I Want You Back | Completed |

Walking Away Was Surprisingly Easy

It was the smile that did it. It hit him like a roundhouse kick to the jaw. It was so real and infectious, and he immediately wanted it for himself. For her to turn it towards him in greeting with that same joy.
Luke was in New York to introduce a new production process prototype robot to a telecoms company. It would cut down costs and increase production numbers while ensuring near perfect quality. He loved creating the work, he could do without the schmoozing that the job came with. But business and money was in his blood. Parris denoted money, real money.
He had left the restaurant and stood outside and stood outside waiting on his car when he caught the uninhibited scream from a child.

"Aunty Janey!"

He turned to search for the Aunty Janey and he got to watch the smile bloom as the child rushed into her outstretched welcoming arms. He saw her laugh as the little girl enthusiastically and wetly kissed her cheek and proceeded to hug her. He was hard pressed to understand the continued volley of speech that followed.

The little girl was followed closely by a lady who hugged her too. Whatever she said made her laugh. A full belly laugh, so wild and uninhibited it made him want to pounce on her in tigerish delight.

His riveted attention was diverted by the arrival of his car. The valet handed him his keys and stood back, his attention on the girl. His gaze appreciatively running over her small curvy body. Luke wanted to deck him, pull her into his car, drive her to his apartment and lock her in. Keep those curves for himself, gorge on those smiles and keep finding ways she could gift him that laugh.

       *****

Janice stood in the middle of the party to celebrate her husband's promotion to COO of Devon Holdings. She had tamed her wild mane of brunette hair into a tight bun. She had put on contacts so she could do away with her thick glasses. The costly mid calf dress and the the ridiculous shoes that made her ankles and heels throb made her a carbon copy of every woman in the hall.

In a party of almost 300 people, she was alone. Again.

She had surpassed all their expectations with this particular party after being told more than several times that his future success hinged on it. She had hired the best string quintet in the city. She had personally overseen the flowers, bathrooms, sitting arrangements and menu. With the precision of a drill Sergeant, she had attended to every detail. Seeking his approval, always seeking his approval.

She had gained it. He hadn't told her, but he had been told by every person who shook his eminent hand. By each group as he worked the room.

He used the same magnetic charisma that had hooked her to bring the most wealthy and influential people in the state to heel. They hang on to his every word, laughed when he did, praising him for the superb party. He accepted the praise as his due, and when he made a crack about the wine she had taken two months to select, taste and have shipped in, the group shared in his laughter. Including the tall statuesque blond on his arm.

She was, as always, at the periphery of his life, always looking in. Like a kid with grubby hands looking through the pristine glass, face pressed close to see the glittering lights bounce off the cold diamonds. But now suddenly she was tired, just bone...deep...weary. Tired of coming last in his life. After his business, friends, acquaintances, his driver and that random guy in the street.
So she put down the untouched glass of champagne and walked out of the party.