Million Dollar Devil

21.

Seated on the couch with my suitcase at my feet, I patiently wait.

The apartment is quiet, except for the soft hum of the refrigerator in the corner and the occasional creak of the pipes. Outside, the world is still dark, the early morning hours yet to be fully embraced by the sun. I feel a strange calmness in the air, as if it, too, is waiting for something to happen. I wonder, briefly, if anyone else is awake, if anyone else feels the tension in the air like I do.

6:50 a.m.
6:51 a.m..
6:52 a.m...

Time seems to move at a snail's pace. My fingers tap anxiously against my leg as I glance at the clock again, willing the minutes to pass faster.

I get up and briskly walk to the bathroom to check my makeup for the tenth time in the last hour. It should be no surprise that I look exactly the same as I did two minutes ago. I sigh, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder and returning to the living room, glancing at the clock again.

6:58 a.m. Antonio will be here any minute.

Almost as soon as the clock turns seven, I hear two gentle knocks on the door.

"Hello, Miss. Wright," A kind smile greets me as I open the door, "Let me take your bags."

I hand him my suitcase with a smile and a thank you before following him down the stairs. The early morning air is crisp, and I wrap my arms around myself tightly as I scurry to the black Escalade parked in front of the stairs to my apartment. I whip the door open and quickly slide into the backseat, grateful for the warmth inside. I hear the trunk open as the Antonio loads my bag, and I lean back, taking a deep breath.

"Mr. Hayes landed in Chicago last night," Antonio says from the front seat, his voice breaking through the quiet hum of the engine. "A driver will be picking you up from the airport, and Mr. Hayes will meet you at the hotel."

We arrive at the airport in no time, and the energy here is palpable. The bustle of early morning travelers, the rushed conversations, the hurried footsteps, all creating a feeling of organized chaos. I follow Antonio as he leads me to a quiet check-in counter. My heart races as I pass the long lines of travelers, their faces tired and impatient, while I'm whisked through straight to the counter.

The woman looks up, scanning the computer for a moment, then nods with a smile as she takes my ID. "Miss Wright," she says, her voice tinged perfectly toned "Everything's set. Here's your boarding pass." She hands it to me, and I feel the sleekness of the paper between my fingers, the weight of the journey ahead settling into my chest.

"You are good to go from here," Antonio turns to me, "Have a safe flight. It's always nice to see you Miss. Wright."

"Even nicer to see you Antonio," I smile, "Thank you for your help."

The crowd is thick at security, but I'm waved through effortlessly. My heart beats a little faster as I pass through, not from anxiety, but rather an odd mix of excitement and uncertainty.

The attendant greets me with a polite smile, as I hand her my boarding pass. "Welcome aboard, Miss Wright. We've upgraded your seat for this flight. Please follow me."

What?" I blurt out, caught off guard. An upgrade? It must be some sort of mistake...

She only smiles in response, and my pulse quickens as I follow her through the gate. The sleek, wide cabin of the plane opens up before me like a dream. This is first class. It's beyond anything I imagined. The leather seats are pristine, with pillows fluffed just so, and the soft hum of the engines promises comfort. As I settle into my seat, the flight attendant brings me a glass of champagne and a small paper envelope.

"For you, Miss Wright," she says, her voice soft, almost knowing. Her smile lingers just a little too long.

I take the champagne, my hand trembling just slightly as I accept it. I open the envelope, my curiosity bubbling to the surface. My fingers skim the paper, unfolding the note within.

Enjoy, Miss Wright.
Sincerely, Leo

My heart speeds up  as my cheeks turn red. I fold it up and tuck the letter into my bag knowing I'll need proof tomorrow that this wasn't a dream.

As the plane ascends, I watch the ground shrink beneath me, the city of stretching out like a patchwork quilt of gray and green. I sip the champagne, the bubbles tickling my tongue, but my mind keeps drifting back to the note from Leo. First class suits you, Miss Wright. The words echo in my mind, like a whisper in a crowded room, too soft to ignore.

A soft chime sounds from the overhead speaker, and the captain's voice follows, smooth and professional. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude. Feel free to relax, and let us know if there's anything you need."