Page 10 of Billionaire's Fantasy
I start pacing around my room, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions. I can’t believe I had to take this deal with my dad. It feels like I’m back to square one, relying on someone else to support me.
As I sit down on my bed, I can’t help but feel like I’ve failed. All the hard work, all the sacrifices I’ve made, and for what? Just to be passed over for someone who didn’t even seem to care about fitness.
I grab my phone again and start scrolling through Mike’s social media, feeling bitterness in my chest. And that’s when I see it: the picture of him at the gym, grinning from ear to ear as he shows off his new gym bag.
I feel a sudden surge of anger, unable to believe that he could just waltz in and take what should have been mine. I decide to call him, needing to get some answers.
“Hey Mike,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I saw you got the brand ambassador gig. Congrats.”
“Thanks, Amber,” he says, sounding a little too smug for my liking. “I’m really excited about it.”
“Yeah, I bet you are,” I say, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “I just can’t believe they picked you over me. I mean, I’ve been working so hard for this.”
“I’m sorry, Amber,” he says, his voice suddenly softer. “But you know how it is. Sometimes, things just work out that way.”
I can feel myself getting angrier by the second. “No, I don’t know how it is. I don’t know how it is to have everything handed to me on a silver platter. I have to work for everything I have.”
There’s a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Mike speaks up again. “Look, Amber, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sure there will be other opportunities for you.”
I hang up the phone, feeling frustrated and defeated. Why does everything have to be so hard for me? First the break up, now he got the deal with the gym. What is next? Why can’t I catch a break? I take a deep breath and remind myself that giving up is not an option. I may not have gotten this gig, but there will be others. And until then, I’ll keep hustling and working hard to build my brand.
I start thinking that maybe this is all a sign. My grandma always said: Things always work out for the better, you might not see it yet, but you will in the future. What if she is right and this is the beginning of something bigger? I can do something more important.
Even after trying to shift my thoughts to the positive I am still mad, angry, and frustrated. I decide to fix it how I know best. I pick up the hotel room phone to call for a room delivery. I have never been angry after eating a burger. I don’t think that will start now.
Twenty minutes later, my mood has been severely restored. I was correct, after all.
I have been here for hours. It would be a shame if I did not take advantage of the warm weather, and go for a dip in the pool, wouldn’t it?
With that in mind, I undress and jump in the shower for a quick rinse.
I walk over to my closet, glancing at the mirror on the way. Ugh, my hair is already starting to frizz up from this humidity. I sigh and continue to rummage through my swimwear, looking for the perfect one.
Ah, there it is. My favorite bohemian swimsuit. It has a mix of floral and tribal patterns, with a halter neck and flowy, ruffled bottoms. I quickly change into it, feeling the cool material against my skin. Before anything else, I stand before the mirror, admiring how the fabric molds to all my curves.
I look good.
I fetch my phone, log onto my favorite app, and record a short boomerang loop video for my followers. The show must go on. If there is one thing I’m good at, it’s hiding how I actually feel. Pretending to be happy and successful in front of the camera is what I do. Let’s say fake it until you make it. Then I toss my phone on the bed and pick up my tote bag.
As I pack my bag for an evening by the pool, I can already feel myself starting to relax. The sound of the water and the warm breeze are calling my name. I throw in a towel, the romance book I haven’t yet started, and some sunscreen before heading out the door.
Once I arrive at the pool, I find the perfect spot to set up camp. I lay out my towel and get comfortable, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. It’s such a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I can’t believe I get to do this for a living. Life is treating me well. All I have to do is open my eyes and see it.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, allowing myself to fully immerse in the moment. This is exactly what I needed, a little slice of paradise to recharge and rejuvenate.
Screw Jackson and all his negative energy. Screw Mike and this breakup.
I need to up my meditation sessions.I think it is high time I got back into my yoga practice, I tell myself. I will need to make time to incorporate it into my morning routine. At this rate, I will probably need it.
And with that final thought, the warm air around me, and the lapping of the pool water next to me, I slowly drift asleep. I wake up because I can feel someone’s presence, and I squint to see who it is.
Where the hell am I?
It takes me a few moments for my brain to catch up. It is already getting dark. As my eyes adjust to the dim light, I see the pilot of the private plane I flew in standing over me.
Motherfucking Jackson.
