I snapped the briefcase shut as I glanced momentarily at the skyline overlooking the glowing streets of Manhattan.
"Just a few more minutes," I thought, and I would be home, relaxing in the comfort of a sofa and a faint scent of potpourri.
I threw on my coat, and was glad to be out, a Friday finally completed, all the bills paid, the forms filled out, and the applications reviewed. I opened the elevator, and there was Christine, my assistant.
"Mr Roberts!" she exclaimed. "You're here late!"
"I know, I know. A few more minutes, and I'll be gone in relaxation."
"Me, too," she responded, unaware of the sheer fate that awaited us in the shadows.
The elevator began it's descent, plummeting from the 18th floor down to the ground floor garage where both Christine's and my cars were parked. I heard the elevator "ding" 12 times, when it seemed like an eternity for the 13th. I glanced over at Christine, she was doing the same at me.
"Mr. Roberts, I do believe we are stuck."
"Christ," I moaned, "just what I need."
I climbed up, with assistance from my briefcase, to the removable panel in the ceiling of the elevator. I was a few inches short of reaching the door, so I sank back into the elevator, disappointed, and I took out the Emergency Phone.
"Yes, Hammond Building, we're stuck between the 13th and 12th floors, and I can't seem to reach a door above us. Monday? Shit, you're kidding!" I exclaimed.
Apparently, the elevator company was closed due to holiday until Monday, so I was stuck with Christine until god knows when. I am a married man, and I take pride in the marriage I have with Michelle, but I have had dirty thoughts about co-workers, secretaries, and bosses. Needless to say, Christine has been the subject of some of these.
She was about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, with the most beautiful pair of legs you could have ever imagined. Her rich blonde hair fell just below shoulder length, and she always seemed to wear skirts that were just a little too short, or shirts a little too tight. I was out of her league at 42 years old, but the 28 year old bombshell had seem to give me a few flirting signals.