Chapter1
THE MEETING
It was a typical Saturday night at the “Boulevard Restaurant”, Where Tracy worked as a waitress.
The sound of clinking glasses and background conversations, from both the customers and staff filled the air, creating a backdrop of chatter and movement.As Tracy rushed from table to table, expertly balancing trays of food and drinks, her mind was preoccupied with the usual worries, bills to pay, rent due soon and her ever present exhaustion.
As Tracy approached a table in the corner of the room, She was surprised to see a strikingly handsome man sitting alone. His dark hair was well shaved, with waves formation on his head and his piercing eyes balls seemed to stare right through her. He was dressed in a well tailored navy blue suit, an expensive-hublot watch adored his wrist. Tracy suddenly felt a rush of excitement in her chest.
what can I get you tonight,sir? Tracy asked as she moved closer to his table, forcing a smile despite her been very tired and exhausted.
“I’ll take a glass of your finest red wine, and the pleasure of your company, If I may” the man said with a charming smile. Forcing Tracy to blush profusely her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink.
“Of course, Sir. I’ll be right back with your wine”. She turned and zoomed off headed towards the bar, her heart racing . She knew she couldn't let a handsome customer distract her from her work, but there was something about the man that seems to be very different.
As Tracy poured the wine, she couldn't help but steal glances at the table. The man had opened his laptop and was typing away, seemingly oblivious to her presence. She wondered what he was working on, and what kind of life he led.
Tracy after pouring the wine into a crystal clear looking glass placed on the table. “ Here; your drink, sir, I’m Tracy by the way. Is there anything else I can get for you?” The man looked up, his eyes meeting hers. “Marvin Jackson” he said extending his hand. “ And yes, you could tell more about yourself. I find myself intrigued by the beautiful waitress who's been avoiding my gaze all evening. Tracy laughed, shaking his hand.” Well Mr Marvin I’m not sure how interesting my life is. I work here full time, go to school part-time and sleep wherever I can . Not exactly a beautiful existence.
Marvin smiled “ Ah but there's something to be said for the simple life, isn't there? It's the everyday moment that make up a life, after all. Tracy found herself agreeing with him. “You're right. There's beauty in the ordinary, too”. “She glanced around, making sure no one was watching. “Tell me” Marvin said, his voice low and smooth. When was the last time you did something truly fun and spontaneous? Something that made your heart race?”
Tracy hesitated, her mind beating fast. She couldn't remember the last time she had done anything out of her ordinary daily routines. She was so focused on surviving, on making ends meet, that she'd forgotten how to actually live.
“It's been a while”,she admitted. ” I've been very busy with work and school to really do anything fun”.
Marvin nodded “And when was the last time you were truly happy? Tracy took a deep breath, thinking back to her last moment of true happiness. It had been years since she's felt anything like it .
I can't remember, “she said, her voice barely a whisper. “It's been too long”. Marvin reached out and took her hand in his. “Tracy, listen to me. Life is too short to be unhappy. You deserve to be happy, to feel alive. Let me give you that.
Tracy; breath caught in her throat. She knew she should pull away, so as to tell Marvin that this wasn't appropriate. But she couldn't. There was something that made her want to take a risk for the first time in years. “I don't know if I can, “she whispered . I'm scared Marvin squeezed her hand gently. Don't be scared. I won't hurt you. I’ll show you what it means to live, to actually live in it's real essence. Trust me. Tracy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As Tracy opened her eyes, she saw Marvin standing up from the table, his hand still holding hers. She rose to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest.
“ come with me”, Marvin said, leading her out of the restaurant. “”We're going to start your new life tonight ”.
Tracy followed him blindly, her mind racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. They walked through the city street, Marvin arm wrapped around her waist, the night air crisp and cool. Finally, the arrived at a high-rise building the entrance flanked by two imposing guards. As Marvin led Tracy through the building's lavish lobby, she couldn't help but wonder what he(Marvin) had in-store for her. Every nerve in her body was on edge, but she also felt more alive than she had ever been in a long time.
When they finally reached their destination, a gorgeous and enchanting lavish guest house apartment on the top floor, Tracy's breath caught in her as she was blown away with the sight that she's beholding in front of her.
Marvin Jackson took Tracy Deep to his luxurious guest house in a serene environment, the sight was too magnificent to behold, it's got a lot of tall palm - trees to give shade and airy warmth during the summer, with four different kinds of garden around the four corners, surrounding the lovely edifice.
Tracy Deep eyelid popped up, in a wild euphoria of excitement because she was astonished and at same engulfed with all shades of perplexities, with the beauty she's found herself in. Lost in thought she mumbled “ this is very beautiful ”. Marvin interrupted her thought process, “ma'am ” you like what your eyes are beholden? She interject, “Marvin am actually in awe, it's super amazing, I love this space and the architectural designs, every bit of it was well thought out and perfectly put in it's place ”. Thanks Tracy.
This is just my guest apartment I want us to discuss a little here,and probably spend the night here if you will? Then I’ll take you to my abode tomorrow morning been sunday to have breakfast, lunch and dinner as we prepare our itineraries for the week ahead. Thanks sir for having me, I love it here she said. “You're welcome darling ” But please cut out with the official remark of calling me sir”, you already know my name, Marvin will do anyday and time, and i promise to be of my best behavior all through your stay within my environ. Tracy cuts in, you don't have to say so I can see that you're a perfect gentleman already. My dear, am most excited to be your host for tonight and I will make your stay worthwhile. While he was yet speaking, one amongst his numerous Stewards approached them in the gigantic sitting room and greeted, “ sir what can I offer you and your guest? Marvin then replied, “ Anything her royal gorgeousness seated right here demands, do make sure in a haste you have it available. Welcome ma. The steward retorted demanding Tracy's attention, but she was caught been oblivious of what has been said by the two gentlemen before her, because she was stealing glances at the nature of the interior designs and the soft expensive cushion she was sitting on.