He Has My Heart

Rileys POV

I sat in an uncomfortable airport chair. My palms were sweating and my anxiety was peaking. This was a bad idea. A terrible idea. Why did I let Ashley convince me to go?
I tried to relax as Ashley returned to his seat with coffee in take away cups.
"Hot chocolate or latte?" He said holding the cups to me.
"Hot chocolate. I don't need to be anymore hyped than I am" I said trying to steady my shaking hands.
"You okay doll?" Ashley asked placing his hand on my knee.
"Yeah, just nerves" I said sipping my hot chocolate.
"Riles, if you don't want to go, we don't have to. I don't want to stress you out" he said. A concerning look came over his face as he knelled down in front of me to look in my eyes.
"Now boarding flight LS708 non-stop to Las Vegas, Nevada" the speakers blared.
I sighed "Lets go" I said to Ashley, getting out of my seat and lining up.
Ashley came up behind me and hugged me. "Its going to be fun Riles. Stop worrying" he said handing the attendant our tickets.
The flight was short, but too short. I needed more time to settle my nerves. I couldn't let Ashley see how much anxiety this trip was giving me.
Once we got out luggage, we got a taxi to take us to our hotel. Ashley told the driver our address and I couldn't help but think I knew it.
"Ashley, where are we staying?" I asked curiously.
"You'll see" he said smirking at me.
We drove along the strip, seeing all the daytime festivities that Vegas offered. We pulled up to a familiar building that I would know anywhere. I wasn't sure if I was okay with this.
"Surprise" Ashley whispered in my ear.
"Yep, you surprised me" I said nervously fiddling with the strap of one of my bags.
We walked into the hotel lobby and desk clerk looked up at us. She was dark brown hair tied into a bun and looked to be in her forties. Her eyes widened when she saw me.
"Miss Mitchell? Is that you?" She asked as we approached the desk.
Ashley gave me an odd look.
I laughed nervously "I'm sorry? You must have me confused with someone else" I said hoping she wouldn't question me further.
"Oh, so sorry miss. You look like someone I knew. Umm What was your reservation booked under?" She asked.
"Ashley Purdy" Ash said leaning against the desk.
Phew! That was close. I can't believe she remembers me! I haven't lived here in 9 years and she's still working here!
"Enjoy your stay" said she handing each of us a key, but gave me a strange look.
We walked over to the elevator rolling our bags behind us.
Out of habit I pressed the button for the penthouse.
"How do you know we are staying in the penthouse?" He said smirking at me.
"Umm the key says PH" I said sarcastically.
"Ohh, well does it bring back memories being here?" He said as we the doors opened to our floor.
"Umm yeah. Good and bad. I can't believe you found where I grew up" I said sliding the card in the slot.
The apartment looked how I remembered it. Other that some modern enhancements, it was the same. I tried to swallow the lump growing in my throat, but this was painful. The last six months of my life here was filled with police, detectives and tears. Ashley didn't know exactly what happened with my family, but if I was ever going to tell him, it was going to come out soon.
Ashley dragged our luggage into the master bedroom while I stood near the window, looking at the view. I could never forget the Las Vegas skyline. I felt a tear escape my eye and quickly wiped it away.
"Hey doll, are ready to explore a bit or get something to eat?" He said hugging my shoulders from behind.
I turned around and buried myself in his chest. I wrapped my arms around him as tight as I could.
"Hey, Riles, whats wrong?" He said trying to pry my arms lose.
"I'm sorry, I just to block all this out for a sec. It's just really overwhelming" I said trying to not get so worked up.
"Why don't we go out for a bit. Get away from the hotel if your not ready yet."
I nodded my head and he lead me out of the apartment.
Memories were certainly flooding back. Not good ones.
We headed to a nearby cafe just to regroup and have a bite.
Once Ashley ordered for us he turned his full attention was to me.
"Riley, are you okay?" He asked holding my hands, his eyes full of worry.
"Yeah, its just a lot to take in. A lot of memories in that place..." I said trailing off.
"What was with the desk clerk calling you Miss Mitchell? That was weird, right?" He said, his eyes melting into mine.
"Umm, not really. See when I moved to LA, I changed my name. For safety reasons. I'm surprised she remembers me. Its been 9 years since I've lived there" I said watching Ashleys face. I don't think he could hide his shock.
"Are you serious? You didn't tell her it was you though."
"I didn't want to. What if she tells someone!" I said getting flustered.
"Who is she going to tell! What is it about your past that you are scared of?" Ashley said getting frustrated.
"I'll tell you, but I can't right now. I just need to take my mind off this" I said looking at our hands.
His face soften, "Okay, you tell me when you're ready, but can I at least know what your name was before?"
I sighed. "Catelyn Mitchell"

Notes