Danger Zone

1. Hey Mr. President

Chapter one

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"Yes ma I'm fine," I sighed in exasperation, setting my phone down on the counter as I began to fix a bowl of cereal. My everyday morning routine consisted of my mother fussing at me through the speaker of my phone about my lack of wanting to settle down and start a family at the ripe old age of 25 while I got ready for work. I loved her to death, really, but this was getting old.

"Don't you sigh at me Thalia, I'm just concerned about you, that's all. You're 25 and haven't even considered getting married! At least not since Reece-"

"Ma," I cut her off sternly, my voice hitching slightly at the mention of his name, the object of my nightmares every night..

"You live alone and all you have is Rittz as company. Don't you want to be happy?" She continued on, eliciting an eye roll from me. I could hear the familiar jingling of her keys and the daily chorus of "good morning boss," which meant she had arrived at work, finally liberating me from this seemingly endless conversation.

"Hey, Rittz is all I need, isn't that right boy?" I cooed at the furry golden retriever at my feet who eagerly wagged his tail in response. I grinned, "Well it sounds like you're busy at work, and I need to get ready. I'll talk to you later ma, I love you."

I could hear the disappointment in her voice as she told me she loved me and she'd call me later. Honestly, I didn't see the rush in getting married. I was only 25 for crying out loud, shouldn't I travel the world and enjoy myself?

Not according to Greek culture. My entire mother's side of the family constantly pestered me about my "lonely" lifestyle, except for my yiayia. My dear grandmother completely understood the reason I avoided love like the plague, and I appreciated that. Too bad she lived all the way back in Milos, Greece. I missed her terribly.

Shaking my head, I hung up and glanced at my clock above the pantry. 7:45, shit.

"Here boy, at least you can enjoy some breakfast," I mumbled as I dumped my Cheerios into the little dog food bowl. Ignoring my obvious displeasure, Rittz trotted over happily and began munching on what was once my breakfast.

I jogged to my room and slipped on the first thing I could find before tousling my hair and grabbing my keys. The moment I walked out of the door, the Washington DC summer heat and humidity hit me like a train. I groaned, as having curly hair and living in DC did NOT mix well.

Despite the wet heat, it was a beautiful day. The sun shined brightly through the trees, young birds meagerly chirped. Maybe this meant something good would finally happen to me, I thought as I got into my mustang and started the engine.

Ha ha.

My life wasn't that bad, really.  My parents not only remained together but were very much in love (gross), I had a few great people I could call friends, my job paid pretty well (albeit the danger that comes with it), and I had a roof over my head.

I just seemed doomed to fault in the things people actually cared about these days, like love.

You used to call me on my cell phone, late night when you need my love..

The sound of my phone blaring from my purse in the passenger seat brought me out of my thoughts. I grabbed it and hit the answer button without even looking at the caller before resting it between my ear and shoulder.

"Hello?"

"Hey T, are you almost here?" The voice of my close friend and coworker, Joseph, sounded nervous through the phone.