Exiled (AmBw)

Chapter 2

Layla: "Oh, Thanks. No, not anymore," I responded to him, slightly shocked by his English.

"Oh, that's too bad. you're good." He complimented me. "By the way, my name's Sato." he said, putting out his hand for me to shake it.

Layla: "I'm Layla." I said, shaking his hand.

Sato: "It's nice to meet you."

Layla: "It's nice to meet you too." I paused before speaking again. "Your accent. Where are you from?" I said, sensing a familiar accent in the way he talked.

Sato: "The Bronx," he said, smiling. "What about you?"

Layla: "Queens." I smiled.

Sato: "My lady," he said, then dramatically bowed as if I was royalty.

I laughed.

Sato: "How long are you here for?" He asked.

Layla: "I'm here for two weeks on a business trip. I actually should be at my hotel preparing for my meetings, but that's only if this rain will let up and if I can find my hotel in time to check-in.

Sato: "If you're lost, why don't you just google it?" He questioned.

Layla: "I wish, but my phone got smashed, compliments of a taxi driver this morning."

Sato: "Oh damn, You're having all the best luck today, huh?" he said sarcastically.

Layla: "Yeah, I am. You want some?" I said, matching his sarcasm as I playfully stepped closer.

Sato: "Nah, I'm good." he said, stepping away from me. "What's the name of your hotel?"

Layla: "Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel."

Sato: "Oh, really! That's literally five minutes that way." he said, pointing to my right.

Layla: "WHAT? REALLY?" I said excitedly.

Sato: " Yeah, it's two blocks down and to your right." he said, giving me some quick directions. "Do you see that greyish white building, right there?" he said, turning me around to see what building he was pointing at, "That's your hotel."

Layla: "REALLY?" I said, whipping around to face him.

He nodded.

Layla: "Oh my god! Thank you!" I said, hugging him.

Sato: "You're welcome." He giggled. "You should go before you're late for checking in."

Thankfully the rain died down substantially so I would be able to get to my hotel without being completely drenched by the time I get there.

Layla: "Thank you." I said, bowing to him, then I grabbed my stuff and hurried away. After crossing the road, I looked back and waved goodbye to Sato.

'Maybe my luck is changing for the best,' I thought to myself, making my way to the hotel.

'I made it.' I thought, relieved when I looked at my watch, 6:51 pm. Before I entered, I shook off as much rain as I could off of me and my stuff. "There's no need to flood the lobby." I thought, making sure I wasn't too wet. I entered and was taken back, star-struck, the lobby was beautiful. While walking to the front desk, I gawked at every brightly polished and intricate thing in it. After making eye contact with one of the employees, before speaking, I caught a glance at her nametag. YAMADA CHISATO.

Chisato: "Hello, welcome to Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel. We are happy to have you. How can I help you?" The pleasant front desk associate greeted me.