The Ladder

Chapter 3 - La Venice

The next day Nashon woke up bright and early and put on the same suit as the day before. I don't care if anyone notices, she won't know that's all that matters, Nashon thought. At work he showed a few cars but didn't give it his best. He just rushed the customers through a quick show and let them decide on their own. The day was dragging, and noon seemed to take forever to come. The address was only 10 mins away, but he figured he would leave at 12:30.

Nashon sat in the car in the lot facing the exit at 12:20, waiting for the clock to hit 12:30 so he could drive to his much anticipated destination. He arrived at 12:39 and informed security that he was dropping a car to Miss Tiffany Winters. They opened the gate so he could proceed through. He sat there and waited nervously as he watched execs walk to their expensive vehicles wearing their high priced suits, that made his suit look like something from a thrift shop. He was right, they all turned their heads to check out the new sleek vehicle sparkling in the parking lot.

The time ticked cross like a ticking time bomb. His heart felt like it jumped with every tick. 12:48, 12:49,12:50. Omg, this feels like an eternity. 12:58 Nashon looked up as he heard the sound of heels entering the parking lot from the elevator. It was her. She looked even more stunning. Her long hair bounced with every step and her navy blue, form fitting, knee length dress fit her body perfectly. She was walking towards him with a big smile on her face. For a second, he imagined that smile was for him and not her spanky new sports car.

Wow, she looks like Heaven, pure perfection, Nashon thought. He opened the door and jumped out as she approached. Good afternoon Miss Tiffany. He said mistakenly forgetting she said to call her Tiffany. Good day, Mr. Nashon. She said with a slight giggle. The car looks amazing. I'm so excited. It's all yours. Great! Tiffany responded with a smile as she got in! Oh Nashon, do you need a lift back to the dealers? Oh, that's fine. I can catch the bus. Oh no, I insist. Thank you I appreciate that. Nashon closed the door behind Tiffany and quickly got in the passenger's side.
Are you in a hurry to get back, Tiffany asked? No, not at all. How about some lunch I'm starving? Sure, I haven't eaten either, Nashon replied.
Did she really ask me out? He thought. I know a great restaurant across town. Do you want to try it? Tiffany asked. Sure, I would love to.

Tiffany slowly lowered her foot on the gas to get a feel for the power. It is a powerful car you know. Oh, I know this isn't my first. He smiled remembering she did come to the dealers in a car equally as powerful. They arrived at this Venice style restaurant with valet parking. As she got out you couldn't help but notice everyone staring as if she was a celebrity. You're going to have to get used to that with a car like this, he chuckled. Yes, you were right it is a head turner. As is the driver, he said with a smile. Tiffany gave a slight blush as she took off her shades and entered the restaurant.

Miss Winters, I'm so glad to see you again. I will get you seated right away. Thank you so much Maurice, it's always a pleasure to see you. They were quickly seated and offered wine right away. I'll take the Pietracupa Greco di Tufo please. Tiffany said with a perfect Italian accent. Certainly. And for you sir? Um I'll just take your house wine, thanks. Very well sir. Nashon noticed a slight smirk from Tiffany when he gave his drink order. Fancy restaurant, I've never been here. Well, I come here often for their Italian salads, they are the best. I'm not sure what to order from this menu is everything in French? Oh, I'll help you with that, it can be a little confusing. What do you like? Um...do they have burgers? She let out a slight giggle. I'm sure they can arrange one for you.

So, Tiffany, do you mind me asking what do you do? I'm a senior exec at 'Win Investments'. Oh wow, sounds very impressive. Thank you, it can be very demanding at times. Well, I'm sure it's rewarding. It has its perks. So, do you stay in the city? Tiffany asked. No actually I stay Eastshore. Oh, Eastshore. I see. How about you? I stay Greystone Estates. Oh wow, I've only driven cross there a few times, there are a lot of huge houses there. Yes, there are quite a few, Tiffany replied.

So, what do you do for fun Tiffany? Well, I use to ride horses, but Daddy thinks they are too dangerous, now I either play tennis or stay home and read a good book. Work takes up most of my time. How about you?
Well, I just chill with my family mostly. We barbeque, play a little basketball, might go to the scrambling track now and then. Nothing too serious. Oh, I see. Wow, the food came pretty fast. Um...is this a burger? Well, it is in Venice Tiffany chuckled.

An hour seemed to fly cross as they ate their meal and casually talked about their childhood and upbringing. Tiffany's upbringing was the entire opposite of Nashon's they were clearly from two different worlds.

We are here. Yes, here we are. Nashon responded reluctantly, as they arrived at the lot. Thank you for the lunch Tiffany. I would have been happy to treat you. No, Nashon I asked you, so it was my treat. Well, how about I ask you? Can I take you to dinner this weekend? I would like that. Ok great. I will call you. Thank you again, Tiffany. No thank you Nashon.