Chapter 18 Sydney - Breakfast Surprise
Chapter 18
Sydney - Breakfast Surprise
M ultiple voices coming from the other side of my door woke me. I recognized Austin’s voice, but I heard another higher-pitched voice. A woman. Maybe Venus came to talk to us. I rolled off the bed to see what I missed.
What I saw surprised me. Austin and a woman I’d never met were eating breakfast. The petite brunette wore a strategically cut Miranda Lambert concert t-shirt and not much else. Austin saw me before I had time to shut the door.
“Hey, Sydney! Come join us for breakfast.”
I froze in place like a mannequin. What should I do? How awkward! I couldn’t even speak.
“Craig can order breakfast for you,” Austin offered.
“That’s okay.” My voice came back to me. “I’m not that hungry. I’m going to take a bubble bath.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Don’t wait for me. I might be a while in that gigantic tub.” I retreated into my safe space and closed the door. Numbly, I drifted into the bathroom and started the water in the tub. There were a variety of scented bath bubbles and fizzy bombs to choose from on the vanity. I selected a glass bottle that smelled like lilacs and poured a generous amount into the stream of water. The TV hung on the wall, and I decided to serve up some entertainment. After channel surfing for a few minutes, I found an Anne Hathaway movie to keep me company. I swiveled the TV towards the tub and tested the water temperature. Perfect.
I swung my legs over the side and sat down in the steamy water. The lilac scent flooded my mind with fond memories of my childhood. My mom had a gigantic lilac bush that lived outside my bedroom window. In the spring, we would leave the windows open at night. The romantic fumes from the lilacs drifted in and filled my room.
The brief encounter in the dining room replayed in my head. What was Austin thinking? Renee has been his girlfriend for quite some time. Why did he think this was okay? Or that I wouldn’t tell Renee about his indiscretion? He had a lot of nerve to let that woman stay for breakfast and flaunt it right in my face.
I rewarmed the water twice before I pulled myself out of the tub. My robe felt warm and fuzzy as I wrapped it around me and tied a knot in front. I grabbed my hairbrush to tame my unruly locks, then coaxed my hair into a French braid. Next, I applied sunscreen to my face and enhanced my eyes with liner and mascara. Now I felt prepared to tackle my second and last day as a tourist.
A pair of khaki shorts and my Bon Jovi tank top—perfect for today. The top had cool cutouts around the arm holes I loved, and the colors swirled together like rainbow sherbert. I finished it all off with sneakers, because I’d be putting some miles on these feet today.
The dining area was empty when I stepped out of my room. My tourist plans for today included the Le Brea Tar Pits, Nick Metropolis Collectibles, and The Last Bookstore. I’d let Austin decide if he wanted to join me. I crossed the living room and knocked on his door.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and peeked my head in. Austin lounged on his bed, flipping through channels on the TV. “I’m going out for more tourist adventures. Do you want to come?”
“I don’t think so. I’m going to stick around here and check out the local scenery. Find a good steak. Maybe with whiskey.”
“You’re going to miss out on cool places, but suit yourself. Have fun!” I closed the door and headed for the lobby .
The day went by in a blur. I genuinely enjoyed the La Brea tar pits; I’ve never seen anything like it. Nick’s Metropolis Collectible store can be described as amazing . The variety of cute, goofy, gory, and completely bizarre inventory couldn’t compare. I took a few photos of movie related things that I knew Danny would like and sent them to him.
I saved my favorite stop for last. The Last Bookstore didn’t disappoint. I could have curled up with a book and never left. Instead, I found five new books for my Tbr (to be read) pile. It’s always good to have at least a handful of books on deck. I might have indulged even more, but my suitcase dangled close to the weight limit already.
Our hotel suite was empty when I returned. Austin must have found something, or someone, to keep himself entertained. I used this opportunity to take a solo swim in our plunge pool. The general hotel pool looked enticing, but I preferred my privacy to risking being verbally abused in public again.
The next morning, I plopped my suitcase on the bed and gathered my things. It always amazed me how I could spread out in a few days. Once I dressed, I opened the door. Austin appeared in the doorway wearing a smirk and crossing his arms as he leaned against the frame.
“Have you heard from Venus? I wonder how things went with the demo.”
“Nope. I’m sure if there was an issue she would have reached out to us. Are you worried?”
He shrugged. “Not really. I’m just anxious to get good news. This could be life changing, Sydney. Did you think about that?”
She stopped packing and turned towards me. “Honestly, no. I have not now nor ever fascinated about being famous. I know this is your dream, and I hope it works out for you.”
“Me too.” He changed direction. “You ready to head back to reality?”
“Yes, I am. Dorothy said it: There’s no place like home.” I got down on my knees and lifted the bed skirt to check for stray shoes.
“You need any help packing your wardrobe? Did you even wear half of the things you brought?” He chuckled .
“About three quarters of it. But as I told you before, it’s much easier for guys to pack.” I hopped to my feet and stuck out my tongue at him.
“Careful what you do with that. It might be mistaken for an invitation.”
I sighed. “You’re right. Let’s make everything into a sexual innuendo.”
“I could play that game. All. Day. Long. Try me.” He winked.
“No thanks. I think I’ll save my brain cells.” His smugness irritated me. I smushed my overstuffed suitcase with one hand and pulled at the zipper with the other. It didn’t budge.
Austin bumped me out of the way with his hip. “Step aside. I’ve got this.” He tucked in a few stray pieces of clothing that stuck out of the zipper, crushed the sides together, and zipped it shut in one fluid motion.
“Done.” He bowed.
“Thank you,” I muttered. “I would have gotten it eventually.”
“Before or after we missed our flight? I know you are a determined woman, but sometimes having a pair of muscular arms helps.”
I changed the subject. “When is our flight leaving?”
“Noon. We’ll be back in Kansas City around suppertime.”
“Great. Danny plans to pick us up. I’ll text him our arrival time plus thirty minutes for baggage claim.”
“Already done. I talked to him this morning while you still snored.”
“I do not snore.” I bristled.
Craig appeared in the foyer. “Your car is waiting to take you to the airport. The current traffic reports are gridlock as usual. You better hit the road, as they say.”
Austin picked his backpack up off the couch and walked towards Craig. “Thanks so much.” He reached out to shake his hand and I could tell he tried to slip him a tip.
“Mister Austin, I cannot take your money. You are Miss Anderson’s guest, and she takes excellent care of me.”
Austin blushed and shoved the folded bill back in his pocket. “Okay. Thanks again!” He reached out his empty hand and Craig shook it.
A porter took my luggage to deliver to the car. I stretched out my arms and hugged Craig, even though I could tell he felt uncomfortable at my Midwest display of gratitude. “Thank you for everything. I will never forget this trip.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Sydney. ”
We walked towards the elevator, leaving Craig standing in the doorway. I played back the memories of the past three days in my head. It still seemed like a dream. Venus kept her promise and I’d graduate with my friends tomorrow. That would bring me back to Earth.
Journal Entry
I packed as much fun into our three days in L.A. as I could handle. I loved the Walk of Fame! I took tons of pictures of the stars and footprints in the sidewalks. I picked up a cool ball cap for Danny. The books were the only souvenirs I purchased for myself. I hope my suitcase stays under the weight limit.
Austin’s overnight guest surprised me. I didn’t know what to say about it yesterday morning as it was too raw. It’s not my job to expose him, but it is his job to come clean with Renee. It makes me angry. I don’t understand why he would purposely put himself in this position. He seems to be the type to avoid confrontation at all costs. I plan on discussing this with him on our plane ride home.
I could see myself visiting Los Angeles again in the future. It’s a very cool contrast to my home of Kansas City. And so huge! It’s impossible to thoroughly explore it all in just two days. It’s a different vibe than I’m accustomed to. I will be glad to hear the crickets outside my bedroom window tonight.