Sentient

Sentient: Chapter Nine

I wake up at 4 in the morning. It’s Friday and I need to get some things done to leave at the office for the interns to do before I leave for Vermont. I figure I need to leave the baby chickens some seeds to peck on while I’m away.  

I only brought a travel bag since I’d be going back tomorrow morning. In it are a pair of extra clothes, the dress I’m going to wear at Patty’s engagement party, a pair of pajamas, a couple of undergarments, and other personal necessities. Anything else I’d need, I’d ask the hotel I booked for it.

I wouldn’t be staying at my parents' house. No way, Jose. That’s just a gateway for disaster and a never-ending talk about how I’m still single, followed by an overnight pitching of potential men they can set up for me. The last time that happened was my parents' golden anniversary and I stayed up all night looking at flash cards of men my mom and my sister had apparently prepared for me. 

Before I leave for the office, I text Christie of my plans. I also prepared a dossier for what she needs to do with the interns while I’m gone although I’m sure she won’t be following it. And of course—

Damn it! I forgot that I actually need to invite Christie to come with me! I forgot that I need her with this being a family affair, and without her, my mom will have nothing to be distracted with! And then she’d be focused on me! 

I’ve been so busy with the whole new boss thing that I’d forgotten about this. This is not good. 

I can’t invite her now since I’ve already assigned some of the tasks I need done to her. And I especially can’t call her right now at four in the morning. She is not a morning person. All hell will break loose! I guess this is my punishment for being so stupidly forgetful.

I hail a cab for the office and start my day.

By the time my plane lands in Burlington, I am already exhausted. It’s only eight in the morning and just thinking about breathing the same air as my family already makes me so tired. 

As soon as I step out of the airport, a familiar figure immediately catches my eye. In the corner, standing beside a black Audi is Darius. 

He stands about 6ft flat. If I have to guess, he’s probably around thirty or thirty one. A little stubble is peppered across his lower face but beyond that is a really baby face. He’s a really handsome man. He’s kind of my type but also the kind Christie would normally go for. 

My brows furrow as I walk up to him and greet him, “Hi, Darius. What are you doing here?”

“Mr. Cavanaugh has assigned me to you today, Ms. Edwards.” He replies sternly. 

What? No way. How did he know about my plans? What time I arrive here... Why I decided to take the plane instead of the train or any other mode of transportation... 

“Where is he?” I ask. 

He stays quiet and purses his lips. 

         Right. Not my business. 

This time, it’s my turn to purse lips, “I’m sorry Darius, but I won’t be needing you for today.”

He then opens the door of the Audi and gestures to me to go in. I realize that it’s the same Audi he’s driving in New York and come to think...

I hold my ground. “Did you drive all the way here?”

He smiles and answers, “Yes, ma’am.” 

What? It’s a six-hour drive at least. All just to wait for me? Now, it makes me guilty knowing that and not helping him fulfill his duty.

I sigh and then finally smile, “Alright. Will you help me with my bag?”

Darius grins, “My pleasure.”

He takes my luggage and puts it in the trunk. I close the door he opened for me earlier and get in the passenger seat.

Five seconds later, Darius appears in my window and knocks.

I roll down the window and look at him. “I’m sitting here, Darius. We’ll drive like friends and not a freaking chauffeur. Now, get in here because I’m famished.”

He blinks at me and although he’s trying to hide it, I can see the slightly amused expression on his face as he walks around and gets in.

“Now, I’ll be staying at the Beverly Day Inn.” I say, “Let’s go there first, have breakfast, and settle in before we get to work.”

He has a tiny hint of mischievous smile on his lips before he switches the ignition on. 

I scoff, “You already know where I’ll be staying, don’t you?” 

He grins and says, “Please buckle your seatbelt, Miss.”

I shake my head and chuckle.

We arrive at the Beverly Day Inn and it’s already starting to feel like I’m home. Darius helps me with my bag as I approach the receptionist to check in.

“Hi, I have a room under Charlotte Edwards.” I say to the red-haired lady behind the desk. Her name tag says Hannah. “Here’s my ID. And can you please check if there’s a spare room next to mine?”

 Darius immediately speaks up. “No, there’s no—”

“It’s okay, it’s on the company.” I reassure his stricken face. He looks like a kid that I just caught stealing candy from the hidden stash. And then it hit me. He was here first, and he has no bag... “Unless…”

He immediately gets what I’m pointing out and nods as his face morphs into a cheeky grin. 

“Right, of course.” I say, more to myself than to him. “You already know my itinerary for the entire day. Of course you’ve already booked a room. Let me guess, right next to mine?”

“Actually—” He begins speaking but then Hannah interrupts him. 

“The Princess Suite, Ms. Edwards?” She asks, giving back my ID. “Here’s your ID and here’s your key card. If there’s anything you need, please we’d be happy to assist you. Enjoy your stay!”

I scoff and turn to Darius. “Really? You upgraded me to a suite?”

“Hey, I’m just following orders.” He says, raising his hands in defense.