Chapter 17-Simon

1 0 0
                                    


Chapter 17

Simon

The elevator door dings and opens as it reaches my floor. I am so lost in my thoughts I had not even notice it arrived. Stepping in and pressing the button to the lobby my thoughts are consumed with my call with Shelby. I contemplated canceling the dinner but I know Shelby would be upset secondary to the exposure for additional business for our company plus I have to admit to myself, I have the feeling that Samantha would like more than a professional relationship.

I have not always been great on picking up the right vibe from women, but I do not think I am getting the wrong signals. Even though Shelby does not remember us, I hold on to my scientific theories that it will only be temporary. Once she comes back from Brazil and sees me she will remember what we once had. Then again what does hope really get us. The elevator dings and the doors open. My fingers go to the door open button to hold it as I cannot seem to get my feet moving anymore.

I want to go back to my room and call Shelby just to hear her voice. The calmness it brought me is beyond words. Everything going on now in the world could bring any man to his knees and all I can imagine is Shelby standing over me with her hand reached out to help me stay on my feet.

Letting out a deep breath I did not realize I was holding; I glance in the silver metal reflection on the elevator wall. All I can see are my eyes behind the mask as I step out and walk toward the restaurant. It is just a dinner. When I reach the entrance the staff of the restaurant are wearing masks and the patrons are spaced 6 feet apart between tables. Some of the businesses are following the recommendations, I think to myself. The greeter lets me know that Samantha has reserved a private pavilion outside for our dinner.

He escorts me outside where I see only four of these secluded tents spaced apart. The outside material is the same as the curtains inside and there are no windows. The entrance is pulled back by matching colored rope. Once inside I find a small table set for two along with a larger couch to the side with a small table in front. "Can I get you something to drink while you wait for the rest of your party?" he asks. A drink sounds really good right now but then I think, this is a professional dinner. I glance over to the small coffee table in front of the couch which has a lighted candle but also a cheese platter with meat and fruit and some bottled waters that are chilling in a bucket of ice.

"I will just have one of those waters for now," I tell him and he nods and leaves the tent with me alone in it. Not really knowing what to do with myself I take a seat on the couch and grab a water, twisting off the cap and drinking half the bottle. The warm weather must have made me thirsty or just the stress of the past few hours. My thoughts are distracted when I hear Samantha's voice.

"This is nice being out of work," she says, walking in. She is also dressed casual with a pink sundress that brings out her tanned skin and blond hair. Her hair is resting over her shoulders with a slight curl to it. The sundress dips low on her chest exposing a cleavage that is more pronounced with small straps covering her shoulders.

"Nice to see you again," I say, keeping it professional as I stand up knowing my proper manners. I keep my eyes focused on her face and not her breasts that fill the sundress.

"So formal. I promise no secrets here, everything is off the record. I am a good reporter but I have boundaries," she says with a smile and moves over to sit down on the couch. She looks at the table and picks a grape that she holds with her fingertips. Her tongue darts out her pink lips, meeting the grape before she sucks it into her mouth making a slight sound.

I clear my throat and grab my bottle of water, turning away slightly from her face.

"Water, really Simon? We can do better than that," she says just as the waiter enters the tent. She orders some type of wine. The waiter also takes our food order and lets us know he will be back with our drinks before excusing himself. "Now, how was the rest of your day?" she asks with an enthusiasm in her voice.

A Second Wave-The SurgeWhere stories live. Discover now