20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Sixteen

I woke up and brushed my teeth. After that, I stepped out of the bathroom in case he needed it. He was still sleeping. Ugh, I was so bored. Should I go back inside or turn on the TV?

Instead, I decided to leave the room and go for a walk.

As I wandered down the hallway, I remembered the party tonight—with Jace. How did I even agree to go when I have nothing to wear? I kept switching between my own clothes and the ones Alex gave me. I really needed to buy something decent. Whatever. I'd try to enjoy today. Tomorrow I'll finally go see my mom and dad. Finally.

I took the elevator down and pressed the lobby button. The doors opened to the warm smell of breakfast and the chatter of people filling the dining area. That's when I realized—I hadn't eaten at all. Not yesterday, not really even the day before. And Kyle—ugh, did I just say Nail again? Kyle. His name is Kyle.

They even sound kind of similar.

Whatever. Kyle doesn't eat much either. I should really start thinking about him more clearly. But maybe I don't even have to decide whether I trust him or not. I'll find my parents tomorrow, God willing, and I won't have to deal with him anymore. I just need to be nice to him till then so he helps me.

But... I think I'll miss him.
Yes. I will.

"Hey," I said, sliding into the seat next to an older woman. Her soft blue eyes sparkled, and she looked beautiful despite her age.

"Hello, girl," she said warmly.

I smiled.

"How old are you?" she asked.

"Eighteen." I said it quickly before she could guess. I really need to stop that habit.

"Wow. You're so beautiful," she smiled again.

Beautiful? Me?

"Thank you," I smiled back, awkwardly.

"Do you have company here? A boyfriend or something?" she winked.

Her wink made me laugh a little.

"No, I don't have a boyfriend. You could say I'm here alone." I bit my lip.

"Why?" she asked, brows furrowing slightly.

"Well... I'm lost." I hesitated. "Did you hear about the plane accident? The one leaving from Washington?"

"No!" she looked confused.

"I don't get it either," I frowned. "No one seems to know or care about it. I still don't even understand what happened."

"How are you staying here, then?" she asked. Something in her tone made me think she didn't believe me. I didn't blame her. I wouldn't believe myself either.

"Well, this guy who sat next to me on the plane—thankfully—he helped me. He let me share his room. For free."

"You can always stay in my room," she offered gently. "I'm here with my son. We're staying for a week."

That caught me off guard. She was so kind.

"Thank you." I genuinely meant it.

"Why don't you have breakfast with me? But I'm paying. I'm older, that's the rule." She pointed at a nearby restaurant with a soft chuckle.

"Okay. Thank you so much." I shrugged. I was hungry, and she seemed lovely.

She ordered us two pies and coffee.

"You're so decent," I told her finally, saying what I'd been thinking.

"So are you," she smiled.

"Are you going to that party tonight?" I asked, not thinking.

"What party?"

Oops. "Uh, someone I met invited me. His name's Jace. I think I might go."

"I didn't know about that. Well, enjoy."

"Won't you come?"

"Oh no, I don't have anything to wear to something like that."

"Me neither," I admitted with a guilty smile. "I forgot about the clothes. I should probably just apologize to him."

"Oh, you should do some shopping then! I saw some very nice dresses in the shops here."

"Uhm, yeah. Maybe. I'll see." I lied. I didn't want to admit I had no money.

"Why don't I go with you?" she offered.

"Sure," I said, but added quickly, "But I really should just apologize. I mean... because of the accident, I couldn't bring anything with me. No money."

"Oh, stupid Nena!" she tapped her forehead. "Sorry, I forgot that. I'll pay for the dress."

"No way! You already bought me breakfast. I can't accept anything else, but thank you."

"Wait. Here's an idea—you can give me the dress after you wear it. Deal?"

"But... what will you do with a used dress that's not even your size?"

"I'll gift it to someone. Don't worry." She smiled.

"I don't even know what to say."

"I like you," she said honestly. "I rarely like anyone this quickly."

So, I went shopping with Nena. She chose a soft pink dress that barely covered my knees and had short sleeves. Thankfully, it wasn't too revealing.

"Thank you," I said for the hundredth time.

After spending a little more time together, she excused herself, and we said our goodbyes.

When I got back to the room, Kyle opened the door the moment I stepped inside.

"Where have you been?" he asked, voice tight.

"Oh." That's all I could manage. I placed the shopping bag on the bed. I hadn't expected him to notice I was gone, let alone be waiting for me.

"And what's this?" He looked inside the bag, confused.

"It's a dress," I answered plainly.

He stared at me, clearly waiting for more.

"Well... I met this woman. She invited me to breakfast and offered to pay for the dress."

"What?" he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'll give it back to her. I know it sounds weird, but that's what happened."

"Why would she do that? And why do you need a dress? And why didn't you tell me before you left?" He shot out his questions one after the other.

"I don't know why she did it. She said she liked me. I know it sounds dumb. And I'll give her the dress back. I'm just going to wear it to the party Jace invited me to. I didn't tell you because you were sleeping. I didn't expect to be gone that long." I sighed and headed toward the bathroom.

But Kyle stepped in front of me, blocking the doorway.