CHAPTER2
1406 Words
“Mr. Finch?” I blinked as the sturdy man rolled down the window.
Mr Finch was the former janitor of the office where I worked. A day after I joined, he'd invited me to his mother's funeral. I honored the invitation but was surprised when I got to the venue to find only me as the guest, apart from the minister. No one from the office came. He’d thanked me profusely throughout that week and stopped coming to work after.
I haven't seen him since then.
“You alright? You look very troubled.” His southern accent immediately put me at ease.
I sighed, “I'm trying to get to New York.”
Amidst other things… I didn't add.
“Ain’t no problem. Let's go.”
“What? You're serious?” I stood abruptly.
He didn't even ask what was going on.
“Huh, why not?”
My lips curved in a warm smile for the first time in hours. I had never felt more grateful.
***
"Woah!" I gaped at the gallant building Mr Finch had dropped me off a few minutes ago. It stood proudly amidst the bustling upscale neighborhood of Manhattan.
The exterior was so beautifully decorated that I couldn't wait to see the inside, to see how the interior design looked.
As I kept walking towards the hotel, I noticed that they seemed to be hosting an event, as there were uniformed men positioned everywhere.
“I'll just peek inside. Just a glance.” My stomach grumbled boisterously, “And maybe some food.”
But as I got nearer to the red carpet, the first uniformed man scowled at me wordlessly.
"I…" I paused when he removed his eyes from me and held his walkie-talkie to his face. His eyes widened for a second before he signaled to the other men standing by the door; they all walked toward the left while I stood there clueless.
Why would they leave their duty post?
“Should I hold the fort for them?” I held my thoughts when I saw four buffed new men walking towards me. I rushed inside in panic.
“Were they coming for me?” My question was answered as I saw them take positions at the entrance.
“That was close.” I huffed in relief.
“Oh my god!” I gasped, taking in the interior.
The ambiance was luxe. The lighting was perfect, and everywhere was bright. Everyone was radiant and dressed like luxury.
Even I became bright. In fact, I shined brightest…
Wait, what…why am I under the spotlight?
I jumped away several times, only to be followed by the spotlight.
Did they find out how I made my way in, and are they trying to throw me out in the most embarrassing and dramatic way possible?
I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't hear the footsteps approaching me; they stopped right by me, and strong hands grabbed mine.
A velvety, deep voice spoke. “I didn't know you got here already, love.”
His eyes were on some other people a few feet from me.
“Mr Gonzalez, meet my lovely fiancée.”
Then, he turned.
And…god, was he beautiful!
His eyes, blue and deep, looked like they held a secret. His dimpled half smile put me at ease.
His hands that held mine were now stretched out to me, his gaze imploring me to put mine in his.
Puzzled, I did, and he led me towards the parties a few feet away.
I had no idea what was happening, but his confident strides and domineering aura made me feel I could trust him.
“Mr Gonzalez, this is the woman I've been telling you about.” He looked at me this time as he spoke. His eyes held unspoken words, loud enough for only me to hear.
Please, help me out here. And I did.
Finding my voice, I got into the act.
"Mr. Gonzalez, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Emery Rochester." I gave my best smile to the middle-aged man whose hands were wrapped around a woman…most likely his wife.
Mr Gonzalez didn't look so convinced, however. Maybe it was my face, which I was certain was smudged with make-up or the not-so-convincing way the handsome man brought me in.
I knew we had to do more than simple introductions.
Think. Emery, think.
My best smile was still on as I discreetly assessed Mr Gonzalez. He seemed smart and observant. He held his wife tight, and his wedding ring was well placed on his finger… he must be devoted.
But his tie… I squinted.
It was a sad shade of orange with miniature dolls drawn on it.
He must have grandkids and must dote on them; else, he just had poor taste in clothes.
But his wife dressed nicely; I shook my head, choosing the former.
I inferred that he must be a family man.
I turned to his wife, “And you must be the beautiful Mrs Gonzalez. It's so nice to meet you, I've heard wonderful things about you.”
Her face turned beet red, the same shade as her hair held in a chignon, while her husband's mouth curled in gratitude.
Nice, very nice.
I felt the handsome man visibly relaxed at Mr Gonzalez's smile.
“Thank you Emery. You are kind.” Mr Gonzalez nodded approvingly, “And if I may ask, wonderful things like what?”
Oh-ooh
I knew it; this man was smart. But I was prepared.
“A lot actually…my fiance adores you.” I laughed lightly and mentally facepalmed.
I don't even know my supposed fiance's name.
"He never stops talking about your adorable grandkids and how he hoped to be a great granddad like you one day., I added the last part shyly and deliberately.
Mr. Gonzalez looked up at 'my fiance' in surprise; then his face beamed with pride.
“Well, you're right on that one. The twins are the most adorable eight year-olds.” He shared a passionate look with his wife while I breathed in relief.
“Good job, Xander. We'll be meeting sooner than later.” Mr Gonzalez patted the man, whom I now knew went by Xander, with an approving smile.
He smiled at me with a nod before walking off with his wife.
"Good job." Xander's voice came out guarded, but I noticed he looked less strained than he had been earlier.
“You can help yourself to…some food.” He added the last part whilst looking me up and down like I was some specimen he couldn't wait to get rid of.
I scowled at his retreating figure.
Good job! That was an Oscar-worthy performance, thank you very much.
He was right about one thing, though: I was starving.
I salivated as my eyes landed on the buffet at a corner of the large hall.
I dashed towards it, all thoughts of Xander and the earlier situation gone.
***
It was past midnight, and the hotel opening was over now. I was more than full, having stuffed myself throughout the event.
Now, I needed a place to stay for the night. I can figure out how to get to my parents during the day.
I made sure to keep my eyes on Xander while he spoke to different people.
Was he some big shot?
Even the reporters wouldn't stop taking pictures of him.
I rocked on my feet, praying he would be kind enough to offer me a place to sleep till morning.
Finally, the crowd started thinning, and I got my chance to speak to him when I saw him going towards a car flanked by two bodyguards.
What would I even say? I racked my brain.
The door was opened for him, and as he was about to enter, I yelled.
“Xander!”
Slowly, he turned around, looking bored and tired as his eyes looked me up and down.
He seemed to realize who I was as his tensed face eased.
“What is it?” He tilted his head with a genuinely curious look in his eyes.
I fiddled with my necklace nervously, suddenly unsure of what to say.
I couldn't explain my life story to a stranger, could I?
So, ladies and gentlemen, there and then, I asked the most easily misunderstood question of the century.
“Can I come home with you?”
- Writer
