"Weird…her breathing seems normal." I heared him say. Wait–was he checking my breathing? "Maybe I should call an ambula–"
"No!" I quickly stood on my feet. "I'm fine. I'm okay." I straightened my dress. He stared at me with those fiery eyes. Yet, in stark contrast to his intimidating presence, his gaze was nothing but a cold stare.
"I'm used to women finding weird ways to approach me, but…that was on a whole new level." He smirks.
"Hold on. Do you think I was trying to hit on you?" I asked, a little bit surprised.
"You were spying on me, so…"
"Wait…wait, I wasn't spying on you!" I crossed my arms. "I was here first."
"The terrace was empty when I arrived."
"I was looking for something of mine on the floor." I was starting to get angry.
"Your earring?"
"Yes, my earring–wait, how did you know?" He made a gesture with his eyes to something on the floor. I look down and see my earring at my feet. I let out a small curse. I clear my throat. "Thank you."
"So you didn't spy on me?"
"No."
"Neither did you try to throw yourself at me?"
"I'd never. Besides, you're not even my type."
His smirk returned, more amused than offended. "Please enlighten me…what exactly is my type."
"Arrogant, entitled and quick to judge." I turned on my heels. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got places to be and things to do. Enjoy the rest of your night."
I didn't wait for a response. I walked away, heels clicking like punctuation marks.
Behind me, I could feel his gaze lingering.
Who is this girl? Adrian thought quietly.
—
The next scene was a whole different performance.
"What's going on here?" I asked, feigning shock as I stepped into the hall.
"Babe?" Henry's expression was priceless—wide-eyed and panicked. "It's not what it looks like, I swear!"
"Honey, who's this?" a blonde hair, creamy skin girl beside him blinked, confused.
"I'm his wife, honey." I said, mimicking her sugary tone.
"You're married?" The slim chick gasped.
"This time, I swear to God, I'm divorcing you! And I'm gonna take everything from you." I threw in a dramatic pause, just for effect.
"No, baby, please don't do that!"
"It's already done. Goodnight." I proceed to walk out but then I stopped and turned back to him. "Oh–and you can say goodbye to your fortune after I'm done with you."
Then I stormed out, leaving a trail of gasps behind me.
"Can she do that?" The blonde asked, stunned.
"If only it weren't for this stupid prenup." The dark skinned guy, Henry, muttered.
"Uhm…" The blondie looked like she had just seen a ghost. "Something came up. I'm afraid I must go." She didn't hesitate to walk away.
From the top of the stairs, Adrian watched the entire scene unfold—perplexed, intrigued, and maybe even a little impressed.
That's how it's done. I thought to myself.
"You were magnificent. Extraordinary!" Henry caught up to me, grinning. "I almost believed I had a wife." He chuckled.
"So…did she dump you?" I asked. Cause that was my aim.
"Oh, she ran away in a flash." We both laughed.
"Your cheque." He brought out a small white envelope and handed it to me. "Now that our business is done, how about I treat you with a drink?"
I take the envelope and slip it into my purse. "Sorry, Henry, I never mix business with pleasure." I gave him a smile and said, "thank you. Have a good night." Then walked away.
Adrian followed Henry outside, still watching, still wondering.
The next morning
The sound of my door bell ringing for at least the third time got me out of my bed. Before I could stand up the person was already banging on the door. What the hell? I went ahead to check on who's at my door this early. I opened the door and…
"Where's my rent?" A round, grumpy man that looks like he's in his early sixtys–my landlord. Stood at my door, looking irritated. "I'm waiting, young lady."
"Mr Thomas, sir, I do realize we're a few days late but, we need a few more days."
"It's the third month in a row that you've delayed your payment. If you can't afford an apartment in NYC, guess what!" He made a hand gesture for me to say something.
"What?" I said with uncertainty.
"Move out!" He barked.
"Sir, all I'm asking is a little time."
"You have three days, not an hour more. This is your last warning. The next time, you're gonna see my lawyer." Then he stormed off.
I closed the door and lean against it, exhaling. Have you ever felt like, no matter how hard you may try, nothing is enough. That's how I felt right then.
"Cheer up or I'll punch you." Hazel said, appearing from the kitchen.
I sigh. "We need to find the money for the rent, H. Otherwise, we're screwed."
"I'm not saying it's easy, but we'll figure something out."
"I hope so." The ringing of my phone draws my attention. I walk up to the bed to pick my phone and get the call. "Hello?"
"Are you Ms. Julie?" The calm male voice at the other end of the phone asked.
"That's me. Who am I speaking to?"
"I'm interested in your services."
"What's this about? I'm very strict about what kind of project I accept."
"Oh, believe me, you'll take this one." The voice in the other end sounded calm, too calm.
"Yeah, but–"
"I prefer to discuss this in person. I'll send my driver to pick you up."
"Wait, do you know my address?"
"I know a lot of things Ms. Julie. Be ready in half an hour." Then he hung up.
Okay, that was weird. "If I'm not back by noon, call the police." I tell Hazel, as I proceed to go get dressed.
"Where are you off to?"
"Work. A just got off a call from a client who needs Julie services. I'm not sure who he is or what exactly he wants but I'm curious."
"Be careful though." Hazel told me and went to the kitchen.
"I always am." I said, pulling open my closet.
But truthfully?
I wasn't just curious.
I was intrigued.
And maybe… a little excited.