Chapter Text
Groggily, I lifted my head and peered at the digital clock through the haze of hair on my face. Ugh. 6:30am and the piercing sound of my ring tone was boring through my brain.
Reaching my hand over to my nightstand, I felt around for my phone. Jeeze, where was that stupid thing? My arms flailed and flopped over the surface of the smooth wood in search of the wailing device. Finally finding it, I fumbled it around in my hand before bringing it to my face.
On the screen, blazing in the dim light was the name of my employer. What could they possible want at this hour? I attempted to clear the roughness in my throat before answering. "Hello?"
"Hey, Sera!" The irritatingly cheery voice of my manager blared through the speaker.
"Do you have ANY idea what time it is?" I gritted my teeth in annoyance. My patience over the irritating person, currently causing the unnecessary disturbance in my sleep, was dangerously wearing thin.
"Oh, no! Did I wake you? I'm so sorry," she chirped in my ear. I couldn't imagine how anyone could be as perky as her this early in the morning.
"Monique, this better be good. It's my day off and..."
"Oh, it is!" She cut me off. "We really could use your help and expertise..." she clattered before I proceeded to cut her off.
"I'm hanging up now," I almost growled.
"NO! Hang on a second. You haven't heard me out," she whined. I let out a gust of air through my nose in annoyance.
"Fine. You have 2 minutes," I grumbled.
In a flurry, Monique began to speed-talk her way through the remainder of her request. "So, we got a call late last night about a VIP coming in today. Apparently there is a movie shooting in town and one of the actors is looking to come in for our services. Jordan was going to take the request..."
Mm. Of course, Jordan would be the first to take the request, I thought to myself as I simultaneously rolled my eyes. Let's just say our clients didn't usually forget Jordan.
"... but this person specifically ASKED for YOU!" Monique finally spit out with a whoosh. Wait... what? Who would've asked for me?
"What? Is it a previous client of mine?" I echoed my thoughts out loud. I've had some VIP clients in the past, and I began to flit through my memory in an attempt to discern the possibilities. A few of them were in the entertainment industry, but I couldn't think of any of them in Toronto for a film right now. Curious.
"No. I don't think so. I honestly don't know who it is, but apparently they were referred here and to you," Monique stated. I guessed I should have been intrigued by that bit of news. I probably would have been if this were shared at a different time. But, it was early, and I was exhausted. The only interest I had at that moment was going back to sleep and forgetting the interruption ever happened.
"Didn't you tell them it was my day off, Mon? Can't they come in tomorrow or something?" I half sighed, half whined.
"Hon, it was the first thing I said. But apparently this is the only day they can come in, what with their shooting schedule and all..." She prattled. It became obvious then that my intentions of returning to a fitful slumber were shattered to smithereens.
"Fiiine!" I huffed. "I'll come in. What time do I need to be there?"
"10am! You are the greatest..." she started to say. I didn't stay on long enough to hear the rest, however.
"You owe me," I bit out and ended the call.
I turned over on my back and stared at the ceiling. This was supposed to be the first day off I had in weeks. The annoyance and disappointment radiated from my entire being. Ugh! Who the hell IS this person?
Sighing and without another thought, I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed and into the shower.
Stepping outside, the cool, crisp, winter air assaulted my senses as I began my walk to the bus stop. I had a car, but figured the fresh air and exercise would do me some good. Luckily, I timed the exit from my apartment just right, as I arrived at the stop at the same time as the bus. Boarding the bus rather mechanically, I found a seat near the back. It was relatively empty, and I was able to place my bag on the seat next to me. Lost in my thoughts, I stared out the window listening to the low melodies being piped through my ear buds.
I really hoped the shift would progress swiftly. I was genuinely looking forward to the day off before those plans became moot.
I've worked at the Valhalla Day Spa in Toronto for the past 3 years. Not really sure with what I wanted to do after college, I decided to work at my local day spa back home in upstate New York. It was all fine, dandy, and just plain ordinary. Until the humdrum of every day life and some other personal sagas got to be too much, and convinced me to move as far away from there as possible. I could fill up an entire library of text reminiscing about that horrendous time in my life. But I typically didn't bother, and I wouldn't now.
My history before Toronto was in the past where it belonged.
Why Toronto? I recalled many people asking me. It just so happened that I was always fond of the area; well at least since college. We would take mini weekend trips to Toronto back then, as it was a reasonable drive. And most importantly, the drinking and gambling age was much lower in Canada, at 19 compared to 21 in the States. Yes, our priorities were clearly defined in college. Ha!
I had really liked it up there, so when I was looking to relocate, Toronto became an easy choice. Once I made the decision to move, it was not a difficult transition. Just packed up what little possessions I had and made the move over a weekend. Family and friends be damned.
The bus decelerated suddenly enough that I lurched forward, snapping out of my daydream. I realized then that I had arrived at my stop. The spa was located right in the heart of the city, which was something I had absolutely loved. Making my way to the front to disembark, I felt the cold air assault my lungs immediately and even through the initial burn, it was refreshing.
The tall buildings glinted in the sunlight as I ambled across the sidewalk toward my destination. I walked through the revolving doors of the shiny, silver building, breezed by the registration desk and waved to Charlie, the security guard. I sprinted and barely made the elevator, but before the doors could close, a kind samaritan held it open for me. Relieved, I pressed the button for my floor and stepped back to lean against the wall, giving the stranger a warm smile in thanks.
Once we reached my floor, I exited swiftly. With a huff, I opened the left side of the frosted-glass double doors and immediately got bombarded by Samson. "Gurrrrl, I hear you are working our VIP Quarters today," he quipped sardonically with a snap of his fingers and telling smirk.
"Bite me, Samson," I all but snarled.
Ignoring his chuckle in response, I proceeded to the back staff area. Heading toward the locker rooms, I neared Monique's office with dread. Hoping to avoid detection, I hurried past only to hear my name being shouted behind the half-opened door.
Rolling my eyes dramatically, I turned and dragged myself toward her desk. "Yes, Monique?" I said petulantly with my arms folded across my chest.
"Sera, I got a call a little while ago and confirmed your VIP's appointment. I've had Samson prepare the VIP Quarters for you so everything for the session should be there already. I've also cleared out the appointments in the back rooms for the remainder of the morning, so that our guest has complete privacy," Monique finished by looking up from the stack of papers on her desk.
"Wow. OK," I breathed.
My thoughts wandered back to ascertaining who this person actually was. I hadn't really thought too much about it until just then. It had to be someone within the realm of fame that I, and perhaps even the spa, had never experienced before. We usually didn't go through this much trouble even for our most prestigious VIPs.
"Mon..." I started, but got interrupted.
"Before you ask, I still have no idea," she remarked while holding up her hand. She paused briefly only to begin again. "But, I DO know that a Guillermo Del Toro movie is filming here right now. And... it's got an all-star cast," she finished with a wink.
At that moment my heart stopped. I must've looked like a bewildered fish right then with my eyes bugging out of my head and puckered lips opening and closing in rapid succession. I shook my head and finally regained some brain function before blurting out the first random thought that came to mind. "OK, so you said everything is already set up in the room?" I blinked.
"Sera. You're not even going to try to figure out who it is?" She looked at me in awe.
I deliberated internally for a second before responding. "Honestly? What difference does it make? It will only freak me out. And then, what if my guess is wrong and I freaked myself out for nothing? It's better if I pretend this is just a normal client and focus on getting in the zone." I looked at Monique in earnest trying to convince her of the truth in my statement, but subconsciously I knew it was more to convince myself.
Not really wanting to spend any more time in that office or with that train of thought, I whirled around and swiftly walked away. "Thanks, Mon. I'll see you later." I shouted over my shoulder as I headed toward the VIP Quarters. This day was already turning out much stranger than I had anticipated. If I was going to make it through this work shift at all, I needed to throw myself into mindless tasks and quickly, before I became riddled with anxiety.
The entire back half of the floor we occupied in the building housed the VIP Quarters, an area completely cut off from the rest of the establishment. The VIP Quarters at Valhalla Spa had its own massage room, locker room, showers and sauna. And, the VIP massage room was the biggest and most luxurious room in the entire spa. We reserved it strictly for special clients and hardly ever used it regularly.
As I reached the massage room, I noticed the door had been left open. I walked in and turned on the light. It had been quite some time since I had been back there. We hadn't had a VIP client, that I massaged at least, in a long while. The room was filled with lush plants and flowers, which gave it a tranquil feel. The walls were painted in a neutral color and mostly bare, save for a couple Eastern inspired paintings and sculptures scattered about. In the corner by the entrance, sat a massive Buddha statue on a rock formation, surrounded by a pool of water. A waterfall cascaded down the statue, over the rocks and into the pool creating a calming atmosphere.
By far the best thing about the room, however, was the floor to ceiling windows on the back wall. They were a tinted, privacy glass that provided the perfect amount of dim lighting while preventing prying eyes looking in from the outside. The view was remarkable and always blew our clients away when they first walked in.
I glanced where the supply cart sat in the corner and saw it full of my supplies. In the middle of the room, I noticed all of my linens had been freshly arranged on the large bed/table, and the sheets were turned down on the one side. I had to remember to thank Samson later. He truly had cut my work down in half.
Lying on top of the cart was the reservation questionnaire sheet, and I picked it up before I could stop myself. Looking it over, I saw the general information about the appointment.
90 minute deep tissue massage and hot stone therapy
Male subject, early to mid-30s, no known allergies or skin sensitivities
Well, that certainly didn't narrow it down, I thought to myself. Yet it immediately sparked the memory of what Monique mentioned earlier regarding the Del Toro movie filming here. When I first heard about it a few months ago, I had lost my mind. Two of the most amazing male actors were going to be in the vicinity! I absolutely loved Charlie Hunnam in Pacific Rim, such a great actor and very easy on the eyes.
The other person I couldn't even think about without getting flushed all over from excitement. Tom Hiddleston. What could I say about him that millions of other people the world over didn't already say? He was absolutely gorgeous, inside and out and was spectacularly talented. I'd been following his career pretty closely since Thor, when I first discovered his existence. I was essentially a pretty big fan of his as it were.
So, when I had heard these amazing actors would be shooting in Toronto, naturally, I mildly freaked out. Well, maybe mildly was putting it... well, mildly. My friends thought my head would explode from exhilaration. I was convinced I would go on set and try to get an autograph or perhaps even a picture with them. I mean, why not? They were going to be right here! But when the time came, I was too afraid and psyched myself out. I figured keeping these idols of mine in my head versus meeting them in real life was probably for the best. After all, what the heck would I have even said to them? I'd probably just make a giant ass out of myself. Yep, it was better to have stayed away and holding on to some of my dignity, than to have gone and acted a fool.
A gentle knock roused me from my thoughts. "You alright, sissy?" Samson peered his head into the room. I glanced up from the sheet of paper and smiled at him.
"Yeah, sure. Thanks for setting up the room for me by the way." My smile turned into a wide grin.
Samson had been one of the first people I met at Valhalla Spa, and he quickly took me under his wing. He could be a giant pain most of the time, but I couldn't help but love the guy. He was a wonderful and true friend.
"Oh, please. You know I'd do anything for you," he crooned. "Plus, I know you'll make it up to me." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Will I now?" I teased.
"You know it, babe. So, I'm heading over to the locker room. You coming?" He nodded toward the hallway.
I looked down at my watch and noticed the time was already 9:15. "Sure, let's go. I need to get ready." We linked arms and lazily made our way to toward the locker rooms.
"Sooo, how are the nerves?" Samson looked down at me with concern in his eyes.
"I'm actually... OK. I've been trying not to think about it too much." I glanced up briefly.
"Why do I think that's a lie?" He said ruefully. I absolutely hated how clairvoyant Samson could be sometimes.
"No, really. I haven't put a lot of thought into it. I honestly can't. I have to try to keep myself calm throughout this, Sams. I can't psych myself out," I replied blearily. If anyone understood my anxiety issues, it was Samson.
"Don't worry, doll. You can do this. You'll be fine. And if you need any assistance, just dial Sam11," he chuckled.
"Speaking of which..." I began. We entered the locker room and separated into our respective sides. "You better not barge in like you did the last time I had a high profile client," I yelled over the partition. All I heard in response was more chuckling. "I mean it, Samson!" I hollered loudly.
"Alright, Alright. I won't suddenly run out of oil during my session this time!" He shouted loud enough for me to hear while laughing. Did I mention how irritating the man could be?
I meandered over to my locker and took out my uniform. All Valhalla Spa employees were required to either wear a pair of black logo'd scrubs or a black lab jacket over their regular clothes. I usually preferred the scrubs on days I didn't know what to wear as it was much easier and today was no different.
I quickly changed into the scrubs and tied the laces on my black Nike sneakers. Grabbing my make-up bag out of my locker, I went to stand in front of the large vanity in the back corner. Normally, I would have skipped the make-up, but since I had some time this morning, I decided to indulge myself a bit. I put on some eyeliner and mascara, a quick dusting of blush paired with a light, neutral colored lip-gloss.
I proceeded to gather my long, auburn locks into a loose bun, leaving some stray strands framing my face. I grabbed my thick-framed glasses and put them back on as I took one final scan of myself in the mirror. Pleased with my reflection, I turned around and locked the rest of my personal items in the locker and headed back to the VIP Room.
A glance at my watch indicated it was now 15 minutes before my appointment. I still needed to prepare a few things in the room beforehand, like set up the supplies, turn the hot stone oven on, and light candles for ambience. It was fortuitous that I could busy myself, since more mindless work would keep my mind occupied and less prone to succumb to anxiety.
My tasks completed just in time as the intercom chimed lowly in the room. I walked over and pressed the large button to speak. "Yes?" I said into the receiver.
"Your 10 o'clock appointment is here, Ms. Sera. He is ready and waiting in the VIP Relaxation Lounge," Cordelia our quirky receptionist, and friend, chirped.
"Here goes nothing," I murmured to myself.
"I'll be right there. Thank you, Cordy." I almost squeaked into the intercom. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and quickly took in another deep one before letting that out very slowly as well.
"You can do this, Sera," I said to myself, while simultaneously wishing that this client turned out to be anyone other than the two options floating through my mind earlier. I chased the thought away as fast as it came and tried to focus on my steps toward the lounge. "There isn't anything you can do to change it now anyway," I muttered to no one in particular.
I finally reached the double doors to the lounge and swung them open with a flourish.
There, sitting on the circular sofa seat in only a robe, was my 10 o'clock.