Chapter 6: Morning Mischief and A Trip Ahead
A sharp binging sound echoed in my ears as I slowly opened my eyes, groggy and half-awake. I reached out, rubbing the sleep from my eyes with the back of my hand. My fingers fumbled across the bedsheet until I found my phone lying beside me. The bright screen flashed.
7:30 AM.
"OMG," I muttered, jolting up. "Already?"
I stretched my arms high above my head, letting out a deep yawn before unlocking my phone. Just then, a text notification popped up on the screen.
Elana :
Girl, tell me you're not still in bed.
I couldn't help but smile.
I tapped the call button, already knowing she was waiting to run her mouth. The phone rang once—twice—and then she picked up.
"Hello, love," she said in that sing-song voice of hers.
"Elana," I sighed, already bracing myself.
"Babe, tell me you haven't forgotten to give me feedback about your lesson date with Lucien."
"Oh my God," I groaned. "Girl, it's not a date, okay? It was just an art lesson."
"Can you please stop lying to yourself?" she teased. "Was there any romance? A little flirting? Maybe a lingering glance? C'mon, just spill already."
"Elana, there's no way you're asking me this so early," I said, laughing. "You are literally the most nosy person in my life."
"Jules, if I'm not nosey with your life, who else will be? I'm your best friend. Now tell me a little part—pleaseee, baby girl, I need that morning gossip to fuel my soul."
I laughed so hard I fell off the bed, landing on the floor with a soft thud. "Girl, please leave me alone. I've got a lot to do today."
"And what would that be? Oh, of course!" she said, dragging her words as if remembering something. "Trying to decide if you're still going on that business trip with Mr. Vale..."
I paused, then smiled to myself.
"Well... I decided I'm going. The trip is this Sunday."
"Yesss!" she squealed. "That's my girl! Oh my goodness, that's in just two days!"
"Exactly. That's why I said I have a lot to do," I said, standing up and tossing a pillow onto the bed.
"Okay, love. Want help with outfits? We can go shopping—find something classic, sexy... maybe even dangerous."
"Elana," I said, laughing, "I'm going there for business, not a girls' night out or a club tour."
"Still, babe, business or not, you have to look stunning. You need clothes that show off your curves, something bold but classy. Make the trip unforgettable. Be that confident bad bitch."
I grinned wide, feeling the warmth of her hype settle into my chest. "You're the best, girl. Don't worry, I'll make you proud."
"Of course, my love. Call me if you need help, okay? I'm just a dial away."
"Okay, love. Bye."
"Bye, babe!"
I hung up, still smiling like an idiot. I caught my reflection in the phone screen and shook my head. That girl always knew how to lift my mood.
I jumped out of bed and straightened my sheets before heading to the wardrobe. My fingers danced over hangers until I picked out my workout clothes—tight, black leggings and a cropped tank. The clingy outfit hugged my curves just right. I glanced at the mirror and smirked.
"Damn."
I pulled my hair into a high ponytail, brushed my teeth, and dabbed some lip balm across my lips. After tying my sneakers, I jogged out of the room and stretched my muscles a little. A quick morning workout always helped ease my nerves.
After the jog, I showered, made myself breakfast, and sat quietly at the dining table. But even as I ate, a strange tightness pulled at my chest. I couldn't shake off the nervous energy.
I packed some essentials for the trip—charger, notepad, a few makeup items, and my go-to perfume. Still, my hands trembled slightly as I zipped up my bag.
I've done business trips before. This shouldn't feel any different.
But this time, I was going with Mr. Vale.
That thought alone made my heart pound for no reason I wanted to admit.
I dropped onto the couch, exhaling deeply, my eyes fixated on a spot on the wall. My fingers rubbed gently over my forehead. Why did I feel like something was going to happen?
Was it excitement?
Or was it something else?
I covered my face with my hands and sat in silence, trying to find the calm inside the storm of my thoughts.