Gaining for You

Benefit

The car brings Genesis to her destination safely and she tips the driver.

The first person she picks out of the crowd upon entering the building is Kalima Bajwa. Her look is clean. She's wearing a navy pea coat and some black heeled booties. Kalima notices Genesis at the same time and they close the gap between each other. Kalima embraces her lovingly.

"Gen! It's been so long! How are you?"

"Good! I'm good!" She says back. Her mind isn't completely focussed on the current interaction. Genesis scans the room looking for her main objective.

As they're talking, more of her old friends filter in; Wilson Grey, Aether Harlow, and Jason Smith.

Now that all four of them are in front of her it's hard to split her focus.

She finds out Jason has opened up his own law firm, Wilson works for a non-profit organization, and Aether has been travelling the world after graduating with a bachelors in accounting.

Genesis completely forgets about Harrison for a second and allows herself to get wrapped up in the lives of her friends. Everyone seems to be doing well. Making a lot of money, no kids, families in good health. Not much more you could ask for.

"Have any of you seen Harrison yet?" Aether asks.

Right, Harrison.

"No, not yet. Hey! Did he order you guys a car for tonight too?" Kalima inquires.

Genesis' heart drops. So she wasn't special. Harrison sending her a vehicle was just customary politeness for him. Nice.

"Yeah! It was a nice gesture. I hate parking." Jason responds.

"Remember when you hit that lady's fence back when we were in high school?" Wilson adds.

Wilson goes on to elaborate about Jason's poor driving skills and everyone laughs at the nature of the anecdote except Genesis. She has completely checked out of the conversation.

She is still stuck on how she read too far into the whole car thing. What else is she reading into? Maybe Harrison doesn't actually like her at all. Maybe her invitation tonight was just another polite gesture. She's second guessing everything now.

Someone's hand touches the small of her back, interrupting her spiral.

"Harrison!" The group chimes unanimously.

Attached to the hand on her back is a fit, well dressed man. He's wearing navy blue dress pants that are almost black with a matching suit jacket and a white button up. She catches a glimpse of his facial features as he passes her to go greet Jason across from her.

He has matured into his features very well. His hair looks immaculate and his deep green eyes compliment his complexion. His outfit is perfectly tailored and the pants might even be considered a bit too small but it works for him. The pants highlight his toned butt and in the front his package is appropriately framed. He looks good.

A wave of nervous nausea washes over her but she decides to stick to the plan. She can't wait any longer. Someone else is bound to scoop him up if she doesn't. She won't allow herself to pass up such an attractive man.

Harrison leaves as quickly as he arrives. Some important looking person asks to have a word with him and whisks him away.

The group goes back to chatting without him.

A man in a tuxedo with coat tails walks past her and Genesis grabs a flute of champagne from the silver platter.

She repeats this six or seven times as the waiters make their way through the crowd.

She turns down glass number eight when it's offered to her. She's starting to feel too hot and breaks away from the group to go find a terrace she can get some air on.

She's unsuccessful with the first two doors she tries but the third on opens.

Genesis steps out into the instant relief of the cool night air.

The cool air soothes her lungs and brings her body temperature down.

She leans over the railing and her slightly dizzy state makes the city lights look blurry. Genesis inhales deeply to regain composure and the noise of a nearby highway drowns out the sound of someone coming up behind her.

"Genesis." He greets her, coming to a stop beside her at the railing. 

Genesis turns her head and makes eye contact with him.

"Harrison!" She says with more enthusiasm.

He smiles and nods nonchalantly, "How are you? You look incredible tonight."

He's so classy, it drives her insane. She can't tell if he's just being polite or if he's flirting with her. Does he speak with everyone like this? He must. Harrison is naturally charming. 

"I'm well thanks, and you?" Genesis responds, trying to match his elevated tone. Because she's intoxicated, it almost comes off like she's mocking him.

"Likewise. I see you've been... enjoying yourself so far." He plays it off well.

She ignores his comment, "You sent everyone cars." She turns her body away from his and back to the balcony.

"Not everyone. Just my closest friends."

"Your closest friends." She echoes back.

Harrison nods at her response.

She doesn't know how to feel about being grouped into the 'friend' category.

"Well, thank you. It was a nice touch. I really appreciated it." She backs down from her ungrateful disposition.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you could make it."

'I'm glad YOU could make it.' not 'I'm glad everyone was able to attend.' Is this a good sign? It seemed to be. His phrasing made it seem more personal, like he was glad that she in particular was able to come to the party... 

Genesis is done playing mental gymnastics and just wants a straight answer. 

The conversation evaporates while she's thinking and Harrison takes it as the end of the interaction. He says something about getting back inside to talk with an investor and turns to leave. 

"Harrison?"

Harrison stops walking and turns back around to face her.