but just enough for the appeal I liked.

I looked good, I'll give myself that.

Hopefully I look good enough for her.

I stopped myself mid thought, pondering for a moment why I cared so much about how she thinks I look.

She wouldn't pay too much attention to that, surely.

I digress, I could go on and on.

Finally mustering some courage, I navigated through the lower level elevators and made my way to the bustling ground floor. The sound of my carabiner of keys jingled in the spacious lobby, each note echoing softly with my every step.

"Good afternoon, Natalie!" I greeted cheerfully, spotting the receptionist I had grown fond of during my bartending shifts. Her vibrant red hair caught the light as she looked up, her face breaking into a bright smile.

"It's almost five, Y/N, so technically it's the evening," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes that made me chuckle. I approached her desk, momentarily pausing to grab a plastic cup filled with refreshing lime and lemon water from the counter.

"Didn't you have the day off?" Natalie asked, her brow arched in curiosity.

I returned her smile, nodding lightly. "I do, but I'm just picking up a friend."

Her eyes twinkled with mischief as a small smile danced on her lips. Leaning in conspiratorially, she whispered, "Does that friend happen to be staying in room 537?"

I felt my eyes widen, momentarily taken aback. "How did you...?"

"Security cameras are pretty impressive, especially with their detail," she said with a light laugh. "But don't worry, your secret's safe with me." There was a pause, her expression shifting to one of playful intrigue. "Though, I must say, the staff room was buzzing about it this morning."