I get up quickly, a million thoughts rushing through my mind. I notice two more doors and explore the rest of the suite. The first door is a closet, a pretty big one. My suitcase is already in here, hopefully still closed. I don't want my boss to see what I keep in there, although there's nothing illegal.
The second door is a bathroom with a jacuzzi and a huge glass shower that could easily accommodate six people. The marble counter has two sinks and a giant crystal lamp. This room is almost as big as the bedroom. I've never stayed in a hotel like this one before.
After taking a long, hot shower, I realize that I feel so much better than I used to only a day ago. I look at myself in the mirror. My face looks rested and fresh, even though I usually swell up during long flights.
I get dressed in jeans and a warm cashmere sweater. I've never worn jeans to the office before, but since we’re not going to be working in the office, I decided to bring lots of comfy clothes with me. Also, I usually straighten my hair to look more professional, but today I decided to let it stay loose, even though it curls up slightly. Michael always said that he likes my hair straight. Fuck him.
I find my bag on a coffee table next to the main door. When I come closer, I see a note left next to it.
?"Waiting for you for breakfast in the restaurant.
Top floor, terrace overlooking the city.
Don't worry, it's enclosed, it's not gonna be cold.
C"
?I smile. Usually, he speaks to me more professionally, giving orders and arguing about everything. I actually like those word battles we have. He's the most intelligent person I've ever met. But now, looking at the note he left for me, it feels like we're on vacation together, not a work trip.
I've never seen Christopher as gentle as he was with me today on the plane, calming me down and then carrying me so I could sleep longer. And I know he is rarely this kind. People at his office call him 'Cold' for a reason, not just because it's his family name.
What if he's not as arrogant as I always thought?
No, definitely not; he's the one who insisted on making twelve different hallway plans because he wanted his hotel to have 'that special vibe that’ll make it stand out from the others.' I've spent two weeks making 3D computer models for him to finally just choose the first one I offered.
I remind myself that I hate Christopher, and that won't ever change. And now, since our work together is almost done, I can't start to think of him as a kind and gentle person. He's not like that. He's a player; I have to remember that.
?* * *
"Good morning," I say as I come to the table in the dining room, mesmerized by the view overlooking the city.
Christopher is drinking his coffee while checking his email. When he notices me, he looks surprised.
"Morning, Michelle," he says uncertainly, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm more confident than he is. "You look...different."
"Thanks." I smirk, taking a seat.What a compliment!
"No, I mean...in a good way." He keeps staring at me as he speaks, even though I’m looking at the menu. "You always look good, but today...You're more..."
"I get it, Christopher, but still no," I interrupt him, without even looking. I start to realize why he's being so kind.
"No?" He laughs. "What do you mean? No what?"
"To your offer of designing another hotel." I look at him and put the menu aside. I don't need it. I'll order the biggest breakfast they have; I'm starving.
"Is that so? Hmmm..." he says with a calm voice, and it already pisses me off. I can't stand when he pretends he doesn't care.
I'm serious! I'm gonna reject the offer!I want to scream and throw this menu right into his face.
The waiter comes to our table, pouring coffee into my mug.
"Thank you," I tell him with a smile. This guy just saved me from committing a crime. "I'll have the combination breakfast, please."
When the waiter is gone, I look at my boss again, and the smile immediately evaporates from my face.
"Yes, Christopher, that's my answer." I try to sound as confident as possible, leering at him. "I know you're trying to be nice only because it will be hard for you to find a fool like me to make millions of unnecessary changes simply to please your ego, but..."
"What? It's not the..."