5. Magnolia Steel
Chapter 5
Magnolia Steel
There’s something special about Julius Caesar, and he lingers in my mind like a melody I can’t shake. His words carry a warmth, edged with uncertainty, like he’s piecing together a puzzle as he speaks. Thoughts of him keep slipping into my head at the worst times.
Clients aren’t supposed to get under my skin like this. And yet, here I am—completely mesmerized.
I shouldn’t be affected by a simple conversation. It was only small talk, nothing special. But somehow, it felt like… more. Not a struggle. Natural.
And today when he asked for me because he wanted to talk? I liked it. I liked it more than I should if I’m being honest.
You made things easier last time. Talking to you helped.
I’ve never thought of myself as the nurturing type. That’s not who I am. I was raised by Robin and Charlene Steel––my mom and grandma. The Dysfunctional Duo. Neither of them was around much. When they were home, they had their own lives to manage—jobs, having a good time, sometimes other women’s husbands. Scraped knees didn’t get kisses, and bedtime stories were someone else’s luxury. If I cried, I’d be more likely to hear suck it up than it’s gonna be okay . I learned early in life that if I wanted to be comforted, I’d have to find it somewhere else. Or more often than not, simply do without.
But with Caesar, something has shifted. When I heard that he wanted to talk to me again because I made things easier for him, it stirred something I wasn’t expecting. It made me feel needed even though I know better than to get caught up in it.
He’s a client, and I’m here to do a job. That is the beginning and end of it.
My job is to make sure everything is perfect for his dates with Cleopatra. That’s it. I can’t get lost in conversations that shouldn’t matter, and I sure can’t feel something when he wants to talk to me.
Whitney and Sophie sit across from me in the break room, sipping iced coffees. The buzz of soft conversation hums around us, but my thoughts are stuck on Caesar.
“There’s something really endearing about how nervous Julius Caesar gets before his sessions with Cleopatra. You can tell he’s not used to feeling so out of his element,” Sophie says.
Whitney tilts her head, considering. “Yeah, you don’t see that very often with our clients. Most of them are all bravado and arrogance. Caesar is refreshing.”
“Definitely unusual.” Sophie taps her pen against her notebook. “He seems different.”
Whitney nods. “Right. Our clients usually walk in and act like they own the place.”
I glance between them, feeling very out of the loop. “I wouldn’t know since I never deal directly with clients, but he seems pretty down-to-earth based on our conversations. At least, that’s the impression I got.”
Sophie leans in, a teasing grin on her face. “So what do you two talk about in there?”
I fiddle with the straw in my drink. “Just small talk. He says I help him relax.”
Whitney raises a brow. “I can believe that. You’re easy to talk to.”
“Yeah,” Sophie chimes in, flashing me a warm smile. “You have that way about you.”
Curiosity claws at me. And while I know better, I can’t help myself. “What does Caesar look like?” I blurt out.
Sophie’s smile falters for a second. “You know I can’t tell you that.”
“I know,” I mumble, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. But my gaze drifts to her laptop, the screen tilted enough that I could probably get a peek at his profile.
Sophie notices where I’m looking and snaps it shut. “Mag… nolia… Steel––”
“I wasn’t going to look.” The lie comes easy.
I was absolutely going to peek.
Whitney chuckles, shaking her head. “It’s tempting, though, right? I mean, Caesar did ask for you specifically.”
I’ve never struggled with self-control—not with clients, not with work—but there’s something about this that’s testing my limits in a way I can’t explain. It’s harder to ignore than I’d like to admit.
Sophie taps her pen one last time before snapping her notebook shut. “All right, enough work talk. How about we grab dinner and drinks?”
Whitney perks up. “I’m in.”
For a brief second, I think about suggesting the Rabbit Hole, the speakeasy Julius Caesar mentioned. But the idea feels too risky after seeing their responses to my asking a simple question about him. If he were there, Whitney and Sophie would recognize him instantly even if I wouldn’t. So I tuck the thought away, deciding that’s a place I’ll keep to myself.
I shrug, keeping it casual. “We could go to the restaurant in the hotel. Easy enough, and we won’t have to go far.”
Just as Whitney nods in agreement, Elijah’s voice cuts in from behind us. “Dinner and drinks, huh? Mind if I tag along?”
Sophie’s eyes light up, a little too eagerly. “Absolutely! The more, the merrier.”
I bite back a groan, my enthusiasm for the evening deflating like a popped balloon. Of course Elijah invited himself. It’s what he does.
“Go grab a table at the restaurant. We girls need to freshen up first, but we’ll meet you there in a few,” Whitney says.
Sophie practically vibrates with excitement, letting out a quiet squeal after he leaves.
I arch a brow at her. “What are you squawking about?”
Sophie leans in, her words dropping to a near-whisper. “I think I might have a thing for him.”
I blink. “Seriously? Elijah?”
“What? He’s cute.” She gives a sheepish shrug.
Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Sophie and Elijah hit it off. It would steer Elijah’s attention away from me. “There’s nothing wrong with liking a coworker, Sophie. You should definitely go for it.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Sophie asks, her voice a little hesitant.
Why would she ask me that? “No, not at all. Knock yourself out.”
The workday ends with a mix of relief and anticipation as we leave the office behind. The walk back to the hotel is quick, filled with easy conversation about weekend plans and the excitement of exploring Sydney. By the time we reach our rooms, the promise of a relaxing evening has us ready to unwind.
After a quick change, Sophie, Whitney, and I step off the elevator, freshly dressed and ready for a night out. I’ve kept it simple with a casual blouse and jeans, but Sophie’s ditched her usual ballerina flats for heels, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Even Whitney, ever practical, has swapped her blazer for an edgy leather jacket, giving off an easygoing cool vibe as we head toward the hotel restaurant.
Elijah is already waiting for us, leaned back in his chair at a table by the window. The moment we approach, he stands and gives a low whistle. “Well, look at you three. Talk about leveling up.”
Sophie lights up at the compliment, her grin wide and unguarded as she twirls, giving him a full view. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely,” Elijah says with a crooked smile.
His gaze lingers too long, but Sophie’s eating it up. And his focus isn’t on me so…
Sophie edges closer to Elijah. It’s a move so subtle she probably doesn’t even notice herself doing it. Happiness radiates off her, and I genuinely hope Elijah’s interest in her is real. I can’t help but hope he’ll keep his focus on her—and not on me—from now on.
The conversation flows easily—small talk about how hard we’re working to make Soul Sync Australia a success for Gabby, how none of us have fully adjusted to the new time zone, and how much we’re all loving the hotel. The beds are fantastic, and we could definitely get used to this kind of luxury.
“So, what’s the plan for the weekend? Any must-dos while we’re here?” Elijah asks.
My list is ready to go. “I have a few ideas I think you all might like.”
Whitney raises a brow with a smirk. “That’s so Magnolia—already having Sydney mapped out before we even landed.”
Growing up, I never traveled. While others were off seeing the world, I stayed in one place. My window to the world came through books and the occasional documentary as long as Robin or Charlene managed to pay the power bill on time. Research became my substitute for experience, a habit that stuck with me. So, yes, I’m the one who already has Sydney mapped out in my mind before ever setting foot there—because for me, research has always been the closest thing to exploring.
But now, for the first time, I get to keep a travel journal. Every quirky café, every sunset over the harbor, every memory worth preserving will go in its pages. I want to record it all, every sight and sound and feeling. I want to look back and remember not only what I saw, but how I felt seeing it for the first time.
I’ve waited so long for this—for a life I could step into rather than read about.
“Julius Caesar mentioned some things. He lives here so he knows all the cool places to visit.”
Shock flashes across Elijah’s face. “When did you talk to the client?”
Elijah’s question doesn’t sit well with me, like he’s questioning my professionalism. Frankly, it grates on me. “We spoke last week and then again today.”
“But you’re the set director.” Elijah’s smile fades, tension creeping into his expression. “Can you do that?”
“There’s no policy against it. If a client asks to speak with someone, there’s nothing to prevent it,” Whitney says.
His eyes widen. “He asked to speak to you?”
“Sure did,” Whitney says.
I don’t like that Elijah makes me feel like I have to defend myself, but here I am all the same. “Gabby told us we’d be taking on new roles here. I’m only doing what she asked.”
Elijah frowns. “I don’t think that’s what she meant.”
His words rub me the wrong way, but I push the irritation aside. “Back to the must-do list… Julius Caesar mentioned a few spots. Bondi, Coogee, and Manly beaches—he said they have some of the best surfing in the world.”
Whitney perks up. “Surfing sounds fun. Would you give it another shot, Magnolia?”
“Not a chance. Surfing’s strictly a spectator sport as far as I’m concerned, but I’d be happy to watch y’all.”
“What else did Julius Caesar recommend?” Sophie asks.
“He said the Blue Mountains are a must—great hiking trails, stunning views, definitely worth a day trip.”
Whitney takes out her phone. “That sounds incredible. Adding it to the list.”
“And then there’s the Sydney Opera House,” I continue. “Apparently, they have way more than opera. There’s theater, concerts, all kinds of performances.”
Sophie taps her chin thoughtfully. “I wonder if there’ll be any good concerts while we’re here.”
Elijah raises a brow. “What else did he recommend?”
I throw in a casual shrug. “He mentioned climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”
Sophie’s eyes widen. “That’s a thing?”
“Apparently.” A grin tugs at my lips. “But Julius Caesar said he’s never done it… and never will.”
Whitney laughs. “Smart man.”
Elijah shoots me a sidelong glance. “You seem to have gotten a lot of recommendations out of Julius Caesar. How long did you talk to him?”
Is he still trying to make something out of this?
Whitney hums thoughtfully, changing the subject. “The coastal walk sounds good.”
Sophie’s face lights up. “Ooh, I’m so in!”
I knew Sophie and Whitney would be the perfect work friends for this trip. And I knew Elijah wouldn’t be. “Great. We’ll do the walk and the market tomorrow.”
Elijah slouches in his seat, shooting me a look I pretend not to notice. “Guess Julius Caesar gave you our whole itinerary.”
I shrug, taking a sip of my drink. “He lives here, so it’s solid advice. I trust him more than Google.”
“Let’s make a toast.” Whitney raises her glass. “Here’s to making the most of Sydney for the next three months.”
We lift our glasses in agreement. I lean back, letting the conversation flow around me, ignoring Elijah’s obvious disapproval.
The warmth from the drinks thrums through my veins, smoothing out the edges of the long day. I’m not drunk—not even close—but there’s a nice buzz settling in, making everything feel a little lighter.
Sophie stifles a yawn, and Whitney gives her a knowing look. “It’s been a long week. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m ready to call it a night.”
Sophie nods, rubbing her eyes. “Yeah, I’m still not adjusted to this time zone.”
I swirl the last sip of my drink, reluctant to end the night. “Y’all head up. I might stay for one more of these.”
Whitney’s gaze flickers toward Elijah, who’s still nursing his whisky and looking way too comfortable. If I stay, he will too. He’d see it as an open invitation.
I force a smile. “Actually, you know what? I’ll call it, too.”
In the elevator, the conversation fades. When we reach our floor, Whitney, Sophie, Elijah, and I step out together, exchanging soft goodnights before heading to our separate rooms.
Inside my room, I kick off my shoes, unbuttoning my shirt halfway before pausing. My fingers hover over the buttons as an idea curls at the edges of my mind.
The Rabbit Hole.
I reach for my phone, typing in the name and watching as the location pops up on the map. It’s only seven blocks from the hotel. Close enough to walk.
Excitement stirs, restless and tempting. What would it be like to be in the same room as Julius Caesar even if I don’t know who he is? Just to feel that energy, that possibility?
My heart picks up speed at the thought. It would be exciting.
I glance at my reflection in the mirror, debating for a moment longer.
What am I thinking? Going out alone in a city I barely know to check out some speakeasy? And for what? To appease my curiosity about a guy who’s already been matched with another woman. A client, no less. It’s completely unprofessional. Irrational, even.
I should stay in, get some rest, and let it go.
But somehow, the thought doesn’t sit right. It’s more than curiosity. There’s something about him that I can’t quite shake.
I tilt my head, eyeing myself with a hint of a smirk. It’s not like I came all the way to Sydney to play it safe. I deserve a little adventure.
The thought is ridiculous. I should stay, unwind, and get a good night’s rest. Who knows what I’ll run into out there?
But isn’t that the point?
I sigh, weighing my options. One night out to see what this place is all about. Just a peek… then I’ll come right back.
Oh, fuck it.
Before I can second-guess myself, I fasten the buttons on my shirt, leaving one extra undone. The deep V opens deeper, transforming my casual blouse into something a little sexier.
Grabbing my bag, I head toward the door, a flutter of anticipation building in my chest. If nothing else, tonight might be interesting.