What the heart wants

22. California, Here I come

The beautiful brunette dressed in a white floral dress entered in his office with a big smile plastered on her face. Stefan rushed towards her and engulfed her in a giant hug.

She looked familiar, very familiar. But I couldn't point out where I had seen her face.

"It's been so long.", she said, parting from him.

"Yeah, you have become hot. Last I remember, you looked like a hippo.", he flirted with her and she glared at him mischievously.

"Stop flirting with an engaged woman Mr. Grey if you want your teeth inside your mouth.", she threatened him sweetly and turned her attention towards me.

"Jessica, meet my assistant, Hazel Martin.", he introduced me to her. I stood up and pulled my hand out for a handshake which she ignored and pulled me in for a hug.

All three of us sat down on our seats. They were reminiscing their high school and I felt like a third wheel. After what felt like centuries, they finally realized my presence and changed their topic of discussion from their pranks to the purpose of this meeting.

"The wedding is in 22 days. The venue is my grandfather's bungalow in California.", she stated.

"But why in California?", he asked.

"Because it was my mother's last wish that I get married in her birth place.", she replied with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Ok. You don't have to worry about anything. We shall take care of everything from the flowers to the catering.", Stefan assured her.

"So should I expect you to be there on this Friday?", she asked.

"Yeah sure. By the way, when will I meet your soon-to-be husband?"

"He is in London for now. Hopefully, he will be back before this Sunday.", she informed, taking a sip of the orange juice placed in front of her.

"Ok, I have some inportant work here in Seattle. I'll send you the address of the bunglow.", she commented and stood up.

"Sure, let me accompany you to the outside.", Stefan offered and led her out of the office.

I slumped back on the chair and let out a yawn.

...

It was Friday morning and I was sitting inside the private plane of my boss. I knew he was rich, but rich enough to have a private plane, that's surprising.

He was sitting in front of me, reading a magazine with a beautiful blonde model on its cover page.

"This one looks familiar.", he said, pointing to a leggy brunette in the magazine.

"Because she is a famous model.", I scoffed.

"No. Its.... Wait. Oh right, I slept with her last week.", he chuckled loudly and I fought back the urge to retort.

"Never hit your boss. Never hit your boss.", I chanted in my mind.

"What? Why does your face look like you are planning my murder?", he asked, leaning towards me.

"Maybe I am.", I muttered under my breath which he had probably heard.

The next few minutes passed in silence after which he left with the air hostess who was shamelessly flirting with him.

My mind subconsciously started comparing Stefan with Xavier. Why can't all the guys act like Xavier? Why do they have to be a jerk?

Breaking my chain of thoughts, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, ignoring the moaning coming from the private room behind my seat.

...

The car halted to a stop. Stepping out of the car, I gawked at the huge bungalow staring right back at us. The colossal iron gate opened and Jessica Stinson walked out, looking elegant in her blue halter neck dress.

After exchange of greetings, she led us inside. The interior was just as beautiful as the exterior. The blue and white color combination was giving the house a royal touch. A long hallway led us to the living room which was larger than my whole apartment.

A woman in her forties served us coffee which washed all my tiredness away. It was one of the best coffees I've sipped, sweet but not too sweet, strong but not too strong, the cute flower design made with cocoa on the top was adding to its perfection.

Jessica left with Stefan to show him his room and I took this time to observe the beautiful painting of a woman on the side wall.

"My mother drew this.", Jessica's voice reached my ears.

"Wow. It's amazing. I don't know much about art but your mother must be one heck of an artist.", I exclaimed loudly.

"Yeah, she was. Let me take you to your room.", she added softly and told me to follow her.

She opened the first door on the second floor and led me inside. The room looked as if it was straight out of an interior designing magazine. The four poster bed with white silk bedding took most of the space in the centre. The curtains were of white linen, devoid of any spot or blotch. A glass window was presenting perfect view of the lake flowing a little away from the bungalow.

"You must be tired after the flight. Take some rest, I'll call you for dinner at 8.", she said and then left, leaving me alone in the room.

After changing into comfortable trousers and top, I collapsed on the bed. The mattress was so soft that an involuntary moan escaped my lips. My aching muscles relaxed instantly and I buried myself under the warm duvet. Sleep soon engulfed me and I found myself in the colorful world of my dreams where I was married to a certain blue-eyed prince and we lived happily in a mansion like this.

Woah, since when did I become such a girl?

...

My eyes shot open at exactly 7:30. I hopped out of the bed and jumped into the attached bathroom. After taking a warm shower, I changed into black skinny pants and a red halter top. Drying my hair, I let them down in soft curls.

When I was satisfied with my appearance, I walked out of the room and descended the stairs. Sound of giggles erupted from the living room and I trudged inside it.

Jessica was laughing over something and Stefan was stuffing his face with chocolate chip biscuits. There was another person sitting on the couch, his back was towards me.

It must be her fiancé.

"Hazel, you are right on time. Meet the love of my life. ", she said, motioning towards the guy who had now turned around.

"Xavier Davis."

A heavy feeling set in my stomach when my eyes met with the familiar blue eyes I've watched in my dreams over and over in the last two years.

************************

Xavier is back. Yayyyyyy.

Jessica is nice. Isn't she?

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