Ryan Lynch was the happiest man in the city. His company gave everyone a bonus for completing their latest project ahead of schedule but in addition, Ryan's team was given a supplementary bonus because they completed their portion of the project two weeks ahead of schedule. Since his dad had encouraged Ryan to move in with him and his third wife, Diane, his life was getting better. First he was hired by a firm that lived up to their press releases. Then he was given two raises and was promoted. The extra money in his pocket begged to be spent celebrating his new found situation.
It was a beautiful day. He observed a clear blue sky without any clouds. The oppressive heat wave had broken. All the pedestrians were strolling slowly, chattering with complete strangers or just standing in front of buildings giving the impression they did not want to leave the bountiful gift that Nature had given them.
Ryan had exited the bus a few stops before his normal stop because he decided a walk would help him develop a celebration idea that could be put into action.
Turning the corner he left the hi-rise buildings and entered a world that was a throwback to a previous century. Small speciality shops lined both sides of the street, selling all manner of goods not available anywhere else in the city. As well, there were restaurants, bistros and other types of eating establishments some of which did not have seating areas but grateful customers could eat their purchases while relaxing on benches thoughtfully provided by the city. In this area, the hungry had choices of whatever kind of food they desired. Aromas assailed his nose. Soon, he was almost drawn in by the marvellous smells of Antonio's his and Diane's favourite eating place.
Why would the old man treat Diane so shabbily? How could the old man be so stupid? Or could it be that to keep youthful the old man refused to have a relationship with a woman over thirty. Ryan smiled, Diane was only three years older than him.
In Ryan's eyes she was a beautiful woman. Black hair usually hung over one shoulder. When she smiled her whole face lit up especially her blue eyes that sparkled. Her clothes were picked to enhance all the best parts of a curvaceous body. Topping off the package, she was intelligent and had a great sense of humour. In fact the last two movies she produced were successful. He stopped, hit himself on the head. If there was anyone in the city he wanted to celebrate his good fortune with, it was her. The few times they had gone out together he had really enjoyed himself. Why would this time be any different? As well, the old man was in Europe closing some mega deal maybe she might want to go out.
Now that his mind was made up he hurried along the street. A few minutes later he left the shops behind and entered the area of the community that had no shops but only houses. As he looked at the rows of housing he wondered if he could get the old man to sell him his house, at a price he could afford. Fat chance, he thought. But on the bright side, hopefully, Diane would agree to go with him although he did not have an idea what kind of date this would be. The only thing he knew for sure was that he wanted to take her some place expensive. Some place they had never been to before.
Primordial wailing assailed his ears as he opened the door. It was the sound of extreme hurt from the depths of a soul. He rushed toward the origin that in this case was the dining room. Diane had cradled her head in her arms on the table such that her black hair on the her crown was the only part of her that was visible. Shoulders were heaving but somehow sounds that suggested deep hurt still escaped.
"Diane! Diane! What's wrong?" He shouted.
Diane felt, rather than heard, her name being shouted. She looked up and through teary eyes saw Ryan. She didn't want him to see her like this but it was too late.
"Nothing," she stammered.
He pulled her from her position, wrapped his arms around her before crushing her to his chest. It surprised him that she willingly allowed him to arrange her such that she fitted all the nooks and crannies of his body.
"Come on, it's me you're talking to," he said.
All reserve crumbled. Nothing could be held back because she felt so safe and secure in his arms.
"It's all your dad's fault. He promised me that he would be my escort to the awards. I've just heard from him and he says he won't be back for another month. This is important for me because I'm trying to arrange funding for my next picture. If I don't have an escort, the money men will think there is something wrong. My company could fold," she inhaled deeply as she had blurted her tirade without breathing.
"I can get a tux and be your escort, if it won't interfere with your plans," he said.
"You'll be perfect," she said. Immediately, it occurred to her that she might be too enthusiastic. However, she liked going out with Ryan because unlike his dad, he didn't see her as a mindless decoration but someone he wanted to take out.
She whimpered as he released her. It had been so nice to be cuddled.
