Page 10 of Mine to Ruin

“Luna isn’t usually like this. She’s a diva, but she likes you.”

“I like you, too, Luna.” She mews and I pat her, while Diana’s faded blue eyes sparkle with affection.

“I am glad you are the new tenant. There were two rowdy boys before you. I couldn’t sleep because of the noise they made with their loud instruments.”

“Don’t worry, my paint brushes don’t make noises.”

“You paint?” Her entire face lights up as I nod. “No wonder Luna likes you. People who draw have sensitive hearts, and animals sense that.”

Remembering I left my keys in the door, I down my lemonade, place Luna down, thank Diana, and rush out. I carry all the boxes inside my fully furnished studio apartment, and let the fact that this is my new home settle in. An open and airy space with big windows and a patch of balcony. I empty the boxes, setting up my workshop in the corner.

When I’m done, I prepare a bowl of mac and cheese. For the first time ever, I’m on my own and it feels strange. I’m not used to it.

Chapter 4

Ellia

On Monday morning, I put on a pair of jeans, a loose green shirt-top, and a matching bandana. After I dab a bit of lipstick on, I start the engine. Before my first day at work, I need to make a vital stop. The smell of fried cookie dough invades my nostrils and my mouth fills with saliva as soon as I step foot in the shop. From behind the counter, Dan’s lips turn up into a bright smile.

“Two days and you didn’t make an appearance. I was on the verge of making a missing person’s report.”

“It won’t happen again.” I point at two donuts, and he places them in a box before putting the goodies in my outstretched hands.

“Enjoy.”

He scratches his neck, his cheekbones reddening. “So, I thought maybe...” He grips the edge of the counter, shifting from one foot to the other.

My eyes land on the clock on the wall, and I choke on my donut. “No, no, no.”

Panic hits me and I pay and say my goodbyes then I run out the door. I jump in my car, speeding to my destination. In front of the geometrical building, I park and scramble outside, rushing through the sliding doors before I come to a complete stop.

The inside is a mix of opulence and simplicity; every detail fits a particular goal, not to just sit there and be ignored, but to keep you studying every detail—and staying. An intricate glass statue has you thinking it spins to infinity but it’s an optical illusion, and I tip my head back to the ceiling reflecting the sky outside. The entire building is in perfect harmony between glass, cement, and art.

So, this is what a six-star hotel looks like. Remembering why I am here, I speed walk to the reception desk and a beautiful brunette greets me with a smile.

“Welcome to Hotel Reyes. How can I help you?”

“Hi. I am Ellia Dewine, I am here to meet Lorene Paige.”

“Oh, you’re the artist. I am Anna. I’ll tell Lorene you’re here. Take a seat, please.”

On the swing chair, I dig into my second donut. I stifle a moan, and it triggers thoughts of him. I have become my own Pavlov’s dog. I sigh. Here I thought I was over it, but no. He could have been the perfect escape, my last test. Anna talks on the phone, and after she hangs up, her eyes flick between mine and my lips. I dab at the corners with my fingers, cleaning the tiny crumbs and sugar crystals.

“Lorene will meet you later, after you see Mr. Reyes.” Confusion must be written all over my face because she adds, “It’s customary. Mr. Reyes meets every new employee.”

“I didn’t know.” But he gets bonus points from me.

“Yes, he is different. In all the ways you can think a boss is.”

Her brown eyes go dreamy, and I wonder about the guy that has women fawning over him. But then I remember where I am going, and nerves knot up my stomach.

“Nervous?” she asks as we step inside the elevator, her eyes shining in understanding.

“That obvious? A little.”

When the elevator opens on the last floor, she points at the door on the right. She dabs at the corner of her mouth, pointing at me, but the door slides shut, and I don’t make out what she said.

The abstract paintings on every side of the wall catch my attention, and as I read the names of the artists, I pause. He must really like art and has enough money to afford it. There are two doors, one on the right and one on the left, at an equal distance from the elevator.

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