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I'm tied up in meetings this week, but how about next week on Friday? We could meet and tour the new apartment complex I'm building in downtown Manhattan.
A smile blossomed on my lips as I read his message. The unexpectedness of his swift response and the intriguing prospect of exploring his latest project filled me with excitement. I replied to his text, trying to hide my excitement.
Next Friday sounds perfect. Looking forward to it.
With that settled, I finally turned off the bedside lamp. Lying there in the gentle calm, I couldn't help but replay Alexander's words.
The walls I’d built around him, based on my preconceived notions, were beginning to crumble.
Maybe, just maybe, the Alexander Hartman I’d judged was not the real him at all.
My thoughts swirled in a hazy mixture of anticipation and wonder as sleep claimed me. Realizing that there might be more to Alexander than met the eye left me feeling warm and giddy.
Images of the Lower Manhattan apartment complex he mentioned danced in my mind, each room and corridor an uncharted territory waiting to be explored.
The idea of discovering the man and his creations felt like a privilege, an intimate glimpse into his world that I hadn't anticipated.
With a soft sigh, I finally succumbed to sleep's gentle embrace, my mind drifting into a deep sleep.
Thursday 6:45 a.m.
Iwoke up to the gentle vibration of my cat purring on my chest. I couldn't help but smile.
I gently moved Teddy, who had made himself quite comfortable on my chest and stood groggily. Stretching my arms high above my head, I let out a yawn that seemed to encompass all the sleepiness of the morning.
My first order of business was to freshen up, so I stumbled into the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I looked into the mirror, my slightly messy hair and sleepy eyes stared back at me.
After my mini-morning routine, I shuffled my way to the kitchen. My cat followed me, his fluffy tail swaying with every step.
I prepared breakfast and placed his bowl on the floor. As he dug into his food, I grabbed a quick bite of toast, eggs sunny side up, bacon, and a cup of coffee to wake up the parts of my brain that were still asleep.
My mind began to return to the events of yesterday evening, but I shook my head in a bid to clear my thoughts; I didn't need the distraction.
I checked my phone and froze when I saw 'Allan's' missed call. Guilt gripped me suddenly, and the phone seemed to slip from my fingers, clattering onto the kitchen counter.
I couldn't risk talking to him and my big mouth exposing me or him realizing I was hiding something from him.
As I brushed my teeth again after breakfast, I couldn't shake off the image of Allan's missed call. I tried splashing water on my face, but my mind was spinning with thoughts of the interview.
I wanted to impress Alexander, to get to know him beyond the public persona he projected. As Allan had suggested, I needed to make him trust me.
Sitting down with my laptop and notepad, I dived into my research on Alexander.
His accomplishments were impressive, but his philanthropic efforts caught my attention.
He’d donated significant money to cancer clinics, children's hospitals, and pet rescue centers. It wasn't just about the money – he seemed genuinely invested in positively impacting these causes.
There were stories of cancer patients whose treatments were made possible by Alexander's donations, which touched my heart.
The children's hospitals he supported provided better care and brighter futures for many young lives. And the pet rescue centers he funded gave animals a second chance at finding loving homes.
I clicked through photos of him at various charity events, interacting with patients, children, and animals. There’s something heartwarming about seeing him play with cats at a pet store, his smile genuine and his eyes full of warmth.
Without thinking, I snapped a picture of the screen and sent it to him with the caption,
Elizabeth Parker
Cat dad?
