Alone Together

15 Minutes

The water is soothing against my skin and I think I may still be slightly stoned  from the night before but I don't have the option to enjoy the cool water running down my back. I have 3 interviews for the day and each location is distanced from each other.

I step on the plush bathroom mat and reach over for my towel missing it completely, "I've got you," I hear in my head and feel the sensation of Julian's fingers entwined with mine.

Stop it! You don't have time for this! I shake my head quickly as if the motion itself would throw out the memory of the night before.

I dress quickly, thankful that I had made the decision to pick out my outfit days before. Running my fingers through my unwashed hair I look into the mirror one more time before smiling at myself. Not bad for 15 minutes.

---

By the time my 3rd interview ends and I slowly make my way back to the hotel, the sun has already began to set and the beautiful city lights illuminate the streets.

At a stop light I rummage through the black hole I like to call my purse and take out a cigarette and lighter. I quickly light it and take in a deep inhale letting the smoke seep out through my nostrils as I exhale.

I can get used to this place.

Back at the hotel the door man opens the door for me and I am greeted by the nice gentleman at the front desk, "Hello ma'am how was your day?"

"Good, good" I respond, "tiring, but good. Yours?"

"Good ma'am, thank you for asking"

I nod and make my way into the elevator smiling at him as the doors close.

I push the button to get to my floor and close my eyes. I'm exhausted.

Once in my room I kick off my shoes and let myself fall onto the bed. The sheets smell like they've been freshly dry cleaned and my pillows have been fluffed; the aroma of them relaxing me instantly.

I close my eyes for what feels like a second and when I open them it is a quarter past 9 p.m.

I toss and turn, attempting, but failing miserably, to go back to sleep.

This time zone is gonna take a while to get used to.

No matter what I do I can't seem to drift off, in my mind it's still early.  Finally throwing in the towel in the fight against the sandman I decide I might as well explore the night life of New York City.

---

Every garment in my luggage is soon scattered all over the floor, unable to settle on an outfit. I close my eyes and grab the first thing I touch; an oversized Doors T- shirt. Paired with my over the knee socks and some combat boots this outfit will have to do.

I take a quick shower, get dressed, put on some crimson red lipstick, and on my way out ruffle my still unwashed long black hair.

The clerk at the front desk recommends a small bar a couple of blocks away and calls a cab for me.

---

Once in the bar I immediately order a beer and make my way through the crowd in attempts to mask the fact that I'm there alone.

No longer than 10 minutes into my aimless and lonesome wandering of the brick walled, dimly lit bar does a guy approached me.