Billionaire's Pleasure-Chapter 19: Intriguing Questions Part 1
Stella’s POV
It’s hard not to like Carla when you know who she is. She has a way of helping me see things from a different viewpoint.
She texted me in the middle of my Anatomy lecture. Today, I’m spending the entire day at the university; therefore my phone is vibrating instead of silent. As a safety precaution, I planned to check on the pets via the app and only return to the condo if absolutely necessary.
Carla’s message has a profound effect on everything.
"So? What was the outcome? OMG! Those dudes were just stunning!’
This is a good time for me to explain that I am in class. "Will you call me later?"
"It’s fine, but you’ll be missing out."
"On?"
"The best news I’ve ever heard is here! In addition, I’ve made you a meal. I can bring it to you! If you’d like to come over, please do." If I were her, I’d reject her proposal. There isn’t much time in my lunch hour for her, but the time limit is making me appreciate it more and more. Then, if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to eat some meal as she tells me her wonderful news, and then play with the cats for a while before I have to leave for my lecture.
"What do you think? Can Apple come as well? I haven’t seen her in a long time."
"I don’t believe it," I reply. It’s not going so well for her once-in-a-lifetime internship.
"Let me see what I can do for you. Until then, I’ll see you at 1:00 pm. Please don’t be late, okay?’ I still have classes."
Carla exclaims, "Okay! I’ll be there! And I will prepare some of your favorite foods as well."
Carla has arrived ahead of schedule, which is unusual for her. I walk around the corner and see her putting the food away at the condo building entrance.
She is holding a container. She’s giving the concierge a sample of whatever she’s created just for me. Because her lunch bowl is one of several in the cooler bag hanging over her shoulder, I’ll still be able to eat my entire meal.
"Stella, hello!" When I finally reach her, she extends her free arm to embrace me.
"Nice to see you again, Carla."
A little later, she takes a step back and scrutinizes my face. No, I don’t think so. "There’s something diabolical about you."
When she asks how much sleep I got, I just say, "I didn’t get much."
"Oh?" She beams. "After sneaking out after the party with your rich handsome boyfriend? That sounds like fun."
"Um...It’s not what you think," I said.
"After you left, Oh my god, I can’t wait to hear about how things worked out. My admiration for you is at an all-time high. Are you going to have a luxurious life already? Now I’m picturing it. Your foods are coated with ingredients and smell like garlic and two-day-old fish fillet, creating the greatest delights ever tasted."
Carla continues to babble as we make our way to Alice’s condo unit. I’m not bothered by it. The more she talks, the fewer questions she’ll have. It appears to be working for me, at least. My roommate Apple is well-kept in the know thanks to her. When Apple finishes the final year of her business degree, she plans to begin her MBA program at Sydney this fall. My pre-vet classes are only a few blocks away from the business school, yet we don’t see each other often. To be fair, she’s one of the few people I’ve met in this place that actually makes my heart sing. Apparently, the internship Apple was supposed to do during her work term didn’t work out, according to Carla. Despite the fact that her boss is a jerk and a con artist, my attention span for remembering information is dwindling after a long night.
When we walk into Alice’s foyer, the wind blows out of our sails. Flowers and dandelions in particular. There is some lavender in there, but most of them are bright pink.
They’re wherever you look.
"Wow! Stella, you’re an absolute lunatic!" As she slams the front door shut, she collapses on the floor, her cooler bag and food container in tow. This is the first time I’ve seen so many flowers in one place. Last Spring’s high-end weddings were not affected by this. By tilting the vase to one side, she removes the card from between the petals.
"Take a look at this," Carla said.
Because I already know they’re from Jackson, I tell her, "Go ahead and read it."
"It says...Sorry, Stella, I overreacted. Starting with these, I’ll make amends. Sebastian." After Carla read it she stares at me with a puzzled expression.
"Why does he feel the need to apologize?" Carla asked.
My response is, "Nothing noteworthy," and I continue on my way to the kitchen, to avoid questions from Carla. Luca and Luna, who must have heard us enter, greet me enthusiastically.
That Sebastian has a tendency to become irrational, but this much?
While gesturing my arm, Carla walks toward me and says: "It can’t just be about nothing. Spill it, Stella!"
Sitting in a chair, I lean down to pet Luca, the cat closest to my thigh, with my hand. "It doesn’t matter. It’s not really important. Carla."
She puts on her apron after pulling it from the side pocket of her bag and shook her head. It’s new to me, or at least the first time I’ve ever seen her wear it. ’Don’t Trust That Other Chef,’ it says on the apron, which is white. Does this make any sense?
Carla, on the other hand, is the thinnest cook I’ve ever encountered.
"Hey, I’m starving," I say to her. "You’re welcome to join me for lunch, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch."
As she reaches inside her cooler bag for containers, she asks, "What?" She mutters, "Oh no." Stella, I’d like to know more about this. After you departed last night, things took a turn for the worst. What a great job you’ve done!"
