Ari's Reverse Harlem Part 2

Chapter 7 Ari

Morning comes way too soon. Instead of cursing the sun, like I've been doing these past few months, I find myself actually welcoming the new day. It's surprises me, how just a few hours with Square changed my outlook on life.

I decide after I wash up, I'm going to go out and look for a job. The goddess knows how much I despise cleaning but at this point I don't even care if it's janitorial work. I need to make some money, fast. New York is not a cheap place to live.

I'm just wrapping up getting ready when there's a knock at my door. I glanced at my watch and see it's a little after 9 in the morning. When I go to open the door, I'm happy to see Square on the other side. I'm glad he caught me before I left. I was planning on just leaving him a note, telling him of my plans for today, on his desk. Since he has a feeling, I'm a Flight Risk, I did not want to leave without letting him know something. We are both wearing matching smiles, I hope his smile is an indication he's excited to see me.

"Good morning, Sweetness. You look beautiful." He leans in giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Handsome. Good morning to you too." I smile even bigger.

"Were you about to leave?" He asks concerned

"Actually, yes. I was planning on leaving you note. I'm looking for jobs today. I've been here for few months and it's about time I get one."

"You don't have to; I don't mind helping you out." He offers

"That's sweet of you but I'm not your responsibility."

"But what if I want you to be?" He replies, tilting his head, while closing the distance between us. What am I supposed to say to that? I don't know what to say but my Wolf is giving me some very suggestive suggestions on what I should be doing.

Did the A/C stop working? Damn it's getting hot.

"Listen, I don't want to scare you off Marie. So, whatever you want to do, I support you. I just want you to know that if you need any help, I'm always here for you. Ok?"

I promise I was listening but his lips were distracting me. He brings me out of my trance by calling my name.

"Marie, I've got a surprise for you. If you're already ready and if you don't mind, following me. It's just passed the game room."

"Sure, just let me grab my bag." After gathering everything I would need for the day. Square takes my hand and leads me through the game room. We come to a stop, in front of another room, I could have sworn was empty when I had my tour.

Before opening the door, Square turns around with a mischievous smirk. "Do you trust me?" He asks

"Square?" I call out deflated. "What is it?" I beg

"Do you trust me?" He repeats. I see he's not budging on this.

"You know I do."

Square makes his way behind me, placing his hand over my face, covering my eyes. I hear the door opening, while I feel him brush up against me, to whisper in my ear. "I hope you like it, I saw it and thought of you."

When he finally removes his hand, I am welcomed by a beautiful C. Bechstein D282 Grand Piano. I know this because I spent weeks drooling over it when I was planning on buying one. This baby is worth more than some people's houses.

"This can't be for me. I know how much this piano cost. I cannot accept it." Shaking my head

"I figured you would say that. In that case, it's not for you, it's for the shelter. I look at it as an investment. The musical arts will enrich everyone here. I'm planning on turning this room into a music room. I already have some guitars. I'm planning on buying some other instruments as well. I don't know why it took me so long to come up with this but thank you. We both know you're the reasons behind it."