Inciting Incident (Harry Styles)

Chapter 3

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me

***

I squint my eyes as the sun shines through the small gap from the window, cursing myself silently for not pulling the curtain all the way across. While grumbling I throw the duvet over my head thinking to myself that if I stay here long enough, my worries will float away into the abyss. I seriously need to rearrange my room around so I'm not woken up by the annoying sun, burning through my closed eyelids and forcing me to retreat from my slumber to the real world. Hasn't the sun ever heard of beauty sleep?

I peered from under the duvet and grab my phone mindlessly to see that it was 7 am! My eyes widen as I jump out of bed, how could I forget to set my alarm? I brush my teeth while throwing on my work clothes, not caring if they were completely clean or not, shove on my shoes, and tie my hair up in a high ponytail. I frantically added some mascara to my lashes before running out the door and diving into my car putting my foot down on the accelerator to get to work. I should definitely get a medal in multitasking and also a trophy in being late.

I profusely apologized to the night porter who I've recently learned is named Will and made sure I made a mental note to thank him for covering me so much. I'll probably send him a fruit basket or something for his troubles, at least mentally I will. The stack of paperwork seems to have grown overnight and be resembling more of the Empire State Building so I know today was not going to go smooth. "Need coffee?" I jumped and quickly spun around in my spinny office chair to see Maggie, the hotel supervisor, smiling at me holding a beautiful mug of coffee. Her short blonde bob not looking a fraction out of place. My mouth starts salivating at the sight as I make grabby hands towards her.

"Please, I woke up late." I sigh loudly, as she gave me a small smile, sliding the cup towards me while I wait for the slowest computer in the world to boot up. "Thanks, Maggie, I appreciate it." I lean back in my chair taking a long gulp and make sure to savor the bitter flavor while letting out a content 'Aaah.' The smell of coffee alone could be my favourite smell. It reminds me of being awake, and being awake means being alive. 

I like to try and be grateful for being alive, just being able to breathe and live. Even if sometimes it doesn't play out like a perfect dream as long as you have bad times you can appreciate the good. I try to be thankful for a healthy working body and for lungs that work and a heart that definitely works.

Once all the paperwork was finally done, I check all my emails, all the usual promotions, offers, adverts before one caught my eye. I scoot to the edge of my chair sitting up straight as I read it in my head.

To: Jordan Wilkinson
From: Richard Parker
Subject: Holiday Request

Jordan,
I have looked at your request for a holiday for 2 weeks, but you didn't specify a date. Please see me in my office at 3 this afternoon after your shift so we can discuss the details.

I look forward to our meeting.

Kind regards,
Richard Parker
General Manager at The Tipton Hotel.

It's very rare that I get an email from the boss, let alone see him, but I was definitely excited about the meeting, knowing I would finally get some much needed time off. I didn't reply as there was no point.

3 pm came about agonizingly slow, I swear I watched the hands go round and round the clock for what felt like hours just hoping it would somehow speed the time up (It didn't at all in case you were wondering) It was almost painful but as soon as it hit 3 I happily skipped upstairs to Richards office, stopping a few steps away to regather my thoughts before I knock on the door timidly.