"No way. Are you sure you went to the address on the text?" James asked.
"What text? I didn't get any texts," I answered.
"Jesus, Anthony. I sent you a text; the location changed. Check your goddamn phone," he spat and then hung up.
I was soon driving down an unfamiliar street. I had never been to this part of town before, and the apartment complex I was heading to was completely unknown to me. I glanced at the address on my phone again, confirming that I had the right location.
As I pulled into the apartment complex parking lot, I felt relieved that I had found the place without any trouble. The building was tall and modern, with sleek windows reflecting the sunlight. I walked towards the entrance.
I stepped inside the building, feeling the cool waft of air conditioning wash over me. I approached the front desk, where a friendly receptionist greeted me and asked for my name and the purpose of the visit. I explained that I was there to see a client and gave her Laura’s name.
She directed me toward the elevators and told me to go to the third floor.
How did Laura keep changing houses like a chameleon? It had been a long journey here, and I couldn't help but be curious about all this.
Finally, I reached the third floor and stepped out of the elevator. I looked around, trying to find the right apartment number. After a few minutes of searching, I found it and knocked on the door.
Laura opened the door and greeted me with a scowl on her face, making me feel like I had done something wrong. As she motioned me in with a brush in her hand, I couldn't help but notice how stunning she looked. Her long, wavy hair fell effortlessly down her back, and the dress she wore hugged her curves perfectly, making my heart skip a beat.
"Do you know what time it is?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation. “I was just about to head out to meet a friend at a club.”
I felt a pang of guilt as I realized that I had made her wait.
"Yes, I didn't realize the address had changed," I replied apologetically. "I'm so sorry." I needed to be good. I needed to be wanted.
Her expression softened slightly.
I continued. "I should have started out earlier, but I was busy. I had some things to sort out. I'm really sorry it took this late."
"Sit," she said, motioning towards the plush couch in the center of the room. "Could I get you something to drink?"
I considered my options for a moment before replying.
"What do you have?" I asked, trying to be polite.
Laura's eyes glinted mischievously as she looked at me.
"Wine or water," she said with a smile.
I opted for water, and as she set a bottle and a glass in front of me, our hands touched briefly. I couldn't help but notice how soft her hands were and how they seemed to pause for just a moment before setting the glass down. It was a fleeting moment, but it left an impression on me. I couldn't help but admire her grace and poise as she disappeared through a door to inspect the package I had brought her.
She reappeared a few minutes later, holding the package in her hand. "Thank you for bringing this," she said, her tone sincere.
I knew I had to do something to make things right between us, so I took a deep breath and said, "Look, Laura, I'm really sorry for being late. I know it was inconsiderate of me, and I understand if you're upset. How can I make it up to you?"
She looked at me skeptically. I continued, "I know you're headed to a club, and it's unsafe for you to head out alone in this area. How about I drive you there? That way, I can make sure you get there safely, and maybe we can have a chance to get to know each other a little."
Laura's expression softened, and she nodded slowly.
"Okay," she said, "I accept your offer. But I do not want to talk about me."
I gestured towards the door. "Okay. If you’re ready, let's go then."
We walked in silence to my car, and I opened the passenger door for her. She slid in, and I closed the door behind her. As I got into the driver's seat, I could feel her eyes on me, and it made me a little nervous. I cleared my throat and started the car, pulling out onto the street.
"So, Laura, tell me about yourself," I said, trying to break the ice.
She paused for a moment before speaking. "Well, I told youIdidn’t want to talk about myself. But I would love to know whatyouhave heard about me. It's fascinating to me that everyone has a different perspective of me. What's yours?"