"Okay, this ride is taking forever," Kyndall complained looking out the door of the cab.
Catlyn laughed. "Gripey butt. We're almost there," she said looking at the buildings they were passing.
"Oh joy. And I getta see AJ's cheery face," she sighed.
"Aww, Kyn," Catlyn said patting her friend on the arm. "Ya getta see Howie."
Kyndall smiled slightly. "Yeah. I know."
"Besides, I know what'cha mean about seeing AJ," Catlyn mumbled looking down at her hands folded in her lap. "I hafta see Nick."
"Yeah, but aren't ya'll getting along?" Kyndall asked glancing over.
Catlyn shrugged. Resting her elbow on the windowsill of the door, her chin sat upon her fist as she watched the scenery. "I guess. I just…well, things are a little weird. I don't know how many times I have to tell him no before he gets the point, ya know?"
Kyndall nodded. "I know sweetie. Him and Crystal are having problems. He just needs a friend right now."
"I know that," Catlyn said annoyed. "I try. But there is this feeling that won't go away and it's annoying the hell out of me."
Kyndall studied her friend for a moment. "Well, darlin. Perhaps it's time to open up to someone other than me."
Catlyn shook her head. "No. I can't. It…just…no," she said. "Finally," she said under her breath as they pulled up to the hotel. She scrambled out as quickly as she could, paying the driver through the front window. Grabbing her bags out of the back, she hurried into the hotel leaving Kyndall behind. "Catlyn Andrews," she said handing the desk attendant her ID.
"Ahh yes. Is Ms. Laine here also?" he asked as he typed in her arrival.
"Umm…yeah. She's right there," Catlyn nodded in Kyndall's direction.
"Excellent. Here's your room key," he said handing her a card. "Only a couple of things about the floor ya'll are staying on. Noise to a minimum, it's probably going to get a little rowdy at times. And no unauthorized guests. But I'm assuming that anyone ya'll bring along will be authorized being that you seem to be known by the occupants on the floor."
Catlyn looked at Kyndall and then at the guy. "Yeah. Okay," she said walking towards the elevator. Kyndall followed as soon as she got her card. They rode up to their floor, getting off and walking towards their room. Catlyn unlocked the door and they walked inside. Before Catlyn could pick up the phone to tell Nick that they had arrived, there was a knock at their door.
"Yeahyeahyeah," Kyndall mumbled walking over. She opened the door and closed it again quickly. "Oh my god," she said stunned.
Catlyn looked over at her. "What in the world?" she asked, nudging Kyndall out of the way so she could see who was knocking. "AJ!" she exclaimed.
"Not gonna shut it in my face?" he asked glancing over at Kyndall who was just staring at him.
Catlyn laughed. "Umm…no. What'cha doin over here?" she asked motioning for him to come in.
He walked in, glancing at Kyndall nervously. "Making sure ya'll made it okay," he answered softly sitting on a chair across from Catlyn's bed.
"Yup. Here in one piece. Although that was one godawful plane ride," Catlyn grimaced, shaking her head. "Anywho, I'll be right back. I gotta go talk to Nick." Kyndall's head snapped up from the suitcase she was digging through. There was a look of terror on her face. Catlyn patted her gently on the back. "I'll be right back," she said softly as she left the room.
Catlyn shut the door behind her, looking from left to right trying to decide which direction to go. She decided to try left, back towards the elevator. She seen the large white guy standing still across from the elevator, recognizing him as one of the guys' security personnel. She wondered why she didn't notice him before. She smiled at him nervously as she walked closer. "Excuse me," he said stopping her. "Something I can help you find?"
"Umm actually, I was looking for room 408," she answered.
"This floor is off limits," he said, crossing his trunk like arms in front of his barrel of a chest. "How'd you get up here anyway?"
Catlyn laughed. "It may be off limits to people who aren't staying here," she replied. "But I have a room up here. And umm…I came off from the elevator and walked down to my room. You weren't here." By the look he was giving her, she knew he didn't believe her. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, her cell phone rang. "Excuse me," she said clicking it open. "Hello?"
"Cat? Where are you? You should have been here by now," Nick said worriedly.
"I am here. But there is this mountain that won't let me find your room," she said motioning towards the guy standing in front of her.
"Ahh, Tank," he grinned. "I'll be there in a minute," he said hanging up.
Clicking her phone shut, she smiled. "Tank is it?"
"Huh?" he asked looking down at her.
"Nick is on his way," Catlyn smiled at him.
"Tank, quit harassing people," Nick grinned as he walked up.
"Sorry Nick. Gotta watch out for ya. You know how it is," Tank smiled.
"Tank, this is Catlyn Andrews. Her friend Kyndall is the other redhead that will be staying on the floor," Nick introduced them.
"Sorry Catlyn," Tank apologized. "But you seen the craziness that comes when these guys are around."
Catlyn smiled. "No problem. So," she said looking up at Nick. "Got your Nintendo hooked up?" she asked.
Nick's eyes lit up. "But of course. Wanna play?"
Catlyn laughed. "Duh. Why do you think I asked?" she replied as they walked off towards his room.
