Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Ana?s
Sitting in the private lounge, I sip on a glass of champagne to try and calm my nerves.
Placing it down on the table, I tilt my head before readjusting the glass, so the floor to ceiling windows sit behind it, the runway just in view.
I place my passport and boarding pass at the side of it and smile before I capture it.
#getaway #singlegirlswhotravel #traveling
I press post then lock my phone and sit back in the chair when my phone pings.
Tapping the screen, I see Nora’s name flash up. A small smile dusts across my lips as I click on her message.
Nora
All set? Have the best time, you deserve it! P.S. I am going to try and get out for a long weekend soon! Xo
Me
Think so, just sitting in the lounge whilst I wait for the plane. That would be amazing if you could x
Nora
I’ll keep you posted. Let me know when you land and get to your apartment safely xo
Me:
Will do x
Curling my fingers around the stem of my flute glass, I drain the rest of it just as the young waiter appears at my side telling me that it is time to board the plane. I give him a nod then collect my bag and belongings and walk towards the exit.
I still am not quite sure why I am doing this, but like I originally planned, I wanted to get away and spend time on myself.
I had been in a relationship with Royce for just over four years, I have done a lot of growing up since then and it would be nice for me to be able to learn to love myself again.
I am needy girl, always want to be cuddled and kissed; to be wanted and never alone.
So, this was going to be a task in itself.
Passing the air hostess my boarding pass, she smiles at me before tearing the end off and giving it back.
“Seat five.” She nods down the aisle, and I walk into the quiet plane.
Placing my bag on the seat next to me, I get my kindle, my phone, and my vlogging gear.
I felt mentally exhausted. I could do without vlogging, but I need to remember that this is my job and as much as my heart feels like it has been ripped out of my chest, the show must go on.
The air hostess walks down the aisle a few moments later, hair neatly slicked into a low bun. Her make-up was perfection, and I wanted to know what she used. I like to post about make-up on my channels and do get ready with me features, so finding new make-up is always a bonus.
Buckling my seat belt, I tighten it. There is no way in hell I am taking it off until the plane is fully on the ground. I wouldn’t say I was a nervous flyer, but I wasn’t the bravest either.
Inhaling heavily, the same air hostess walks back past and gives me a nod when she sees that I am already buckled in.
We wait for a while longer, and a few people climb on the plane. I’ve no idea who they are but seems we’re sharing our trip to Monaco.
They looked stinking rich, and I know that’s bad of me to judge that from just the way they look, but it was true.
The two seats opposite me were still free and I was secretly praying that they stayed that way.
Scrolling on my phone, I take a quick snap out the plane window and post it with the caption
Off on a little vacay… but to where?
I wait for a moment when I see the notifications start to climb again and a warmth radiates through my chest. I am proud of myself for this little corner I have built for myself, and I am super grateful that this is my job, even though at times it can be a lot.
Some days, I don’t even want to look at my phone and normally by nine p.m. it is on do not disturb.
But since being without Royce, I find myself on it more and more.
I watch with wide eyes, a flutter of joy dancing in my belly as the air hostess speaks into the phone and I am assuming she is calling time and closing the door.
Bonus.
A whole area to myself. What more could I want.
I find myself nestling into my seat a little further, a smug look all over my face. Just as she is about to step out and tug the door shut, a low voice fills the small plane and my head lifts slightly, eyes narrowing.
“Sir, you’re late,”
“I know, and I really am sorry, but I need to get on this plane.”
She looks back and the other air hostess has begun to make her way down the aisle towards her colleague who gives her half a shrug and a confused look.
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes and stamps her foot softly to the floor.
“Great,” I mumble as I turn to look out the window.
“Seat seven, sir,” she says and that smug little smile that was dancing on my lips a little too confidently soon fades back into the shadows.
I hear the thud of his rucksack hit the seat opposite, followed by him.
I wait a moment before I let my eyes trail across to where he sits.
Dark hair. Tall. Blue eyes.
Easy to look at it.
But there was one problem.
He was a man.
After having my heart broken by one, I am not sure whether I am ready to even pick up a conversation.
He gives me a warm smile, I kind of smile back, I think, but then I slip out my headphones, place them over my head, and turn on my playlist.
I was in no mood to talk to the stupid, handsome stranger.
We were about an hour into our flight, and I was already sinking my second champagne. I shouldn’t really be drinking, but the nerves were beginning to bite at my insides. I had tried to read but my mind wasn’t in it. It was elsewhere. Floating somewhere, thirty thousand feet in the air.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn to look at the air hostess, a small, tight smile on her face.
I push my headphones off and give her a smile.
“Sorry,” I shrug a shoulder up and she waves me off in a friendly manner.
“Can I get you some food? We have fresh sandwiches on board, or if you would like something a little more filling…”
“A sandwich would be fine, thank you.”
“Chicken salad?”
“Chicken salad sounds perfect.” I nod. “And maybe another glass of champagne.”
“Of course.”
She begins talking to the man and I slip my headphones back on, trying to lose myself in the music and read my book.
I just want to be off the plane now.
The landing was smooth, and I was up from my seat quickly as I grabbed my bag and slipped past the man. He gave me a sympathetic smile, and I threw one back. I wasn’t like this normally but given the circumstances… well.
I thanked the air hostess not only for her plane etiquette, but for also giving me her make-up routine.
The warm air dusts across my face and I pause at the bottom of the steps, closing my eyes for a moment as I inhale deeply.
I was here.
Stepping off, I reach for my phone and turn it on as I make my way into the terminal entrance.
It vibrates with a welcome message before my phone starts to ping.
A heaviness settles in my chest for a moment, and I wonder what I have done.
Maybe I should have stayed at home, what if Royce changes his mind?
As soon as that thought slips into my head, I shake it back out. Idiot. He isn’t going to change his mind.
He dumped you.
Left you crumpled on the floor and didn’t look back.
The realisation has me rolling my shoulders back and lifting my chin a little higher.
I will not let a man ruin this for me, I have already shed far too many tears over a broken heart. It was time for a new adventure, one without him in it.
Let’s be honest, I knew it was a lie as soon as I thought about it. I knew all too well I would be curled up in my bed tonight crying.
But it’s a process.
I’ll get over it.
Handing my passport over, the young man gives me a tight smile before stamping the page and passing it back through the small gap.
I nod and slip my passport into my bag as I make my way to the baggage belt. The airport is quiet, and I am not waiting long when I see my cream suitcase moving towards me. Reaching for it, I lug it forward, but the wheel gets caught, pulling me around with it.
“Shit,” I call out.
Of course, in true romance style fashion, the guy from the plane swoops in to save the day.
I half laugh, half want to cry as I stand, hands on my hips and cheeks pink.
“Here we go.” he smiles at me as he wheels my bastard suitcase towards me.
“Thank you,” I mouth then drop my eyes to the floor. I feel so embarrassed.
“Not a problem,” he says casually.
I lift my head and give him a smile before he turns on his heel, but not before saluting me off his temple. A soft giggle escapes before I duck my head down and make my way through the airport.
I am greeted by a suited and booted man, holding my name on a sign.
“Hi,” I say softly as he takes my case from me and begins to wheel it. “Bonjour?” I furrow my brow as he continues to walk out of the airport and places my case in the back of his blacked-out car.
He slips his sunglasses down his nose and his green eyes land on mine.
“Welcome to Monaco.” He smiles, his French accent strong as he opens my door and I duck into the back of the car.
Once we’re on our way, I pull my phone out and text Nora to let her know that I am safe in the back of the car and on the way to the apartments.
She replies back instantly telling me to call her when I get there.
I agree.
Opening my camera, I begin to take in the scenery as we drive from Nice airport to where Nora has arranged for me to stay. The location of which I am still unaware of.
She has planned everything—all I had to do was pack a case which I had already done and show up, which I also done.
The drive isn’t long, but I was grateful when the car slowed outside a large apartment block in the Fontvieille area. My heart skips a beat or two. Of course, she had to book in the same area where Royce stays.
I swallow down the nerves as the driver opens my door, and as I step out, the doorman walks over, giving me a soft nod.
Glancing up at the stunning building, beautiful architecture clings to the outside of the building, sash wooden windows, finished in a yellow-cream render.
They talk in French. I try and listen and internally kick myself that I didn’t pay more attention in my French lessons back in secondary school.
They smile. I smile.
The driver is soon moving towards the back of the car as he pulls my case out and pushes it to where the doorman is standing.
They exchange a few more words.
“Enjoy your stay.” The driver nods at me before he climbs into his car and drives off.
“Madam.” The doorman holds his hand out for me to walk in front of him as he lugs my case along and I feel bad.
Pushing through the doors, I stop in the lobby of the apartments and take a look around.
It’s stunning. Nineteenth century, if I had to guess, the décor is on point, and I instantly feel like I am home.
The doorman clears his throat, and I stare at him.
“What apartment number?” he asks me, and my eyes widen.
“Pardon?”
“Apartment?” he points to the ceiling, and I find myself fumbling for my phone and dial Nora.
“Hey, you okay”
“I need to know the apartment number,” I say quietly as I step away from the doorman and pace looking at the empty front desk.
“No one there?”
“Clearly not.” I roll my eyes
“One second.” I can hear her fingers dancing across the keyboard, and I tap my foot on the high polished tiled floor that carries through the entire lobby. “Penthouse two.”
“Penthouse.” My nostrils flare.
“Yes, Ana?s, penthouse.”
I swallow, turning and looking at the doorman.
“Er.” I smile. “Penthouse numéro deux.”
“Merci.” He winks and leads towards the lift, the doors opening.
I stand awkwardly whilst we wait.
He allows me to walk in first and I turn, pushing my back against the cool bar as he slips his card into the slot, then pushes the penthouse button.
I catch him looking at me a little funny, but I push my anxiety down. I just wanted to lock myself away and start a fresh tomorrow.
The ride up is short, and I follow him down the long corridor towards a double white door.
“Penthouse deux?” he asks me over his shoulder, and I nod.
“Oui.” I knew that word. And bonjour. And je m’appelle. I face palm myself.
His brows furrow as he lets me in and places my case in the large entrance hall. I step in behind him and my jaw pops open.
“Wow,” I whisper as I walk forward, down three steps that leads to a large open planned area. A small smile slips onto my lips, and I turn to face him. “Thank you, I mean, merci.” I nod. “What’s your name?”
He gives a soft smile back, his eyes amber, skin sun kissed, and dark hair slightly grey.
“Alexandre.”
I nod.
“I’m Ana?s, or Clemmie, Clementine, whatever.” I wave my hand in front of me, and he is still standing there smiling before he dips his head and turns his back on me, walking out the room.
Once the door is shut, I inhale heavily and look around the beautiful penthouse.
Not a bad place to be heartbroken I suppose.