The Essence Of Lust And Love

chapter three

Waking up I remember it's my day off, and a Saturday. I snuggle further into my sheets glancing at the alarm clock that read one. I'm surprised I slept so long. Then I realize I was going to return the umbrella. A smile creeps into my face even though I'm simply giving back a borrowed item.

I get up and shower. Getting dressed I see myself in the mirror. I find myself quite attractive, but not hot. My brown hair cascades down my shoulders and my curvy figure allows for clothes to hug my hips and breasts. My fair skin blends in well with the New Yorkers. I dress myself in black ripped skinny jeans and a sheer white blouse, letting some of my bralette show through.

Satisfied, I grab a purse and the umbrella, making my way to the elevators. I step in and wait to go down three flights. At the second floor it stops to let in a man.

"One please," the man grumbles.

I nod. He studies me for a bit.

"Are you new?" He asks.

I sigh, having to speak. "Yeah, I moved in recently."

He smiles. "I'll have to get to know you more then."

I don't like where this is going, so I quickly exit when the doors open. I wave a taxi over and get in hurriedly.

The lady turns her head to me. "Where to, love?"

I hand her the bent card and sit back. "I don't know where that is."

She gives it back. "Why, that's the building next to the Empire."

I give an "oh" and look at my nails. I need a manicure badly.

"Are you from here?"

I glance up. "Yeah, but I moved closer downtown recently so not everything is as familiar."

I play with my hair.

She coughs. "I've been around here my whole life. The taxi life is for me," she laughs.

I grunt in amusement and wait until she stops. I pay her and give my thanks getting out and holding the card Nile gave me. I stand before a large building as the taxi leaves me.

It's huge. There are at least fifty stories. This glass building looks way too wealthy for a man at my old coffee shop. I suddenly feel underdressed and bite my lip, feeling slightly self conscious. I shrug it off and walk in with most of my confidence.

In the middle is a medium desk where a slim woman sat. I walked up to her and held out the card. She lifts her head and squints at it.

I smile. "Hi, I was wondering where I can find this man if you know him?"

She laughs and sits up. "Is this a joke?"

I frown and look at the card seeing that it's right. "No joke, I'm looking for Nile to return something."

She realizes I'm serious and types into her computer. "Oh, um, try the 48th floor. He might be there."

"Thank you."

She acted strange.

I ride the elevator for what seems like an eternity. Heights don't frighten me, but this building is damn tall and I don't like it. I'm surprised Nile would be up so high, maybe he is in a meeting.

The elevator finally reaches 48, after riding with many businessmen. I leave as some stare at me. I don't think about it as I come to a complete stop, not knowing where to go.

There are four hallways and many doors alongside them. I am clueless, and I don't see a secretary anywhere. Trying not to look like an idiot, I stand to the side pretending to look at my phone. People walk past me in business wear and see my casualness, giving me dirty looks until a very attractive man in a dark blue suit stops by me.