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MAY
Tessa Donovan looked around her living room and focused on the sofa. It would certainly be comfortable enough; she’d spent enough that even the most sensitive princess couldn’t feel a pea. She could settle herself on the couch and open the window blinds with the remote. She’d watch the night time Manhattan skyline with an easy flick of her finger. And with an easy flick of…
The phone rang and Tessa jumped. She willed herself to let it ring, but on the fourth trill she couldn’t stand it. She’d get rid of the caller and get back to the business at hand.
“Maria,” Tessa said, recognizing the soft voice of the woman who cleaned her apartment every Monday morning. “It’s late. What’s wrong?”
“I’m so sorry to bother you Mrs. Tessa, but I wonder if I left my wallet in the kitchen? I was reaching for my cell phone and my purse fell off the counter and…”
Tessa could hear the soft voice ratcheting up an octave, becoming frantic. “Hold on,” Tessa said, walking into the kitchen, “I’m looking now.”
“Maybe on the floor, between the counter and the pantry?” Maria offered.
“Found it!” Tessa said a moment later. “It was wedged between a bar stool and the counter.”
“Oh, thank goodness. My grocery money for the week is in that wallet.”
Tessa wondered whether she should offer to drive it over to her. In light traffic, it wouldn’t take long at all. She thought about her plans and decided not to take the chance.
“Maria, I’m busy with something tonight, or I’d offer to drive it over to you. How about I take it down to the Concierge Desk and you can pick it up at your convenience?”
“Pablo is home tonight. He could drive me over to pick it up.” Maria’s voice was soft, hopeful.
“I don’t feel like having visitors tonight. The Concierge Desk is secure, but if it will make you feel better I’ll seal your wallet in a box and put your name and phone number on the box. I promise, it will be safe. I’ll run it down to the desk right now. Come when you want, but just don’t come to my apartment. I’m…going to bed early and don’t want to be disturbed. Okay?”
Maria agreed and Tessa said goodbye.
Tessa carried the worn black wallet with her as she padded across the thick living room rug, down the polished hardwood in the hallway and to the entrance of her bedroom. It was a large room, not crowded even though it held two massive armoires, a settee, and an entertainment system that elegantly displayed a 55-inch Sony Bravia, Bose theater speakers, Bose Sound System and, the thing that made Mark cringe, a Hello Kitty music box.
Tessa stepped toward the walk-in closet, intending to find a small box and some packing tape. She’d wrap up Maria’s wallet, take it to Concierge in the lobby, and get on with her business. As she passed Hello Kitty, she paused. “Always adorable,” she said softly, lifting the lid. The tinkling notes of “Sakura” sent Kitty White gently twirling. But Tessa hadn’t wound the box up so the song, and the girl, died after only a few twirls.
“That’s about right,” Tessa said, laying down Maria’s wallet and brushing a tear from her cheek. Holding the music box with both hands, Tessa forgot everything except the memories from her music box. She climbed on top of the massive bed and stroked the smooth box lid. She’d never felt completely comfortable in Mark’s bed, though she had some wonderful memories. Mark nuzzling the back of her neck, whispering sweet things into her ears until she opened herself up to him. Mark’s long, thick fingers gently pulling her silk nightgown up, over her shoulders and head, discarding it like the wrapper on a piece of fine candy. Mark holding her in his arms after he’d spent his passion.