Page 3 of Head Over Wheels
I shake my head as I follow her in. “Stop already. That’s never going to happen.”
She looks over her shoulder to reply. “Have you even seen yourself? It’s totally going to happen.”
I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror and think Jess is just being too nice as usual. My long dark locks are in a messy topknot on top of my head. I’m wearing black leggings and a plaid shacket, and I look about six years younger than my current age of twenty-two. Definitely not the image of a sexpot.
Jess grabs my attention. “Ella, you have to try this on!” She’s holding up the tiniest pink bra top I have ever seen.
“No way am I going anywhere in that. Think more coverage, please.”
She pouts at me and continues flipping through hangers. “Hey, what about that creepy guy that was stalking your classes this summer?”
My stomach drops just thinking about it. Elevate allows members to follow each other so they can see when they’re doing classes and send virtual high fives. In June, this one user @Greasemywheels asked to follow me. I allowed it and followed them back as I would for any member.
After that, I noticed him in more and more of my classes, which didn’t set off any alarms at first. But when he began high fiving me continuously, it got a little uncomfortable, so I started to ignore it. Then I realized he was joining all the classes I was in, which since they were virtual wasn’t a huge deal, but still made me feel threatened. My gut churns, remembering how it felt every time I joined a class and he would show up two minutes into it. When the incessant pushy direct messages started, that was too much.
“I ended up blocking him on Elevate and I haven’t heard from him since. Thankfully.” My hand goes to my stomach, trying to press away the stress.
Jess’ mouth is frowning. “That was super scary. I’m so sorry that happened to you. I hope he doesn’t show up at this thing.”
I shake my head. “There were so few members who made the cut for this event. I’m pretty sure there’s no way we both made it in. And he wouldn’t know it was me even if he was there as he doesn’t know what I look like.”
“Either way, keep your eyes open just in case, and watch out for any creepers.” She stares at me until I nod.
“Yeah, I’ll be careful, I promise.”
She holds my gaze, then nods and goes back to browsing through the rack, pulling things out for me to try on. After a few more minutes, I’m carrying a stack of tank tops to the change room. I do a little fashion show for both Jess and our salesperson. They both keep rooting for the most revealing ones, and I push back. I don’t want to be uncomfortable in the classes, worried about a wardrobe malfunction. I’m going to be nervous enough as it is. I finally decide on a really cute mint green tank that emphasizes my green eyes. I match it with a pair of small grey running shorts which will work well if I do any cardio or strength classes.
“Thanks for coming with me, Jess. This is the last piece of my wardrobe for the weekend. Now I just need to pack it all into my carry-on for Friday.”
When we leave the store, she pulls me into her arms and squeezes tight. “Have the best time, Ella! And call me when that cutie instructor asks for your number.”
Laughing at her, I pull back. “You’re too much. I’ll text you often, I promise. I still can’t believe I get to go to this thing. The only thing that would be better would be if you were coming too.”
She punches me playfully in the arm. “You know what? You’ll have more fun without me. I’d only be holding you back since I don’t know any of the inside lingo. But remember, you can call me or text me anytime. I’ll be your lifeline, I promise.”
“Thank you.” I pull her in again for a quick hug and then walk back to my car, thinking of everything I still have to do before Friday.
CHAPTER 3
It’s Friday morning, and I’m finally here! Pushing open the doors to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, I marvel at just how convenient the train was this morning, considering the station is attached to the hotel. I didn’t even have to brave the snowy streets outside. I will later, of course, when I go to the meet and greet at the studio this afternoon, but I’m happy to delay that for as long as possible.
The hotel is gorgeous, with an old school vibe that brings to mind The Great Gatsby and Titanic. High, arched ceilings and lots of gold trim make me excited to see my room. It’s decorated for the holiday season, with Christmas trees twinkling in reds and golds and matching garlands flowing on the walls. I cheer inwardly when I notice some menorahs interspersed, showing off their blue and gold colours.
Thankfully, I’m early and there’s no line up yet. The hotel attendant tells me they have my room ready and slides my key with Wi-Fi instructions over the counter. She asks if I need help with my bag, but I tell her I’m fine and make my way towards the elevators. I press the up button and take a quick look at my phone. I hear someone come up behind me but I really want to finish watching this TikTok so I ignore their presence. When the doors open in front of me, I walk in, and press my floor number. I keep my eyes down on my phone, while the other person chooses their floor.
Once it starts to move, I sneak a look up to see who I’m sharing the car with. Oh my gosh, it can’t be. Tall and lean, looking down at his own phone, Jace Altman stands right in front of me. I’m squealing so loudly on the inside that I barely register when the elevator makes a loud grinding noise and then stops with a jerk. I immediately look up at the floor number, and it’s just flashing EE. I look over at the buttons to see if there is an equivalent, but the usual numbers stare back at me.
“Huh, this doesn’t look promising.”
His deep, rumbly voice startles me. He’s staring at the panel in front of him, but he’s got to be talking to me since we’re the only two in here.
“Maybe if we just give it a few seconds it’ll come back on?” None of the panel’s lights are flashing; it’s all dark.
“I wonder what happens if we press the Lobby button.” His finger presses on the L, and I hold my breath expectantly, but then whoosh it out when nothing happens.
That seems to open a floodgate, and we both start hitting all the buttons to see if anything causes the elevator to jump back into action. Like the first time, the elevator remains unchanged.
“I guess we need to call for help.” Jace scans the buttons until he finds the help one and presses down. I jump when a buzzing sound erupts from the speaker.