Heart Trouble (EDITING)

Not Waffles, But Chocolate Waffles

~ Layla’s POV ~

The cold air hit me after I managed to leave the warmth and luxury of the limousine. I shivered in response but once I caught sight of the scene before me, I gasped. The chill of the autumn air was long forgotten.

I was just impressed by the imposing welcome we received when we arrived at the grand hotel that was only affordable to the cream of the crop of society, Rotelier. Employees in their freshly ironed uniforms stood  at the entrance in two parallel lines.

The golden beams at the foot of the entrance sparkled in the sun, the testimony of how well  polished their hotel was. Beautiful gilded carvings embroidered the viewing decks of rooms. In simple words, the hotel was as grand as a palace of Versailles. They both had similar architectural features except the hotel was much smaller.

It was an amazing sight to behold. Never once in my lifetime have I ever imagined I would be standing next to almost all of the children of one of the most influential businessman on Earth and being honored by such a mass of people.

The two lines of people bowed to us in sync as we passed them on a red carpet. Quin, being the head of our group, walked in front with determination of a powerful businesswoman. Colin and Hale walked behind her with the same demeanor. Only I paused in my steps once in awhile to soak in the elegance surrounding me. Some of the employees scrutinized me as the misfit of the group and gazed at me like they did not believe I was a part of such a affluent party.

When they judged me like that, I stuck out my chest like my ballet teacher once scolded me for not having enough confidence. It only made it worse. Hale looked back to see what all the ruckus was about. I returned to my normal stance before he could see how ridiculous I looked.

With the sound of throat clearing from in front of me, all the employees hushed. The manager lead us inside which was much beautiful and warm. Balls of flowers hung from its ceiling. I marveled at the elaborate decorations. They even had a big fireplace and snack table.

“Ms. Vadner, I have taken the privilege to check in for you. Here are your rooms’ cards. I didn’t know that you will bring a guest so I apologize for only retrieving cards for you three.” The manager informed us.

“It is alright. Notify me when you do have the extras made. It will help me kindly.” Quin replied professionally.   

The manager gave Quin a bow and left to do as she said. She then spun on her heel to face us and beamed.

“Shall we go?” She asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The doors swung open to a polished room fit for a king. I had to awe at the scene. Golden curtains cascaded down in soft ripples and the ceiling lights lit up the room in sections. A fireplace stood ready whenever we needed the extra warmth or sophistication that an AC system could not provide.

Soft carpet laid at below our feet. It was comfy enough for sleep. The rest of the room was a modern as one can be with the large plasma HD television and big paneled windows that looked over most of the city of London.

The three upper crusts of society treated this room as something ordinary and walked in nonchalantly. They did not even stop to admire the suite but sat down on the sofa to rest. Quin, instead of sitting down, she lead the bellboy to the bedroom to set down her luggage. It must have been nice to be a bellboy at such a fancy and expensive hotel because the people staying would give huge tips. I would know because Quin handed him 200 euros just for bringing the bags into the room.

“This is going to be our meeting room. I call dibs for Layla and I.” Quin called out cheerfully.

It was expected that the minute she said those strings of words, I'd run and jump onto the plush sofa and begin to squeal in delight. I also had to take a selfie. As a result, I received questionable looks from the siblings.