Chapter 423 Going Alone to Emerald Isle City
Early the next morning, both of them set alarms to wake up early.
Willow's flight was around eight, so she got up leisurely to get dressed, while Danielle had already finished washing up and rushed out the door.
"Willow, I won't be able to take you to the airport. Safe travels. We still need to go on that trip when we're less busy." With that, she dashed off like the wind.
Willow had started trying her hand at scriptwriting, so she was busier than before. She was getting tired of the work on set and the planning she'd been doing for so long and wanted to try something new.
Back in middle school, she loved reading young adult novels and even tried writing a school story to share with her close friends. But that was so long ago that the manuscript had been lost. Now, picking up the pen again and rediscovering her passion, she felt quite motivated. Who knew, she might become a big-time screenwriter someday.
After Danielle left, Willow finished packing and washing up, grabbed her suitcase, and headed out. She had breakfast downstairs and then took a cab to the airport.
While waiting in the departure lounge, her college friends' group chat started buzzing. Lisa posted a few of Amanda's makeup test photos, and everyone began chatting excitedly.
Lisa, who had flown in from abroad, was the first to arrive in Emerald Isle City because she had booked her ticket to arrive the day before and had already met up with Amanda.
Karen, who lived nearby, was driving and was already on her way.
Willow took a selfie in the departure lounge and posted it in the group chat, along with a message.
Willow: [At the airport now, boarding in half an hour.]
Lisa: [Hurry up, we're all waiting for you. Karen just called and said she'll be there in half an hour. By the way, the bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous.]
Amanda: [Willow, what time is your flight? I'll send someone to pick you up.]
Willow: [Don't worry about me. I'll just take a cab to the hotel. No need to pick me up.]
Amanda: [Alright.]
Having known each other for years, they didn't stand on ceremony; everything was straightforward.
Before boarding, Willow opened her chat with Mitchell on Facebook.
The conversation was still on her 'Good night' message from the previous evening, which Mitchell hadn't replied to.
Willow knew he would be very busy this time and that there was a time difference, so she didn't think much of it. She just sent him another message before boarding.
Willow: [Mitchell, I'm about to board. I'll turn off my phone soon. I'll contact you when I land safely in Emerald Isle City.]
After the message was sent, she grabbed her small suitcase and boarded the plane.
Mitchell had booked her a first-class ticket, and during the two-hour flight, she managed to get some sleep. After landing, she made a point to freshen up in the restroom before taking a cab to the hotel.
The airport was about an hour's drive from the hotel where Amanda's wedding was being held.
It was Willow's first time in Emerald Isle City, and as she sat in the cab, looking at the unfamiliar buildings and surroundings, she clenched her fists tightly.
The cab driver was a very enthusiastic guy who spent the entire ride introducing her to the sights, food, and fun activities in Emerald Isle City. His enthusiasm completely dispelled Willow's initial nervousness. When she got out of the cab, she thanked him with a big smile. The driver waved her off and drove away.
At the hotel, Willow mentioned the bride's name at the front desk.
The receptionist, with a bright smile, quickly checked her in.
It was only after landing that Willow saw Amanda's message in the group chat, saying that the hotel rooms were already booked.
Lisa and Karen would share one room, and Willow would share another with her boyfriend. All she had to do was mention Amanda's name at the front desk to check in.
Willow initially thought about canceling her room and squeezing in with Lisa and Karen, but the receptionist, still smiling, informed her that it had already been paid for. So, she checked in, deciding to give Amanda a gift as a thank-you.
She took her room key and went to her room. Checking her phone, she saw that Mitchell still hadn't replied to her messages.
'He must be really busy,' she sighed softly.
She sent another message on Facebook,
Willow: [Mitchell, I've arrived at the hotel.]
She expected this message to go unanswered like the previous ones, but to her surprise, her phone rang almost immediately. The screen displayed the name 'Mitchell.'
She was momentarily stunned, almost in disbelief, even though it had only been one night since they last spoke.
She quickly answered the call, her voice cheerful. "Mitchell."
On the other line, Mitchell couldn't help but smile at her sweet, soft voice. "Did you check in? Which room are you in?"
"Yes, I did. I'm in room 1807. Mitchell, have you been very busy these past two days?" Willow was so excited that she didn't notice why he was asking for her room number.
"Yeah, a bit busy," Mitchell replied in a low, deep voice.
"No wonder you didn't reply to my Facebook messages," Willow muttered softly, then heard him chuckle on the other line.
His laughter made her blush, and she quickly changed the subject. "Mitchell, when will you be done with your work?"
She wondered if Mitchell could finish within a week. If he had to stay for half a month or longer, even after she attended the wedding and stayed a couple more days, they still wouldn't be able to see each other.
"Not sure yet," Mitchell replied gently, with a smile.
The background noise sounded familiar.
"Oh, okay," Willow said, clearly a bit disappointed.
"Then I'll stay in Emerald Isle City for a couple more days after the wedding. I've never been here before." She quickly perked up again, speaking cheerfully.
"Alright," Mitchell responded with a smile. Then, in a low, amused voice, he asked, "Do you miss me?"
His deep, raspy laughter was incredibly sexy and pleasant, making Willow blush even more..
Even though she felt a bit embarrassed, she had to admit she did miss him. She responded softly.
Just then, she heard the doorbell ring. She quickly told Mitchell, "Someone's at the door. I'll go check."
She ran to the door and opened it. When she saw who was standing outside, she froze, forgetting to react. She still held her phone, the call still connected.
Then she heard the same deep, pleasant voice from both her phone and in front of her. "I missed you too."
It was like music to her ears.