Chasing Dreams: A Tale of Dreaming Big

Chapter nine

.After the fan substitute greeting party at the airport, the atmosphere was electric as we made our way toward the hotel. The roads were flanked by large crowds of people along with a multitude of dogs. They were all calling out their well-wishes, waving excitedly, and holding up colorful signs that celebrated our arrival. The excitement in the air was palpable, and it was impossible not to feel a rush of emotion witnessing all the support. However, we couldn't roll down our windows to acknowledge them, which was a bit disappointing.

I found myself sitting next to Celeste in the car, feeling the awkwardness of the two rows of seats facing each other in the back. In front of us were Honey, Ashley, and Chloe, who were all happily smiling back at us. It was clear that they had several signs with them, probably made in advance, to cheer us on. I could see the enthusiasm radiating from them, and it made me feel even more excited. But when I glanced at Celeste, it became obvious that she was not on the same page. She seemed out of place, as if the excitement didn't register with her.

"What do you think she did?" Celeste whispered, her tone laced with curiosity and fiercely.

"What do you mean?" I asked, a bit confused.

"You know, to be so popular. Do you think she bribed someone?" Celeste replied, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"No way! Besides, that's against the rules. And if you try to bribe someone, you would get caught eventually," I said, shaking my head in disbelief as I turned my attention to the window.

I couldn't believe Celeste would even suggest such a thing. At the same time, I couldn't shake the thought that, knowing her, it wasn't entirely out of character.As we continued our journey, approximately twenty minutes passed, and finally, I caught a glimpse of the hotel where we would be staying. The Ritz-Carlton loomed large, standing out prominently against the skyline. Its striking height and the numerous windows that adorned its façade reflected the sunlight beautifully, glinting like diamonds. The sight of the elegant structure filled me with excitement for our stay. When we parked, the driver quickly jumped out to help us with our luggage, further adding to the feeling of luxury surrounding the moment.

We began walking toward the grand entrance of the hotel, my heart racing from anticipation.

"I can't believe that we are still here!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with enthusiasm. I had never stayed in such a nice hotel before, and it felt surreal.

"I know!" Chloe chimed in, her excitement matching mine. Honey and Ashley nodded in agreement, smiles plastered on their faces.

"And, so what?" Celeste interrupted, her voice dripping with a sense of annoyance.

"So what!" I replied in disbelief, my mind racing. "This is amazing!"

Celeste crossed her arms and huffed, "We've stayed in way nicer hotels before," she said, her tone sharp, as if the idea of being at the Ritz-Carlton was beneath her.

I gaped at her, my mouth dropping in surprise. Everyone around me seemed to share the same look of astonishment. In that moment, it was hard to comprehend how anyone could feel anything but excitement about being at such a beautiful and luxurious hotel.

As we stepped into the hotel, we were welcomed by a spacious and elegantly designed lobby. The warm lighting and decorative features, along with vibrant flowers, created a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. I found myself captivated by the beautiful lobby and the lovely details that surrounded us.

"Wow, this is... amazing!" Chloe exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

"I know!" Honey added, clearly taken by the elegance.

"I agree. I love the little details," I chimed in, feeling the beauty envelop us.

Meanwhile, Celeste remained grumpy, muttering under her breath about how she couldn't believe she was staying here.

Just then, a young woman approached us with long, flowing blonde-brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Her warm smile immediately made her approachable. "Hi, my name is Isabel Starlight, and I'm the director of Pup Star," she introduced herself.

"Hi," everyone responded in unison, intrigued by her presence.

"Let's get all of you your rooms," Isabel said cheerfully. "Judges, the producer of Pup Star and myself will be on the twenty-five floor. All the companies will all be on the nineteenth though twenty-four floor.

We exchanged excited smiles, eager to see where we would be staying. After collecting our room keys, we all walked to the front desk.

"Okay, you guys can have lunch. Please meet in the meeting room at 2:00 PM to discuss the details for the show tomorrow," Isabel explained, clearly organized and prepared. "You will get to meet the rest of the competition. If we you guys need anything just cell me. Isabel gives us her phone number. "Oh, one more thing the meeting room is floor 18 number 122."

"Okay," we responded, anticipation building for what was to come next. We wanted to the elevator and all headed to our separate rooms.

"When room are we?" I ask

"We are room number 286." Chloe replied

"it look like we neighbors" Ashley say.

"Yes!" Honey say

Ashley and Honey are are a few doors down.

'See you guys later." I replies.

Chloe open the door I into the hallway modern and luxurious with a polished dark brown wooden floor, bright white walls, and cleverly incorporated mirrored panels for a spacious and stylish interior. We walk into room. A serene and modern bedroom design featuring a light beige upholstered bench at the foot of the bed, a light gray or beige bedside lamp, and large windows showcasing a city skyline view. It was beautiful.

"It's beautiful!" I say in amazement.

"I again." Chloe said.

"What the plan?" I ask

"What do want?" Chloe says.

"Lunch."

And then knock at our doors. Chloe walk towards the door and opens it. I followed her. It was Ashley and Honey.

"We were going to lunch." Ashtray explain. "Do you guys want to come with us?"

"Sure!" I say without hesitate.

"We was just talking about lunch," add Chloe.