บท 2: TWO

"Miss. Banks, welcome". He said, seated on his throne in all of his glory. I had seen pictures of him but none did justice to what he really looked like in person. So graceful, a very handsome face that screamed wealth! Yes, spotless with a heavenly glow. Unlike the rude bastard I had bumped into at the airport, his hair was neatly combed as if done by a professional, he had this intense look in his eyes, one that made me almost quiver in fear.

His hand on the table as he maintained composure, assessing me with his eyes while I stood there tired and pissed. What was his hurry?

"Mr. Milton, hello". I replied.

"I assume your journey was great…" He began, as though realizing how mannerless he was, he gestures to the seat on the other side of his. "Please sit".

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to be here right now but what choice did I have? I immediately sat, wanting to get this done and over with.

"I love getting things done quickly which is why I had you brought here immediately. I read your book personally and I must say that you are really good…. I don't say that often". I was quietly listening to him, none of this a business of mine. I just wanted to climb into a nice, soft bed and sleep. "However, I have bad news for you. Actually, it's for us all but I figured you'd be the most pained".

I immediately got nervous, I knew it, things don't just go well like this. Everything felt too good to be true, I knew something was definitely going to happen. "Are you not producing my work again?"

He smiled, "Oh no, of course we'd produce it. It's just that Simone Bache disappointed us at the last minute".

"What?" The major reason I believed this adaptation was going to be a success was her, not that I wasn't sure about my work but her presence in it would boost its rating.

What if people don't watch it? Afterall, they'd only get to know how good it is when they watch it. Is this how everything flops? I said it before coming down here, I was scared something was going to happen. I needed to call Char, she was the only one who held me calm.

"Miss. Banks, the movie would still air but you have to meet the director tomorrow to discuss the casting of a new female lead". He sounded reassuring but I didn't feel assured, I was scared.

The male lead wasn't anyone famous, I didn't even know who he was, so was every other cast. The only person who could have pushed this forward was Simone Bache.

"Can I leave now?" I asked, dejectedly.

"Sure, I'd have Alfred take you to your apartment". He told me and immediately made the call. Apartment? Well, it was ridiculous to have thought the company would fund my stay at a hotel for months, but an apartment?

The man who had brought me from the airport walked into the office, apparently, his name was Alfred. He nodded slightly at Mr. Milton, more like a silent conversation between them.

"Shall we?" Alfred suggested we leave already and I nodded, riding out of my seated position.

"Goodbye sir". I said and left with Alfred.

….

Alfred parked in an underground garage of an apartment building. It's an high-rise apartment building, and I was awed at the beauty when he drove in. I could see four sections, each having separate entrances.

It's amazing how the company can provide such a place for our stay, still, I couldn't shake away the disappointment I felt inside of me about Simone Bache.

"Do all celebrities stay here?" I asked out of pure curiosity.

"No ma'am, the apartment is for anyone needed for a production who has to travel down, hence, needs a place to stay. However, there are four sections depending on the level of fame". Alfred explained while I listened in astonishment.

"So this section is the…"

"The least of all, for startups". He replied. I nodded in understanding, feeling a little less of myself. Maybe someday I'd be famous enough to be in the other sections.

He brought out a key and handed it to me, "Here is for your room". The key had a beautiful wooden key holder with 68 inscribed on it. I guess I was headed for apartment 68. "That's for apartment 68 on the 7th floor. Enjoy your stay ma'am". Without another word, he got back in the car and drove off.

I sighed, hoping for the best as I made my way in. Getting into the elevator, I was shocked to meet a familiar face. I arched my brow as I couldn't believe it, he was the rude bastard from the airport.

"You?" I couldn't hold back, his attitude really annoyed me. He gasped, realizing who I was.

"The airport lady?" He asked, earning himself an eye roll.

"I have a name!" I snapped, pulling my box with me into the elevator. I guess the men here don't think helping a lady was necessary, if not, Alfred wouldn't have left me to battle with my things all the way up.

"I'm so sorry miss, I was in a terrible mood earlier. I'm Wade Spelman by the way". He apologized and then introduced himself, his name leaving me surprised.

"Wade Spelman? No way! I'm Wendy Banks, the writer of Crashing, the movie you'd be starring in". I told him. He was just as surprised.

"Then you'd understand my frustration, I had just heard about Simone Bache dropping out of the movie. Having you bump into me at that moment, I transferred my aggression". He explained, I sincerely understood him perfectly. I'd have reacted that way too, Simone Bache really did disappoint us all.

"It's fine, I hope we get along well" I told him and he nodded. The elevator dinged and we both got off on the 7th floor, he had apartment 69 right beside mine. With a smile that made him look even more handsome, he waved at me as we both disappeared into our apartments.

On getting into my apartment, I must say I expected way less but damn, this was amazing. It made me wonder what it would be like at the other sections of the building. It had a huge living room with white couch arranged in a U shape, not that I liked the arrangement but it was quite okay. It had a table right at the center, between the couch. The table top was made of resin with a flowery theme, one I must admit was beyond beautiful.

My next stop was the attached mini bar, which had two stools over an island with a marble top, an empty resin vase at one end. The shelves were stacked with all sorts of alcohol, a smile on my face knowing I might need them at some point.

Leaving the mini bar while jumping around like an excited five-year old, I made my way to the kitchen. It had a nice blue, black and white theme, I loved it. Being a lover of food, I went straight for the fridge but lo and behold, it was EMPTY!

"Cheap ass people". I muttered disappointed but it didn't kill my spirit, I could as well order in tonight and go grocery shopping tomorrow.

I headed for the rooms, there were four steps leading to a closed area of the apartment with two doors indicating two rooms. The first room was separated from the living room by a wall. It had a queen sized bed with black sheets, the room itself had a black and white theme. I wasn't a fan of the mix but what could I do? The other room was just the same, there was a bathroom and toilet standing between them to serve both rooms. Attached to the rooms were verandas with black railings, a plush chair and table perfect for a nice evening view as well as writing.

Returning to the living room, I crashed on the sofa and ordered myself dinner. It took quite a while before it arrived, delivered by one of the section security. Guess outsiders can't gain access here, amazing. After a stomach filled with chicken, fries, and beer, I slept off on the couch.