Guilty Pleasure

Windows

In the high rise of New York City I worked carefully draping lights and fluffing my white holiday tree. It was filled with ornaments that shined blue, silver and gold. The most tame I could think of for such a short period of time.

When I finished, I dimmed the light in my home and sat close to the large windows, looking down into the city. I was high enough to not hear the chaos down below but not too high to see the couples. Men with women under their arms. Women clasping hands with other women and men staring into one another's eyes.

I don't think they cared much of what that person was but instead who. I thought it was lovely. I let out a long sigh hoping my lonesome period would come to an end, but it wouldn't.

"Well if I'm to be lonely I could at least be lonely outside." I threw on my trench coat and boots and headed down the elevator. The digital sign flashed from 15 all the way to L for lobby.

As soon as I stepped from the silver doors a gust of the cold wind hit my cheeks. I happily tugged at my scarf around my neck and burried my nose in it. The moisture on my eyelashes caked up with snow and I pushed myself out of the complex. Snow crunched lightly under my boots and I was honestly happy that there was no ice... yet.

The cars ran slow and it felt as if every couple I saw happily went around me. A pair even danced and laughed on this wonderful eve. I got so caught up in feeling their happiness that someone slammed right into me.

I toppled back hardly able to catch myself, but the person had caught my lapel and brought me back up. The wet concrete made me a bit nervous standing back up, but this person would not let go.

"I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy" I hollered out.

"It's fine. I think the ice is starting to form" They responded

I finally gained my composure and looked up to see this tall female. She had on a grey trench coat with expensive looking snow shoes. Slacks were under the coat and a scarf tied neatly around her neck.

"You're a woman." I blurted out and she laughed. "My goodness. Im sorry!"

"What? Have you never seen a tall woman before?"

"I.. well... oh" I slipped all over myself.

"Well I should get going. Make sure you watch ahead of you." She gave a charming grin and walked around me. She smelled of chocolate and peppermint as she passed and her bleached locs swayed carefully with every step.

I can't let her get away, maybe I could thank her some way....

"Wait!" I called without thinking. The woman turned partially and raised her eyebrows. My God did she look stern. My God did she look...

"What is it?" She asked.

"I... what? Can I come with you?" My cheeks became flush. 'Can I come with you?!? Be for real.' I cleared my throat.

"Can I get you a drink? At least to say thanks." I tried again

"Say thanks for what?" She tilted her head confused.

"For keeping me from busting my ass." I gave a shy grin and she seemed entertained by my embarrassment.

"Sure. Give me a moment. I need to grab something from a nearby shop. I'll meet you at the bar on the corner." She walked off across the street.

My heart beat and my muscles tightened. I felt flush from my forehead and I wanted the coldest air possible...

I didn't know it would be that easy...

When I got to the bar I sat at the far end and stripped off my jacket. I took the hat off of my head but kept the scarf around my neck. I wore torn jeans with long johns underneath and ordered whiskey. I usually get juice with it but wanted to feel nothing tonight.