CHAPTER 38-ENGAGEMENT SURPRISE
We pull up in front of a classic hotel someplace I don’t know, because again, Andy decided to corner me into one of his tricks. Not that he has done that many times, actually, and to be precise, he did it just once. That day I had refused to talk to him and he asked Mark to kidnap me and take me to his office. Well, not exactly kidnapping, because I didn’t have a gun pointed at my head, nor was I bundled or forced into his limousine. He just played with my mind then, like he did today.
The only difference with today is that he sent me a text asking me to get ready by eight and that Mark will pick me up and drop me somewhere. He had Mark fetch Angel from school and I am presuming that he took her to, this place he brought me? Andy also had a package containing a special dress and shoes delivered to me, and on it was a note that said, “I can’t wait to lay my eyes on you tonight dazzling in this silver dress. Te Amo.” And him being the sweet annoying ass that he is sometimes, he switched off his phone so I won’t ask what the special occasion is tonight. And of course, Mark can’t dare give me even a small hint of what this is all about.
I spare Mark one, a “not so friendly” glance and after him responding with a small smile on his lips, I get out of the white Porsche, my floral-fitting silver dress sweeping the sparkling clean floor. I always feel spectacular in long-fitting dresses or even gowns, but the one I am wearing today is a bit too tight for my liking. I bet my round bum will catch the attention of everyone who will appear behind me. The good thing right now is that the compound is crystal clear. Nobody walking around, not even a single car in this huge parking lot except ours. Weird! So weird! Such a huge hotel and it looks this quiet? Deserted would have been the perfect word, but the cleanliness rules that out. I turn to mark to try and plead with him one last time to tell me what Andy is up to, but when I find his eyes ogling my bum, I decide against it.
“Mark?” I call, and he snaps, feeling ashamed of being caught off-guard drolling on his boss’ woman like that. Jeez! What was he even thinking? He was clearly devouring me with his eyes. I thought he was a respectable man.
“You have a very eye-catching site on your back. No offence.” He says, looking straight through the windscreen, avoiding eye contact at all costs. At least he is ashamed, and that he should.
“I’ll pass your compliment to Andy. He will have the best response to that.””No, please! Don’t tell him I said anything. You know how sensitive and possessive that guy is. He might misinterpret things and that will end up so bad for me. I am not prepared to die. Please.” He pleads, like seriously pleading, and I smile.
Oh, I love how nobody wants to get to the bad side of Andy. It makes me feel so unique. I can tease him, make fun of him, annoy him, mess around with him, I can do just anything to him, and just a simple kiss will make him forget he was angry at me. Mh, I better get going because just thinking of him is making me miss him already – him and his sweet naughty little stuff. II slam the door shut and look at Mark, a smile plastered on my face. It’s not him that is making me smile. It’s the dirty thoughts of me and Andy playing in my mind that is making me smile like an idiot. “Alright, Mark. My lips are sealed. Just roll this up, and don’t repeat that again.” He must be wondering why I am warning him about something with a smile, but how can I hide this smile when my mind is kissing Andy on his bed, and my face is doing an excellent job at interpreting what the heart is feeling right now? My heart is doing a small dance inside just by that mare imagination. Andy, oh, my Andy!
After making sure that Mark has rolled up the tinted window, I start my way into what I presume is the entrance. I go through the door that is adorned with white and red balloons and I walk inside, curiosity killing me. Why aren’t there even guards at the entrance? Why is this place scaringly quiet? Did Mark miss the address he was told or something? This is weird! I look around when I get in, but just like outside, there is no one in this beautifully decorated hotel. The balloons are everywhere, even on the floor. What kind of event is this? Lost in my thoughts, I almost forgot I was looking for my fiance, until a female voice called from the reception counter, startling me.
I sigh in relief.
“Hi.” I respond to her greetings, walking to her.
“Tania Lawson?” She asks, calming my nerves because I was wondering where to begin.
“Yes, please.”
“Your reservation is on the fifth floor, ma’am. Unfortunately, there is a problem with our lifts. You’ll have to take the stairs. We apologize for that and we are trying our best to have them fixed asap.” The cute lady explains, and I smile at her to let her know that I fully understand. I mean, these mishaps often do happen. It’s quite understandable.
“It’s okay, miss. But can I please ask you something? Is this event on the same floor? What is it about?”Just before she could respond, the lamps blink two times, and they go off right after, the whole room turning dark. The whole building, actually. What the heck! Just when I was about to start panicking, I spot the candles lighting up the stairway. I guess this is part of whatever event that is happening then, huh? How are we going to enjoy our dinner in darkness though? I think I will ask Andy to change the place if he hasn’t considered it. This darkness is good for something else, but not enjoying meals. Darn, my mind, you are at it again! Chill! Don’t be so naughty. Since the receptionist is busy trying to make a call and typing something on the desktop, I decide not to bother her so much with unnecessary questions. It might be a private event, and I am here being all nosy.
I walk up the stairs, the wall decorated with balloons and ribbons of complimenting colours – red, white, and blue, and a few balloons on the floor, candles lighting up the place. Perfect romance theme, huh? I walk slowly, appreciating this beauty under the fading rays of the candlelights as if all these are made for me, until I get to the fifth floor.
I look around, and I only see one door, still with balloons, and I guess the decorations go to the last floor. I fish out my phone from my white purse and make a call to Andy. I don’t want to look like a lost puppy walking in on some strange people in the middle of something I know nothing about. His phone is still switched off. Shit! You will pay for this Andy! I dip my phone back in my purse and decide to open the door a little and take a peek.