Dear Heart, You Screwed Me(5)

“Got it,” he said, looking over his shoulder and pulling out onto the busy roads. I sat back; eyes wide as I took the scenery in. I had always wanted to come to New York, but it was never part of our life plan. I sigh, my eyes dropping to my black painted nails as I linked my fingers together. I felt exhausted suddenly, I wanted to get out of my jeans and sticky tee. The air was humid. I wanted a cold shower, eat my weight in junk food and to sleep till tomorrow morning. I heard the best way to get over jet lag is to eat before bed, resetting your real time frame and body clock as such.

Pulling down a busy road, the taxi started to slow outside The Plaza. My eyes widened as I took the beautiful building in. This was my home for the next four nights while I got accustomed to the city and had my settling in sessions at my new job.

I was due to meet the head-hunter that hired me tomorrow morning for coffee. I was anxious but also excited.

“Hey, lady. Come on.” The taxi driver’s abruptness snapped me out of my inner thoughts.

“Oh god, I’m sorry.” I panicked, fumbling around in my purse for my dollars. Passing him the notes, I pushed the door open and smiled at the impeccably dressed doorman. He helped me with my bags and suitcases as I watched the taxi pull back out into the road. I stood dazed for a moment; I was here.

Like, really here.

In New York.

Ready for my do over and new adventure.

I followed the concierge into the building, climbing the stairs slowly, white pillars sitting either side of the double doors. My jaw went lax as my eyes were close to popping out of my head. The gold and creams that wrapped round the large room were beautiful. The detail and décor were exquisite. I stood in the bright, airy arch that houses the gold revolving door. I was literally breathless. I don’t think I would ever get over the beauty.

“Miss.” The concierge’s voice was low as I turned my head slowly to face him.

“Shall we go check you in?” he asked as his gloved hands held onto the gold luggage trolley, his fingers wrapping round tightly.

I nodded, unable to speak.

I followed him, walking quickly so I stayed close to him. My eyes continued to scan the room as I took it all in, but I don’t think I ever could. This place was phenomenal. I never wanted to leave.

Standing awkwardly at the check in desk, I waited patiently for the young man to finish up on his telephone call.

“Good afternoon, welcome to The Plaza may I take your name?”

I nodded, my voice escaping me for a moment. I swallowed the swollen lump in my throat back down as I drummed my fingers on the polished surface.

“Reese, Reese Hernández.” I stammered.

The impeccably dressed man tapped his fingers on his keyboard.

“Aha, here we are. Reese, staying with us for four nights in a single room?” he chirped as he lifted his eyes from the computer screen.

“Yup,” my voice barely audible. I felt out of sorts. Was it the jet lag? Or was it the fact that my heart was obliterated into a thousand pieces while being all alone and a million miles away? The sad realisation finally sinking in.

“Oh, it must be your lucky day.” The young man’s eyes fell back to his screen, pinning my eyes on his name tag. Michael. I like that name.

“You have been given a double with a view of the inner landscaped courtyard,” his voice lifted, a hint of excitement lacing it.

“Oh,” I blushed, more like he looked at me and felt sorry for me maybe?

“Derek will take your bags up, you’ll be on floor eighteen.” He says, pushing a card towards me. “That’s your key, food is served throughout the day, breakfast starts at six-thirty and finishes at ten. Room service runs twenty-four hours. If you have any problems, just dial down to reception and we will be happy to help.” He smiles at me as I take the card.

“Thank you,” I just about manage.

“You’re most welcome, we hope you enjoy your stay at The Plaza.”

I nod curtly, turning on my heel and following the concierge.



Swiping my key through the lock, the concierge opened the door for me. My mouth fell open as my eyes bulged in my head.

Woah.

The beautifully panelled walls hugged the room in an ivory white, the carpeted floors felt soft under my feet even though I had my shoes on. The large double bed sat in the middle of the room with a huge gold ornate headboard.

If Derek the concierge wasn’t here watching me, I would have dived onto the bed.

“I assume everything is okay for you, Ms Hernández?” Derek’s voice was warm as I snapped my head to face him.

“Everything is perfect.” I gush, a small smile dancing across my lips as I turn to face the room again.

The door closed softly behind me causing my head to turn. The smile still evident on my face.

“I’m here Elijah.” I whispered to the empty room, a burn in my throat, the tears stinging behind my eyes.

I wasn’t going to unpack right now; I needed a long soak in the tub and then I was going to eat my weight in food before crashing for the evening.

I felt exhausted.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

Physically.





I woke up feeling groggy as hell. I didn’t sleep as well as I would have liked. The jet lag, the noise of the busy New York streets and the unfamiliar surroundings had me feeling uneasy. Looking at my phone it was six am, which means it was around lunch time back home. I sighed, rolling on my back, and letting my phone fall into the plush duvet. I felt so out of depth, as if I was drowning slowly and struggling for air.