Chapter 2 - Madeline

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Hi LA!

I just arrived yesterday and checked into the hotel Thomas arranged for me. When I arrived at the hotel, I was a bit shocked. This is a five stars hotel. I don't think the company will happily reimburse me for this. But Thomas said he will pay for the hotel. Because he felt bad, I couldn't crash at his place.

I rented the apartment, but it's available next week. So this week I need to stay somewhere else. My first choice is to crash at Thomas's apartment.

We've been together for almost 2 years, but we haven't slept together yet. As in, have sex. I don't know it is because I'm still a virgin or because I just trust my gut that I need to wait longer until I fully trust him. Not that I don't trust him now. It's complicated for me to explain. It's just my gut says not yet and I go with it. Luckily, Thomas is an understanding boyfriend.

Maybe he thinks it's going to be awkward to have me in his apartment for a week but cannot touch me (not that he never touched me, we kissed and made out a bit), but since we didn't have too many times alone, with me who always stayed by mom said back then, so Thomas and I didn't see each other as much as other couple.

My second choice is to crash at my best friend's apartment, Meredith Underhill, a singer and songwriter, an actress voted as one of the sexiest women in the world. Her album always platinum, more often than not, her movies went to box office. People said that her voice is like an angel's voice. Actually, not just the voice, her personality as well. Even though her name is all over the world, she is still a humble person. She never makes you feel less, and there is never a hint of bitch diva action in her.

But sadly, she is on her concert tour for a month. I know if I asked her she would say yes and I could stay at her place as long as I want. She even got mad at me when I called her yesterday to inform her about my moving to LA. She said I should stay with her instead of renting an apartment by myself. I want to stay with her. It brings back our old memories when we were roomies. But I want to stand by myself. It's time for me to grow up. Try to live by myself. I think I just want to try because I've spent my life living with mom since she was too sick to live by herself. And I'm glad I can spend so much time with her until her last breath.

My phone rings and I can guess who is calling. "Hi Helen," I pick up the phone.

"How are you, sweetheart? Everything good? You need help?"

I smile at her too many questions. She plays the grandma's role very well. Her grandchildren must. be adore her from head to toe. "Yes Helen. I'm good. Thomas booked a very nice hotel for me. I guess, he felt bad because I can stay at his place"

"That's the least he can do for you, Mads."

Why did I hear her voice colder?

"So, what are you doing right now? It's Saturday, you are free, right?" Her voice goes back to normal. Maybe that's just my imagination.

"Um.. dunno. Strolling around, I guess. Go to the Hall headquarters to learn how long it takes for me to arrive on time to the office, and to check my working place surrounding."

"Oh, you're such a good worker. Your boss will love you."

We chat a little and I say bye-bye to Helen. Assure her to not worry about me.

I go to the lobby and go straight to the valet counter. Another friend of mine, Andreas Roderick, said that his driver brought a car for me and put it with the valet guy.

Andreas, or we called him Drew, is one of my best friends. Like Meredith, we lived in the same house 5 years ago. Meredith, Drew, Tony, Jase and I. But let's talk about that in another story. For now, I'm too excited to see LA. It's been a while since I visited this lovely city!

A silver Maserati arrived in front of the lobby. Everyone's heads swirl around the car. Some of them even drool.

"Ma'am," the valet calls me. And I realized that is Drew's car. Did I mention he is a billionaire? And sometimes he doesn't care that I don't want to use something flashy. Like now!

I get into the car. It's a nice car. Really, you can not go wrong with a Maserati, right? This is not the first time I sit in this car. I came to LA sometimes to visit Thomas and spent some time with Meredith, Drew, and Tony. And they take turns to pick me up since I don't have a car and they're not too fond of Thomas. So I didn't ask Thomas to join as well. Thomas happily says "goodbye" to me when it's time for me to spend my time with my best friend. He's just not the type of clingy boyfriend and I realize he uncomfortable with my rich friends, too.

I connect my phone with the bluetooth and call Andrew.

"How's the car?" Andrew says jokingly once he picks up the phone.

"Ha ha very well mister," I say sarcastically. "Why your driver gave me your Maserati?"

"Oh, you prefer Aston Martin?" He chuckles.

"No! I mean like Honda or I don't know... anything cheaper."

"Because I don't have," he says nonchalantly.

"Yeah right, stupid me." I roll my eyes, not that he can see me.

He laughs. "Hey! We felt bad, okay! Why do you come to LA when Tony and I have to be at the conference outside The States and Meredith on her tour? This the least I could do to welcome you."

"Yes, that's my fault. I apologize!" I say in an annoyed tone, but my lips twitch up.

He laughs again "tell you what. In a week, Tony and I will be back in LA. We're going to help you move to your new place, okay!"

"Wowww!! Duo billionaires are going to help me? Sorry, but I my money is not enough to hire you two," I say nonchalantly.

"Well, we give a special discount. You can hire us for free as long as you cook dinner. Tony and I miss your glazed honey pork ribs! Last time we had a dinner in a restaurant that served that pork ribs but we ended up disappointed because yours are the best."

I laugh. "I'm flattered, Mr. Roderick."

He chuckles. "Or you can make spaghetti. Damn Mads! I miss all your food! Remember when you tried your new recipe.." Andrew keeps saying about food. The four of us I'm the chef. Well, I proudly say that my cook is good. More than standard actually. But I just love to cook for my friends and family. I don't want to be a chef.

"Alright mister! I'll cook for free for you, Tony and Meredith. I don't bring too much stuff, so I can handle it by myself. Just come and visit my new apartment! Okay?"

"Perfect! What are you doing now, by the way?"

"I'm driving to Hall headquarters now. Want to check the routes and everything."

"Great! Take care, sis!" Yes, I'm like a sister to him and Tony. So does Meredith.

"Thanks, Andrew" I say gratefully.

"Your welcome, Mads! Call me if you need anything. I'm in Europe but my assistant and driver in LA. Just a phone call away from you. Ok?"

I grin. "You know what? You're the best!"

***

I arrived at noon at the Hall HQ. The building is standing tall and elegant. I saw in the news one time when they toured around this building. Inside, they have the production place, not only for movies but also for tv and radio stations. And in this building there is also Hall Industries main office that controls all of Hall businesses.

I can see this as one of the busiest buildings in LA. And I can't wait to work here. I call Thomas from the car. Did I mention that Thomas also works at Hall? He works in the Media division.

He didn't pick up the call, and it goes to Thomas' voice call. Hmm.. he is still busy. I take a picture of the building and send it to Meredith; I drive around the place to see some of the coffee shops, bakery, and all other places that I might need.

After I finished my very own tour, I come back to my hotel. When I arrived, my phone ping. Thomas!

Meredith: Wow!! What a good worker are you!

Oh, well.. not Thomas, but I don't mind.. I love to talk to Meredith. She is like a sister to me. Since we both are only child, we become super close like a real sister.

Madeline: Can't wait to work here.

Meredith: Gosh, you really a workaholic!

Madeline: Can't help it. What are you doing? Why you can text me. I thought it's in the middle of the night there.

Meredith: Yes, it's 2am here but I can't sleep. What about you?

Madeline: tonight I will have dinner with Thomas. I just settled in my hotel (and don't start with the argument about why I live in the hotel, not your apartment)

Meredith: As if... anyway please tell me he will bring you to an excellent restaurant! That the least he can do for rejecting you crash in his place. (I still can't believe you didn't even mad at him, Mads!)

Meredith never approved of Thomas, not that she said blatantly. But I can sense it. Not just Meredith, but Tony and Andrew as well. And Helen, too. I don't know why. I wish they were nicer to Thomas.

Madeline: Yes Mer. We're going to eat downstairs. He checked me in at Hilton. (I don't mind, really. And you realize I moved to LA so I can get closer to him, right? Not to fight with him. Saving our relationship and all.)

Meredith: great! Don't wear anything too revealing! (For him? What about me??????)

I laugh.

Madeline: Last time I checked, your red dress for the red carpet is quite revealing. (I love you, Mer, and you know it! Stop being a drama queen. We're not in one of your movies!)

The dress was enchanting. It hugged Meredith perfectly and showed her cleavage daringly. Meredith looked like the sexiest devil that day.

Meredith: I got endorsed for the dress. Not my choice. Anyway, I have to sleep. Talk to you later, k? Let me know if you need anything. I mean it! ANYTHING.

Madeline: LOL! Okay. Good night Mer! Love you.

Meredith: love you, Mads!

Yes, I am the baby in the group. Maybe because I'm the one who's living like a normal person. By normal I mean, I don't have that much money for the press to keep a track of me, or I'm not famous that the paparazzi keep following me wherever I go.

I call Thomas to make sure about dinner. He doesn't answer my call again. Uugh...

Madeline: Still dinner tonight?

It only took a minute for him to reply to my message with the word "yes". Not "see you tonight" or whatever more cheesy things. I don't mind if he texted me like an hour later. That means he's busy enough to not answer my phone. But a minute...

I ignore the nagging feeling at the back of my head.

Anyway, I will not spoil my first night in LA. It's time to get ready for the night.

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