“So what will we be ordering tonight,” asked Rajeev.
“I think I’ll have the rump steak, well done, with peppercorn sauce,” Stuart replied instantaneously.
Having studied the menu, Emma had settled for something a little less filling. “I’ll have the chicken caesar salad.”
“So that’s one well done steak with peppercorn sauce, and one chicken caesar,” affirmed Rajeev. “I must inform you that it could take up to half an hour for the steak to be ready.”
Emma nodded at Stuart. Stuart looked at Rajeev and said, “Yes, that is fine.”
Having taken their order, Rajeev went to the nearest till point and sent the order through to the kitchen before going inside it to personally confirm that the order had been received. It wasn’t a complete rarity for a celebrity to turn up, but through reviews given by guests over a number of months in which he had been there, he was the most preferred candidate to attend to their every need.
Other guests of the hotel were seated or attended to by a selection of waiters and waitresses, some of whom had been sitting in the press conference with Stuart earlier on. Because he hadn’t been in the industry that long, he was a complete novice in such a well organised high priority event, to the extent he knew absolutely no-one where others had previously bumped into each other. The restaurant itself could hold around two hundred people all seated, and the far end from where they were sitting extended further into a lounge area, which itself was situated right in front of the main bar. The wooden flooring of the restaurant enabled them to hear nearly every footstep that was placed upon it, other than the waiters who seemed to glide effortlessly across. Walls were lit up with relatively dim glowing lights, which were aimed in little pockets at the wall itself in order to project bursts of light at it. There was even a grand piano sitting in the far corner of the lounge, and while there was no individual talent playing away, a variety of young children, their parents, and even people as old as sixty would take it in turns to play something that they had learned or mastered over the years. A charity pot was placed upon the piano, as the hotel itself was an avid supporter of a variety of charities. With all of this going on, the two of them were slowly getting acquainted as this was their first informal meeting.
“So, Stuart, if you had a choice as to what to do for a career, what would you prefer to be doing?” Emma showed an interest, as he was an attractive young man, and he’d caught her eye.
“I’m not completely certain,” he replied honestly. “I’d rather not stay in journalism if this company has expenses issues,” he added. “I would have to say, I’m a creative person at heart. I do like artwork,” indicating pieces around the restaurant area, “and I wouldn’t mind having a piece appear in a hotel of this standard.”
“That sounds interesting. How do you decide what you are going to create from one piece to the next?” She pursued with her own line of questioning, while stroking her wine glass.
Stuart was a little confused, “How do you mean?”
“What I mean is, when you’ve completed one piece, how do you decide what to sketch next?” she asked again, just having reworded it.
“Oh, I just think of something I’ve seen before,” he replied. “I have what they might call, a photographic memory, as I can remember the most intricate details about everything I recall seeing.”
Now it was Emma’s turn to be a little impressed. “That’s fascinating. It’s also a rare gift I believe.”
“From what I’ve heard, it’s not exactly, the most common place artistic gift,” he admitted.
She slowly removed her right foot from her shoe and ran it up the inside of his legs. He was in unfamiliar territory, as although he’d had girlfriends before, he hadn’t been flirted with in this way. Outstretching her hand, she asked for his to be placed in hers. Yes there were other journalists around, but she wasn’t particularly fazed by this. He glanced over at the clock, and already twenty minutes had passed since the order had been taken. ‘Time sure flies when you’re having fun,’ he thought to himself.
After they had eaten their main course and desserts, the two of them had a few words before they headed off in separate directions. Emma had gone back to her hotel room, Stuart had stayed behind in the lounge. No-one had overheard their last few words, he was certain of that, so when fifteen minutes had passed, he made his way up to hotel room 214. Knocking in his usual patterned way, he heard her voice call out, “Come in.”
Pulling the handle down and pushing on the door, he entered into a room with candles on all units, including in front of the television. She was laying on top of the covers neatly spread over the bed, in a short dress, that was see-through in many areas.
“Hello again, Stuart,” she cooed. “So glad you could join me.”
Having not expected quite such a romantic twist to the evening, his heart pounded so loud he felt like it could jump out of his chest. Sensing his cautiousness, she proceeded to encourage him to join her on the bed. As he sat down, she knelt behind his back and placed her hands on his shoulders to give a massage. A few moments later he felt a little more relaxed, and opened up to say, “I wasn’t expecting this Emma.”
Placing a finger on his lips, she motioned for him to remove his shoes and move further up on the bed. Going with the moment, he obliged willingly, and she ran her hand down his face. “There will be a time for talking, but now isn’t it,” she whispered, leaning in closer. Understanding what she meant, he followed suit, and placed a passionate kiss upon her lips. It took a few moments for her to savour their first kiss, taking into consideration the romantic feel of the candlelit room, and they seemed to be glued to each other for what felt like an hour. It had only been a few minutes though, and soon enough their lips parted. Exhilarating. She was incredibly surprised, and he was just swept up in the heat of passion. Peeling off his suit jacket, they shared a handful more kisses, before she paused for a moment and said, “Would you like to see more?” with a gleam of excitement dancing in her eyes. Running his fingers through her hair, he nodded. Placing his right hand on her left breast, he began to caress her soft skin through the material of her see-through dress.
Moonlight shone through the window. She picked up the remote control and flicked to a radio station. Late night love songs were being played, only emphasising what was happening atop the sheets. Unbuttoning his shirt and removing his bow tie, there in the flesh was a fully toned six-pack. Rolling him onto his back, she shared a few more passionate kisses before slowly making her way down his body. His trousers were only held together by a button and zipper, which were removed with relative ease. Removing his trousers completely, she noticed he had gone commando. Raising her dress above her head, she was too, stark naked. He hadn’t anticipated the dinner gesture from her. Now here he was, in her hotel room, ready to embark on a full scale sexual encounter with a star. He really couldn’t believe his eyes. For Emma had a tattoo just above her belly button, of her star sign, which was a Leo. He was a Sagittarian, and from all accounts that he had read in the last few weeks, they were deemed to be a perfect match.
The following morning, a piercing burst of sunlight ripped through the bay window. The candles had been blown out, although the clothing was just slung to the floor. Snuggling up in his arms, she didn’t want to let go. As the angle of the stream of sunlight was, he had no choice but to wake up. Looking away from the window, he saw a woman in his arms. Recollecting the previous evenings events, he wore a smile. Taking her in his arms, he held onto her, not wishing to let go while she was comfortably sleeping.
A few minutes had passed, and the alarm she had set went off. Opening her sleepy eyes she searched for the alarm and turned it off. Clearing the dust from her eyes, she realised she wasn’t alone. A sweet smile formed on her face as she registered who it was, and remembered the evening before.
“Morning,” she said, wearily.
“Good morning,” he replied. “Did you sleep well?”
“The best sleep I’ve had in the last two years since I got my first big break,” she admitted, still a little drowsy.
“Well, I’m glad I could help you,” he answered honestly. Giving her a precious kiss on her lips, he continued. “But I think I should go back to my room, and at least freshen up into a change of clothes.”
She didn’t really want him to leave, but she had her own list of things she was doing today. More movie talk, more red carpet revelations, lunch with another celebrity, it was another long day ahead.
“I wish we didn’t have to part,” she mused, a little tearfully. “I know, can you just be quiet for a moment while I place a call?”
Stuart didn’t have to think twice about his response. “Sure.”
She reached over him, and picked up her mobile. “Hey Jack. Can you come up to my room when you get a chance?”
There was a pause while she awaited a response. Then she continued, “Ten minutes should be fine. See you shortly.”
Jumping out of bed, she explained. “Can you get dressed in ten minutes? I have one of my personal bodyguards coming up. I’ve just had a mini brainwave.”
He was ready in five. It wasn’t too difficult to redress his balanced self. Moments later there was a knock. “Door’s open Jack,” she called out.
In the doorway there stood a six foot three broad shouldered frame of muscle. Stuart was suddenly very anxious, but Emma soon reappeared. “Jack, meet Stuart,” she dealt with introductions very swiftly. The two guys shook hands. “Good grip,” Jack added. He seemed to like Stuart almost as quickly as Emma herself had the evening before.
“Do you have a copy of what I’m scheduled for today?” Emma questioned Jack.
“Yeah, Course I do,” Jack responded. “Don’t think I’d be in this job if I didn’t know where I was supposed to take you to.”
“Can you go and get a photocopy of it? I want Stuart to have a copy. And also, give him your number. If he wants to meet up with me at any point, all you need to do is send finances his way so he can get out to wherever we are,” she pressed. Walking over to Jack, she had to stand on a chair to whisper in his ear. “I really like him, and would like it if he was around more. You remember what has happened since I become my own person.”
“Certainly Emma,” Jack agreed. “I’ll get right on to it.”
Leaving the room quickly, the door closed quietly behind him.
Turning back to Stuart, she added, “I meant every word. He is to give you his contact number for if you ever wish to meet up, you call him, arrange the details, and he’ll get you to me. I wouldn’t say no,” she continued, fluttering her eyelashes. “Needless to say, after last night, I’d be hard pushed to turn you down.”
Stuart was enthralled. Even his wildest dreams hadn’t included meeting the person behind the celebrity status, given that he’d been in a few press conferences with a number of them. Before he could utter anything, Jack had returned.
“Here is a copy of Emma’s next three weeks of scheduled press conferences and which hotels she’d be staying in,” he handed Stuart a couple of pieces of paper with dates and times on. Giving a smaller scrap of paper, he added, “And here, at her request, is my number. We’ll sort out the money as and when we need to.”
Decidedly overwhelmed, Stuart finally found his voice. “Well, I must say I am most pleasantly surprised. Thank you Emma, and thanks to you as well Jack.”
“The life of a celebrity is rarely out of the public eye,” warned Emma. “You must be able to accept your life will possibly come under scrutiny too, if you do take me up on this offer.”
Stuart paused for a moment. “Would I be able to just quit my journalism apprenticeship and concentrate on my artwork?” he was testing waters, but Emma was equally undisturbed. “Yes. Short and sweet, I know, but yes. And Jack, that will be all for now, I have to get myself ready as best as I can before Nikki and Rachel add the finishing touches.”
Jack turned to leave, but Stuart had one more thing to say. “Jack, just before you go, if I was able to quit my apprentice position today, would I just be able to hang around with you when Emma is busy?”
“Yeah, that’s no problem. As long as you don’t do anything stupid or illegal,” Jack’s voice had a hint of stern leadership about it.
“No that’ll be fine,” Stuart ended the conversation with a few more words. “I have to go freshen up, pack my stuff just in case, and place this call, so I must leave too.”
Emma looked at him, “At least wait until Jack has left first,” she pouted.
“Alright,” he hung on for a couple of moments while Jack bit farewell and left them two alone.
“Come here,” she held out her hand. As his hand slotted in hers she twirled gracefully into his arms with a little giggle, before placing a lasting passionate kiss on to his lips. “This is our time, our moment. Lets make the most of it if we can,” she said.
“Too right,” he concluded. “I need to at least make this call and freshen up, so I really ought to be going.”
With that he gave her one last hug, before exiting room 214.
A couple of hours had passed. Stuart had been able to withdraw from his apprenticeship, and freshen up. There had also been time to grab a quick bite to eat from the breakfast buffet, but having glanced at the sheets as to where Emma was going to be, he nervously dialled Jack’s number.
“Hello,” answered Jack.
“Hello Jack, it’s Stuart,” he replied.
“Oh hello Stuart, what is the game plan then?” Jack queried.
“I’m free to pursue my art,” Stuart’s response was emphatic, particularly on the word free. “Have you left the hotel yet?”
“No, we are due to leave in thirty minutes,” came the reply.
“Can you take my cases then while I check out from reception?” It was Stuarts turn to ask the question.
“Sure, I’ll meet you in the lobby at the front,” Jack was selective with words and hung up.
Making his way to the reception, Stuart spotted Jack, and handed over the suitcase.
“Hello,” said the receptionist. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I paid for two nights in cash, have only stayed one, is it possible to get a refund as I don’t think I’ll be back here tonight?” he asked in return.
“Sure, let me just double check your payment,” the receptionist was thorough, but it didn’t take long. “You’ve stayed for one, paid for two, but not staying for the second night, and your bill was originally £179.90?”
“Yes that is right,” he replied.
“Ok, that’s a refund of £89.95,” she quickly calculated. “Do you have a five pence piece?”
Fiddling around in his suit jacket he located a handful of change. Pulling it out he spotted a small, round, silver coin. “There you go,” he said as he slid it over the counter.
“There’s £90 in return,” she handed over five notes. Four twenty’s and one ten.
He said, “Thank you for the hospitality, I may see you again some day,” and exited the hotel. Scanning the main entrance, he finally spotted Jack stood outside a stretch limousine, having a quick cigarette. Hurrying over, he was about to open the limo door himself, when Jack said, “allow me Stuart.”
Guiding Stuart to the back of the limo, Jack opened it and ushered him inside. The leather seats were extremely comfortable, and he was greeted with a joyous squeal of excitement.
“Stuart!” exclaimed Emma. “You managed to quit your apprenticeship?”
“I sure did. I even destroyed the tape of the press conference so that tabloid aren’t getting an interview with you sent back to them,” he chuckled. “I’m a little out of pocket but I got one night refunded by not having to use it.”
Sidling up to him on the seat, she placed her arm around his neck and smiled. She didn’t recall ever being this excited about someone quitting a role, but it was a chance she had at happiness alongside the fame that she hadn’t allowed to get to her head.
“We’re off to have lunch with one of my actress idols today,” she stated. “Have you heard of Anita Baker?”
“She’s one of my idols too,” Stuart was beginning to show signs of how much this new situation was overwhelming for him.
“It’ll be fine hun,” she registered his anxiety. “Yes, I’ll call you hun because I think you are one of the sweetest guys I have met across the media industry.”
Hearing the front door of the limo open and close, Stuart went quiet. The little window in the centre of the partition opened, and Jack called through, “We’re on our way now. Pop your seatbelts on please.”
Doing as they were told, Jack closed the window up and then started up the engine, before selecting first gear, and slowly avoiding collisions. Rolling slowly as they turned around in the car park and exited the grounds of the Serenity Hotel, they sat holding hands.
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