Chapter 7

ZAVIER CROSS

It’s been fourteen hours, five minutes, and ten seconds since Trinity Fay and River have left me alone with Zavier Cross, but who is counting, I can't help but feel nervous as I pace around my enormous room. I glare around and wonder how I would survive the next 30 days living with this total stranger. A lot of thoughts rage in my mind, and my pessimistic attitude believes it will turn out really bad.

As I pace around, the door opens and a young lady about my age enters the room. She introduces herself as Karla and tells me that Zavier has put her in charge of everything I would need.

“ I will be the one who will cater for your every need, be here at your every beck and call even when you don’t need me, in other words, I will be the ultimate pain in your ass,”

I can't help but chuckle. Karla has a wonderful sense of humor, and I soon warm up to her.

We have a wonderful conversation, and I can't believe how funny and engaging she is. We joke and tease each other, and I start to feel a little bit more relaxed. I can tell that Karla is going to be a great companion during my stay here.

As we talk, I can't help but ask her about Zavier. I want to know more about the man that I'm going to be living with for the next thirty days. Karla tells me that he's a great guy and that I shouldn't worry about anything. She says that he's a bit of a workaholic, but that he's also kind and generous.

I nod my head, but I'm still a little bit skeptical. How can I trust someone that I barely know? How can I be sure that I won't end up regretting this whole thing?

Karla notices the doubt in my eyes and says, "Look, I know it's scary to be living with a stranger, but trust me, Zavier is a good guy. He may be a little bit intimidating at first, but he's really just a big teddy bear."

I can't help but laugh at the image of Zavier as a teddy bear. It's hard to imagine someone as successful and powerful as him being anything other than serious and stern.

As we continue to talk, I can feel myself starting to relax a little bit more. Maybe living with Zavier won't be so bad after all. Maybe Karla is right, and he really is just a big teddy bear.

I can't help but feel a little bit more optimistic about the whole thing. Maybe this won't be such a disaster after all. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually enjoy my stay here.

"Okay, Karla, spill the tea," I say, eager to hear more about what I'm in for over the next thirty days.

Karla laughs. "Well, first things first, Zavier can be a little...intense."

I raise an eyebrow. "Intense how?"

"Well, he's used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. And he doesn't like it when things don't go according to plan."

I nod, taking mental notes. "Got it. So I should make sure to stay on his good side. In other words, kiss his rich ass"

Karla smiles. "That's always a good idea. But don't worry, he's not all bad. He can be pretty charming when he wants to be."

I snort. "Yeah, I'm sure. So what else should I know?"

"Well, you'll have access to pretty much everything you could possibly want while you're here. We have a private chef who can cook you anything you like, and there's a gym, a spa, a movie theater...you name it."

I feel a little bit overwhelmed at the thought of all those amenities. "Wow. That's...a lot."

Karla grins. "Yeah, it's definitely not your average living situation. But I think you'll like it here. And who knows, maybe you and Zavier will even hit it off."

I snort again. "Yeah, right. I highly doubt that."

Karla laughs. "Hey, stranger things have happened. But even if you two don't become besties, I promise you'll have a good time while you're here."

I nod, feeling slightly reassured. "Thanks, Karla. I really appreciate you showing me around and giving me the inside scoop."

"No problem," Karla says with a smile. "I'm always here to help. And who knows, maybe we'll become good friends while you're here."

I grin back at her. "Yeah, that would be nice. It's always good to have someone to commiserate with when things get rough."

Karla chuckles. "Believe me, I know. I've been working for Zavier for a few years now, and there have definitely been some rough patches. But overall, it's a pretty sweet gig."

I raise an eyebrow. "Really? I wouldn't think working for someone like Zavier would be all that easy."

Karla shrugs. "It has its challenges, for sure. But Zavier is actually a really good boss. He's fair, he pays well, and he genuinely cares about his employees."

I nod, feeling a little bit more curious about this mysterious billionaire TV sensation. Maybe he's not so bad after all.

“ So, what do you think is Zander’s real reason for starting this contest, I don’t buy the bullshit he is selling that he is doing it to find love, “

Karla Chuckles, “Well I am not sure what his true intent may be, But I am sure It wouldn't be for the worst reason, nothing sinister I promise,”

The thought of Zander being a sinister demon, who lures people to his den and possesses their soul makes me chuckle within me.

Karla and I continue to talk for a while longer, discussing everything from our favorite TV shows to our most embarrassing moments. It's clear that we have a lot in common, and I can't help but feel grateful for her company.

As our conversation starts to wind down, Karla offers to show me around the house. I agree eagerly, curious to see what the rest of my new home looks like. I think I have found someone who is a perfect blend of Trinity Fay and River in one person, she has the humor of Trinity Fay and the homely feel of River.

We start with the living room, which is even more extravagant than my bedroom. The walls are lined with artwork and sculptures, and the furniture looks like it was designed for royalty. I can't help but feel a little bit out of place in such a luxurious setting.

Karla shows me the kitchen next, which is stocked with every appliance and gadget you could possibly imagine. She tells me that the house comes with a private chef, who will prepare all of my meals for me during my stay. I can't help but feel a little bit spoiled at the thought.

Next up is the pool area, which is even more impressive than I expected. The pool itself is huge, with crystal-clear water and a built-in hot tub. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas set up around the perimeter, and I can imagine myself spending many lazy afternoons out here.

As Karla shows me around, I start to realize that maybe this won't be so bad after all. Sure, I'm still nervous about living with Zavier, but at least I know that I'll have some creature comforts to enjoy while I'm here.

As we make our way back to my room, Karla tells me that Zavier is on his way back from a meeting and should be here soon. I can feel my nerves start to kick in again, but I try to hide it as best I can.

Before Karla leaves, she gives me a quick hug and tells me that everything will be okay. I can't help but feel comforted by her words.

As I sit in my room, waiting for Zavier to arrive, I can't help but feel a little bit apprehensive. What if he doesn't like me? What if we don't get along? What if this whole thing turns out to be a huge mistake?

But as I take a deep breath and remind myself that I won this contest fair and square, if I won’t count the fact that River entered me into the contest but she is my twin sister so we are more like one person, I start to feel a little bit more confident. I can do this. I can survive thirty days living with a billionaire TV sensation.

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, I'll even enjoy it.

Just then the man of the hour walks in, the man I have spent the better part of my day today getting to know, he knocks on the door lightly and walks in without waiting for a response, he has a black tuxedo on and I think he looks a ridiculous amount of hot. I should guard my sanity while I stay here, I might just lose my mind.