Page 11 of Red Queen
9
ROSA
Iknow Monaco is the world of rich people, but this? I’ve been to so many meetings over the past few days that I already lost count on the second day, and I’m only a backup person. When I got to my hotel last week, there was a smaller box waiting for me, which was filled with luxurious gold stuff. Chocolate, champagne, cookies, and even the card was written with gold ink.
They’re so extravagant for every single thing. I was in awe over everything I saw. Anywhere I turn my head, there’s elegance, richness, power. Everything smells like money, I swear. It is like a whole new world. It’s overwhelming, but it’s also beautiful.
I got to work right away, jumping into thousands of phone calls and meetings, making sure everything was in tip-top shape. I met Ivy, who is in charge, and let me tell you, she is an amazing leader.
She told me what to do and explained everything to me without making me feel stupid for not knowing certain things, and making me feel welcomed in the busy city. She showed me around the club and the city, and with that, she showed me thetrack too. Monaco is a street track, so it would be impossible to miss it while you’re walking around.
Now I’m on my way to Soleil & Lune, the restaurant my client, Delilah, will take over in a couple of months. Her father wants to retire, so she’s going to run the business now.
God, Monaco is one busy city. Luxurious cars flying around the streets, people walking around everywhere, there’s not one place where it’s peaceful. By the time I reach the restaurant, my legs are shaking. I thought it was a good idea to walk from my hotel, the map said it would only take 20 minutes. I just didn’t consider that this city is not built on a flat area.
I knock on the front door, since it’s not open yet, according to the sign right in front of my face. Not so long after, a figure pops up inside, walking toward me, then unlocks the door to let me in.
“Hi, there! You must be Rosa. I’m Isa, nice to meet you.” I extend my hand to her, and she flashes me a smile. Literally flashes. “Delilah is in the kitchen.”
I follow her while I look around. It’s still under renovation, but some parts are done already, and it’s beautiful. Almost everything is covered in black and gold, but the various flowers make it light up.
“Hey, girl!” Delilah greets me with a hug, and I somehow want to melt in her embrace. I love people with good vibes. “Oh, I see you’ve met with Isa already. She’s my bestie, and also helps me with paperwork. She’s a real estate agent.”
“Wow! That’s awesome! Do you mind if I ask for your card? I sometimes have no idea where to start looking for specific places when my clients don’t have one booked.”
“Sure, no problem!” Isa hands me her business card with all her info written on it.
“So, Delilah, how are things going? Were you able to fill out those papers I sent you last week?” I’m honestly grateful thattechnology exists. I’d never be able to take clients outside Miami and Spain if it wasn’t for that.
“Just call me Lilah, please. And yeah, I filled them out. There are some things I left blank because I didn’t know what to write there.” She pulls out the forms from a binder and scatters them on the counter. I forgot I sent so many.
We go over each paper one by one, and by the time we finish, it’s almost dark out there. All three of us plop down with a loud sigh on the couch in the main office.
“It’s done? I can have my own party in my restaurant now?” Delilah asks with hope in her voice.
“Yes. Now you can have your own party now.” Both of them shriek happily, and I just laugh at their excitement. This was her goal: to show her family that she can run a business successfully, and now she has the chance to prove it.
“From now on, you eat anything you want for free here,” Delilah says as she grabs my hands and looks deeply into my eyes.
I quickly start to shake my head. “No, Lilah. You paid my fees, so we’re even. I’m not going to eat for free.”
She smiles at me and throws her arms around me. She lets out a soft sigh as she thanks me.
“I think it’s time we open that champagne.” Isa smirks, and in a matter of seconds, pops the bottle and fills three glasses with the bubbly drink.
“I can’t drink that. I’m going to have to rush to the bathroom,” I say as Isa hands me a glass. Both of them laughed, but I didn’t mean it as a joke. My stomach is very sensitive.
“Don’t worry about that right now. Come on, at least a sip.” Lilah nudges my arm, and I give in. We say a toast and clink our glasses with big smiles plastered on our faces. Just how I like to end my nights.
“Alright, girls, I have to go. It’s super late, and I have to get up early tomorrow.” I put my glass down and give them a hug.
“So soon? Stay a little more,” Delilah says as we hug each other.
“I have to be at the bar early. I’m a co-worker at the after party, and we’re still rehearsing, going over the plans.”
“Oh! Would you look at that! Well, congrats, that’s a big thing. We can meet up there, if you have time.”
“You’re coming too?”
