Kinbaku-bi

Disappointments

After making it to my firm, I park my car in my designated parking spot, hop out, grab my backpack, and badge into the office. 9:42 am. Three minutes early. I always make sure that I greet the security officers that work in my building. I want their days to start on a good note, just like mine. The engineers that work here typically treat the officers like second-class citizens, and it pisses me off. I don't think they realize that these officers are the same people they're going to call for when Big Billy has a heart attack on the third floor. Common decency goes a long way, and I don't see how some of these people made it so far without it. Well, they're degreed, white men; they'll go as far as they want to.

I get on the elevator and press the "5" button. As the elevator door begins to close, I can hear the sound of heels against the marble floor, moving faster and getting closer to the elevator. I instantly place my hand between the two doors so that they will open back up. A woman comes in.

"What floor?"

"4, please. Thank you."

I press the "close doors" button, and we begin to take off. One thing about me is, I remember scents before I remember faces. I didn't even look at this woman, but she smells like she's fine as hell. The type of perfume she is wearing is the perfect blend: not too obnoxious that it will irritate your nose, but also it grabs the attention of people like me. I look over at her as swift and smooth as possible. Elevator rides can be very awkward. And my God, was she as fine as she smells. Beautiful brown skin, high cheekbones, 4C hair perfectly slicked into a puff, naturally arched eyebrows, and big, brown eyes. The longer we're in the elevator, the more I can tell that her scent is a mixture between her perfume and her hair products. Both go hand in hand. This elevator smells like the tropics, coconuts, and all. I'll save my second glance for when she gets off on her floor. I clear my throat and start up a conversation.

"Having a good day so far?"

"I'd say so. How about you?"

"I'm living the dream."

She begins to chuckle, as do I. I can get a better glance at her. She has a perfect smile as well.

"I see you're going to the fifth floor. You must be with the big dogs."

"You can say that. I'm a computer scientist. I'm up for promotion pretty soon."

*Fourth Floor*

"Well, look at you, Ms. Howard."

She steps out of the elevator and walks away with purpose. I catch another glimpse as the elevator door closes. I saw it from the front, and I can see it from the back. How did she know my name? I look down at my shirt, and my badge isn't attached. I check my pockets, and my badge is sitting in my right one. So my badge was not present, how did she know my name? I don't know whether or not to be intrigued or concerned. There are so many people in this building, and this is my first time seeing her. She must've asked around about me.

*Fifth floor*

I step off the elevator, greet my colleagues, and take a seat at my desk.

"Dee, do you have the excel spreadsheet that I've been asking about?

"Good morning to you too, Tim. Yes, I do have the spreadsheet. I put the finishing touches on it last night."

"I'm sorry, Dee. Good morning. Mr. Bradley's been on my ass all morning so far about it, and I just need him to get off of my back."

"Understood. Will do. I'm sending it to your email now."

"Thank you so much. You're truly a lifesaver."

Oh, I'm very aware. I always end up having to clean up Tim's mess and have to do his work for him. That's why Mr. Bradley is on his ass now.

"No problem, Tim. I'm always happy to help out."