The Rules of the Red - 2014 Watty Award Winner |✓|

Chapter Eight - Part Three

“What’s your point?” he said, but even so he looked away in the tell-tale manner of someone that had information worth hiding.

“You told him to forget what he saw, and it was like he literally did forget. That’s not weird to you?”

“Naomi, I haven’t found anything weird in a very long time.” he replied. “I am weirdness – and I like it. And that’s all you need to know. For now.”

And with another one of his dark, elusive smiles, he returned his sights to the hotel, leaving me with even more questions than I’d had before.

But then again, knowing Tidus, that had probably been the plan all along.

*  *  *

The Penthouse of the Waldorf Towers was a visual feast for the eyes, and nothing short but magnificent. The beautiful grand foyer was the first room to great your eyes, followed by a lovely, formal, dining room seated for twelve, a business-like, but not-ungraceful living room, a full-sized kitchen larger than many of the rooms I’d grown up in, and two bedrooms that each had their own four-fixture bathroom made of sparkling marble.

As I investigated each of the rooms, I felt the beauty of the Penthouse move within me. The windows were all floor-to-ceiling – each capturing its own version of the perfect Manhattan view. The plush furniture, elegant paintings and stylish mirrors along the walls were perfect for lending the suite a natural 1930’s atmosphere. Immediately I liked it, although I remained intimidated by the grandeur of the Waldorf. It reminded me that where I currently stood was a far different locale than where I’d been a year before. But even though this was meant as a good thing, somehow I didn’t think I’d ever be able to get used to it.

Our bags were already stacked and waiting for us in the living room (by a mini bar that wasn’t quite as mini as it sounded), but I bypassed them and headed straight to the window. New York lights twinkled all across the dark city, and the streets were abuzz with the flowing traffic of night. The points and turrets of skyscrapers studded my line of vision, and with pleasant surprise I managed to pick out famous landmarks such as the Rockefeller Center, Central Park and even the spiked rooftops of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

I stood, transfixed, before the glass, long enough for Tidus to prepare two scotch and sodas at the bar. Silently, he took his place beside me, giving me a slight nudge as he offered me one.

 Gratefully, I accepted and took my first sip. The smooth sting of the liquor revived me, and I felt the familiar warmth that keeps you seduced to drink.

“This is really beautiful.” I said, tapping the cold glass of my drink. The ice had it sweating already.

“Hmm?” he answered, invested in his drink.

“The view?” I reiterated. “Manhattan is amazing. It’s like… a painting that’s come to life.”

“Well, I remember a time back when the city wasn’t so glamorous.” he said, looking up with an expression so close to familiarity that it bordered on insipidness. “I remember when it used to be all smog and dirty buildings and despair. Actually, I kinda miss it.”

“And what were you like in the old New York?” I asked, grinning at him above the rim of my glass.

“Well, I didn’t have my humanity, if that’s what you’re getting at. But to be honest, I was still no worse than most Humans. After all, it was desperate times for Vampire and Man – there was no work, no money, and all the Humans tasted like ash.”