The car stopped in front of a ten-story building with tinted glass windows and washed-out white brick walls. The main door was clear enough to give me a good look of the interior lobby. I was too absorbed by its beauty that I was caught off guard when my door opened. Kevin was standing outside, holding my small box of possessions.
"Please follow me. People are already moving in the furniture and other essential things for the apartment," he stated as we walked inside, the doorman opening the door for us upon entering.
Still in a daze, I followed him inside. The cream white color inside the lobby was identical to the color outside of the building. The front desk in the middle, where a receptionist was seated, was made of marble. Fortunately, I hid my awe with a strained deep breath.
"Can I have those back?" I requested after assessing the lobby and pointed to the box he carried.
"I can carry these for you, Ms. Peterson," he replied with his usual smile.
"I prefer to carry them. I'm not used to people carrying my things," I insisted shyly, reaching both hands towards him.
"Oh," he said, and handed over the box to me. "Well then, this way, Ms. Peterson," he gestured towards the two elevators on the right side, after a short pause.
When we reached the fifth floor, the doors opened to a luxurious hallway. The walls were accented with vibrant red patterns. The floor was covered in a carpet of the same shade. It looked just as expensive as the carpet downstairs. For a moment there, I couldn't really wrap my head around the fact that I would be living in this place from that moment on.
Kevin walked ahead of me, guiding me to my new apartment. I was so curious about my new place that I lagged a few steps behind him. I stopped in my tracks when Kevin opened the elegant wooden door of my flat. From what little I could see inside, there were a few men in blue jumpsuits bustling in and out of several rooms. Meanwhile, I stood outside, unsure whether to go in or not. Before my internal debate raged any further, the door across my apartment opened.
Out came a sophisticated-looking woman, wearing a silk top and navy pencil skirt and her caramel brown hair tied back in a ponytail. I tried to be a good neighbor and to make a good impression, so I greeted her warmly. After all, I did have one month of practice of this at the restaurant.
"Good morning. I'm sorry about the ruckus so early in the morning," I said, which startled her a little. Luckily, she regained her footing.
"No. It's okay. I was already awake. Actually, the noise helped me wake up so I wouldn't be late for work," she replied with a smile.
"I'm Andy, by the way. I'll be living here starting... now, I suppose," I said hesitantly and held out my hand for her to shake.
"Ally. It's nice to meet you Andy." She shook my hand and smiled warmly. It was a smile of respect. Maybe she wasn't what I thought she was.
"So, have you been living here long? Any places you'd advice for me to see?" I asked her shyly, trying to find out if I guessed right.
"No, I just moved here in this building," she started, which made me hopeful. "But I've lived in this city since I graduated in college. I just had a nasty break up with my boyfriend, so here I am," she continued and my hope crumbled.
"Oh. I'm so sorry about that," I replied, unsure of what to say. I felt bad that I had to make her think about why she moved. But I can sympathize with her. I've had my fair share of break-ups.
"So, where are you from?" she asked suddenly, changing the topic
"Oh, I'm from the south. I moved here in the city because of some family issues. The only reason I could afford this place is because of this job," I replied with a smile, reminiscing why I ended up here. I can't believe what started as bad luck turned out to be quite rewarding.
"Oh. Where do you work?" she asked with interest.
"Ah... Uhm... " I stuttered, not sure how to phrase it. I mean I work for a very famous person – whose fame I only discovered recently.
"You know, you don't have to tell me, right? I was just being polite," she said with a smile. I think I might like living here.
"No. It's just-I work at Maxwell Enterprises as a secretary..." I admitted and sighed. I hoped she doesn't freak out like most people do whenever that man's name is mentioned.
"Maxwell?" she asked, taken aback. I'm silently praying that she doesn't go ballistic. "You mean you work for William Maxwell?"
"Something like that..." I replied with a curt nod, my lips in a tight line.
"Oh. I'm so sorry if I sound like a freak or something. I mean William Maxwell is the bachelor of the bachelors in the city. The man owns half of this town..." she started and trailed off as she studied my face for a moment. "Are you sleeping with him?" she asked bluntly, but quickly realized her blunder when I shot her a pointed look. But I've got to hand it to her, she's blunt like me.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be rude," she apologized.
I looked away and sighed, "No, it's okay. I'm not sleeping with him. Don't worry about that if you are his fan. The man is a jerk anyways..." I mumbled in reply.
"Don't worry. I'm not a fan," she replied with a chuckle. "You might be the only girl I know who isn't affected by his charms. I thought every girl that worked for him was under his spell," she continued in awe.
"I know what you mean," I agreed, "Which is why his sister hired me," I added with a wink. "I should get back with the crew and finish unpacking," I stated and headed inside.
"It was nice talking to you," she said as she briefly nodded and then she went towards the elevator. "Hey!" she called, which made me stop in my tracks. "How about I treat you for a drink tonight? You know, to welcome you. If you are free, of course," she offered.
"Sure. That would be nice," I answered with a small smile.
"Okay. Nice meeting you, and see you this evening." She gave me a short wave before entering the elevator.
Okay, its official, I'm starting to like this place, especially since my neighbor agreed with my opinion of a certain someone. As I entered the room, I had a huge smile on my face. Kevin looked at me curiously but shot me a smile in return.
"Do you like the place?" he asked as he walked towards me.
"Yeah. I think I like it..." I replied, still smiling, but trailed off as I finally got a first look of the apartment.
I stood there, absorbing the spacious area in front of me. The last time I had so much space for myself was back home, but it was expected with farmhouses. I walked past him towards the middle of the room. I went to the couch and ran my fingers along its velvety surface. In front of it was a huge plasma screen television. It must've been the living room.
"Are these mine?" I whispered.
"Yes. Ms. Maxwell wanted to give you some furniture so that the place won't be empty. She also ordered me to tell you that they're part of a loan, in case you start to argue and refuse," he replied sternly, his voice close behind me.
I turned to face him. "Thank you. And please tell Ms. Maxwell that I'm grateful for all of this," I said softly.
"It's my pleasure, Ms. Peterson," he replied with a nod and smiled, "Oh. You can personally tell Ms. Maxwell this afternoon. She asked me to inform you that you are invited to a dinner event at the mansion. If you plan to refuse-yet again-because you don't have anything to wear, she has prepared a dress for you. You can find it in your bedroom on top of the bed," he added with a smile.
I clumsily opened and closed my mouth because I could not come up with a retort. How someone I met recently could know the way I think, I had no idea. A few people have told me that I'm an open book, but was I really that easy to read? I looked at Kevin for a moment and sighed in defeat. He chuckled in response and pointed to a door on the left side.
As I headed towards the bedroom, I made a quick observation of the apartment. On the right side of the room was the kitchen. It had a small island counter, situated across the stove and sink, which was made of marble. The dining table, located a few paces away, wasn't made of any old, ordinary wood. I've never seen wood that was well polished before.
When Kevin opened the door of the bedroom, I stood outside with my eyes wide open. The room looked like it came straight out of a lifestyle magazine. After I finished marveling the room, my eyes spotted a light beige knee-length chiffon dress neatly placed near the edge of the bed.
I slowly walked towards the dress then held it up in front of me with a careful hand. The hem of the dress gently dropped down as I moved it towards my body. I was trying to imagine how it would look like once I wore it.
"...I'll pick you up at five in the afternoon. Here is my number if you need anything else." Kevin's voice resurfaced as I turned towards him, regaining my senses.