It was great to be hanging out with my best girlfriend, since we had been so stressed-out over taking the bar exam that past week. We club hopped all night and danced until we were weak in the knees. Or maybe that was from all those Appletinis we had. Either way, we were downright giddy by the time we slid into the booth at a diner for our late night snack.
We were digging into some cheese cake when my friend pointed out the hottest guy about 4 tables away. At 3:30 in the morning, he was alone reading the paper over his finished plate. He had on a corduroy blazer; a dark rugged shadow displayed on his chin and was stroking his lip in the most unassuming way. Deep in thought, he didn't throw one glance our way. He folded his newspaper and began to settle his bill at the counter. Impulsively, I threw twenty dollars onto our table and told my friend to hurry out of the booth. I was not concerned with getting my change, I was on a mission. I grabbed her by the hand and rushed after the mystery guy.
He was already half a block away. With his head tucked down, he sorted through some keys as he walked briskly down the sidewalk. We followed, and watched as he turned into a building then disappeared behind the locked door.
"Now what?" my friend asked.
I waited to see if a light appeared in of the windows. "There he is." I pointed to the second floor.
September's cool night air blew past us. We could see him open the window slightly and begin to take off his clothes, exposing his long, lean body as he stripped down for bed. Leaving nothing on, he walked out of our sight and the light went out.
I contemplated how my life would change as a result of passing the Bar. The responsibility of becoming a lawyer seemed a bit overwhelming and maybe because of that, a ridiculous idea crossed my mind. I dared my friend to help me break into our mystery man's apartment. To my surprise she was game, and we sneaked into the alley to survey the possibilities. A fire escape posed the best solution, and with the help of a garbage can we pulled ourselves onto the ladder.