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“Welcome to Triple Helix, Ms. Hudson,” the man in the elevator greeted me as Marcus came in after me with my luggage. “Sixty-fifth floor,” he announced as he pressed the button to the corresponding floor.
The doors shut, and it felt like we zoomed off. My hand grabbed the bar in the elevator as we went faster than I’d ever gone in an elevator in my life. At once, we came to a sudden stop and the doors slide open to a white marble hallway with gold accents.
“Enjoy your stay, Ms. Hudson,” the elevator operator said kindly as Marcus rolled my suitcases into the hall and I followed behind.
“Your room is this way,” Marcus informed me, and I followed him as we went down the circular hall and ended at a door. Marcus produced a keycard and with only waving it in front of the doorknob, there was a click. He nodded to me and I slowly opened the door into a dream.
I was greeted with more marble flooring, which slowly turned into lush white carpet, and a seating area filled with antique appearing furniture, which was all white and lined in gold. The coffee table was made of white marble legs with a glass top.
Taking my time looking at every detail of the room, I hadn’t noticed Marcus disappeared until he returned from down a hallway.
“Your bedroom is at the end of the hall and up the staircase, where you’ll find your master bathroom. There is a dining room to the left and entertainment room to the right. Off the entertainment room is also a small office. You can reach me at anytime by dialing the extension written on the card next to all the phones. You may also contact the concierge, spa, and front desk for any of your needs as well, but I’m always at your fingertips,” Marcus explained.
“Shit,” I mumbled under my breath as I rummaged around in the bottom of my purse. I hadn’t even thought about needing tips for anyone. My mind had been so wrapped up in my problems back home. Finally, I produced a crumpled up ten-dollar bill and handed it over to Marcus. “For you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. The gala begins tonight at eight. Mr. Sullivan has asked for me to escort you down when you’re ready.”
I nodded before he disappeared out the door.
Once left alone, I wandered into the room. I was afraid to touch anything. I never got to spend much time in fancy hotels like this and when I did, it was normally the cheapest room they offered. This was completely out of my realm.
Arriving at the end of the hall, I arrived at a marble staircase that almost looked as if it was floating in midair. I reached out and ran my finger along the cool marble, and for the first time I allowed a breath free.
“Beautiful,” I whispered to myself.
A knock coming from the front door snapped me from my awe; I rushed away from the staircase and back up the hall to the door.
“Delivery for Ms. Hudson,” a voice called from behind the door.
Opening the door, a woman wearing a similar uniform to Marcus stood in the doorway with a black box that she could barely manage alone.
“Let me get that,” I said quickly as I worked to help her with the big flat box. We brought it into the room and she placed it on the coffee table.
“There you go. Enjoy the gala tonight, Ms. Hudson,” with those words she left me alone. It was amazing how every employee knew who I was from the moment I met them. I felt special and like someone who mattered—not a statistic.
Staring up at me from the table was the big box and its oversized white bow. I gripped an end of the bow and pulled it. As the bow fell from the top of the box, letters came into view and in white font and I read, CHANEL.
“What the hell?” I said aloud as I anxiously ripped the top from the box and tore away at the tissue paper. My fingers came in contact with fabric and I pulled out a floor length gown. It was all black lace and the most elegant thing I’d ever held in my hands.
Peering down I spotted a white card that must have fallen out when I pulled out the dress. I bent and picked it up to find quickly jotted handwriting on the other side of the card.
Layla,
I’m honored to have you as my guest tonight. This dress is a gift from myself to you, and I hope to see you in it at the gala.
My best,
Nic Sullivan
I smiled to myself. I’d only ever met the man once about five months ago, but there was something about him that stuck with me from that day. What was it? I didn’t exactly know. All of it was over the top for me, just one of the many company analysts. It was an opportunity. And in my shoes? I wouldn’t pass it up.
