Words to Me

A Series of Unfortunate Events (part 1)

Five days later it's two a.m. and I'm sitting in almost empty airport listening to Caroline outline everything that is expected of me. I'm desperately trying to pay attention, but it's early and after a tearful departure from Evaline and Julia, it's just not happening today. Everyone else is already here, and is half asleep in various chairs. I focus back in on Caroline.

"And that should be it, here's the carry on I had prepared for you, it has everything you need as far as managing the group goes in my stead, if you have any questions feel free to text me, you have my number. Your flight should be ready any minute, so I will be off then." Caroline hands over a black messenger bag as she stands up. I nearly drop it, shocked by the weight.

I open my mouth to say something but Caroline is already walking away. "Okay then." I mutter to myself. Sure enough, before Caroline is even out of sight our flight is called. The trip itself is long, and I sleep through most of it, waking up a little less than an hour before we land.

Getting out of the terminal with everyone, and more importantly everything, turns out to be more of a hassle than I thought. There's an endless chorus of where this bag is or where that case is. By the time we finally get everything together, and manage to track down Rory who had disappeared into the depths of the airport souvenir shop, we had wasted almost two hours. I check the schedule Caroline gave me, first is an interview with a magazine, that's supposed to be in less an hour. Shit. There is no way, I can't get us all to the hotel and then drag Andrew to an interview across town. On top of everything, it's rush hour, in New York.

I manage to herd everyone into a circle, "Okay so I have to get Andrew to an Interview, but everyone else needs to go to the hotel. Mia, you're in charge, here's the hotel address, cash, and everything you need to check in. Andrew come with me." After handing over the stuff to Mia, I head out with Andrew, only keeping the black messenger bag with me, I hail down a taxi and give them the address I had on my phone.

I sigh, settling into my seat and look over at Andrew, "You awake there?" I ask. He had been staring absently out of the window.

He smiled, looking over at me, "Yeah, just tired, jet lag and all that." He turns back to the window.

I purse my lips dropping the subject, I won't get anything more out of him like this. I stare out my own window willing the taxi to go faster. 45 minutes later and we are finally at the office scheduled for the interview. I quickly pay and rush out with Andrew's lanky frame following behind me.

I make my way up to the receptionist, "Excuse me?" I ask softly, but loud enough to be heard.

The brunette doesn't look up, rather she continues to file her nails. I give it a second, looking her over. It's clear that she WASNT hired for her great people skill but rather an impressive rack and tight shirt. I clear my throat and try again more forceful this time. "Excuse me."

She huffs and look up, "Can I help you?"

I smile through my aggravation, "Yes, we are here to see Ms. Okumura."

She gives me a fake smile and pushes her chair closer and begins in a sickly sweet voice, like she's talking down to a child. "I'm afraid Ms. Okumura is a very, very busy woman and can only be met if you have an appointment." She looks me up and down. "Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do."  

I look over to Andy for help but see he is distracted by her low cut shirt and open view down her shirt by the way she is leaning forward. "Look, we have an appointment for an interview with Hozier. However, if it's too much trouble I can make sure Mrs. Caroline Downey as well as Ms. Okumura know why we weren't able to attend, Vanessa." I sneaked a quick glance over at the plaque displaying her name.

She grins through her teeth. "Of course my bad, she's on the fourth floor, I trust you at least know how to make your way over to the elevator."

"Thank you." I say, grabbing Andrew by the wrist and dragging him behind me, I already want this day to be over but I feel that this is just the beginning.