Chapter 4 C4: Friendship At First Sight

"If you have more queries, just knock on my door. Or you can ask my daughter Amy later. She's actually the one managing the negotiations with the tenants. I'm only the owner," she said, smiling widely at me.

Offering my hand to Mrs. Jones for a handshake. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Jones."

"No problem, dearie. I like your brunette hair, by the way." A motherly grin was plastered on her thin lips, and she stroked a finger in my hair.

She's truly a lovely old woman. Amy, though I haven't met her yet, must be lucky to have a sweet mother like Mrs. Jones. A warm feeling shot through my chest.

"I will leave you two now. Would you like some help regarding your luggage? I can send my husband to help you, dearie." She offered, fervently.

"Uhmm... It's okay, Mrs. Jones. My friend Simon and I can take care of it. Besides, my stuff was not that much. Thank you for the offer."

She nodded and headed to the door. "Very well, I will leave you two now. Here's your key," she said, handing it to me. "Amy knows you'll be here. I'm confident that you both will get along well with one another."

I grinned. "I'm excited about meeting her."

She smiled and then waved goodbye before heading to the stairs. Simon, as a gentle young man, made sure that Mrs. Jones would be safe going down, so he walked out first before the sweet old lady.

While I took a second look at my flat. I walked towards the window.

I sighed in relief as the flames were licking at the sky, mingling with the red glow of the sinking sun.

I love sunsets...

As the sun dips toward the horizon, it paints the sky with shades of fiery orange, soft pinks, and deep purples. Silhouettes of the cityscape stand stark against the vibrant backdrop. It's a moment of serene beauty, a daily reminder of nature's splendor.

A smile of satisfaction spread across my face.

Starting a new chapter of my life feels like stepping into the unknown-exciting, yet daunting. It's a fresh start, a blank canvas where I can redefine myself, set new goals, and chase different dreams. I'm standing at the cusp of change, ready to embrace new challenges, opportunities, and adventures.

Memories flooded through me. I remember when I was attending college in South Wales. To fund my schooling until graduation, I decided to become a working student. While studying Hotel and Hospitality Management, I applied for a part-time job in a hotel near my school. I have also entered the virtual job world. In my leisure time, I work as a freelance virtual assistant.

I don't exactly know how I made it, how I managed my time between attending college and working two jobs almost every day. I was so proud of myself for being an independent woman, especially the day when I wore my graduation cap. After graduation, I attended my training at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

It was a wonderful experience. Working alongside managers and directors, taught me how to deepen my understanding of the importance of interacting with other people from different countries. It might be fast-paced, demanding, and sometimes stressful, but it also comes with a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you see happy, satisfied guests.

After five years working in Wales, I thought maybe what if I tried my luck here in London. Besides, I have saved enough money for over five years, since I've only been buying my needs rather than my wants. Also, I prefer buying stuff in thrift stores than in more expensive shops.

Who would have thought that a runaway daughter of a businessman managed to live on her own?

I was ripped from my thoughts when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to see Simon pushing my two large-sized suitcases and two duffel bags.

"Thank you, Simon." I said, grinning at him.

"Scratched that grin. It's annoying."

My grin widened even more, now combined with batting eyelashes and clasped hands.

He hissed and rolled his eyes.

I shook my head and walked towards the kitchen to explore the details of the design. The kitchen, for me, is the second-best part of a house. The first one is the bedroom, of course.

He slumped his derrière onto the sofa and released a heavy sigh.

"What do you think?" I asked.

He looked at me with bored eyes. "Fine."

My shoulders dropped. "Fine? That's it? Just fine?" I cocked my head, and then I pulled myself up the kitchen counter to sit, legs swinging.

"Acceptable."

A moment of silence erupted between us.

"Tsk." Jumping off the counter, I marched towards him. "Look, I know, and I appreciate you for being worried about me since I'm your best friend."

"Don't flatter yourself. I just realized seconds ago that I am more worried about the people you're going to meet."

"Ha.ha.ha. Good one." I gave him an annoying look and stomped on his foot.

"Aw!"

"I hate you." Sending him a deadly glare.

"The feeling is mutual."

"You-"

We were interrupted by several knocks on the door. Without hesitation, I immediately ran and opened it, only to see a bright-smiling woman with long black hair. And by the looks of her, she seems around my age.

"Hi!" She waved a friendly greeting at me. That's when I noticed she had braces. I also observed her not-so visible freckles on her nose and cheeks. And I admit, she's pretty and.....cute.

Ripping the awkwardness in the air, I waved back at her.

"Hello-"

Before I could even finish that single word, she dashed inside my flat with a cheerful expression on her small face.

Confused, I followed her. "Uhmm I'm sorry. Who are you?"

She turned to me and with a swift, she stood in front of me. A broad smile plastered on her lips.

"I'm Amy. Yesterday, my mother told me we're getting a new neighbor, and I couldn't help but feel thrilled," she expressed with a bright smile.

Oh.

"Yes, your kind mother mentioned it to me. I'm Fleur, by the way," I said, giving her a warm smile.

"I know."

Huh?

She snatched my hand and shook it, but she didn't let go. "Nice to meet you Fleur! I'm so excited. I hope we're going to be good friends!"

Her bubbly character reminds me of my little sister, Adaira, igniting a warm feeling in my heart.

How nice.

"N-nice to meet you too, Amy," I said, squeezing her hand gently.

Letting go of my hand, she then twirled a strand of my hair with her finger. "You look absolutely stunning. I want to learn more about you if that's okay with you," she enthused. Her entire set of teeth is visible.

"Fleur? What's going on over here?"

Amy and I simultaneously turned our heads toward Simon, who had appeared out of nowhere. An utter silence fell, well not exactly on me but...

"H-hi," Amy stuttered upon seeing Simon.

I slowly shut my lips to suppress a laugh at the way Amy was looking at my best friend. This is going to be fun, my mind said.

Simon squinted at the expression on my face, oblivious to Amy's gaze upon him.

Gaping in awe, Amy turned to me. "Is he your boyfriend, Fleur?"

Pretending to be surprised, I shook my head firmly. "Oh, no. He's my best friend, Simon. Isn't he cute?"

Simon's gaze narrowed further before he glanced at Amy, his expression gradually easing into calmness.

Amy glanced at him again, her eyes gleaming. "Y-yes, he is." She raised her hand to my confused best friend. "I'm Amy, daughter of the homeowner and Fleur's neighbor."

Simon awkwardly smiled and accepted her handshake. "N-nice meeting you Amy. I'm Simon."

"You look dashing, Simon." Amy gleamed at him, giving him puppy eyes.

I stifled my laughter to avoid adding to the awkwardness already in the air.

"T-thank you." Those words almost didn't come out of his mouth.

"Are you going to stay here too?" Amy inquired.

Great, she totally forgot about me.

The corner of Simon's lip quirked up. "No, I just assisted Fleur in moving here with her belongings. I'll leave later on."

And here I am, fighting my inner self not to burst out in laughter. I bit my lower lip at the sight. Amy suddenly swooned over my puzzled best friend while the latter was keeping his polite posture.

Feeling a bit sympathetic towards him, I made my way to interrupt them.

"So, Amy, your mother told us that you designed the interior of this whole building. You're fantastic!" I exclaimed, casting a sideways glance at Simon.

We headed to the living room, and while Amy and I explored my new home. Clasping her hand, she grinned at me.

Simon returned to his seat silently.

"Yes, that is right. Do you like it?" Amy asked, grinning.

"Believe me. I loved it!" I beamed at her.

Her grin widened even more. "Thank you! The Victorian era really captivated me, so I decided to keep some of its design. My great-great-grandfather actually bought this property and used it as a restaurant during their time. My great-grandfather soon transformed it into an apartment, but since most of the family members did not stay here in London for long at the time, he gave it to my mother, and I am currently assisting her with the renovation. I took on the task of designing the interior."

"Wow, so this is how the place has evolved over the years," I remarked, nodding in fascination.

"Indeed. This location has garnered the interest of numerous businessmen including the owner of the new luxurious hotel that I am currently working as an interior designer. They've approached my mother with offers to purchase the property, but she has declined. This has sentimental significance for my mother."

"New luxurious hotel?" The idea that a new hotel would be opening made my eyes dart.

"Yes."

Oh yes! This is my chance to have a job!

"Do they still have openings? I have five years of hotel work experience, so I might be able to apply for a job. Can you help me?"

Amy gaped in surprise. "Really? That's wonderful. Perhaps I can help you. The HR Manager is a friend of mine. I'll inquire later if there are any openings."

"Thank you, Amy!"