By the time Alyson reached the airport, breathless and panicking, she already knew she was too late. She rushed toward the security checkpoint, her heart racing as she pushed through the crowd. Minutes later, she finally stepped onto the plane, breathless but relieved. Oh! Finally! She murmured. Hi! She greeted the lady sitting beside her.
A moment later, the cabin crew began the safety instructions, their calm voices filling the plane as Alyson tried to catch her breath.
"Please fasten your seatbelts." The announcement came as the plane slowly began to taxi down the runway, picking up speed before lifting into the sky. She plugged her earphones into her ear, listening to her favorite song. "Madam" A flight attendant approached Alyson's seat, offering her a polite smile as she prepared to serve refreshments.
Alyson looked up from her seat. "That would be lovely, thank you," she said politely as the flight attendant stood by. After picking up her drink, Alyson took a few selfies and watched the sky change colors outside, losing herself in the view for the rest of the flight.
* * * * *
A calm voice crackled over the speaker, "Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be landing shortly." "Please fasten your seatbelts and return your seats and tray tables to their upright positions." Alyson was so happy upon hearing the announcement; she sighed deeply. "Finally, we've landed," she said to herself.
As soon as the plane doors opened, Alyson stepped onto the jet bridge and hurried to the baggage claim, her eyes scanning for her heavy luggage.
Oops! Her handbag tumbled to the floor just as she struggled with her heavy suitcase; a tall, dark, handsome stranger stepped forward, effortlessly helping her lift the bag.
"Sorry, take it slow." He muttered as he handed the bag over to her. "Thank you!" Alyson exclaimed gratefully. "It's not a big deal." The guy responded as he walked away.
She navigated through the crowd at the airport doors, where the car she had arranged was parked. Alyson loaded her luggage, got in, and relaxed as the driver started toward her apartment.
Alyson leaned back in the car seat, her bags beside her, and gazed out the window. The towering buildings, bustling streets, and bright lights of New York City welcomed her like an old friend she had finally come home to. "I'm going to have a nice time here." She uttered with great excitement. After a few minutes, lulled by the hum of the car and the dazzling city outside, Alyson drifted off to sleep, a soft smile playing on her lips.
* * * * *
When the car finally stopped at the Plaza Hotel, Alyson woke slowly, her head still heavy with sleep. She climbed out, dragging her bags behind her, and blinked at the grandeur of her surroundings.
At the front desk, she handed over her ID and reservation. Moments later, with key in hand, she rode the elevator up to her room, finally ready to relax after the long journey.
The moment Alyson entered, she felt the stress of the day melt away. The room was spacious yet intimate, with soft carpeting underfoot, a neatly made bed, and a window overlooking the skyline. She sank onto the bed. "I like it here; it's shouting 'luxury.'" Alyson sighed deeply, with a smile on her face.
She wasn't able to control the sleep at all. She had had a stressful day all along; she just wanted to have a sound sleep.
* * * * *
Alyson stirred awake as the evening sun dipped low outside the window, stretching and blinking at the warm glow in the room. Her luggage still sat untouched in the corner, a silent reminder of the day's whirlwind journey. "I have to unpack; I need to eat something first." She exclaimed.
She picked up the room phone and called the hotel service. "This is room 512. Could you bring up something for me to eat?" she asked, smiling at the thought of a warm meal. It didn't take long before a knock on the door announced her food had arrived. Alyson opened it to find a steaming plate of pasta, the aroma instantly making her stomach growl.
After finishing her meal and feeling pleasantly full, Alyson stood up and turned her attention to the luggage. She unpacked her things carefully, arranging each item neatly in drawers and closets, finally bringing order to the small chaos of her room. "Now, everything is done; I'm good to go." She said with a smile on her face.
* * * * *
Alyson's alarm chimed softly, pulling her from a deep sleep. She rubbed her eyes, yawned, and swung her legs over the side of the bed, letting out a long stretch before finally rising. "It's a new day." She exclaimed.
"Ding ding," her phone beeps.
She hurriedly grabbed her phone. "Hey! Alyson, this is Mason. I want to sign a contract." She was caught between disbelief and awe; this is actually her first contract. "Got it. Do you have a particular location for us to meet?" She replied hurriedly. "Yep, let's catch up at Shake Shack." "Alright, sure thing." She responded.
Alyson rushed into the bathroom for a quick bath, slipped into a perfectly chosen outfit for the date, and left the lodge heading toward the meeting spot. When she got to the location, she took a seat near the window; she gazed out, lost in the beauty of the cityscape before her.
A sharp tap-tap sounded on the table, drawing her attention. "Oh!" She exclaimed as she looked up; to her surprise, it was the same guy who had helped her with her handbag at the airport, standing there with that familiar, charming smile.
"Alyson, right?" he said.
"Huh...yeah, yeah," she stuttered.
"I'm Mason," he said, smiling warmly, stretching out his hand for a shake.
"Nice meeting you, Mason. Alyson exchanged a handshake with him.
Mason raised his hands with a small gesture, signaling to the waiter to come over. "Sir, what can I get for you?" The waiter said politely. "What do you feel like having?" he glanced at her. "I'm okay with anything." She retorted.
Shortly after, the waiter returned with their order, placing their drinks and trays of burgers and fries neatly on the table. "Hm hm." Mason cleared his throat. "Let's get straight into business, the main reason why we are here." Alyson reached into her bag, pulled out some documents, and handed them over to Mason.
Mason took the documents from her and began to go through the contract carefully; his expression was serious while reading each page. An agreement strictly professional, bound by terms and conditions. They act as a real couple for a year, attend events together, and maintain appearances. In return, Alyson would receive a substantial payment and monthly allowance. Mason nodded slightly. "This looks good," he said, glancing up at Alyson.
Mason signed the contract, then handed it back to Alyson with a nod. They sipped their drinks and bit into their burgers, laughing. "Tomorrow evening, I'll introduce you to my parents. I'll have dinner arranged at the house."
After leaving the restaurant, Mason dropped Alyson off at her lodge before heading off. "Bye! See you tomorrow, my love." She waved at him with a bright smile on her face.