Agent Kelly Tomlinson

Three.

The Darsh's Hotel was a luxurious four star hotel in the middle of London. It was a popular hotel for tourists and business meetings. The walls were painted gold, matching the gold marble floors. My black high heels clacked on the floor as I walked. The lobby was very open. The waiting area consisted of several red velvet chairs and sofas surrounding a polished rectangular table. There was always a person with a suit case waiting in this lobby.

The woman behind the front desk led me into the large conference room I had reserved for my meeting with Louis. Despite Louis being my brother, I had to treat my meeting with him like a business meeting. That's why I didn't invite him to my apartment or go out for food. Besides, my stomach was swirling in circles, I wouldn't be able to keep any food down.

The conference room was long and rectangular to hold the long white oval conference table in the middle. There were about 16 rolling silver chairs designed to look like metal but they were plastic.

I sat at one of the head chairs that was closest to the door. I placed the file that Louis was allowed to see on the table in front of me. Anxiously, I smoothed my hands over the fabric of my white peplum dress. My knee bounced with the ticking of the clock. It was 8:03 pm. I was starting to think he wouldn't show up.

Then 8:13 came around and I started getting aggravated. It was one thing to cancel on me, sending me a text to let me know he wasn't coming and it was another thing to completely stand me up and waste my time. I knew I shouldn't be mad. I probably deserved it.

I gathered my file and shoved it into my black Kate Spade purse Marco forced me to wear with this dress. The clicking of my heels echoed off the walls as I approached the door only to be stopped in front of it as it swung open.

My breath hitched when I stood face to face with Louis. His hair was shorter than it was the last time I saw him and it was gelled neatly. His jawline was hidden by the scruff that formed on his skin, which helped bring someone's attention to his striking blue eyes. He wore beige khakis and a light blue t shirt with a light black jacket over top. His usual amiable smile was turned upside down in a frown.

"Louis," I couldn't help the look of surprise draw itself on my face. Here I stood in front of my brother whom I haven't seen in two years, and yet I was speechless. "You're late."

I mentally rolled my eyes at myself. You haven't seen him in years and the first thing you say is "You're late?" Good going, Kelly. You're supposed to make things right, not be condescending him.

"Yeah, well I was debating whether I should even show up or not." Louis shrugged with his hands tucked into his jacket pocket. The frown never left his face. "I gotta tell you, I was surprised when I saw your name pop up on my phone. Wanna know what my first thought was when I saw it? That you were either dead or you needed something from me." Louis narrowed his eyes at me. "Looks like I wasn't wrong. I wasn't all surprised to hear you asking to have some sort of meeting with me."

All the nerves I had an hour ago washed away as soon as Louis opened his mouth. Anger started bubbling through me. I felt my hands clutch into fists at my side. I understand that it was mostly my fault we haven't kept in touch, and that yeah - I probably did deserve the attitude I was receiving, but there was a reason behind all of it. But he was quick to judge.

"You know I wouldn't call you for a meeting that revolves around what I do if it wasn't absolutely necessary." I said, trying my best not to speak through clenched teeth.

"So what do you need?" Louis asked although his question did not sound generous at all. It sounded sarcastic. "Money? You know, it's funny that you finally contacted me right after my career sky rocketed."