The loud noise had awoken Layla again. This wasn't the first time the drilling and shouting that had woken her out of her slumber. You see, there was construction happening right outside of Layla's apartment block, next door in fact. Sighing, then rolling around in her giant king-sized bed, she decided to visit the commotion happening outside of her window. Knowing that she would be greeted by the same sympathetic smiles, she drew back her white satin curtains, rubbed her eyes and focused on the one smile she was waiting to see. Drew.
As she pulled back the curtains, his brilliant smile greeted her and a nod that said, 'Good morning darling, sorry about this again'. She returned the non-verbal communication with a mocking sigh and rolling her eyes. Layla was still in her bed attire: silk shorts and a cami. Since Drew had arrived on the site 3 months ago she had to change her pyjama choices. Layla couldn't sleep in her oversized t-shirt and Shrek shorts any longer. She had to grow up at some point, right? Well thank the heavens above that a handsome construction manager appeared one morning and greeted her with a 'sorry' nod. Since then, their routine had been the same-: wake up, stare at each other, then turn back and get dressed for work.
Layla worked in the local hospital as an Urgent care doctor in the emergency department. Safe to say that her job was stressful, so sleep was a necessity. God knows, how much sleep she would be able to collect if construction started 7am, like clockwork. Pushing her hair back, she stood for a while watching the scenes ahead of her. Drew turned away from her as he began delegating work to his team. His muscular arms flexing as he pointed to various points of the building that needed attention. She could never understand the shouting, something regarding the structures that needed sorting out? She thought that's what it pertained to.
His eyes flashing glints of gold flecks as the sun reflected on his eyes. Standing at six feet four, he rivalled the skyscraper apartment. The whirring sounds of the drills penetrated through her reverie, and she realised that she stood by the window a beat too long. Pushing her long auburn hair away from her face, Layla was about to turn away from her 'Construction Romeo', as Layla and her work colleagues would call him; however he turned back to her and held out a finger indicating for her to 'hold on'. This was new, what did he want with her? Layla tentatively nodded her head. Drew then motioned to her that he would be coming up to her building and then mouthed 'door number?'. Shit. He's coming up? Can't be, she hadn't even cleaned her teeth, used the toilet and not to mention; her body was still covered in sleep.
Biting her lip, she mouthed back '73'. Oh no, what was she thinking? Drew nodded, and flashed ten minutes with his digits. She really didn't have long to look presentable. This moment had taken three months in the making, so she was going to put in some effort.. Within moments of Drew telling her that he would be up in 10 minutes, she rushed into the bathroom, showering and changing into her light grey lounge set. Brushing her hair, and tying it into a high ponytail she looked remotely human again. This was her day-off after all, she just wanted to look relaxed. Simple.
The knock on the door startled her, with a quick look in the mirror and a deep breath; Layla walked to greet her 'Construction Romeo'. As she opened the door, her breath hitched in her throat. He was simply mesmerising. The same golden eyes greeted her and she slowly trailed her vision down to take all of him in. A full beard coupled with full lips welcomed her as they drew a long, languid smile. Not to mention the muscular physique which was clothed in a high-vis, tight navy t-shirt and construction boots; created an aura of dominance. His hands seemed occupied with two coffees and a bag of mysterious items.
"You gonna let me in or what? I got apology treats for ya." Drew's low timbre had hints of an Irish accent coupled with the New York twang. He wasn't native to Manhattan, that was for sure.
"Oh yeah, urm, I'm so sorry, please come in." Naughty Layla, who let's strangers into their apartment. Didn't her mother teach her anything?
Layla opened the door wider to let this decadent stranger through the threshold of her domain. If she were to be bit, it was her fault after all. She granted him permission. Although she wouldn't mind if he did indeed bite her and leave her bleeding on her perfect bleached flooring. Mimicking a vampire, he tentatively stepped over the threshold, looking around the flat as to assess his exit points. Too bad for him, the only exit was where had entered from. Nodding in approval, he was in the middle of the apartment surveying the build. No doubt- his handy work.
"You know, I oversaw the plans for the building you live in. Good to see it's still in great condition." Drew looked around.
"Did you? I bought it three months ago and I really like it. Aside from the noise, the location is great. Not to mention all the natural light I get through the windows. If that was you, my seasonal depression owes you a massive thanks." Layla attempted to joke.
"Depression?" Drew questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, aha urm I mean because its winter, it can urm..." Layla trailed off, her soft voice turning into a whisper.
Sensing Layla's discomfort, Drew walked towards her dining table to place the cups of coffee and bag, then began to circle around the windows in the lounge area. This was sure to distract Layla from her embarrassing comment and began following him deeper into the apartment.
"I thought I'd finally break the barrier and enter the Capulet's building,"Drew joked.
"Well, I'm sure the Montague's won't be too pleased with their beloved son breaking and entering." Layla retorted back, her voice rising in excitement.
"Hey hey! No breaking-in happening here, Juliet let me up. In fact, I'm sure she mouthed '73' very clearly to Romeo." Drew sounded predominantly Irish. Maybe he had moved recently?
"I suppose you're right. We had to break the fourth wall at some point. Didn't we? What brought you here?" Layla looked down and again her voice dropped a few decibels as her shy nature contorted over her like an overbearing shadow.
"Actually I came over to finally say sorry. I know we've been waking you up every morning for the last 3 months. The least I can do is say sorry. Now I'm not sure if you're a coffee drinker, but everyone loves a latte and a doughnut," he gestured over to the treats.
"Well, Drew I'm allergic to gluten and hate coffee...I'm only kidding. I love both of them. Thank you and you didn't have to," Layla laughed.
"Wait! How did you---" Drew sputtered as he couldn't understand how she knew his name. Then it dawned on him that his name was plastered all across the new development billboards.
"I also wanted to get the name of the pretty girl that waves at me every morning from her window," he mumbled.
"Oh that would be Mrs. Langley. She lives next door. Number 72." Layla was quick with her response. She should have a little fun with him.