Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 28: Guessing Games

<ELIZA'S POV>

I've been in Doncaster for a little over two weeks now and can finally say I've recovered from whatever illness I had. My appetite is in full swing, my attitude raised at one hundred, and my wit as quick and sharp as ever. You could say I'm back and better than before. Along with that, my drive for Louis was restored and I was ready for the chase again.

Being here for so long, I thought Louis would've shown up by now. Did they not care about the mural or just assumed it'd be a good piece based on my reputation. I'll flatter myself and go with the second guess. Anyhow, I still wanted Louis to make an appearance. It was about time I called that partner of his and see what everyone was up to at the moment. If I was wasting time, I needed to start the journey home and check on my gallery. I can only stall work for so long until Xxavier gets antsy. Besides, this hotel was beginning to become too familiar so it was definitely time to leave. The staff knew me by name now.

"Hayden!" I call through the suite. "Hayden, where's the phone?" He emerges from around a corner, holding out both of my phones; one designated for business and one personal. I exchange a quick "thank-you" and ask him to go finish preparing the car. Going through my business contacts, I find Louis' work and dial away, grabbing the last of my things as it rang.

"Dammit." No one picked up. The mechanical voice told me how all lines were full and put me on hold with that awful chorus of music playing in the background. They could at least play what's trending. Regardless, I was going to get in touch with someone. I remembered how I sweet talked my way into the office and was able to snag one of the board member's number as well. I had hoped before I wouldn't have to use it but this was a hit to my pride I'd just have to take. I prayed he'd be suspicious of the number and not answer but of course my prayers went unanswered. I nearly swore, but quickly recovered and greeted him sweetly.

"Hello, is this Collin Harris?"

"Well, yes. Might I ask who's calling?" He inquired. For an older man, he sounded quite testy. I wonder if he always picked up the phone with such an attitude.

"Oh, it's Elly Annette. The new partner painting the teams new mural? Don't tell me you've forgotten me alre'dy."

"Ah- Miss Annette, how could I ever forget!" His tone changed sharply; once indifferent, now bloating with charisma and life. "With such a beauty like you walking in, I could never." I smirk to myself. Men.

"Lovely. Well you see, I called to let you know the painting's been finished and to express some concerns I've had regarding the presence of the company." Hayden holds the car door open for me as I step inside. I give him directions for a nearby deli to pick up lunch and continue with my conversation.

"Concerns?" He asks cautiously. "How so my dear?"

"Yes. I was quite disappointed when no one called me to check up on the project. Your advisor was supposed to tell you. Oh what was his name.."

"Louis Tomlinson? I thought you were actually quite familiar with him." He added slyly.

"Careful Harris that sounded quite suggestive." It was time to drop the nice act and get down to business. "I actually need to get in touch with him ASAP." There's a slight pause before he answers, hushed voices in the background are just barely audible but I hear them conversing about something. "Is there a problem?"

Collin clears his throat on the other line. "No, no problem. But Louis and I haven't had the chance to talk very much recently."

"Oh?" This is news to me. "Might I ask why?"

"Well let's just say he's gotten himself into a bit of a mess." My stomach drops. What the hell has been going on while I was away. I want to reach through and demand he tell me what happened but I must stay professional.