Satan’s truth: Dinner with the devil

At first sight

He glanced at his wristwatch and saw that it was only 3 p.m. It was still early, and he had plenty of time. Just then, his phone started ringing, and it was Mark calling. He answered the call.

"Dude, what's going on? I've been trying to reach you all day. I wanted to grab lunch with you," Mark said.

"Sorry, I ended up falling asleep. I'm actually at home. I got fired today, so I've been feeling down and drowning my sorrows in drinks," Nicholas explained.

He pulled out his laptop from his satchel.

"Damn, I'm really sorry to hear that. What happened?" Mark inquired.

"The whole day turned into a disaster. First, I almost got run over by this stunning yet strange woman. Then, I got to work, and my new laptop crashed, ruining my presentation and ultimately leading to my dismissal. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong," Nicholas recounted.

Just as he mentioned it, his laptop suddenly turned on. "That's really strange," he remarked.

"What is?" Mark asked.

"My laptop is working again, as if nothing was ever wrong with it," Nicholas replied.

"You know how technology can be sometimes. It glitches and then miraculously recovers. Don't worry about it. On the bright side, you had a close encounter with a beautiful stranger. Have you had lunch yet?" Mark questioned.

"Not yet. I was just about to make something," Nicholas replied.

"Forget about cooking. Get dressed, and let's go out. Remember that bar I was telling you about? They serve amazing food and great drinks. Let's go there, relax, and catch up," Mark suggested.

"Alright, I'm on my way," Nicholas agreed.

He grabbed his keys and headed out the door, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the day's disappointments.

***

Nicholas arrived at the bar, and he and Mark proceeded to order food and drinks.

"How's your new book coming along?" Mark asked.

"I'm still working on it, but it's almost ready for publication. I have that to look forward to," Nicholas replied.

While they were enjoying their meal, Nicholas received a text from Luci's chauffeur, confirming the time for his pick-up.

"Why are you smiling like you just won the lottery?" Mark inquired.

"Well, my friend, remember the beautiful stranger who almost ran me over this morning? She invited me to dinner, and I will be gracing her with my presence," Nicholas exclaimed.

"What? And you kept this from me? This is too good! At least you'll have a great time. So, what does she look like? Give me something to imagine," Mark insisted.

"She is beautiful, you p*****t. That's all you need to know. Although I couldn't help but notice how jealous and protective you got when that drunk guy kept hitting on Miranda last weekend," Nicholas teased.

"No, don't make this about Miranda and me. This is your moment, my friend. And yes, Miranda is an amazing woman—beautiful, smart, and kind. Any man would be lucky to have her, but she's just a friend," Mark clarified.

"Alright, if you say so," Nicholas said, glancing at his wristwatch. It was already 5:35 p.m.

"I have to go get ready. It was nice catching up, bro. Take care," Nicholas said as he stood up and prepared to leave.

"So, you're abandoning your homie for a pretty face? No problem, anytime, brother. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Mark playfully teased as Nicholas left the bar.

On his way home, Nicholas stopped by a flower shop and bought a bouquet for Luci. When he arrived at his apartment, he played Marvin Gaye's hit song "s****l Healing" in the background. He took a hot shower, shaved, and carefully chose his attire. His phone rang, and it was Luci's chauffeur, informing him that he was already waiting downstairs. It was 7:29 p.m. Nicholas grabbed the flowers and headed downstairs.

As he reached the building's entrance, he noticed a tall, peculiar-looking man standing in front of a red limousine. The chauffeur wore a suit and a hat, towering at about six feet nine inches, with intense blue eyes and pale ivory skin. He sent a shiver down Nicholas's spine; the chauffeur had an imposing presence.

"Are you Mr. Nicholas Palmieri?" the chauffeur asked.

"Yes, I am," Nicholas replied.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Palmieri. I am Asmodeus, and I will be escorting you to my mistress's residence," Asmodeus introduced himself, holding the door open for Nicholas as he entered the limousine. Asmodeus took his place in the driver's seat, and the car began to move. Inside, there were champagne and glasses, inviting Nicholas to indulge. Whoever this woman was, she was remarkable, with grand and impressive gestures just for a dinner date. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought he was being taken to dine with an important dignitary. He was genuinely intrigued by Luci; as someone working for a magazine, it was part of his job to be acquainted with the city's socialites. Yet, he had never heard of a Luci Morningstar. Perhaps she was new to town or simply very private. It was unlikely that such a beautiful and wealthy woman could exist in New York without anyone knowing about her. She was indeed an intriguing mystery to him.