"I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing." 

– William James

Hailey POV

After the eventful morning, I had with Asher, I haven't seen him since I got back to my hotel room, deciding to not accept his offer for dinner, I ate alone in my room and stayed there all day alone with my thoughts.

I like Asher, who wouldn't? He's charming and sweet, not at all what I expected from a very famous guy. After parting ways I cowered away in my hotel room and haven't left since, am I hiding? Possibly.

I know what Asher wants, his body language and gaze when he looks at me had finally clicked it all together while we were out 'window shopping' together.

Asher didn't even need to say anything, what guy would simply go out of their way for someone they hardly met unless they liked them? And I really like that Asher was such a gentleman, he never pushed me or used his charm on me to get what he wanted, I got the feeling he just enjoyed being in my company, which is totally fine when I'm not freaking out from how famous he is.

I had spent most of my day setting up this damn phone he had sneaked off to get me, and he wasn't lying, there was no return receipt in the box, but once I got it up and working I had searched the price for the phone and I almost had a  heart attack, he had also bought me earphones, ones Austin, my ex had so I knew that they were also pricey.

I couldn't accept this, it's just too much to give to someone you just met! And he bought me the dress I had picked up, I had no idea until I went to pay, almost having a full-on freak out when I see the total amount for just two dresses then only learning that he had left his card at the front desk so he could pay.

I'm beyond thankful but this feeling won't go away, I'm not used to people throwing their money so easily on things for people they barely know, I had known guys like this all my life, they always wanted something in return, even the ones that seemed nice.

I had added all my contacts to the new phone, giving up by not returning it, not yet ready to face Asher after being around him all morning, the man is beyond my expectations that being around him is dangerous for my health. So for now, I had saved his number on my brand new phone.

Sending texts to the friends I do have with my new number and to my father, who- shocker, has not replied, there's only one number I have yet to text, Asher Reed.

Asher Reed, born and raised in the South of London. That is all I could bear to read as I googled him, which to me was beyond terrifying, there were thousands upon thousands of articles, youtube videos, and pictures of him with friends, on stage, and with girls.

Girls that any man would dream to be with, supermodels, singers, and actresses, he was pictured with them all, even seen kissing them. I know I shouldn't have googled him, the moment I had seen all these pictures my stomach had dropped, he looked handsome and gorgeous in all of these photos, next to these beautiful women, he looked perfect with each and every one of them, I feel plain compared to these women, almost ugly at the thought of standing next to Asher again.

I should feel flattered that he even looked at me twice, I mean he has millions of fans who would kill for him to even look at them, but I don't, he's someone I could never reach, we are simply two completely different people from two very different worlds, whatever I feel for him is most likely me trying to get over my pain.

A knock at my door makes me climb off my bed and slip into some sandals, I make my way to the door and look through the peephole to see a hotel employee standing outside of my door so I unlock and open the door.

"Good evening Ma'am, sorry to interrupt your stay, but we at The Nines would like to apologize deeply about your first day with us, as an apology, we would like to make the rest of your stay with us free of charge." The man says with a smile then hands me a letter. 

I can do nothing but nod my head as I'm completely speechless, they are paying for the rest of my stay? 

Did I hear that right? "Um, thank you..?" I say, confused.

The man smiles. "If you have any issues please don't hesitate to let us know, enjoy the rest of your vacation Ma'am." He says politely and I blink.

"Oh, thank you, I will- thanks." I say, bewildered.

The hotel employee nods and walks away, I shut my door and stare at the letter in utter confusion, well... that's lucky I guess, now I don't have to worry about my already bank account bleeding more from this vacation.

I want to tell Asher what happened but.. I had yet to even message him after our awkward goodbye this morning, since then I haven't seen or heard from him.

Ugh, screw it, I will never see him again once I leave most likely, I might as well enjoy yourself while I can with someone who is way beyond my reach before we go back to our lives and the real world.

Sucking it up I find his name on my phone and decide to text him, my heart is hammering against my chest and my hands are sweaty, making it difficult to type.

Hailey: Hi Asher it's Hailey Quinn, from the elevator, and this morning

I lean back on the bed and wait for a reply, no doubt he is busy being famous doing famous people stuff, as I wait I decide to check in on Ivan to see how he is doing, today should be his day off so I decided to ring him.

The call comes through almost instantly.

"Ring me one more time and I will find you and serve you on a dish!" Ivan says angrily, catching me by surprise.

"Uh, Ivan? It's Hailey.." 

"Hailey?" He pauses then groans out. "Sorry kid, those god damn sellers keep phoning me and I've just about had it with them! But never mind that, how are you doing kid? Settling in okay?" 

I laugh nervously. "Well.. not quite." 

"What happened? You're not in danger, are you? Hailey?" His worried tone increases. 

I shake my head and laugh. "Nothing like that, I'm actually in Portland right now."

"Portland? What on earth for?"

"Well.. there was an issue with my stuff.. I just couldn't be there in an empty apartment as my whole life falls apart." 

Ivan huffs out. "You can always stay with me kid, my offer will always be there." There's a long pause. "He came by the other day looking for you, was lucky I didn't string him like pasta." He says, angrily.

My phone beeps, I remove the phone from my ear and see that Asher had texted me back, I put the phone back to my ear and sigh. "I'm sorry Ivan, I didn't think he would bother you." I say apologetically.

He snorts. "Nonsense, he knows he is no longer welcome here, just remember we are all waiting for you to come back kid, you're not alone."

"Thank you, Ivan... I don't know what id do without having met you or Ivvy." I take a deep breath. "I need to go, I need to let you enjoy your day off.. but I'll think about it.."

"You are like a daughter to me kid, take care of yourself, and don't forget to text me your number, I can't work these damn phones." He grumbles out, making me laugh and nod my head.

"Got it, bye Ivan"

"Bye kid."

I hang the phone up and take a deep breath, talking to Ivan always did make me feel better, I would be truly lost if it wasn't for him, or his late wife Ivvy taking me on without any experience in the restaurant business.

Wiping my eyes I pull myself together, I can't cry or else I won't know when to stop.

I click on Asher's text with shaky hands and read what he said.

Asher: How could I forget, best turkey sandwich I ever had... how was your day?

I sigh out in relief, happy that he isn't disappointed by turning him down earlier.

Hailey: It was good, I just wanted to say thank you again, for being so nice and for the gifts... it was really generous of you

Asher: Don't mention it. What are you doing tonight? I got dragged into town with my bandmates

I chuckle and reply back.

Hailey: That sounds fun... lol, I'm about to get dressed and go celebrate, something weird happened before I texted you, someone from the hotel came to my room and said they were paying for my hotel fees, because of the incident yesterday! Officially the best impulse vacation ever

Asher: Shit, that's good news love, where you going to celebrate? don't forget ur phone

I laugh at the end of his message and type back quickly so I can get ready.

Hailey: Somewhere they serve wine and pasta! I need to get ready but before I go, thank you again and enjoy your night with your band :)

My phone dings just as I put it down and I see Asher texted me again.

Asher: Have fun, will you text me later?

My heart skips a beat and I text him back with a blush on my face.

Hailey: Sure, speak to you later Asher

Asher: 🎉🍷😎💖

I laugh at his choice of emojis and then click my phone off.

How does he do that? He makes me smile so easily by doing nothing yet when he does make me smile, it feels as if life isn't so bad, I feel less miserable and lonely just from seeing his name written down, but to actually speak to him? I feel like I'm texting with my school crush.

After putting on a little bit of makeup and lipstick, dressed in one of my new dresses from Asher, I make it out to the hotel and to the restaurant in the best mood I have been in since my life turned upside down, I ate a nice plate of mushroom and chicken pasta with a glass of red wine, even though I ate alone, surrounded by couples in love, I didn't feel like running away, instead, I ignored them and ate my food and enjoyed my own company, something I haven't done in a long time.

A big part of me wishes I accepted that dinner with Asher, to just get it over with and have fun before I go back to the real world, after all, soon we won't see each other again, I might as well enjoy myself, right?

Asher is the perfect distraction, since meeting him I have laughed, smiled, and not had a single nightmare that relives that day for me, it's been completely unexpected, I had run away to get away from a boy to end up crushing over a man.

I can only laugh at myself.

But this time it's different, I know he won't break my heart, we will go our separate ways and that will be the end of our.. relationship.. or whatever you would call this? I don't even know, are we friends? What even are we, I don't even have to worry about it, this is just simply a harmless attraction I have for him, it's completely harmless.

After all, he has millions of girls who probably feel the same way, right?

I don't want to think about it, if I start thinking about Asher with other girls, I might just break my own heart this time, I'm definitely not strong enough to get involved with anyone romantically right now, as tempting as Asher is, it's just impossible, but it doesn't mean we can't have fun.

After finishing my amazing meal and wine, I decide to walk back to the hotel as it's only a ten-minute walk from where I ate, the night is so cool and refreshing against my warm cheeks, I'm a little bit drunk from the four glasses of wine I had so this warm is doing absolutely nothing to sober me up.

My phone dings in my bag so I take it out and see who's texted me from my blurry eyes, I squint my eyes until I see I have a few messages from Asher, making me feel giddy.

Asher: Hey, did u make it home alright?

Asher: Did you forget your phone? 

Asher: I'm outside ur room, are you sleeping? 

I see him texting me again and it causes me to almost trip over from my giggling as I text him back.

Hailey: Heiy, i'ma on my way, sorry! I got a little carried awy

Asher's name lights up on my phone and he's ringing me, I hit accept, still giggling to myself as I walk down the path.

"Are you drunk Miss Quinn?" Asher's deep sexy voice comes through, giving me goosebumps at how rich and deep his voice is.

I giggle. "Nuh uh." I snort out, my focus on my feet as I try to walk. "No way." I wave him off and I almost trip over again. "Whoopsie daisy."

I hear him groan. "Where are you? I'm coming to get you." 

I look up and see I am outside the hotel, giggling I start whispering into the phone. "I'm close!" 

"Why are you whispering?" He asks humorously. "How close?"

Walking through the foyer I try my best not to look drunk as I walk past people and stumble my way towards the elevator. "I'm in the steel box of doom." I pause. "Where are you?" I whisper out.

Asher laughs, the sound of him makes my belly do flips. "I'm waiting for you by the door." 

I drop my phone in shock then I fumble to the ground as I try to pick it up, the elevator dings and I'm on the floor trying to pick up my phone, when I look up my mouth goes instantly dry as to who stands there, looking irresistible in all his handsome glory, Asher Reed, with his phone to his ear.

He laughs huskily then hangs up on his phone. "Hey, you come here often?" he jokes to which I blush.

He reaches his arm out to pull me up, which I embarrassingly accept as I grab my phone with one hand and take his in another as he helps me up off the floor. "Come on my little pisspot, time for bed."