--prompt from @flashfictionfridayofficial: "welcome to hell"
After checking into my room, I sauntered towards the elevators, in which a crowd of people gathered to see what was behind those doors. Dragging my suitcase from behind, I took in the marble ambiance, touched with bits of amber lighting--so much I noted the dark cracks which emerged between them.
"How long you've been waiting here?" I asked to a man next to me--somewhat overweight, with a beige coat big enough to have the sleeves dangle beyond his fingertips. I noticed how his shirt almost bulged on his form, though the stripes still stood out.
"Two minutes," he said, checking his watch for the time. "Apparently there are so many people around that one of them stopped working, and so the repairman has to come soon."
"How soon?" My bags started weighing down on my shoulders and I wanted to collapse on the floor. Hiking up ten floors of stairs wasn't ideal, though I've heard from a friend the views would get better from that floor up. After imagining a golden sunrise touching my eyelids and rocking me awake, I slid back up, but he shook his head.
Forget it, I told myself before sauntering up to the lobby, spinning my way across the compass-shaped floor. The stairway in front of me curled like a ribbon in flight, leading to a glistening mezzanine. But I didn't chart that path; instead, I went over to the bar, key in hand.
"Good evening, madame," the bartender crooned, wiping a wine glass off. "What would you like today?"
"Just a red wine, please," I replied. "Whatever is your favorite."
I immediately regretted saying that before he listed all the potential options. Rolling my eyes, I just remember picking out one before spinning to my side to get my card and pay for it.
Only to realize my suitcase disappeared.
Gosh, I thought to myself, spinning around to figure where it went. Clothes could be easily replaced, with all the little stores which sprung around like cherry blossoms, and I thought it would be nice. At the same time, this conference stood as my first opportunity to show that I studied well in my field; a slick pinstripe suit and a navy blue dress should showcase me in all my forms.
Getting up, I held my pink purse close to me when all of a sudden, a gelid hand grabbed my wrist. I jostled before brushing it off, only to find its presence growing tighter and tighter. Facing it didn't calm my heartrate; instead, it sent it thumping against my chest.
"I hope you will enjoy your stay here," the voice spoke, serpentine yet indifferent to the chilled mood all about.
"Where do you know me?" I wrestled myself, but found half of my face becoming languid and tired. The wine didn't arrive yet, but I imagined it would be like this--with baroque music playing, a stray string, and having the world at my feet. Instead, I swirled in a loop with a ghost, until I felt like falling to the floor.
"I don't," it muttered, not giving any hints of its identity, "but you'll be in your place soon. Here, it's all pretty and light, but hell boils throughout. Yet I give you a bit of the cold to protect yourself."
At last and about forty minutes later then I expected, I am finally ready to post after I kicked the internets butt (I really actually had a shower, got my stuff ready for work, got mad at the internet as it refused to work, turned my laptop on and off, disconnected and reconnected the internet and had a little moan (I say little, I mean a lot..) and finally it worked!
But anywhoo, the next part of the Play The Game! Hope you all enjoy...
Suze xx
*Little disclaimer, I did a little research for this part so I got the details as best as I could...*
2
“A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be”
It was a rainy Saturday morning in London that met Robyn as she wheeled her case through the exit of Heathrow airport and she stayed under the cover of the airport to keep dry. She pulled out her phone to call Taron but saw a text message waiting for her. She read it with a grin and made her way towards a blacked-out car that was parked near the end of the pick-up point for cars.
“Hello Robyn.”
“Hey Anthony!” Robyn grinned as the driver stepped out and she recognised him immediately. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought that might be obvious chicken.” Robyn looked to the back window of the car that was slightly rolled down and she could see Taron’s eyes peeking through. “We are here to pick you up from the airport.”
She grinned and thanked Anthony as he took her case. “Please wait Robyn. I will get the door for you.”
“Anthony, I can get…”
“I will get it Robyn.”
“Okie dokie.”
Robyn stood patiently at the boot of the car and waited while Anthony sorted her case and once he was finished, followed him around to the opposite side of the car and after he had opened the door, slipped into the back seat and was met with a wonderfully large grin on Taron’s face and a bunch of daffodils.
“Hello chicken!” Taron’s excitement levels had been on overdrive and he was finding it so hard to stay in the back of the car, let alone sit still. Robyn had told him she had planned on taking the tube to Tottenham Court Road and walk the quick ten minutes to The Mandrake hotel, the one Taron had organised for them and meet him there but Taron had other ideas and arranged a car to pick her up. He just hadn’t told her that he was going to be in the back waiting for her. “These are for you.” He handed over the daffodils to her, knowing they were her absolute favourite.
“Taron!” Exclaimed Robyn not expecting to see him until she was at the hotel, but here he was right beside her. “Aww wow thank you. My favourite.” She took the flowers from him. “These are beautiful.” Robyn placed them beside the door, which was now closed as Anthony was back behind the wheel, driving them away from the airport and to their hotel for the night. “I want my squishy hug now.” She said with a firm voice and enjoyed hearing Taron’s laugh in person and how he shuffled closer to her and wrapped her up tightly into his arms.
“This is a different take on the hug. The sitting sideways squishy but I am so happy to see you. It has been much too long since we have seen each other in person.”
“Hey that’s all on you. I am not the big movie star spending my time in New York re-shooting a movie and I am training free at the moment. I’ve been spending my weekend with cwtch.”
Taron grinned as he leant his nose into her neck and rubbed her back. “Not my fault the weather in New York was shit and we had to wait for the snow to melt a little.”
“Ok I will give you that one.” Robyn slowly moved her fingers through his hair at the back of his head, smiling that he hadn’t had the chance to cut it short because he needed the length for his Eggsy re-shoots. “Nice to see you too by the way.” Robyn moved away from him and smiled. “And Anthony too.” She said giving a nod towards the driver seat.
“I asked Elton for a favour and once I mentioned you, he was very willing to help me out. Anthony more than happy to help too when he heard it was you. What is it about people just wanting to do things for you?”
Robyn blushed a little. “People don’t just do things for me.”
Taron chucked against her. “You have no idea the power you hold over everyone chicken. Me, my family, the kids you work with, Stella, Elton, Anthony, Richard? The list is endless.” He smiled as she tugged his hair a little in protest. “I just tell it like it is Robyn.” He gave her one more quick hug and moved back from her.
Ignoring his comment completely, Robyn lifted her eyes to look at him and grinned. “Hey you don’t look tired! That’s a first.”
“I have been in London since Wednesday and literally spent the last two days sleeping but you do.” Taron frowned a little as he gently ran a fingertip under the dark circles under her eyes. “You been sleeping?”
After having her eyes closed and very much enjoying the feeling of his fingers on her skin, she looked to him. “Been a busy two weeks.”
“Still sorting that paper work shit out?”
“It is finally sorted. I didn’t want to have to be at it next week as the date for it to be finished is next Wednesday, so I didn’t leave the office till after nine last night.”
“Robyn…” Taron was ready to frown at her but she interrupted him before he could.
“Yeah I know but if I had to look at those forms again, I was actually going to go mad and I sent the last one off all corrected and filled in. It was such a load of bollocks anyway. Moving the date of registration and then giving out more paperwork to be filled in and then I was chasing parents for forms that had been sent home and trying to catch them because they had missed a place to sign and it was just…” Her long-winded sentence was cut off as Taron pulled her in for another hug.
“You needed this weekend huh?”
“More than you could imagine.” She answered taking one long deep breathe, cuddling a little more into him, though it was a little awkward in their sideways position.
“How about a nap when we get to the hotel?” He asked her, carefully letting her go and once out of his arms, used his two hands to brush her hair away from her face, his fingers separating soft strands the whole length of her hair. “And I know you got your hair cut.”
Robyn grinned. “I told you I was going too.”
“You told me an inch.”
“I did get an inch.”
“This is more than an inch.” He said, gathering her hair around her shoulders, fanning the long strands out, frowning when he couldn’t find the colour he was searching for. “And you took the pink out.”
“It mostly washed out and my hairdresser was mad at me!” She laughed. “Not impressed at all. She changed it all back to blonde.”
“I liked the pink.” He said sadly.
“I am a bit old for the pink.”
“Never.” He smiled, moving to sit back against the seat. “Can’t believe you cut your hair. I specifically didn’t get a haircut because I know you like my hair longer.”
Robyn laughed as she moved to sit right beside him, their legs touching. “You are such a liar and a bad one at that. You just told me you spent the last two days sleeping. There was no time for you to go and get a haircut, especially when you have only just come back from New York.”
Shaking his head, Taron realised he had been caught out. “Alright fine but you did cut more than you said you would.”
“And it has grown a lot since I have seen you last.” She chucked at his face when as he stared at her. “You are a little protective of my hair.”
“I just like it long that’s all.” Taron turned to kiss her temple, his lips lingering a moment longer than necessary on her skin.
“I like it long too. You know it has taken me years to grow it out. It just really needed a good trim. I am never going to cut it short and it is still really long Taron. I mean it goes down past my shoulder blades.” She took in his doubtful face and smiling tapped his nose as she always did when he was giving her his best frown. “Hair grows Taron.”
“Yeah I know.” He tapped her nose back. “No sign of those freckles coming back either.”
“Taron…” Robyn’s voice was playful.
“Anyway, moving on, so you all set for this evening.” He asked her.
“You brought my dress?” She asked him.
“Yep. In the boot.”
“Then I am all set. I am looking forward to it.”
“To the musical or the red carpet?”
“The musical.” She whispered.
“I got the red carpet covered and I know Lyndsey has called you.”
“She has. Gave me some tips and answers and I promise to follow them.” She replied. “As best I can.” She added with a second thought.
“Do I get to see fiery Robyn tonight?” He asked her.
“Hopefully not. I promise to be good.”
“I know you will chicken.” Taron re-positioned his body a little against the back seat, rolling his neck and his shoulders when he felt a little uncomfortable twinge seep in before he settled.
“You ok?” Robyn asked him watching as his eyes closed and a little whimper left his lips as he rolled his head again, his right hand moving to the nape of his neck to rub the slight ache he obviously was feeling away.
“Just a little stiff and sore. Re-shoots are always gruelling. Trying to cram as much as we can into the last few hours we have. Instead of being tired I am just a little tender.”
“Am I getting flashbacks from when you came to my home and every move you made hurt you?”
“No you’re not. Just some of the perks of the job. Sleeping constantly over the last two days hasn’t really helped. I will be right as rein for this evening and you don’t have to give me that look. I am just fine. Our bathroom has a rainfall shower. Might take extra advantage of it this evening.”
“Bet you are glad to be finally finished.”
“It’s been one of the longest shoots.”
“Didn’t help the break in-between either.”
“No, it dragged it out but it’s done. I am glad I am not in Matthew’s shoes. He has just under a month to edit and get the movie ready for release.”
“Surely it would have made more sense to just push the release date back?”
“In theory yes but in reality, no. Not with all the promotion already organised and booked. It’s just a logistical mess and editing a movie is much easier when it comes down to it all.”
“You are going to be busy in April.” Frowned Robyn.
“You too.”
“Not as busy as you.”
“Seven shows as Mimi?” He countered
“Yeah but I have one show an evening. You have a gazillion interviews and press thingy-ma-bobs one after the other in a gazillion different countries.”
“Sounds about right.” Laughed Taron. “Press thingy-ma-bobs. You’re still going to get me a ticket to your show?”
“Yep as soon as they go on sale.”
“And a front row seat?”
“I will get you a good seat Taron. Maybe not front row cos it is quite close to the stage. Sometimes a few rows back are best.”
“Perfect. I am very happy our dates don’t clash.”
“Me too but you are straight into promotion on the Monday after you come to see RENT.”
“I will be fine. I always get a fabulous sleep in your bed. It can be my last cosy duvet sleep before the madness starts.”
“Did you plan this whole thing yourself? Talk to the musical society so our dates wouldn’t clash with yours and that you would be able to have at least one decent sleep before you went on your promotional tour?”
“Dammit, my secret is out! The promotion is always so tiring so I will need a good sleep before it starts and I have always had a wonderful sleep at your house.”
“You can bring your throw with you when you are working.”
“That is exactly what I am going to do. That throw has been a life saver to me.” As Taron spoke, Robyn yawned rubbing her eyes. “You are in need of a nap.”
“I don’t nap.” Replied Robyn through another yawn, frowning as it left tired watery tears in her eyes. She wiped them again but it made no difference as she found herself just closing her eyes as she was struck with a bout of yawning.
“You are going to make me start soon.” He chuckled watching as she tried to stop herself from doing it again but failed. “Hey Anthony, how long till we get to the hotel?”
“About half an hour Taron.” He replied looking in his mirror to him, “Traffic isn’t that bad at the moment.”
“We’ll be there soon Robyn and I think a nap is on the cards. I don’t want you falling asleep on me tonight at the musical.”
“Me sleep through a musical? Never but a nap would probably be a good idea.”
“How many hours have you worked this week?” He asked slipping his arm around her waist.
“I started at seven most mornings.”
“And finished at?”
“Probably after six and then last night a little later.”
“Robyn that is a near sixty-hour week!” Taron exclaimed. “And you have musical rehearsals twice a week too.”
“Actually, it was fifty-two.”
“You are going to burn out Robyn. Please tell me you have some holidays coming up soon.”
“Well actually, St Patrick’s Day is in three weeks so we get a day off for that.”
“Wow a whole day. That’s a fucking wonderful holiday.” He replied sarcastically.
“And if you let me finish, I was going to see about taking the day after off…”
“You need more than a day off.”
“And again if you let me finish this sentence which is a particularly long one….” She turned to look at him and he gestured with his right hand for her to continue. “St Patrick’s Day is on a Tuesday this year so we get the Monday off anyway but I have already put my request in to get the Wednesday off and it would be three days off along with the weekend and…” Robyn covered Taron’s mouth with her left hand as she saw him about to interrupt her again. “And I was going to see if you were free to come and visit and spend St. Patrick’s Day with me and Jesus Taron! Stop with the licking!” Taking her hand away, she wiped her palm on his t-shirt under his shirt, adoring the feeling of his chest moving as under her hand as he laughed.
“I can go and be Irish for a day?” Taron asked a little excitedly, his voice deepening, his accent getting stronger as it always did when his tone lowered.
“Yes if you have no plans, you wanna come over to be Irish for the day?”
“Can I get back to you? I am almost sure I am free and would love to come over but I am working with my agent at the moment for a new role and I want to make sure the screen test isn’t that weekend.”
“Of course. So which script is it? The desperately in love man who can’t get the girl or the son who lives in an abusive household.”
“The second one.”
“Taron that’s fantastic. I know how much you had wanted that part.”
“Hopefully you can rub some Irish luck on me before you go tomorrow so I can have a hells chance of getting it.”
Robyn ran her two hands down his face smirking enjoying the boyish chuckle he made. “There ya go and just ask if you need more. Also don’t sell yourself short Taron. You are an incredible actor.”
“You have to say that. You are my best friend.”
“I said it before I was your best friend. You know that.”
“Yeah I do and thank you and if the screen test isn’t then, I will definitely come and be Irish with you. Top of the mornin’ to ya!” He laughed.
“Oh Taron, no sweetheart no.” Robyn slid from around his arm, patted his thigh and turned her body to face him. “If you are coming to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day there are some rules and the first one is, no typical Irish puns in dreadfully clichéd Irish accents. You will be slaughtered!”
“Alright ok. What is rule number two?”
“Wearing green is obligatory as well as half a shamrock plant.”
“I can do that. Anything else?”
“Nope that is it.”
“Well if I go, I can follow those rules easily. Can I add a third one?”
“Sure.”
“A pint of Guinness. I must have a pint of Guinness.”
Smiling, Robyn lifted his arm and slipped back under it. “We can definitely get you a pint of the black stuff.”
Grinning Taron nodded. “As soon as I know if I am free, I will let you know.”
“Great. It will be low key St. Patrick’s Day Taron. I actually hate Dublin on Patrick’s Day. It is so horribly busy but Kilcreen has a parade and my choir normally puts on a little concert in the town square afterwards and there is a duck race and a few other things.”
“A duck race?”
“People can buy a yellow plastic duck in the town for five euro. Then all the ducks are launched into the canal at the locks and they float, very slowly, under the bridge towards a finish point and the person who bought the winning duck gets a prize.”
Taron chuckled. “Obviously a very traditional Irish activity.”
“In Kilcreen yeah.”
“Well chicken, if I can go, I will wear my best green outfit and buy a duck.”
Robyn smiled. “Great.” Another yawn left her lips and she shook her head. “Jesus sorry Taron.”
Using his right hand on her cheek, he guided her head to his chest. “Just close your eyes.”
Doing as he asked, Robyn closed her tired eyes and allowed herself to melt into him, enjoying the warmth his body always provided her. As much as she loved coming to see Taron, their time together was always so short and as she sat against him, listening to his heart beat and feeling his chest rise and fall with every breathe he took, she wished they were able to have more than forty-eight hours together just once.
It was a pleasant ten minute cuddle they got with each other as Anthony drove them to their hotel and once they had pulled up outside, Robyn had already opened the door before Anthony could get to do it.
“Shit sorry Anthony.” She apologised as she closed the car door. “It’s just habit, you know getting out of a car myself.”
With a grin, Anthony opened the boot of the car and took out their cases, handing Taron the two garment bags.
“So I will see you both at six?”
“Perfect. Thanks so much.” Agreed Taron. He went to take their cases but saw that Robyn had already lifted them both up onto the curb. “Robyn...”
“Don’t you start.” She said as he joined her at the curb, pointing her bunch of daffodils at him.
“It’s just they have a luggage service here chicken. You really don’t have to do that.”
Robyn turned to see a very well-dressed man walking towards them. “I can take those from you ma’am.” He stood beside Robyn and smiling, took the two small suitcases from her. “And sir, those as well?”
“Please.” Taron handed over the two garment bags.
“And the name sir?”
“Egerton.”
“I will bring them to your room.”
“Thank you very much.” Answered Taron and moved the two steps to stand beside Robyn who had that look on her face when she was getting ready to disapprove of something.
“Taron Egerton, didn’t I say specify simple and that you weren’t to go all out for a hotel room? Luggage service?”
“I didn’t.” He answered. “I didn’t even pay for the room.” He smiled, feeling all the love in the world at that current moment for how innocent Robyn really was when it came to being involved in his events and it just warmed his heart so much. He loved watching her get to enjoy the finer things in life his job gave to him and he was so happy to be able to share them with her, especially because this kind of luxury was an absolute treat for her and she became almost childlike with excitement. “It was an option that came with the tickets for the evening. We had a choice of hotels and I picked this one because it was the less extravagant of the three.”
“You get your room included in events you go to?”
“Not normally but for this one yep. So, you can’t be mad at me for anything to do with the hotel because I had nothing to do with it.” Taron linked his arm with hers. “Now shall we go and check in?”
“Sure, why not? Have you stayed here before?” She asked him as the doorman opened the door for them.
“Nope. This is a first for me too.”
Robyn actually stopped mid-step as she took in the grand luxury of the lobby, Taron pulling her a little to get her waking again. The dark grey wooden floor was shining and the burgundy sofas near the reception were a shade lighter than the dress she had picked. Expensive artwork decorated the walls and the green marble desk of the reception was a stunning emerald colour.
“Welcome to the Mandrake.” The receptionist said cheerily as they approached.
“I have a reservation under Egerton?” Explained Taron, trying not laugh at Robyn as he could see her looking around the lobby, her eyes wide.
“Ok great.” The receptionist typed the name into her computer. “Perfect. I have you here Mr. Egerton. You are booked into one of our terrace rooms for a one-night stay with your guest?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Fantastic.” After some more typing, the lady took a piece of paper that she had printed off from the computer and slid it towards Taron. “Could I just get you to sign here please?”
“Sure.” Taron took the pen and signed his name as instructed.
“Thank you. You are in room seven.” She explained as she handed him a key. “Along with our terrace rooms, comes an automatic reservation for a meal at Jurema, our restaurant beside the terrace rooms, so if you would like to use that, please just ring reception and we can organise that for you. With your room, you also have full access to the Waeska bar, again which is right beside the terrace rooms and there is some beautiful seating in the courtyard of the bar. Your room also a set of double doors which opens onto a private little terrace of your own.”
“That sounds perfect.” Taron picked up the key.
“To get to your room, take the left at the end of the reception where you will come to the lift. The terrace rooms are located on the fifth floor. Once onto the decking, you will see a sign which will guide you to a small corridor to the left of the lift. Once down the corridor you will see another sign that directs you to your room which is to the left. It is the very last room on that row, in the corner. It is one of our quietest rooms.”
“That sounds even better.” Smiled Taron. It was just what he had hoped for. A quiet room in a quiet area of the hotel.
“Check out tomorrow is at twelve and if you need anything at all during your stay, please don’t hesitate to call us here at reception.”
“Thank you very much.”
“You are more than welcome. Enjoy your stay here with us.”
Giving a nod, Taron slipped his hand in Robyn’s and with a pull, he guided her back down the lobby. “Cat got your tongue?” He asked her as they stood in front of the lift. “It is rare that Robyn Quinn is speechless.” Taron reached forward and pressed the button to call for the lift.
“This place is insane. I mean I have stayed in what I thought was a luxury hotel in Gran Canaria but it is nothing compared to this.”
Taron grinned. “Events like these have nothing but the best Robyn.”
“And didn’t you say this was the least expensive of the three.” Taron nodded and Robyn shook her head.
“It’s just the way it is chicken.” He replied giving her hand a squeeze. “All I can say to you is just enjoy it.” The lift dinged open with a little jingle and Taron looked to her. “Yeah, I know, Robyn. I know.”
“What’s wrong with a simple ding?” She asked as they walked into the lift, Taron pushing the button for floor five once inside and as the doors were closed, he gave her a hug. “What’s this for?” She asked against his shoulder.
“Just thought you needed one. I think you knew Elton’s was going to be, well Elton, but this weekend is a whole different ball game for you and I wanted to know I am so glad you came with me.”
“You gave me one of your vouchers Taron and I have already told you that I wanted to come. I wanted to see you and if it has to be in a hotel that probably costs a week’s wages a night for me then I guess it has to be so. Do you think there will be chocolates on the pillows?”
It was wonderful laugh that filtered through him. “I should hope so and if not, I will ring reception to ask for some.”
“You remember what happened the last time we were around a lift?” She asked him, a ridiculously stupid plan quickly forming in her mind.
“Vaguely.” He answered and although he laughed as Robyn moved her head to place a kiss on the side of his neck, his heart jumped out of his skin and he felt his legs buckle. His feelings hadn’t changed since they spent the few days over New Years together and while his friends continued to give him stick over his serious crush on the woman he was holding tight, they only increased when she slid into the car beside him earlier and now the kisses she left on his neck and jaw were burning his skin alive. “Ok ok!” He chuckled. “That’s enough of that!” He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a little push away from him.
Robyn’s face was in a full grin. “Just returning the favour.” She replied shrugging as the lift dinged again as it stopped at their floor.
Again, he found himself alone in the lift as Robyn walked out and he took some steps to follow her but nearly knocked her over, his hands wrapping around her stomach tightly to keep her standing as she stalled right in front of the lift. “Shit sorry Robyn.”
“Wow.” Was her answer to him as to why she had stopped and when he looked up, he repeated her words.
It looked like they had stepped out of a hotel and into a small tropical paradise. A pristine wooden decking covered the edge of the fifth floor and with the sturdy railings to the left and right of them, Robyn presumed those railings provided the privacy for the balconies each room had. Robyn walked over to the railing in front of her, Taron’s hands falling from her stomach and looked down to the fourth floor below them. Wicker chairs with white cushions and glass encased wicker tables were spread evenly along the fourth floor and there were two chair swings against the wall on the left side of the floor. There was a garden in the middle of the fourth floor surrounded by the same railing she was leaning on and within the little garden were palm trees and large tropical plants which only added to the serene atmosphere the terrace floor provided. To the right on the fourth floor was a wooden bar and more seats and tables which were decorated with candles. Above the bar, the railings for the private balconies which were covered in leafy green vines. More vibrant vines climbed the walls and trellises around the two floors and the sunlight from the windows flooded everywhere with a stunning brightness which helped create the outdoors feeling.
“This is incredible.” Commented Robyn. “I don’t feel like I am in London any more and that is for sure.”
“Definitely something else. Shall we go and find our room?”
“Yes.”
Grinning at Robyn’s change in attitude towards the fancy hotel, he let her lead the way down the small corridor beside the lift as instructed and once they reached the next set of decking and greenery, Robyn turned left and walked down the hallway to the very end. “Number seven, right?”
“Yep.”
Robyn stopped outside a wooden door and waited for Taron. “You want to do the honours?” He asked her.
“Nope. That’s ok. You go ahead.”
He held the key against the keypad and once he heard the click, pushed down on the handle and opened the door. “After you and now I see you wanted me to open the door. So, you could get in first and take the chocolates from the pillow!”
Robyn was laughing as she walked into the room but again stopped misstep, Taron having to come to a sudden complete halt behind her. “You need to stop doing that Robyn.”
“Wow.”
It seemed to be their word of the hour as once again Taron repeated it. The room had a small hallway with a wooden wardrobe to the right of them and once they moved through the small walkway, it brought them into the actual room. Taron was prepared for Robyn stopping this time and side stepped around her. The room was a generous size and to their left, against the wall, a large king bed, with a wooden head board, white spotless sheets, duvet cover and pillows and two red decorative cushions. The cushions matched the long floor to ceiling curtains which hung in front of four wide glass panelled doors. In front of the bed, a light brown couch, four more red cushions adorning it. An oval coffee table with two glasses and jug of water sat on a large square mat in front of the couch. A very large flat screen TV was mounted to the wall at the right-hand side and underneath that a desk that spanned the length of the all and under the desk a fridge and mini bar. To the right of the TV was a mirror and under the desk at the mirror a very comfortable looking chair.
“This is beautiful.” Robyn walked into the room and dropped her shoulder bag and flowers on the couch. She made her way to the right and into the large bathroom which was decked out in white marble with grey swirled through it. A large oval mirror was sat on the wall over the sink and the shower had glass doors with two white dressing gowns hung on them.
“That my rainfall shower?” Taron asked as he stepped in beside her.
“I think so.” Robyn opened the doors of the shower. “Yep.”
“Fantastic. I have been looking forward to that since I heard there was one.”
“Your shoulders must be really sore Taron if you have been looking forward to this all week.”
“Just a bit. We were doing a lot of hand to hand combat scenes and I got knocked to the floor a lot, landing on my shoulders.”
“Maybe you should have brought your shoulder massage voucher.” She winked.
“Maybe I did.” He winked back.
“Well if not, you will have to make do with the shower then.” She laughed as she walked past him and back into the room noticing that the suitcases were just outside the bathroom door. “Hey our cases are here.”
“That is why they were taken when we arrived chicken. Our clothes are probably in the wardrobe too.”
Curious, Robyn walked back to the little entrance hallway and opened the wardrobe. On the railing hung the two garment bags. She was about to open Taron’s to look at his suit when he called her name, so instead she closed the doors and followed his voice. He had opened the balcony doors and was standing outside on the decking. She joined him and was tempted to say wow again but held it in. Their corner room gave them a slightly bigger balcony and they could see right over the whole fourth floor, the railing entirely covered with the vines giving them complete privacy from anyone looking up.
“I feel like we are actually outside even though we aren’t.”
“We were really lucky with this room. Right away from the bar. It will be nice and quiet here.”
“I want to have a go on those chair swings.” She said excitedly pointing towards the chairs handing from the metal chains.
Taron laughed. “You do have your own chair swing.”
“Yeah I know but it has been in my garden shed since the end of September. Can’t use it when the weather is shitty.” Robyn turned to lean on the railing. “Thanks Taron. This is amazing.”
“I didn’t do anything Robyn.”
“You invited me.”
“Because of a present you gave me for Christmas.”
“Because I wanted to do more things like this with you, to spend more time with you.”
“And normally this is where I throw in the part about how I am here because of you but I won’t because I know you are going to do that!” Taron laughed as she gently poked him in his side. He went to poke her back but as she moved and he threw his arms around her instead and hugged her close, giggling with her, smiling a little sadly as she yawned again. “How about that nap?”
“No Taron. Let’s go explore this place. I am dying to see what the other floors are like.”
“We have the whole weekend to do that Robyn. You are exhausted and I know you want to enjoy the evening tonight and if you are tired, you won’t be able to thoroughly do so.”
“But this is your weekend too. I don’t want to be sleeping when we are together.”
“Robyn, being here with you is all I need and I am happy to lay on this bed and get some rest too. It’s only ten in the morning. We have the whole afternoon to explore. Anthony is coming back to get us at six so we have time.”
As another yawn filled her whole body, Robyn nodded and agreed. She was extremely excited about going to watch The Prince of Egypt on stage and knew that even if she wasn’t too fond of taking naps, to be fully awake and on her game for the red carpet, a little bit of sleep would do her the world of good. They walked back into the room and Taron closed the balcony door and locked them too and turning around laughed as Robyn jumped backwards and landed on the bed with a bounce, one of the cushions falling onto the floor.
“It is comfy?” He asked as he pulled the curtains closed.
“Not as good as mine it will do.” Robyn turned and moved up the bed so she was laying on the left-hand side. She full belly laughed as Taron walked up the alongside her side of the bed and crawled over her to get to his side. “Ugh you’re a proper tosspot.” She giggled, pushing his legs off her, rolling onto her side so she could look at him as he lay on his back.
“But you love me.”
“Sometimes I wonder.” She replied enjoying the fake look of hurt he gave her. “Yes, I love you.”
“Right then. Nap time. Get over here.” Taron patted the edge of the pillow he was laying on and Robyn shuffled over to him and lay her head there. He reached for the TV controller on the locker beside him and turned it on.
As Taron flicked through the early morning programmes, Robyn snuggled a little closer to him, glad when Taron moved his arm so she could lay her head on his shoulder. Being close to Taron felt so natural to her now and it was just a warmth and comfort she couldn’t get anywhere else except from him. Her stomach twisted in knots and though she thought it was nerves as her appearance on the red carpet with Taron creeped closer, in her heart she knew it wasn’t. It was the true and honest love she knew she had for the man who was slowly running his hand up and down her left arm. She hoped he couldn’t feel her heart racing in her chest as she lay cosily against him. She couldn’t help the content little sigh that left her lips and nestling her face a little closer to him, she decided that if this was how good naps were, she would take one every day.
