Between Heartbeats

Episode 1: The elevator. The rain in Manhattan had no chill. one minute the sky over midtown was at the perfect September blue. the next, it was a dumping water on the 5th avenue like the city owned it money. She stood under the awning of a 40 storey glass building, clutching her portfolio to her chest.her white blouse was already see- trough in places and her heels were done for . Mascara was probably running too . First day at the new marketing firm. And she was going to be late. A black car pulled up. the back door opened and stepped out him. Tall, navy suit, no umbrella, hair dump, jaw shaped eyes that looked like they billed people $500 just to look at them. The CEO . the one whose name was on the building. he didn't notice her he was already on a call. "push the pitch. I don't care if the client flew in from London if they want us they'll wait" He walked straight into the lobby, water dripping from his coat. Her phone buzzed. HR: conference room 48 he's waiting. her stomach dropped to the wet pavement. she took a deep and followed him in. the AC hit her instantly and she shivered. The lobby smelt like money and coffee and that clean, expensive scent that rich buildings have. the receptionist barely glanced up"Elevators to your right" the elevators door opened. he was already inside alone staring at his phone for a second she thought about taking the next one . 42 floors in these heels, soaked." are you getting in " his voice was low clipped , American accent with an edge that cut through the noise." yes thank you". The doors closed. Silence Just the soft music and the sound of rain against the glass. she could smell his cologne. cedar. something expensive. something that didn't belong in a room with her thrift store blouse she stared at the numbers 2...3...4... "New hire"? he asked, not looking at her " yes, Marketing first day " He nodded once . " Don't be late twice" " understood" Her hands were shaking. she tucked them behind her portfolio. Floor 17, the elevator gave a lurch. the lights flickered and stopped. she grabbed the handrail. He didn't flinch. " is this a regular thing?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady. " no". he hit the emergency botton then again. A voice cracked " maintenance is on the way.please remain calm" " building maintenance is ... handling it" he said slipping his phone back to his pocket Great. Now it was just the two of them. in a glass box 17 floors up . Now the space suddenly felt too small. her heart was racing and she hated that he might hear it . she could see her reflection in the glass next to his. she looked like a drowned intern . He looked like he owned the rain. He glanced at her, at the wet blouse,at the way she was hugging herself. Without a word he took off his jacket and held it out."I'm okay" . she said quickly "you are cold" it wasn't a debate, she took it it was warm. it swallowed her. And it smelled like him. cedar and something else. something clean."thank you" she whispered. he turned back to the doors . "What's your name" she hesitated "Maya" he didn't offer his she already know it , everyone did. Ethan Cole. "why marketing Maya" The question caught her off guard. "I like figuring out what makes people feel something,And then I make them buy it" A ghost of a smile appeared on his face. "Honest. I like that" To be continued