Dearest readers,
I foolishly submitted chapter two incorrectly causing the file to be unreadable and therefore, reasonably rejected, and so it came to you late. That is simply unacceptable. You deserve better than that. You've given me your precious time, attention and feedback, and in return I've given you a late submission.
Shame on me.
I think some compensation is in order... how about an early release of chapter three?
Enjoy. And please come back next week for chapter four.
*****
Chapter 3
As Magnus finished up his notes from the last interview of the day, he thought about the events of the previous night.
'So she's lost interest in me.
It was bound to happen.
She's probably a very promiscuous woman.
Possibly even a nymphomaniac.'
He logged off of his laptop.
"I should probably get myself tested."
"What was that?"
Annette asked as she entered his office.
"Oh- nothing."
He replied nervously.
"So did you make a list?"
"For what?" Magnus asked his assistant.
"The furniture you need."
"Oh, right..." He realized he had completely forgotten about Annette's offer to take him shopping.
"If you'd rather go some other time..."
"No, no- I'd love to go today. It just slipped my mind."
Annette placed a notepad and pen in front of Magnus.
"Come on, write your list while I shut down the computers so we can get out of here."
Magnus smiled and got to work while Annette closed her reception station outside his office down for the day.
Between Annette's bargain savvy and Magnus' interior decorating skills and easy going nature; the two made quick work of finding tables, chairs, a work desk and various odds and ends for his apartment. Annette had even shown him a few bike shops, and he found a sturdy mountain bike he could now use to traverse his new town. Magnus was finishing up the paperwork to have his new bed delivered when Annette came back from the restroom with an idea.
"Hey, how about we check out that new sushi place that just opened up on Sutter Street?"
"I would, but the guys from the last store just called and they can deliver the desk tonight after all. They said they'd stop by sometime between six and eight."
"Yeah..." Annette conceded, after checking her phone to find that it was almost five P.M.
"There's no way we'd get back in time. Want a lift home?" She offered.
"Actually, I'd like to try out my new bike."
"You Europeans and your bikes! You just can't wait to get that thing on the road can you?"
Annette snickered.
"Okay, you've got me there. I really miss riding a bike."
Magnus laughed in agreement.
"I'm just teasing. It's actually really commendable that you take such good care of your body and your environment."
"So, you want to purchase one and we ride together?"
"God no! It's forty five degrees and dropping on a chilly autumn evening, you madman! It might be commendable, but it's still crazy!"
Magnus laughed and the two said their goodbyes as he zipped his jacket up, then made his way home.
The ride was breezy and crisp. Magnus enjoyed the view of the orange-pink sky on this unusually sunny November afternoon. He felt bad about lying to Annette, but he really wanted to ride home in the sunlight. He didn't want her to think he was ditching her for a bike ride- even though that was exactly what he was doing.
The cool weather was a welcome contrast to the intense California heat. He had only stayed there for two weeks, but that was all he needed to remind him of how unequipped he was for warmer temperatures. He unzipped his jacket enough to let the breeze caress his torso and run down his back as he coasted down the block towards his building; enjoying what was left of his ride home.
As Magnus waited for the elevator, he heard laughter coming from Cassie's apartment. He peered down the hall, but quickly returned to his 'Waiting for the elevator' stance as her door began to open.
"Thanks again for watching 'The Diva'."
Said a white haired, older man as he stepped out of Cassie's apartment, followed by a small woman who appeared to be in her fifties. She had long spring green hair that looked to be a wig, but a lovely one that fell in soft waves down her back. She wore snug fitting denim jeans and a black pea coat. They were an attractive older couple. Between them was the familiar white poodle; tail wagging as usual.
The tiny dog immediately spotted Magnus and ran over to him.
"Hello, Hedy Lamarr." He greeted.
The toy poodle pranced and twirled for her new found company and stood up on her back legs, asking to be picked up. Magnus reached down and scooped up the happy dog as she licked and nuzzled him as though he were a long lost friend. He laughed, delighted by the affectionate little dog.
"You know my baby?"
Asked the puzzled green-haired woman.
"I saw her with Cassie yesterday. She's a very nice dog."
"Oh, yes. My baby is one of the greatest show dogs of all time! You can catch her act at the children's center at Petersburg Hospital every Saturday." Said Hedy's proud owner.
"I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met."
Said the older gentleman, extending his hand to Magnus.
"I'm Jack Epson."
Magnus shook his hand graciously as he held Hedy to his chest with his other arm.
"You're my landlord..." He said cheerfully. "How very nice to meet you. Thank you so much for the fruit basket! It was much needed... I'm Magnus Bjornssen."
"Ahh! Dr. Bjornssen! Nice to finally meet you. My apologies for not dropping by, I've been a little busy lately. Here, let's get her leash on and pass her back to her manager before she kisses half your face off!" He said, taking the excited dog from a now very soggy-faced Magnus.
"This is my wife, Angela."
"How do you do." Angela curtsied.
Angela cupped her hand to her mouth and turned to Cassie who was still standing at her door.
"He's handsome."
She pretended to whisper as she knew full well that the doctor could hear her. Cassie half chuckled despite herself while, but shook her head and quickly looked away with crossed arms. Magnus blushed as he took a napkin out of his pocket and wiped his face.
"Don't mind her, she's just boy crazy!" Joked Jack. "Unless of course you're into older women... and in that case-"
Jack raised his fist and curled them inward in a fisticuffs fashion.
Magnus laughed while holding his hands up in a surrender.
"Whoo..."
The folly was interrupted by Angela, who suddenly seemed quite dizzy. Cassie quickly reached out to her and pulled her close, bracing her while she shook off the dizziness.
"I'm sorry, Doc. I'm gonna have to cut it short; but if you need anything you give me a call. Cassie, you two gonna be okay? I'm gonna go bring the car around."
"I'm fine, honey it's just the new medicine." Angela said, steadying herself at a failed attempt to reassure her concerned husband.
"Well I know I've had a long one and I'm ready to hit the hay. Your old man is gonna have to be a party pooper tonight." He winked at his wife. "See ya kiddo." He said to Cassie as she smiled and waved.
Angela smiled lovingly at her husband as he went off to get their car.
Magnus said goodnight to the women and boarded the elevator which had arrived a minute ago during his brief conversation with Jack. After the elevator door closed, Cassie closed her door and leaned on it while she watched Hedy perform a few flips. The little dog was careful not to pull on her leash, as she daintily jumped and twirled. The two women allowed the dog to entertain them for a few moments.
"Do you ever hang it up for the night?" Cassie said, looking down at the curly dog.
"The show must go on." Angela proudly announced. She then turned to Cassie.
"You didn't tell me he was hot!"
