CHAPTER SEVEN

Elena

I step off the plane completely awestruck. The airport is near the coast. I can see the ocean. It's breathtaking. I'm supposed to meet with someone from the club. I'm here for a trial period. If I pass the trainee program, I will be given a permanent position. I will start at the bottom, but I've decided to work my way to the top. And once I am on top, I will make a good life for myself.

"Busco Elena Estrada."

I turn and find a striking young man holding a white sign, with my name on it. I wave and approach, pulling my small bag behind me.

"Hola!" he says, putting out his hand for a shake. "Welcome, how was your flight?"

"There was some turbulence," I reply, laughing nervously. "But it was good. You speak English?"

"It's a requirement. I'm Joel Santiago; I work beneath Señor Mendez as an assistant. Is this all you've brought?"

Joel is tall, tan and as I observed before, strikingly handsome. His green eyes are bright and friendly. His hair reminds me of sand. And from the looks of his face, he must be nearing thirty, or passed that. And he's wearing a suit. A really nice, navy blue suit.

"I have one more large suitcase," I say with a smile as he takes my carryon. "And you don't have to get that."

"I was instructed to treat you as a guest. Once you start the trainee program, you will become my equal."

"Seems fair."

Joel flashes a pleasant smile and leads the way to the baggage claim. I point out my luggage and Joel grabs it without complaint. I am not opposed to chivalry, I'm just not used to it. I never let Aiden do anything for me other than open a door. Then again, he was not the chivalrous type.

"Is the club nearby?" I ask as we make our way for the exit and the parking lot.

"Very near," Joel replies, reaching into his pocket for a set of keys. "We could walk there, but not with your luggage. Besides, the complex where you will live is a little further than the club."

If that is the case, I will need a vehicle, or find a schedule for public transportation. I don't have a phone right now. I will have to find an internet source for any sort of communication until I get my life back together.

"Here we are," Joel stops behind a shiny, black Escalade. "I'll just put your things here."

I stand to the side while he places my luggage into the trunk.

"Your English is amazing," I say, smiling.

"Thank you. I studied and practice hard. I was told you are coming from Texas, yes?"

"Yes, but I'm originally from Costa Rica."

Joel smiles and shuts the trunk. He then leads me to the passenger's' side of the SUV and opens the door for me. I thank him and get in.

***

Joel has been very hospitable, making me feel comfortable and welcome. When we arrive at the apartment complex, I notice there are many people in the parking lot. All wearing similar uniform, or clothes with the same logo on them.

"They are all employees of Señor Mendez," Joel tells me as he pulls into an empty spot. "He owns this building."

I blink. My possible new boss owns the building I will live in while I work for him.

"When would I meet with Mr. Mendez?" I ask, removing my seatbelt.

"Possibly during your second day," he replies, turning off the engine. "He's a busy man, but he always makes time to check on those who work for him."

I nod, impressed. We get out and Joel is quick to get my luggage. Many of the people coming and going from the building greet him as we enter. The lobby is beautiful, it almost remind me of a hotel. Because there is actually a desk and a receptionist. The walls are salmon color, the floors are carpeted, and there are colored photographs on every wall. There must be some automatic air-fresheners, because the air smells of vanilla.

"Hola Carol," Joel says as we approach the desk. "Tengo a Elena Estrada conmigo. Necesitamos sus llaves."

"Bienvenida, Elena!" she says, offering me a smile and moving to a large key box on the wall behind her. "Okay, Elena . . . Aqui!"

She takes a keyring, and I see there are at least fifty key hooks. Carol, hands me the keyring and wishes me a good day. I like that.

"The point is for the employees to feel as if they are staying at a hotel," Joel explains as we head for an elevator. "Mr. Mendez is very specific in what he expects."

"Wow," I say, stepping in beside him. "That's really clever. Keeping his employees happy, as well as his club guests."

"Yes, Mr. Mendez is a great businessman."

Joel proceeds to tell me how Mr. Mendez started, but I'm only half listening. The elevator is glass. I'm looking out on the city. It's beautiful. I get to live here? The elevator stops on the fifth floor, and Joel steps off. I follow him down the hall. The doorways to each apartment are spread apart. How large are they?

"This is you," Joel says, stopping at a door with the number E-5 on a gold plate.

He shows me the key to open the door and I put it in the lock. I swing the door open and once again, I'm awestruck. The apartment is very spacious. Cream walls, matching furniture set, elegant artwork. It's very modern, but so unlike anything I've ever seen. Again, like a hotel. The living room opens to a small dining area. The table is small, but will fit four people. Behind that is a set of large glass doors. They open to a large balcony with the same view I saw from the elevator. I cannot see the kitchen yet, because there is a wall the separates it from the door and the living room. Between the living and dining rooms, the wall opens to a medium-sized hallway; I assume it leads to the bedroom.

"This is not an apartment," I say, shaking my head as I face Joel. "Esta es una suite de hotel!"

Joel chuckles, "Verdad que si!" he says, nodding. "So, unless you would like me to show you around, I have to get back to the office in the club."

"Oh, no. I'm sure I can find where everything is. I will have to get groceries, or find a place for dinner."

"If you like, you can join me. Employees eat free."

I stare at him, my mouth dropping to the floor. Things just keep getting better.

"That's very nice for you to offer," I say. "I really need to get settled. I'm weary from the flight and layovers."

"That's fine," Joel replies with genuine understanding. "Feel free to ask anyone in the building for directions or suggestions. Have my card-" he reaches into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulls out a business card. "There is a phone set up here that you can use. My personal cell phone is there if you wish to speak to me directly, as well as my work line."

"Thank you," I look at the card briefly before giving him a smile.

Joel flashes a smile and turns to leave, closing the door behind him. I then look around the room again, completely astounded. I hope I do well in the trainee program. It would be such a shame to have to leave here.

***

I'm sitting on my lovely milk-chocolate colored sofa with some takeout. I will do a real shopping for some simple meals. Well, mainly breakfast for now. I have no idea what my hours will be like, but I know I will have time to eat the first meal of the day. I am still in shock with this apartment. I have a king-size bed in the bedroom. A king! Not only that, but the room is master-size, with a full bath. A shower and a claw-foot bathtub, with a wrap-around curtain. I haven't stopped taking pictures like a freaking tourist. I can't wait to send them to my family. Especially Jose. He will be so glad to know I am all set.

Now that I know where I'm staying, I want to get my address to Jose. He is going to send my things, if everything works out. I left my laptop. Probably a mistake, but it was necessary. I will be busy with getting used to my new job. I may not have time to slack off until after my position is secure. But it's all good. I have a TV with all the boxes and remotes. Not to mention I am walking distance from a lovely beach I passed when I was getting my dinner. The scent of saltwater was amazing. I can't remember the last time I was near a beach.

My dinner is almost gone when my mind wanders to my last conversation with Dezi. He seemed a bit out of it. Distracted. Which is fine. It's not like I have some sort of claim to him. I just thought he would be more excited for me and this opportunity. And he abruptly ended our conversation. I never felt the need to ask for more information about him before that. But I guess, like what I did with Aiden, I always give him the benefit of the doubt. I always assume things that are not always the case. Maybe I should forget about him. I'm looking for a fresh start anyways. I can meet new people here.