by Calista King
If there was one thing he didn't want, it was her thinking he was interested in her in any way. But the look she gave him let him know that wasn't going to happen. He'd given her a speck of hope that had ignited her imagination. That's what he got for trying to be friendly. She'd probably fawn all over him and make up excuses to call his room or bump into him at the hotel. He could already picture it in his mind.
"We have a one bedroom suite that just opened up," Laila said, looking up from her computer screen.
"I'll take it," Andreas answered.
Laila turned her attention back to her computer screen and continued typing. Andreas stood there growing more frustrated at the charade they had to perform. He didn't expect to have to act like strangers when he saw her again. It wasn't going how he thought it would go when he had pictured seeing her again.
"I'm going to need your key," Laila said.
Andreas slipped the plastic card over the counter to her, gently brushing her hand as he did it. He could see she wasn't prepared for that. She looked flustered with a delicious rosy bloom to her cheeks. Laila took the key without another word and swiped the card through the magnetic writer to recode the key. All the while Andreas was trying to think of something to say to her; something that wasn't so formal and businesslike. He knew he couldn't do anything with that other clerk standing so close and watching him with her hawk eyes.
Laila finally handed him back his key. "This key will only be good for the next hour so you can get in and gather your things. This key will be for your new room," she said holding up another plastic card. "You'll be in room 3122."
"Thank you." Andrea stood there wanting to say more, but not knowing where to start. He'd never felt more awkward in his life. Finally he took one last glance at the other clerk to see her smiling at him with a come-hither look in her eyes, and he released a heavy sigh. He gave Laila a quick smile and turned around, heading for the elevators.
He was so frustrated with the entire situation, he almost wanted to throw caution to the wind and flirt openly with Laila, not giving a damn who saw or what they thought. But then that would put Laila in a tough position, he reasoned. He wasn't as selfish as that. No, he'd have to bide his time and catch her at a better moment.
"Well at least one good thing came from this whole fiasco. I finally got a new room," he said to himself.
He'd be glad to get out of room 1212. The room itself had been smaller than he was used to, but it was the nonstop phone calls that were getting on his nerves. He hadn't had a good night's rest since he arrived in New York.
Andreas gathered his things and packed them haphazardly in his luggage and rode the elevator to his new room. Once he got there, he slipped the key card in and opened the door. The room was much larger with floor to ceiling windows and was tastefully decorated with clean modern furniture. There was a sitting room, and the bedroom was just off to the side in a separate room. It still wasn't up to his normal standards, but compared to where he was staying, it was a big improvement.
Andreas tossed his suitcase on the couch and headed into his bedroom. Throwing himself on the large king size mattress, he unloosened his tie and kicked off his shoes. He was still trying to think of ways to see Laila again and alone. Short of stalking her to find out when she came and left for the day, it seemed he didn't have many options.
His eyes landed to the phone on the nightstand next to the bed. Andreas got the sudden idea to call down to front desk. If he was lucky Laila would pick up. He cradled the handset against his ear and hit 0.
"The Standard Hotel, this is Laila speaking. How may I help you?"
"Hello Laila," Andreas said, smiling to himself. "This is Andreas."
There was a long pause on the phone and Andreas wasn't sure if she was still on the line. "Hello, are you still there?" he asked.
"Yes, sorry about that. Are you finding everything to your satisfaction, sir?" she asked.
She sounded a little stiff, so Andreas guessed that the other clerk was still around, probably standing right next to her. He decided to have a little fun.
"No actually. I'm very dissatisfied," he said.
"Oh? What seems to be the problem?" she asked, concern lacing her tone.
"Just the fact that I didn't get to talk to you today," he said.
"Oh..." There was another long pause and Andreas wondered if he'd crossed the line and was about to say something when she spoke again. "I understand how you feel. I would feel the same if I were in your position. If there's anything we can do to make it up to you, please don't hesitate to ask."
A slow devilish smile stole over Andreas' face. The minx! She was playing with him too!
"Anything?" Andreas asked.
"Within reason," she answered.
"How about you go out with me? On a date."
Another slight pause and then, "Certainly. That won't be a problem at all," she answered.
"Great! When are you free?" he asked.
"You want to extend your checkout to Saturday at 7pm?" Laila answered. He guessed she was speaking in code and played along.
"Saturday at 7 is perfect. I'll pick you up at your apartment," he answered.
"Yes, that's fine. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No you've been very helpful," Andreas said. "I look forward to Saturday."
"Thank you. Have a wonderful evening."
He hung up the phone and lay back on the bed with his hands behind his head, smiling to himself. Everything had worked out in the end. He had to admit even the clandestine nature of their conversation was exciting and a bit naughty. He had to give her credit. She had caught on very quickly and played right along with him. Saturday night couldn't come fast enough.
CHAPTER 7
Laila sat back on her bed and slipped on her shoes as she put the finishing touches on her outfit. She was as nervous as she'd ever been getting ready for her date with Andreas. And it was a date. He had asked her out and she had accepted. He had gone through the ruse of calling the front desk just to speak to her privately without Jenna overhearing. It brought a little thrill of excitement to think that he would be over any minute.
She still wasn't sure where they would be going or what they would be doing on their date. She had just accepted and left all the details to him. Now that she thought about it, she should have asked him. It would have given her a better idea of what to wear.
Would they be going to a fancy formal restaurant? A movie? A bar to get drinks? She had no clue, and it had taken her hours to finally decide on an outfit that would be suitable for any occasion.
Laila had finally chosen a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, a black sequined sleeveless blouse under a white silk blazer with black lapels. She wore red heels and complemented the whole look with a red clutch purse. With one final look in the mirror, she gave herself a satisfied smile.
Even she had to admit she was looking damned good that evening. Her makeup had been minimally applied, with just a touch of lip gloss, mascara and blush gracing her flawless skin. Her hair hung loosely in thick waves down her back.
"He better be impressed," Laila said to herself as she picked up her clutch and made her way out the door. She had decided to wait for him outside her apartment building, after realizing he didn't know what her apartment number was.
Besides, she wasn't ready for him to see her place just yet. Not that she was embarrassed, but that was just a little too fast for her. OK, maybe she was a little embarrassed. Her apartment was tiny and cramped and she wasn't sure how she felt about having him in there, with all her worldly possessions out in the open in that little 300 square foot space for him to see.
She made her way outside. It was a bit brisk and chilly as she drew her jacket around her tighter. There was still a little bit of sunlight left to brighten the sky in a fiery orange and pink glow, but it was slowly setting as night was descending. She huddled by the entrance of her building and rolled her eyes as two young punks walked by her, looking her up and do
wn and trying to chat her up.
"Hey baby," one of them said, rolling his tongue over his front teeth. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here all alone?"
Laila didn't even feel the need to reply as she looked the other way, ignoring them both.
"What? Are you shy?" He continued stepping closer to her.
If these two boys don't get out of my face...She didn't even finish the thought. Andreas walked up at that moment and called her name.
"Laila, what are you doing out here?" he asked, looking at her and then at the two young men with concern.
"I see how it is now," one of the men said. "You think you too good now, princess?"
Laila had had enough with these boys. She had tried to ignore them, but they pushed her too far.
"You mad or something?" Laila sneered.
"I'm not mad at nothin'. This dude right here can't handle you baby?"
"You better run off now before I handle my fist in your face."
"Try it bitch! You'd get the shit slapped outta you so fast..."
Andreas had put himself between Laila and the two young men, and stood towering over them menacingly. Laila didn't realize how tall he was until she saw him glowering down at them. His body was stiff with anger, but she could see he made an effort to maintain his composure.
"I suggest you apologize to the lady," he said, eyeing the man who had threatened her.
"I suggest you kiss my balls, asshole!" the man responded.
Laila had to admit he had some spunk; it still didn't change her mind about wanting to smack him upside the head. She looked over at them standing side by side and looking angry and belligerent. She felt a little bit of concern for Andreas' safety.
She didn't know if he'd ever been in a situation like this before, but somehow she doubted it. These guys might've looked and acted like a couple of clowns, but they could also be dangerous. Her main concern was to try to get them out of the situation.
Andreas just smiled blandly at them and stepped closer, his fists coiled tightly at his side. He walked up to them closing the distance, so he was only a few inches from their faces. Then he bent down and spoke to them so quietly, Laila couldn't hear what he said. It seemed to have an effect on them because their faces transformed to one of fear as they scrambled to get out of there.
"What did you say to them?" Laila asked, watching their retreating backs.
Andreas turned to look at her and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh nothing really."
"Nothing?" Laila asked skeptically. "That wasn't nothing that made them run off like they'd seen a ghost."
"Would you believe me if it told you I warned them I would beat them senseless if they didn't leave us alone?" he asked.
Laila looked at him with a furrow between her brow. She didn't know if he was being serious or joking with her. In the end, she decided to drop the subject. She wasn't going to waste her time thinking about a couple of jerks who couldn't take no for an answer.
"Whatever you said it worked, so that's all I care about," she said.
Andreas smiled at her and held out his arm for her. "Shall we?" he asked, leading her to the taxi that was idling by the curb. He opened the door for her and walked to the other side and got in. Once inside, he gave directions to the driver and settled back in the seat beside Laila.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"To dinner," he replied, giving her a mischievous grin.
Laila got caught up in his enthusiasm and accepted that she would just have to be surprised. It felt nice to go out; she couldn't remember the last time she got all dolled up for a night on the town.
When she was with Marc, they never went anywhere. Most nights she had to work, or if she had the day off, they'd both just stay in her cramped little apartment and get takeout. She never realized how stifling and boring her life had felt until she'd dumped him. Somehow, being with Andreas made it seem like the whole world was opened up to her.
She'd never felt this way before and Laila found that she liked it. All her life, she'd been kept in a tight box, never really straying outside of what she was comfortable with. When her mother got sick, Laila had to grow up too fast. Her dreams were put on hold and she had to take on her new role as the main breadwinner.
She wasn't angry or bitter about it; that was just how life was. But it had been one year since her mother had passed, and Laila was still struggling to get her life back on track. She needed to be young again, and have fun and live life for herself. Laila wanted to do something for herself for once, and not care about the consequences or what people thought.
Being with Andreas made her feel alive, she realized. She knew she could be herself. She didn't have to pretend to be the tough chick that never let anything faze her. And though she had tried to convince herself things with Andreas would never work out, it wouldn't hurt to just live a little, she told herself.
"We're here," Andreas said, as the cab pulled up to the curb.
He paid the cab driver, opened the door for Laila, and handed her out. Laila was surprised the ride had been so short, but then again she was lost in her thoughts. She looked up at the outside of the restaurant trying to see the name of it, but Andreas placed his hand on her lower back and guided her forward.
They entered a cozy little place that was dimly lit. The hostess led them out back to an inner courtyard that was decorated with hanging lanterns and bushes that lined the path. There was a marble bubbling fountain at the center of the courtyard surrounded by a koi pond. They were seated at a small round table that was decorated with a candle and a small vase of fresh Hydrangeas over a crisp white table linen. The overall effect was very cozy and intimate.
"Wow, this is very nice. I had no idea they had a place like this in the city." Laila said, sitting back and taking in her surroundings.
"Yes, this is a special place," Andreas said.
"You seem to know your way around it. Been here a lot?" Laila asked.
"I wouldn't say I've been here a lot, but when I'm in the city, I do make a point to stop by at least once," he replied.
Laila was left to chew on that answer. Did he bring all his dates here? she wondered. It kind of put a damper on her earlier enthusiasm if he did. That made the place seem less special. As if reading her thoughts, Andreas drew her attention by placing his hand over hers on the table.
"I've never brought anyone else here. You're the first," he said.
Their drinks arrived before Laila could even contemplate a response. The waiter was very efficient and not intrusive at all. He didn't linger and just placed the drinks on the table and left. Laila took a sip of her red wine and caught Andreas staring at her.
"What?" she asked. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No not at all," he replied. "Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight?"
"Not yet," Laila said, giving him a cheeky grin.
"Well, let me say that right now, you look very beautiful tonight."
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," Laila tried to joke, but the words felt flat coming out. She didn't know why she felt so awkward around Andreas. Normally it was the other way around. She was the one who had guys tongue tied around her, but tonight she was in uncharted territory.
"So tell me about your audition," he said, drawing her attention again.
Laila's face lit up at the topic. She had almost forgotten about her audition amidst all her excitement over her date. Now she could finally tell Andreas how it went.
"It was amazing!" she gushed.
"Yeah? Tell me all about it."
"Well, it's for a part in the new Peter Travis movie. You ever heard of him?" she asked
"Uh...not really. No," he answered sheepishly.
"Really? You've never seen the Sisi Stanley movies? Sisi's Family Reunion? Sisi Gets Divorced?"
Andreas shook his head.
"What about Over My Dead Body?" she tried again.
"Sorry, nope," he replied.
"Hmm, well anyw
ays, he's a major Hollywood director. All his films have been box office hits, and the audition I went to was for his latest movie, A Good Man. It's for the part of Anita, a divorcee," she said. "I think I nailed the part. Everyone in the room was impressed at my read through and they told me they'd call me back early next week."
"That's great! I'm so happy for you," Andreas said. "When would you start filming?"
"I'm not sure yet," Laila replied. "I haven't actually gotten the part yet, but I'm sure they'll tell me once they call me."
"Oh well, I'm sure it's just a formality. You know, probably have to audition a couple of more people just to do their due diligence," Andreas said.
"That's what I'm thinking," Laila said.
"You see? Didn't I tell you it was only a matter of time," Andreas said.
Laila couldn't help the huge grin that broke out on her face. It really did seem like things were finally turning around for her. Just when she thought she'd reached her lowest point, she managed to keep her head up and now things were looking up.
"You're right, but I don't want to get too cocky," she cautioned. "I haven't gotten the part yet and I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't come through, so let's say no more on it."
Andreas grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze in support. "You've got to have a little more confidence in yourself. Even if, for some reason, the producers lose their minds and give the part to someone else, just know that you will get another, better part," he said. "You've got to believe in yourself."
"Thanks Andreas," Laila said. "It's nice of you to say that."
"I mean it too," he said, looking into her eyes as if willing her to believe it.
Dinner passed by in a rush. Laila had never had such a good time on a date before. It even topped their first time going out to get drinks. The atmosphere, drinks and company all made it seem like she was in another world, where it was just her and Andreas.
"So I feel like I'm the only one talking about myself here," Laila said after a break in the conversation.
"I'm not complaining," Andreas replied.
"Well, I am. I want to know about you too," she said.
