Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
“Welcome to Viva la Tranquilitá,” Melanie says as the two walk through the entrance. I’m thankful she does because I swear I’m still trying to gather my wits about me as well as pry my tongue off the roof of my mouth.
“Hello,” she says to all three of us.
“Hello,” I respond. Since I don’t have another client, I’m basically a sitting duck. Layla’s client is due any minute, so she excuses herself. Melanie’s walks through the door asking for her, so she escorts her to the treatment room, leaving me here, alone.
“This place is spectacular, Wylder.” The woman disengages from him and makes her way closer to me. Somehow, I manage to paste on a friendly smile, hopeful it doesn’t look as forced as it feels.
“I think you should be telling Celeste that.” Wylde winks at me. I’m stunned for words. How could he do this to me with his girlfriend or something of the likes standing right in front of me? I’m seething inside. Never in my life would I want to be the other woman or engage in activities to hurt someone else.
“Touché. I’m going to and book an appointment right away. You can leave now. I’m sure you have business to take care of, and I know the way to your office.” They’re clearly more than friends if she knows where Wylde’s office is located and can get in without some top-notch security clearance. When I came for my final interview with Monica and Pierre, it was hinted that Mr. Hayes’ office was off-limits. Clearly, you have to be close in order to even know where it’s at.
“Alright, if I’m not there, I’ll talk to you later. Celeste.” My eyes volley between the two. Wylde’s gaze is lingering on me. The fucking nerve, I swear.
“Bye.” She waves over her shoulder, effectively shutting him out. How that’s possible when he’s invaded my whole life and all in less than twenty-four hours, I have no idea.
“As you know, I’m Celeste, and I’d love to book your appointment. Can you give me a few of your details, like name, phone number, email?” I get down to business.
“It’s great to meet you. I’m Journey Hayes.” If there were a mirror around, I bet I’d be as white as a sheet. There’s no ring on her finger, and there damn sure wasn’t one on Wylde’s last night or this morning. She gives me the information required to book an appointment. My fingers manage to work, but my mind is definitely in a tailspin, and the news I’ll have to share with Tyra is going to make her head swivel on its axis.
“Email and phone number?” She rattles off the information. I look up our next available appointment. Melanie is booked solid. Tyra as well as Layla don’t do facials or skincare; they’re all about massage therapy and are a total godsend with them, too. So, that leaves myself if she wants something soon.
“So, I was thinking, the fire and ice facial to start off,” Journey suggests.
“That’s a great one, and if you see any areas afterwards that you feel like need more attention, we can go from there for your future appointments. Do you have a preference on your esthetician? There’s Melanie; you’d have to wait a few weeks for her. Or I have an opening a week from Tuesday.” Journey’s eyes light up.
“Next Tuesday works. Do you mind if I take a few photos and tag you on Instalook for a before and after?” Even if she’s Wylde’s whatever anyone wants to call it, she is really sweet, and who am I to be upset when it comes to free publicity?
“Absolutely. We love any tags, mentions, or posts. You’re all set. You’ll get an appointment reminder forty-eight hours in advance to confirm.” I smile while dying for this day to freaking end.
“I look forward to it. It was nice to meet you,” Journey says.
“It was nice to meet you as well. Have a great day,” I reply, mentally counting down the hours until I’m done with work. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to let Melanie get her books filled first, though to be fair, I have a more solid client backlist that book months in advance from years of working in this industry, whereas she’s still working hers up. I keep a soft smile on my face until Journey exits the spa. Even then I don’t stop until probably a full two minutes later, worried that my face will say what my mind is thinking. Fuck, I’ve unknowingly stepped into a pile of shit.
ELEVEN
Celeste
I don’t even know how to begin the conversation I’m about to have with Tyra, especially considering she answered on the first ring. It’s just my luck that happened, too. I’m still attempting to wrap my head around this messed-up mess. I tried from the time Journey and Wylder Hayes walked in my spa until the time all of us girls walked out, with no success.