The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was black. I stretched languidly, arching my back and reluctantly left the silk bedsheets.
There was nobody in the room, but I could hear a shower running somewhere. I quickly checked my phone andβ fuck. It was nine in the morning. I picked up my purse and heels, and heard the shower turn off. The stranger from the night before came out, deliciously naked. He looked completely unabashed as he reached for a towel, water glistening off his beautiful body. I momentarily lost my train of thought as he peered curiously at me.
'Your keys fell out of your purse. They're on my desk.'
I scrambled for them and quickly strapped my heels on. 'Thanks for last night.' I snaked my arms around his neck - who cares if he was wet? So was I - and went in for a passionate albeit short kiss. 'I'll see you near the Playhouse soon.'
That was not the last time I saw him.
_______
As soon as I could, I made my way to my office. I kept two spare outfits in there just for situations like these. The ancient doorman let me in, and I busily made my way to my cabin, avoiding eye contact with anyone. This had happened too many times for me to keep count or care.
Just as I entered, letting out a sigh, a voice spoke up from my desk.
'You're late again!'
I jumped. 'Jesus, mom!'
'You're an hour late. And what's with your clothes? You look like you're gallivanting off to some rave, not to your respectable job, thank you.'
'I'm just changing. And I'm twenty three, please. I don't need to be lectured about my wardrobe choices.' I knew she had a point but I couldn't resist arguing. 'I'll be out in five minutes.'
She humphed. 'Everyone already treats you differently because you're my daughter. I don't need them getting ideas in their heads about any fictional preferential treatment that I'm doling out.'
'Fuck them, mom.' I called from the washroom, sliding into a pair of pants. I got this job as fairly as anyone. My mother was the biggest hardass I knew, but her firm offered far more prestige than any other in the city, and I had to begrudgingly admit, she was a pretty great boss.
'My image actually matters to me, you know. Unlike some people.'
I came out, sighing. 'Whatever. I'll be finished with the pharmaceutical case briefs by two. I'll hand them off before heading out for lunch.'
'No, you're staying here till we leave early at four. Did you forget?'
'What?'
She tutted. 'There's a party tonight, hosted by Nieto-Torro. Everyone worth knowing will be there, and you have to come.'
Delvin Nieto-Torro was a local politician, and one of the few people I got along with in high society. I nodded. 'I'll order something or ask one of the interns to fetch food for me.'
'Good. Dress appropriately.'
_______
I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat as the limo made its way to the party, the beads in my champagne coloured dress itching.
'Stop moving so much.' My mom chided. 'You used to love going out like this.'
'That was before I left.' I mumbled.