More Lies, More Cameras and Much More Action

Chapter 20

Maddy POV

When I woke from my nap, I felt way more refreshed than I deserved. I checked the clock and realised I'd been asleep for just over 3 hours as it was just after 5pm. 

My thoughts crept to Joe, wondering how he'd spent the time we'd been alone. Did he think about me as much as I thought about him? I hope so.

I took my time flicking through my phone, responding to some of my work emails and browsing through the news before pulling myself up from the comfy bed and wiping the smudged makeup from under my eyes before jumping in the shower.

I was ready at 7pm, I had freshened up and applied a fresh layer of makeup. I'd packed a small bag containing a couple of outfits, some toiletries, the book I was reading and my phone charger.

I was hungry but didn't know whether to order room service or if Joe was planning to eat together. After a few anxious minutes, I plucked up the courage to text him.

Maddy: Hi Joe, it's Maddy :) I'm ready to come to yours - can leave whenever you're ready. Have you eaten? Should I order room service? X

I retyped the message about 6 times, pondering over whether to put a X at the end or not before I finally pressed send.

I nervously fidgeted whilst I waited for his reply which came just minutes later.

Joe: I'm home, you can come whenever! We have no food here but we can order something x

I breathed out a sigh of relief when his reply came through. He hadn't changed his mind about me coming over and he put a X at the end as well. Thank god.

Maddy: Okay, I'll leave now then :) x

I grabbed my bag before taking one final look in the mirror and sighing at how nervous I was to spend 2 nights with Joe.

I left my hotel room, my nerves forcing me to have one last look around the room and through my bag to ensure I had everything, before making my way down the lift and into the lobby.

'Hi, can you order me a taxi to Kensington please?' I asked the man on reception.

'Of course ma'am. Please, take a seat. I'll let you know when it's here.' He smiled, pointing to one of the comfy looking chairs in the reception room.

I thanked him before making my way over to the suggested chair and picking up one of the many magazines they had laid out on a small coffee table. I used to enjoy reading magazines until I began my job at a magazine publishing company. Now, I just cannot help but subconsciously judge and critique the work of other brands.

I scowled at the poor grammar included in the 'Outfit of the Week' article I was reading.

'Does nobody proofread these?' I said quietly, to myself. I quickly looked up and examined the room to make sure nobody heard. It suddenly felt as if I was in a movie and the CEO of the magazine I was writing was going to be sat next to me, listening. She'd then talk me through the real importance of magazines for the rest of the film. Luckily, nobody looked as if they heard.

'Miss, your taxi is outside.' The same friendly man called to me.

'Thank you so much.' I smiled, picking up my large bag and making my way out the doors and into the taxi sat outside the hotel.

'Miss Taylor?' The driver asked as I got in.

'That's me.' I smiled, putting my bag down on the floor of the other seat in the back.

'Where we off to? Kensington?'

'Yes.' I confirmed, reading him Joe's address off my phone.

'Nice area that, you planning on doing anything nice there?' He asked, pulling away from the hotel and driving off.