Ava Gardenia was quick to give Ellie the next few days off after she handed her the $2500 that was her part of the fee for the previous night's work.
"You were right," Ellie told her, "he was an animal. I'm sore all over."
"Oh, you poor thing," Ava sighed and gave Ellie $500 back, saying, "You deserve a little more for putting up with him. I've lost a girl because of him and his perversities."
Wisely, Ellie accepted the money without a word, and shortly thereafter, made an excuse and left Ava's sumptuous apartment.
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Since it was a beautiful day, Ellie, decked out in a new yellow sundress that cost her three hundred dollars, along with an almost matching pair of designer sunglasses, decided to have lunch at one of Atlanta's better hotel restaurants; one with an outdoor patio affording a gorgeous view of a garden full of blooming azaleas.
She was quickly seated at one of the better tables, ordered a glass of Champagne as she sat down and crossed her legs as she waited for it to be brought to her table.
Two tables removed, a young architect studied her, memorizing her subtle features, from her large, round eyes, to her small snubbed nose and pointed chin. He spent a full minute taking in her Angelina Jolie -like mouth, and marveling at her immaculate complexion. He took his time and it was another full minute before his eyes moved down to devour the slope of her breasts, and later still, the calves and ankles that the sundress permitted to peek out.
The server brought the champagne to Ellie and after taking a small sip, she noticed the young man sitting across from her.
And when she glanced at him for the first time, he thought he would drown in the blue of her eyes.
Ellie was not surprised when the young man got up and made his way to her table. She was used to being "hit on" by men, especially now that she was much more experienced in dealing with them sexually. She had a gift for letting them down easily, and not damaging what she and her girl friends called, "little boy egos."
"It's a very pleasant day, isn't it?" he said.
"Yes, it is," Ellie replied with a slight smile.
"I prefer the spring to fall, and of course, Atlanta is so hot and sultry in the summer," he added.
Ellie recrossed her legs, this time providing a view some six inches above her knee. She watched his eyes widen through her sunglasses, and broadened her smile.
"Have we met?" she asked, as if he would supply the place and date of that occasion.
"Only just this minute," he answered.
"Oh, by the way, I'm Devin, Devin O'Brien.
"Well, Mr. O'Brien, as much as I love talking with you, my reason for being here is to gather my thoughts, and talking to you isn't the way to accomplish it. I'm sorry, perhaps another time...."
That said, Ellie picked up her glass and took a sip, summarily dismissing Mr. O'Brien.
But Devin would not be dismissed that easily.
"But of course," he said, "I shall leave you to your thoughts. But when you have finished, might I invite you to join me in a walk through the Botanical Gardens down the street?"
She didn't answer him; instead she looked away and pretended to be lost in thought. There was something about Mr. O'Brien that puzzled Ellie.
His use of the English language was unusual, at least to her way of thinking. He was handsome enough, well dressed, and he was a gentleman. She reassured herself that he had no idea what she did to earn a living, and silently debated whether or not to accept his offer to tour the botanical Gardens.
As he turned to walk away, Ellie followed him beneath the veil of her eyelashes; and finally called after him," I would be delighted to join you, Mr. O'Brien; perhaps in twenty minutes, or so?"
He turned back to face her and said, "I've got a car. We could go in that."
"I'd prefer to walk, thank you. But take your car. I'll meet you there."
"All right," he said agreeably. "I'll meet you there."
Ellie, not familiar with the Gardens, asked,
"Where shall we meet?"
"Why not just come with me in the car?"
"No, I don't know you, and I don't ride with strangers."
"All right, I understand. Look for me at the cafΓ© there."
"All right, say in about twenty minutes then," she said, and looked away, once again pretending to be lost in her thoughts.
________________________________________
Devin was waiting just outside the cafΓ© when Ellie strolled by.
"Hi," he called out.
"Oh, there you are," she replied, and gave him her best smile as she added, "Hi."
"Would you care for a drink?" he inquired.
"No, thank you," she said, moving next to him.
Devin took her arm and they started walking along a narrow garden lane, through some late blooming tulips that were strikingly beautiful.
They walked for over an hour, stopping to comment on this flower bed, or that particular ornamental tree. Gradually, they became comfortable with one another, and when Ellie laughed at Devin's poor attempt at a joke, they bonded for good.
After a cocktail at the cafΓ©, they agreed to go to a nearby petting zoo. Ellie joined Devin in his car, and they drove a few blocks to the zoo.
Ellie was taken with the monkeys, goats and ducks and was almost giddy with delight at having met Devin. She had been taking stock of him ever since meeting him at the cafΓ© and realized that he was the best looking guy she had ever been out with.
Among other things, she was more than pleased with his reaction to her embarrassing moments with a mischievous goose that kept darting under her yellow sundress and pecking at her thighs.
"Oh, were I that duck," he said.