Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
I grin brightly. “That all sounds great. Can I please have a kettle, coffee, and tea supplies brought to my room?”
“Of course, I’ll order that now.” He types something into his computer. “Your luggage will be up shortly, and if there is anything you need, please dial nine.”
“Okay.”
“Enjoy your stay in Milan, Miss Reynolds.”
I bounce my shoulders. “Thanks.” I make my way up to level two and down the wide corridor until I get to my room. I walk in and my breath catches.
The room is huge, full of antique furnishings, chandeliers, and gorgeous artwork. Sheer white drapes cover the windows, and the view over the city is spectacular. There’s a circular table made from dark wood, and matching chairs with upholstered cream velvet cushions. There’s also a large couch in the same velvet, and the carpet is thick and lush. Holy shit, the bed. It’s round, king size, and has a white netting canopy over it.
What the heck? A king size round bed? Now I’ve officially seen it all. I look around in awe. This place is fucking amazing. It’s like a fairy tale.
There’s a knock on the door and I rush to open it. “Your kettle, coffee, and tea supplies.” The porter smiles.
“Yes, please, come in.” I open the door and watch on as he sets them up in the little kitchen area. “Will that be all?”
There’s another knock on the door.
“Yes, thank you,” I say as I open the door. Another porter has arrived with my luggage.
“Your luggage.”
“Yes, just put it here.”
He wheels my suitcase in, and I tip them both. “Thank you.” They leave me alone.
I look around my room with a broad smile on my face. I quickly text my mum.
Arrived safely.
Call you tomorrow.
Love you
xoxo
I’m going to make a cup of tea, put away my clothes, and then go to sleep.
I start work at Valentino in two days.
Holy shit, is this real?
I walk up the street until I get to the big old stone building. The iconic V sits above the door, and I feel my stomach flutter with nerves.
My first day of work.
This is it.
I’m wearing my sensible yet stylish clothes, black business pants, a camel turtleneck with black pumps… all Valentino of course. My blonde hair is in a low ponytail and my makeup is natural. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so nervous. What if I can’t do this?
You can. Shut up.
I drop my shoulders, stand up straight, and power walk inside.
“Hello, my name is Olivia Reynolds. I’m starting today,” I say to the kind-looking woman on reception.
“Of course, hello. Please come through.” She stands and shakes my hand with a warm smile. “My name is Maria.”
“Hello.” Oh, she seems nice.
“Welcome aboard. You are going to love it here. Just go up to level three and ask for Fernando.”
“Okay, thank you.”
I get into the elevator and smile, Fernando sounds so… Italian.
I swear to God, this entire thing is like a dream. The Abba lyrics run through my mind.
There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright… Fernando.
The elevator doors open, and I power walk out into another lobby. It’s quiet and a young man is walking through. “Can I help you?”
I clutch my bag tight. “My name is Olivia Reynolds. I’m starting today.”
“Oh, you’ll need to see Fernando.” He looks around. “I’ll go find him.” He smiles and shakes my hand. “I’m Jason. I’m on internship here in marketing.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile. Jason is a lot younger than me, and he’s American, although he could be Canadian. I’m not quite sure of the accent. He’s cute, and he has light brown curly hair with big brown eyes. He looks like a kid straight out of High School Musical.
I watch him disappear down the corridor.
My nerves bubble in my stomach.
“Olivia,” I hear someone call.
I turn and see a man rushing toward me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Fernando, I’m the Human Resources manager.” He shakes my hand. “We’re so happy that you’re here. I hope your hotel is okay.”
His English is good. I can easily understand what he’s saying. I smile in relief. Phew, that could have been tricky.
Fernando’s short, a little overweight, bald, and about fifty years old, but he seems nice and welcoming.
“Yes, I’m excited to be starting.” I smile nervously.
“Come through, follow me, and I’ll show you around. You’re in design.”
I follow him as he takes me down the long corridor and opens a double door that reveals a large warehouse style room. Huge tables stand in the middle, and a few people are scattered around at desks and computers.
“Everyone, this is Olivia Reynolds,” he calls. “She’s from Australia and is taking over from Seraphina. Make it your mission to come and introduce yourself to her today.”
“Hello!” they all call as they look me up and down.