Page 16 of Steel Beauty

I blink. “Seriously? Elijah?”

“What? He’s cute.” She gives a sheepish shrug.

Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Sophie and Elijah hit it off. It would steer Elijah’s attention away from me. “There’s nothing wrong with liking a coworker, Sophie. You should definitely go for it.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Sophie asks, her voice a little hesitant.

Why would she ask me that? “No, not at all. Knock yourself out.”

The workday ends with a mix of relief and anticipation as we leave the office behind. The walk back to the hotel is quick, filled with easy conversation about weekend plans and the excitement of exploring Sydney. By the time we reach our rooms, the promise of a relaxing evening has us ready to unwind.

After a quick change, Sophie, Whitney, and I step off the elevator, freshly dressed and ready for a night out. I’ve kept it simple with a casual blouse and jeans, but Sophie’s ditched her usual ballerina flats for heels, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Even Whitney, ever practical, has swapped her blazer for an edgy leather jacket, giving off an easygoing cool vibe as we head toward the hotel restaurant.

Elijah is already waiting for us, leaned back in his chair at a table by the window. The moment we approach, he stands and gives a low whistle. “Well, look at you three. Talk about leveling up.”

Sophie lights up at the compliment, her grin wide and unguarded as she twirls, giving him a full view. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely,” Elijah says with a crooked smile.

His gaze lingers too long, but Sophie’s eating it up. And his focus isn’t on me so…

Sophie edges closer to Elijah. It’s a move so subtle she probably doesn’t even notice herself doing it. Happiness radiates off her, and I genuinely hope Elijah’s interest in her is real. I can’t help but hope he’ll keep his focus on her—and not on me—from now on.

The conversation flows easily—small talk about how hard we’re working to make Soul Sync Australia a success for Gabby, how none of us have fully adjusted to the new time zone, and how much we’re all loving the hotel. The beds are fantastic, and we could definitely get used to this kind of luxury.

“So, what’s the plan for the weekend? Any must-dos while we’re here?” Elijah asks.

My list is ready to go. “I have a few ideas I think you all might like.”

Whitney raises a brow with a smirk. “That’s so Magnolia—already having Sydney mapped out before we even landed.”

Growing up, I never traveled. While others were off seeing the world, I stayed in one place. My window to the world came through books and the occasional documentary as long as Robin or Charlene managed to pay the power bill on time. Research became my substitute for experience, a habit that stuck with me. So, yes, I’m the one who already has Sydney mapped out in my mind before ever setting foot there—because for me, research has always been the closest thing to exploring.

But now, for the first time, I get to keep a travel journal. Every quirky café, every sunset over the harbor, every memory worth preserving will go in its pages. I want to record it all, every sight and sound and feeling. I want to look back and remember not only what I saw, but how I felt seeing it for the first time.

I’ve waited so long for this—for a life I could step into rather than read about.

“Julius Caesar mentioned some things. He lives here so he knows all the cool places to visit.”

Shock flashes across Elijah’s face. “When did you talk to the client?”

Elijah’s question doesn’t sit well with me, like he’s questioning my professionalism. Frankly, it grates on me. “We spoke last week and then again today.”

“But you’re the set director.” Elijah’s smile fades, tension creeping into his expression. “Can you do that?”

“There’s no policy against it. If a client asks to speak with someone, there’s nothing to prevent it,” Whitney says.

His eyes widen. “He asked to speak to you?”

“Sure did,” Whitney says.

I don’t like that Elijah makes me feel like I have to defend myself, but here I am all the same. “Gabby told us we’d be taking on new roles here. I’m only doing what she asked.”

Elijah frowns. “I don’t think that’s what she meant.”

His words rub me the wrong way, but I push the irritation aside. “Back to the must-do list… Julius Caesar mentioned a few spots. Bondi, Coogee, and Manly beaches—he said they have some of the best surfing in the world.”

Whitney perks up. “Surfing sounds fun. Would you give it another shot, Magnolia?”

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