章節 6: Chapter 6. Beautiful Friend

Harper made a booking at the prestigious Chateau Marmont Hotel, which was perfectly located in the heart of Los Angeles, just a short distance from the audition venue. The hotel was rather pricey, but thanks to her older sister's membership and Dylan's connection with one of the owners, Harper managed to secure an excellent deal. With her savings from two years of part-time work, she was able to afford the luxurious accommodations.

The Chateau Marmont was an iconic landmark on the Sunset Strip, having stood guard for nearly a century. Architects Arnold A. Weitzman and William Douglas Lee completed the hotel's design in 1929, taking inspiration from the Château d'Amboise, a luxurious retreat in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. The local newspapers had raved about the Chateau, calling it the newest, finest, and most exclusive apartment house in Los Angeles, praising its superb location—close enough to bustling businesses for convenience yet far enough away for tranquility and seclusion.

Throughout its storied history, the famous and infamous hotel has played host to numerous Hollywood celebrities, each with their own share of scandals and tragedies. Dylan's position in the oil and gas industry afforded her access to exclusive memberships at luxurious hotels, which offered facilities known for their discreet staff, private entrances, and the assurance of anonymity.

"Why are you booking in here?" Rachel asked, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the lavish Chateau Marmont Hotel. "It must cost a fortune, and I don't want you to burden yourself."

Harper smirked. "They give me a bottle of wine for a welcome drink."

"You're eighteen!" Rachel exclaimed, unable to believe the words that had just come out of her friend's mouth.

"It comes with the room," Harper replied, her tone nonchalant. "One of the perks of having a much older sister is that she doesn't really care about anything as long as her younger siblings are fine."

Rachel's brow furrowed with concern. "It must be expensive, though."

"My sister owns a membership, and it's still within my budget," Harper reassured her. "Don't worry, let's just enjoy it."

They made their way to the hotel's parking lot, where Harper had rented a car to help them get around Los Angeles. As they walked side by side towards the reception, Rachel's phone rang. She quickly answered it, while Harper, ever the thoughtful friend, pulled Rachel's suitcase along.

Harper had entrusted the booking to her sister, Dylan, who had helped her secure an amazing deal. Harper had given Dylan around $1,250 from her savings, which Dylan had assured her covered the room, the rental car, and even their meals.

"It'll be a one-of-a-kind trip for you and your friend," Dylan had told her, and Harper had trusted her sister's judgment.

As the receptionist handed Harper the key to their room, Harper couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Room number 86 turns out to be a cozy cottage with a king-size bed, hardwood floors, a full kitchen, and a dining area surrounded by a landscaped courtyard adjacent to the pool.

"This must have cost a fortune," Harper thought to herself, knowing that the Chateau Marmont was a favorite haunt of Hollywood's elite. However, she brushed aside her doubts, reminding herself that her sister had deemed it within their budget.

One of the bellboys is ready to help her bring their suitcases to their room. Harper turns her body around and searches for Rachel. "I'm with Harper! Not a random boy! She's my friend!" Rachel exclaimed into the phone, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"Let's talk to this Harper then!" Jonathan, her older brother, demanded, clearly irritated that Rachel had forgotten to call him or their sister Sophia upon arriving in Los Angeles. "And where are you staying?"

Sensing the tension, Harper approached Rachel, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong? Let's go into our room," she whispered.

"Rachel! You're thirteen! Don't do anything stupid!" Jonathan's yelling voice could be heard from the phone.

"Your brother?" Harper asked, and Rachel nodded, her expression exasperated.

Harper then asked Rachel to hand her the phone, determined to diffuse the situation. "Hello?" she said in a soft, polite tone.

"Ah-" Jonathan stammered, caught off guard by Harper's calm and measured response, not expecting to hear a girl's voice.

"This is Harper Wilson; I'm Rachel's friend. I'm eighteen, and I know Rachel because we play MapleStory together. You can check Rachel's Facebook and find me there, if that will make you feel relieved," Harper explained, her words clear and concise.

"M-MapleStory? You play that game?" Jonathan asked, his tone shifting from one of confrontation to mild curiosity.

"Yeah, I still play it, but Rachel has already quit," Harper replied.

"I didn't know that kid played MapleStory," Jonathan mused, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Wait, don't close the phone; I'm looking at Rachel's Facebook."

Harper waited patiently as the sound of furious keyboard clicking filled her ear. Rachel stood by, her expression a mixture of worry and annoyance.

"Oh, Harper Wilson," Jonathan finally said, his voice tinged with wonder. "You..."

"Yes? As far as I know, I'm the only Harper Wilson on Rachel's list of friends," Harper responded, her tone polite and neutral.

"And how old are you again?" Jonathan asked, his curiosity palpable.

"Eighteen," Harper replied.

"Oh, we're the same age; can I add you to my Facebook?" Jonathan asked, his voice almost eager.

"Sure. Are we okay now?" Harper inquired, eager to move the conversation in a more constructive direction.

"Oh yes, yes, we're okay. Can I trust my little sister to you?" Jonathan asked, his tone now tinged with relief.

"Of course, don't worry; you can count on me," Harper assured him.

"Great, thanks! Please add me as your friend," Jonathan said, his voice practically giddy.

"Sure, I will do," Harper replied, handing the phone back to Rachel.

"Why are you adding her as a friend?" Rachel sounded mad; her annoyance was evident.

"I have to know about the person who's with you, and Rachel, your friend is so pretty. Introduce her to me later," Jonathan said, his tone a mix of excitement and mischief.

"Not in a million years!" Rachel exclaimed, her exasperation palpable.

"Okay, I'll call you every day! Or Sophia Noona. Bye Rachel!" Jonathan quickly hung up, leaving Rachel staring at Harper with disbelief.

"What?" Harper asked, her expression innocent. "Everything went well, right?"

"Too well, my brother likes you!" Rachel groaned, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Oh, and why is that?" Harper asked, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Ahhhh, I hate it!" Rachel yelled, turning on her heel and storming off, her suitcase trailing behind her.

Harper watched her friend's retreating figure, chuckling softly to herself. She knew that Rachel's brother was simply curious and perhaps a bit smitten, but she also understood the younger girl's frustration. With a shrug, Harper followed after Rachel, determined to smooth things over and help her friend focus on her K-pop audition in Los Angeles.