Fire and Silk

Chapter Two

“This is Brilliant, absolutely amazing ladies!” Director Hawkins went over all of our materials for the third time in the last hour. Watching each clip at least three times. “You both managed to obtain both sides of the story for us. Good job Samantha on getting down and dirty with the crowd and enduring the brutality and Eve good job on interviewing the civilians and police force. You both did great jobs. I’ll send this over to the editing team and get them to start on the article.” He looked up at us from his reading glasses his green eyes sparkling with amusement. Director Hawkins was a spontaneous man. He was older in his mid-fifty’s, he had long salt and pepper hair that he wore in a long ponytail with a long beard to match. He was a funny man who you could tell definitely done some acid back in his younger days.

“Monday morning ladies, this articles going to be on the front of the Daily Mountain Eagle with both your names on it. I can’t wait for the people to get some real content on the matter. Maybe this will push for there to be some changes in this city.” He smiles as he kept looking at his computer screen typing quickly on his keyboard throwing out ideas for the editing team to tackle.

“Thank you sir, it was a rambunctious crowd out there tonight but honestly I’m just glad it’s the weekend and we have it free. Now if you don’t mind I’m going to head home and try to wash away some of this grime from this evening off my body.” Samantha said standing up from her chair to make her way out of the door. I started to follow her until Director Hawkins stopped me.

“Eve I know this is last minute and you have the weekends off but I need you to go cover a Art event tomorrow night for me. It’s at the Mackwain Art Center over on Ocean Avenue. Some big celebrities and politicians will be there and I need someone to represent our team. I would go but I’m going out of town this weekend and your my last resort.”

He looked at me almost begging me to say yes with the way his eyes pleaded. I didn’t have any plans tomorrow even though it was Saturday. My roommate had plans with her flavor of the week and I would just be sitting at home watching tv or reading a book doing nothing. I didn’t spend my off days clubbing or out with friends I usually just worked on articles and stayed at home unless I was made to leave the apartment.

“Sure Director I don’t mind I have nothing going on this weekend anyways.” He was relieved I said yes so he didn’t have to go himself.

“Great I’ll get Carla to email you the details and the invitation to get in. It’s a formal event so you’ll have to wear something upscale to be able to enter but Carla will send you all the details.”

“That’s fine sir, I’m happy to do it.” This assignment seemed like a piece of cake. I would just go for a few hours, take a few notes on the art event and leave. Maybe I could meet some famous people while I’m at it, and question some politicians.

“Thank you Eve, I’ll get Carla to email the details and I’ll see you back Monday morning.” He gave me a smile and a little wave sending me on my way. I got up making my way toward the door and to my office. Reaching my desk I grabbed my purse and car keys, I’m exhausted and can’t wait to be home. I shut the lights off locking my door behind me as I made way out the front door. Many people were still in the office trying to get work done before the weekend so they wouldn’t have to work over the weekend. As I made my way out the door I waved to the front desk lady and the security guard. “Goodnight you guys, have a great weekend.”

They smiled back at me,”Bye Eve you have a great weekend.” Angela said, she was a middle aged woman who was always nice. The security guard Nate just gave me a nod walking to the door to make sure I made it to my car okay. Approaching my Black Durango near the front I gave him a little wave as I got in and started it. Pulling out of the parking lot I headed toward my apartment on the north side of town in a quiet subdivision.

....

Parking in front of my building I got out locking my car and starting the hike up to the third floor. I unlocked my apartment door walking in and setting my keys on the counter inside the door. I could hear voices from the kitchen letting me know my roommate was home. When I turned the corner I couldn’t prepare my eyes for what was in front of me. My roommate was completely naked on the couch being groped by a guy in nothing but his boxers.

“God Lily what the hell! Didn’t we talk about this.” I covered my eyes trying to erase the image from my head. Trying to make my way down the hallway to my room without being scarred. Her and the guy burst into laughter as she grabbed a blanket covering herself, the guy getting under the covers with her.

“Sorry Eve! I didn’t think you’d be home so early.” She continued laughing, letting a high pitch squeal as the guy continued to assault her.

I continued down the hall making it to my room, shutting my door and turning on the lights. My room was my sanctuary. With its grey colored walls and boho chic decorations it always gave me a feeling a comfort to come home. I instantly went into the adjoining bathroom starting the water, letting it warm while I stripped down to get in and take a shower.

After my shower I went through my nightly routine of skin care and moisturizer. Brushing my long silver hair out I but it in a long braid to keep it from soaking my pillow and pajamas while I slept. When I exited the bathroom I heard a slight knock at my door. “Come in.” I called out instantly knowing it was Lily on the other side. She came in sitting on my bed making room for me to sit by her.

“I’m glad to see you’ve found some clothes. So whose that guy?” I asked her smiling. Lily was my college roommate and one thing I knew about her was that she didn’t keep the same guy for over a month. She usually got rid of a dude by the time she got bored with them. She was 23 and was absolutely gorgeous. She had short brown hair, big green eyes, and her face was covered in freckles. She had a petite body type with small curves and mousy facial features. Lily was a lot of fun and always attracted a crowd of people wherever she went.

“Well his names Dmitri, I met him at that new club Nirvana last night. We hit it off and I invited him home with me and he’s been here since.” She said with a grin, she seemed excited about this guy. She must of liked him, its very rare that lily didn’t make guys do a walk of shame out the door the morning after.

“Seems like you like him Lily, it’s not often you let a guy stay the next day with you.”

“Well that’s usually the case but he’s super hot and amazing in bed. But he’ll be leaving soon girl, apparently he works for some rich guy who owns most of Miami and he’s got work to do tonight.” About that time there was another knock on my door and Dmitri opened the door. She was not lying as far as guys Lily brought home Dmitri was one of the better looking ones. He was dressed in jeans and a black shirt, his blonde hair was long and wild with their previous activities. He had a lean build, his right arm covered in tattoos that reached up the side of his neck, chiseled jaw and piercing hazel eyes.

“Sorry about earlier, if Lily would of warned me we would of tried to be at least half way decent before you got home.” He said apologetically.

“No worries, all is forgiven but next time I’ll knock on the door before I decide to open it.” That got a laugh out of both of them. Lily got up from the bed going over to Dmitri.

“Is it time for you to leave?” She asked him, a pout forming on her lip. I knew that face she was using the puppy dog face to try to convince him otherwise.

“Yes babe it’s time for me to go, I can’t be late, we’ve got important business to deal with tonight.” He said giving her a hug, he pulled back. “Will you walk me out?” He asked her.

“Of course.” She said smiling up at him. He turned toward me.

“Eve it was nice meeting you, maybe I’ll see you next time.”

“Yea next time.” I gave him a small wave as he turned to go down the hallway. “Lily will you close my door, I’m headed to bed I’ve had a long day.” I said turning on my lamp on my nightstand, picking up the remote to the overhead light turning it off and turning the ceiling fan on. “Yea girl.” She closed the door giving me a wink before she closed it. I could help but give a little laugh. I was happy for lily maybe this guy would be different for her. I grabbed my book off my night stand, turning the book to where I left off to continue with my romance novel. Letting myself drift off to a fairytale love story I wish I could experience myself.