*First story published, would appreciate comments :)*
APRIL 2010
A broken voice soon spoke "I need help."
Emery Tyler slowly turner her head, bringing her attention to a rough looking man who was clutching a young mutt. She took pity on this man whose raggedy clothes clearly displayed his misfortunes.
"What can I help you with," she asked.
"Do you know where the nearest shelter is? I'm hoping to find one that allows pets. I found this little guy wandering all alone, looking lost. I couldn't leave him."
His compassion for the little ball of fluff nearly brought tears to her eyes. She opened her tote and retrieved an ivory business card. Before handing it to the man, she scribbled something on it. She also hands him a fifty dollar bill. He looks up questioningly at her.
"Go to this address. Tell them that Emery sent you. It's a little far to walk from here, so the money is taxi. Get something to eat while you're at it. For the both of you."
She gently pets the playful mutt on his head.
"Thank you miss! I really appreciate your help. Most people would've just ignored me, but you didn't and I'm so grateful."
He gives her a meaningful hug and the mutt generously licks her face. He blushes from his forwardness. And right before Emery leaves, he asks "Is there any way that I can repay you for your kindness?"
"Just take care of yourself...?"
"Declan. My name is Declan. And this is Oliver."
"Just take care of yourself, Declan, and of Oliver."
Emery walked away when Declan glanced at the pristine business card and read:
EMERY TYLER
CEO OF TYLER CO.
800-456-3915 CELL
800-789-8250 OFFICE
On the back was her handwritten message:
Tell them that Emery sent you and that I'm permitting Oliver to stay
Declan was awestruck, not realizing that the generous women he was just talking to was one of the most high-powered leaders in the city. He couldn't believe he didn't recognize her, even though he thought she was quite enticing in the newspaper from a few weeks ago.
I am such an idiot, he thought to himself. Declan stopped at his favorite local diner, where they knew him by name and gave him a free meal once a week. They usually didn't allow pets in the diner, but Oliver had become their little mascot. Declan sat in his favorite booth near the kitchen. David, the owner, sat across from him. David and his wife of 40 years years, Beth, had owned the diner for many years and thought of Declan as a friend. He saw something in Declan's eye, a twinkle of hope and confidence.
"Why are you so cheery?"
Declan sighed and answered "I just met Emery Tyler."
David was speechless. "As in Emery Tyler, CEO of Tyler Co.?"
"The same one."
"Wow." He looked dazed for a moment. Finally, he thought, his luck is turning around. "How?"
"I just saw some lady, face full of concentration, just walking by so I told her 'I need help.' She asked what kind of help I needed and I replied by asking where the nearest shelter was. Without saying another word, she opened her bad and took out a business card, wrote something on it and handed it to me with a crisp fifty dollar bill. I was completely shocked! I mean, what sane person would give a homeless guy fifty dollars as if it were nothing to her?! Look at the card."
Declan hands the card to David. He looks at it, completely bewildered. He hands back the card and asks, "How does she look up close?"
"She's completely beautiful. Intense black hair, über fair skin and comforting hazel eyes."
A cute perky teenage waitress named Tess asked if he wanting anything. He ordered a glass of water, a roast beef sandwich and a grilled cheese sandwich for Oliver. She left to go put in his order. Declan looked at Oliver, who had managed to make his way across the booth to David. David was lovingly petting the pup.
"So are you going to go," David asked.
"What? What did you say," Declan said, slightly embarrassed that he zoned out in the middle of their conversation.
David chuckled and reinstated his question.
"Of course I'm going to go."
Declan's food arrived and he saw that his life was starting to turn around.
An hour later, Declan looked up at the apartment building. She must've been on something, this is not a shelter. Well, the address isn't wrong, so I guess I'll go in. Declan nervously clutches Oliver as they go through the glass doors. Warm, welcoming colors greet them as well as a friendly salutation.
"Hello! My name is Ana. How can u help you?"
"Ummm...um, Emery gave me this." He hands over the business card.
"Oh, you're Declan! And this must be Oliver. Em called, saying that a man named Declan with an adorable puppy should be stopping be. Come this way, let me show you to your apartment."
Ana moved from behind the counter and headed toward the elevators. She pushed the 'up' button and she stepped aside to let Declan go first. She then selected the fourteenth floor.
"Apartment? This isn't a shelter?"
"Well, it's a different kind of shelter. These apartments are specifically used by the homeless. It's a way to start over. Emery wanted a place that the homeless could use temporarily or permanently. If someone were looking for a job, they can have their mail sent here."
"I'm seriously frightened by how much this costs."
"No, honey, you don't pay anything. Emery is handing you a second chance on a silver platter. Your apartment is fully furnished. The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans and dishes as well as food. You are given an apartment key. There's an account at the nearby thrift store for those who want to buy clothes. Emery pays the tab every week. You can work here to earn income. Some people are starting to officially pay rent for their apartment at a discounted price."
The elevator bell notified them of their arrival. Ana turned left and went to apartment 1431. Oliver squirmed, wanting to be released from Declan's embrace. He put the pup down, hoping that Oliver wouldn't run and he didn't much to Declan's relief.
"Why would she do this? Why is she helping the homeless? This must be a very expensive bill every month."
"She just wants to help. Simple as that. You know, I used to live on the streets. Four months I was living out there. Half-starved, asking for food or money. Em saw me and told me to come here. I knew instantly that I could trust her. I've been here for one full year. I'm so grateful for this place. It saved my life."
They arrived at an off-white door with a gold plate proudly displaying the numbers 1431. Ana inserted the corresponding key and opened the door. Declan was in awe at the apartment m. Hard wood floors ran throughout the area. Natural tones and pops of color mixed nicely together in the living room. The glass and wood coffee table stood in front of the couch and the matching side tables were placed on each side of the couch and loveseat. A table connected the two pieces of furniture, creating an L. Declan collapsed on the loveseat, overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. Oliver pounced o him, licking all over his face. Ana giggled at the sight. She had always loved looking at the faces of the new owners when they first walked in. She left the keys, the original and the spare, on the counter and was heading out the front door.
Ana opened the door and looked back and said "We're needing cooks in the café. It's connected to the apartment building. It's really easy to get to, if you're interested. Call the front desk if you need anything."
She closed the door softly, leaving Declan and Oliver to revel in their newly found fortune.
Is this really happening? Am j really here? He pinched his arm to make sure that this wasn't a dream. He left the couch and wandered into the kitchen. He opened up every single door, from the cabinets to the refrigerator, examining how well stocked his apartment was. Wow, his apartment. Oliver barked at him from the bedroom.
EMERY:
Emery turned back around and header straight for her office after her encounter with Declan. Her phone started to buzz noisily in her coat pocket. It was her assistant and best friend Valerie.
"Emery! Where are you? You missed your lunch date with Derek. He said that is was important. Are you on your way?"
"Val! Slow down. Reschedule with Derek. Call the apartments and tell them that a man named Declan and his little pup Oliver are on their way over there. I'm grabbing some coffee, want some?"
"I would love a vanilla latte right now. This place practically falls apart when you're gone."
"I'll be right there."
