Chapter Twelve
Ellis was starting to stir in the back, his face red from leaning against the window for so long. "Man... How long was I out?"
"Thankfully, about five hours." Nick said, "That's a pretty longtime; you doing alright buddy?"
"I'm fine." Ellis rubbed his cheek, he was starting to heat up. "Whoa, where are we?" He looked outside at the busy city streets.
"Welcome to Chicago." Nick smiled as he watched old familiar places go by.
"Is this where you lived Nick?" Ellis asked, "I've always wanted to go to Chicago. In fact, me and Keith planned on going one day, but his idea on how to make money didn't quiet work out. We thought we'd give that dancing in the mall a try... Turns out we ain't good at dancing." He laughed.
"That's nice Ellis, now can we please find a place to eat?" Rochelle asked, "I'm starving, and I want to shower." She was doing her best not to complain, but over fourteen hours was enough.
"Alright already, we're here." Nick groaned, he couldn't wait to get away from them. But first he'd have to figure out other things, like what the hell was going on.
"Guys." Rochelle looked out the window seeing a few kids run around, "I haven't seen children in so long, can you believe the infection didn't hit this place?"
"Thank God." Coach nodded, "At least they have a chance."
"But by the looks of it, we aren't done with this zombie shit." Nick pulled up to a hotel.
"Park H-y" Ellis looked up to see what it was called.
"Park Hyatt Chicago." Nick said, "It's my old home." He nodded, "Hopefully I can get my old place back."
Nick left the car with a valet and then lead everyone up to the door. They looked completely out of place, the man at the door didn't even bother a passing glance as they walked through the doors. "I don't like snobby places like this." Ellis whispered, but his jaw dropped as soon as he saw the lobby. "Holy shit."
"I know." Nick smirked, "Just stay close alright, we'll be quick."
"Welcome to Park Hyatt Chicago, we are happy that you chose to stay with us during your trip." The woman at the desk smiled.
"I haven't been gone that long, you must be new." Nick smiled leaning on the desk, "Sally is it?" He looked at her name tag, then back up at her eyes, "I went on a small trip, and I'd like to get my room back if you wouldn't mind. I left a card in hopes that it would stay open and my belongings would still be there."
The girl looked at him unable to speak for a moment, "N-name please!" She covered her mouth, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to shout."
"Hey, I wont tell anyone," Nick shrugged it off, "It's under Nicolas Pasquale." He said in a quiet tone, hoping the others hadn't heard.
"Pasquale?" Rochelle couldn't help but chuckle, "Well if you're this rich, I don't mind."
"I think it's cool, fits the man." Ellis nodded, smiling.
"Please ignore my guest." Nick sighed, "I only have two bedrooms, so I'll need another room."
"Yes sir." Sally nodded vigorously, "I'm new so I hope you didn't find me rude for not knowing who you are, Mr. Pasquale."
"Please, just call me Nick." He said, "Thank you for the wonderful service and the smile." He turned on his heals, heading to the elevator.
"Who knew, Nick really is a wealthy man. All this time I thought he was just a crook who got sick and tired of prison clothes." Coach laughed, kidding around.
"Ha ha." Nick was glad they were the only ones in the elevator, "You guys smell."
"You do too, Mr. Slick." Rochelle elbowed him gently. "You know, you don't have to flirt with every woman that's doing you a favor."
"I know; sometimes when I'm tired of being so polite and smooth I chose to pay." Nick said in a dry tone.
"You could get sick like that, so I hope that ain't true Nick." Ellis frowned.
Nick looked at him, "Everyone has a price Ellis, and I bet you do too."
"I ain't no street walker!" Ellis huffed, "So don't you be calling me, besides all your money couldn't buy me."
Rochelle, Coach, and Nick stayed quiet after that comment, looking at him.
"What?" Ellis cornered himself. When he heard the ring of the elevator, he let out a sigh, dashing out.
"I only pay women." Nick laughed.
"Nick, stop, that's wrong." Rochelle frowned, "At least don't talk to us about what you do on your spare time."
Nick laughed, "I don't sleep around, guys."
"Right." Coach shook his head.
Ellis just listened to them quietly, feeling upset suddenly. Why did he have to say things like that? And why did Nick come back and hit him with responses he didn't want to hear?
