Alive
Author: Janice L Wick
Date: 2016-12-30 05:00:00+00:00

Alive :

The Real Life Confessions of a Male Escort

Preface

Chapter 1 Heavy

Chapter 2 Sprite

Chapter 3 Cut

Chapter 4 Asleep

Chapter 5 Music

Chapter 6 Animate

Chapter 7 Alive

Conclusion

I would like to thank everyone who stood by my side. This was an adventure, that I am now so thankful for.

P.S: Seto says Hi

PREFACE

At the age of 17, Seto Venn fled from the south to the big city in hope of recreating himself after his parents were in a fatal accident. In Manhattan, he started off modeling with one of the more prestigious agencies, and that was when he was introduced to a woman named Jade, who ran an Escort service. Jade took Seto under her wing and taught him everything he would need to know to become a Doctor or (men of sex). He went from being a small time model, to one of Jades infamous men. This story follows the real life confessions of Seto Venn and the men and women that changed his life. The real life confessions of a Manhattan, New York, high paid escort, and the flair of the fast paced lifestyle.

Chapter 1

Heavy

Thursday

6:00 p.m.

Seto

The smell of rain and napalm covered the city. Heavy clouds, which the sun peeked from behind, enough to paint yellow-gold from the mountains to the skyscrapers of downtown. It hadn’t rained here in weeks and now that it did, it had a distasteful humidity in between showers, but a pleasant cool during.

“I'm outside,” Seto Venn leaned in as he pressed the speaker. The speaker replied quickly with a Buzz confirmation, as if the sound of his voice alone green-lighted him. He walked upstairs, and then inside the unlocked door. He looked at his boots making sure his laces were tied in the right manner, and to make sure he wasn’t tracking the storm in with him.

His eyes, moved towards the light blonde haired women who lay on her stomach on the stiff dark brown leather couch. With an expression of- “Took you long enough, but just in time.” The sun gleamed through the blinds onto her body creating striped patterns of light and shade.

“Holly... Dam... I mean shit,” he said, with an almost ecstatic voice.

“Hey,” she voiced looking at him now with an added smirk on her face.

“Where did...” his eyes scanned the coffee table as he slowly took another step closer. “You get all this?”

“I told you I was connected,” she said effortlessly, following any sudden movement in his eyes with hers.

Two large Mason jar full of green herbs, the aroma was very lemony and impossible to ignore. He began thinking- I wonder if the neighbors can smell it.

“You said you were off today?” Seto asked evenly.

“Yes.”

“You’re not on call?”

“No . . . how about you?”

“No, no, I’m free, I have a meeting in the morning but,” he trailed off.

Seto rubbed his chin, “Why don’t you, Finish getting dressed we got to roll,” he said with an authority of an urgent matter. She sat up and leaned onto the arm of the couch, checked her cell phone and then walked away from the table and headed into the bedroom.

He watched her walk, marveling at her beauty, before he sat and put some herb in the vaporizer that lay on the table. He took one hit, and then exhaled,

“Fuck it let's stay in...”

Friday

New day morning, 7 a.m.

Mara

On her way to the office the yellow light from the sun of dawn had not broken through the clouds. Her grey business suit, black heels, and stiff white blouse gave her a look of maturity beyond her age. The color of her eyes, matched the highway she headed down. When she got to her office she went to the weekly meeting, said, “Good morning,” to everyone and sat down and listened. She was a paralegal, a great one too. She had just finished law school and passed the bar and everyone knew she would soon be an associate lawyer and would not stop climbing. She wasn’t afraid of a challenge. Although, she had to work from under her father’s shadow at a neighboring firm.

This did not phase her, and she didn’t see her father as competition. Even though she had not started practicing, she had already graduated, and taken her New York bar exam. Which she nearly scored perfect on, and the reporters didn’t let her forget it.

She had her photo taken and an article written about her in the ‘Times’. However she requested that they did not show her picture. When they asked why? She would just tell them, “I did not want to,” and walk away. With her bar admission interview this weekend; last week she had received a call, asking about, “The Perfect Girl Mara Faye.”

“Yes, this is her, but I’m not perfect,” she voiced. The voice on the other end of the line was her interviewer.

The interviewer’s secretary had been lazily going through names of applicants on a list, and assigning them appointments and calling them, one by one. When one of the names she recognized for once. Immediately she set her an appointment for as soon as possible and informed her boss.

When the interviewer called she had a casual tone of consideration when she voiced, “We went out of our way to call you,” and assured her that, “There would be no problems and she was excited to meet her.”

“That sounds lovely, I’ll see you then.”

After the meeting she went to her office and filed some papers, then made her schedule for the week. She finished her work early, and stepped out towards lunch, but before she left, she stared out the window over the highway and asked herself, “Is there more?”

Her thought was interrupted, by a knock on the door. Miranda Waters walked halfway into her office, halfway standing in the door. She wore larger shades, and her bangs swept down to her shades not showing much of her forehead. She also wore a light beige trench-coat that went all the way down to her matching open-toed heels, with a white dress on that made her look like a dancer. The vibrancy of not only her clothes but disposition radiated through the office.

“Yes, hello?” Mara said, remaining court and professional.

“Hi, I have an appointment for Ms. Black.”

“Oh, our senior partner Daniel, Mr. Black,” Mara said in a correcting tone of voice, “And he’s right down the hall, I can show you to his office.”

“Oh that won’t be necessary,” Miranda said, turning to go.

“Excuse me mam, but I love your bag,” Mara stopped her. Mara didn’t know why she was so attracted to this woman.

“Oh, you do? It’s an Italian designer, it was a gift from my husband, to myself, on my birthday. That I bought for me.” She said gaily, spacing out her sentences for emphasis. . . “You don’t clean up to bad, yourself,”

“Work attire.” Mara said humbly. . . “I’m Mara Bradley,” she said stretching out her hand. “I’m a paralegal here.”

“Miranda,” she said in response. “Some of us are just born with the gift.” Miranda said, “Well if you excuse me, it was nice meeting you,”

“Likewise,”

Miranda noted that she found her attractive, something about the way she wore her suit or the way her hair swept, however she didn’t give the thought much life. She continued down the hall towards the office and spoke to the secretary out front. Then an attractive man wearing a smile, dark hair, and a dark navy blue designer suit came out and shook her hand.

After the meeting, Miranda stopped by her office and said goodbye. Mara was still waiting, unusually for some reason, maybe to just get another glance of the beauty of this woman, to stare into her cold blue eyes. She had not tried to diagnose the reason.

The senior partner was walking beside her, and Mara had smiled and waved to them both.

When she left, the lawyer who took her case, told Mara about the details, “You see that women, there?” He paused. “She’s about to take over 15 million from her husband, that’s one unlucky son of bitch, and she’s smoking hot.” How could you let that walk away from you?” he asked, then realized he hadn’t given her a chance to speak. “I tell ya, if I were that guy,” He trailed off as he walked back to his office, buttoning a button on his jacket.

Before Miranda walked onto the elevator, she lifted her head, looked across the office and, looked back into Mara’s light gray eyes and smirked.

9:00 a.m.

Jade

He thought to himself- how long will I keep to this lifestyle, this city? As he checked his phone for the time and date, it was March 5th, 9:00 am.

He walked down the street, the smell of morning washed out by a thin rain that had fell since night. The sun did not break through the gray of the clouds, and the only light came from the sparkle of falling raindrops on what few leaves had started to grow back from the winter.

Seto found himself walking into her apartment. A very luxurious space with no expense spared. Mostly white, with light blue bordering wallpaper. The first thing he always noticed was the smell. Such a great aroma. It was strong like a distinct perfume that never wavered. “Hey long time no see. . . “It seems like I only see you now when you want something,” she said with a smirk on her face.

“You know why I'm here Jade,” he said, with a heavy voice. As he sat down on her leather white cushions.

“Yes, because you’re getting smart. You know that no one else loves you like I do...” Jade said gaily, as she moved towards him and placed her hands on his chest from behind. Bringing her mouth close enough to whisper in her ear.

“You’re wet. . . Let's get you out of those clothes.” As she unbuttoned his jacket he used his hand to push hers away. He sunk deeper into the couch and realized it made a scrunching noise from his damp clothes.

“You know there’s someone else,” he said, consequently reflected on his relationships and realized that their actually may be no one.

“Oh. I didn't know,” she uttered. “That would explain why you’re over at my place looking like this, she doesn't know how to take care of you. “I will take a bath . . . come,” she said as she slid her hands off his chest and then walked into the shower. He waited for a moment then followed her silently and undressed his clothing. Leaving only his stone bracelet on and wooden cross on his bare body, he entered the shower with her. He stepped into the shower, peering into her dark eyes.

The water was hitting his back shielding her from most of it.

She adjusted the temperature, leaned into him and said, “Take me,” her voice sober, almost violent. Letting her eyes fall to his chest, she smiled, in the assurance of a man who knew what he wanted. He muttered a lone word in reply, “Jade.”

Her legs weak, she wouldn’t stand but lay in the bed. A white sheet with jade trimming; not even covering half of her body. One arm drenched across her body, covered her breast, the other pointed to an envelope with the name, ‘Miranda’ written in cursive, “That’s payment and your next job.”

10:30 a.m.

Lise

She woke up in the hospital, when she thought she was at home resting. The burst of cool ac made her lean over to her feet. The wool blanket fell lazily from around her shoulders but, still kept her warm. She was still in her scrubs, in fact she still wore her stethoscope around her neck and nametag on her chest. The tag said ‘Lise Chan M.D.’ Her second shift was going to start in an hour. She picked up her phone and dialed her husband, seeing where he would be staying tonight.

The fluorescent bulbs were turned off and only a dim light, lit the room. There was one other doctor in the room, who was listening to and watching some media on his phone. Her husband didn’t answer her call, but sent a text saying, “It isn’t so bad here, be back in 3 days.”

She replied, “Ok.”

Then set her phone down. She picked it back up and sent a text to another number, “Hey my place tomorrow morning.”

She got a reply quickly, which was a picture of a key. She smiled as she laid back down.

Chapter 2

Sprite

11:00 a.m.

He was back into traffic, splitting cars that didn’t yield or the ones that drove next to each other. He was now just cruising, resting, and at that point just sitting on top of the bike. The sun broke over the trees of the horizon; not blinding, but cleansing him as he raced up the white lines.

He passed a private airport where he saw planes circling, ready to land. The smell of napalm lingered in the air as his 2 tires cut through the city. The dark tint from the visor shielded his eyes from the sun, also shielded him from the onlookers of his bike, black leather jacket, jeans, and boots.

He had a thought- life is perfect. If just for a moment, before a 1000 other thoughts came rushing in.

He snapped back, as midday traffic was no time for daydreaming. He leaned the bike and took his exit. He followed the same street for a while, on both sides’ endless green fields that only stopped by a border of trees, which seemed to break into an endless forest. Or just a large house in the middle of a field surrounded by gates or fences.

He turned on a street that was named ‘Lockheed no outlet’. The name resonated, and he sped toward his destination. He came to the end of the street where he was faced with 2 options, to circle back around or to enter the gated estate.

This house was not the same size as the houses he passed on the way in.

No. this one was much larger 2 or 3 times so. He looked at the gate and the golden letters, ‘FJ.’ There were two ivory post, one which held the address engraved ‘7483.’

“Yep this is it,” he thought.

The first thing he noticed was the smell of lemons, and the 2 giant lemon trees on both sides of the estate, and also smaller ones at the foot. He leaned the bike on the kickstand and looked around. There was no one to greet him.

He stopped for a moment, sizing the estate to the sky; and the sky being swallowed by the peaks of the estate. He stepped off his bike, not turning it off, but left it idling. Since then, an all-black charger had pulled in behind him. A police model, but it wasn’t a police inside. Just a frail neighborhood patrol guy, wearing a black jacket with a golden badge imprint, and a navy blue collared shirt.

“You try ringing the bell?”

“No, I just pulled up . . . just admiring the house.”

“Yea, it’s a real beauty . . . You lost?” he asked, looking at him, not being able to quite figure out his purpose here.

“No, just visiting my aunt.”

“Yea, they’re home,” he said, pointing to the black town car parked out in front. With his finger still pointed out, “They usually leave in that . . . so if not, there probably still here. “The gates open . . . go up and ring the bell.” The frail man said, as he inched away in his buffalo.

Seto turned back to the estate, taking it all in, hopped on his horse, and headed for the door through the long paved driveway. Halfway to the estate he noticed that the gate was closing behind him. As if the sound of his engine had set off some alarm or sensor. He pulled up and parked his bike underneath one of the smaller lemon trees at the foot of the 20 steps to come, handling it gently like a newborn child. He started for the front door, there were 5 white polished marble steps leading to the big brown doors. With ‘QUID PRO QUO,’ written in gold at the top stair. On the last steps, the doors began to open and an average height man with a white, beady, and trimmed mustache stepped out and said,

“Hello.” Waving his manicured hand. “Right this way.”

“Hi I’m here for...” before he could finish his sentence. The attendant raised his eyebrow and interrupted,

“Right this way, sir... our madam is in the pool house.”

“Ok . . . Thank you.”

“I’m Boris, if you need anything, just call me,” he said as they walked.

“Will do Boris, I’m Seto. Seto Venn.”

“Pleased to meet you Mr. Venn.”

They walked down a long 10 foot wide corridor aligned with paintings, Greek pearl statues, end tables, benches, chairs, and aligned glowing sconces.

His boots clicked on what he assumed to be Italian marble, in fact the green and white checkerboard patterns sparkled with a fresh polish.

The assistant stopped just shy of two all-white doors, and looked at Seto. He had the face of man no older than 40, but his gray hair had given him the look of a man in his late fifties. The butler then reached for the door. Before he could touch the handle, the doors swung open, he placed his hands to his side and announced, “Mam a mister Seto is here to see you,” in a polite voice.

“Thank you Boris,” a sincere womanly voice from inside the doors answered.

There were two large clear windows with gold trimming, and two matching doors in the middle of the room, which split the room in half, separating the un-curtained clear windows. Seto looked beyond the room, you could see an outsized outdoor pool with a matching red and white diving board, and an awning.

Seto stepped into the room and in the corner there was a woman, no older than 30 putting on lipstick in the mirror. She was wearing dark red lipstick and a white satin gown that covered most of her body down to her feet. Their eyes caught each other’s.

“Hello Seto is it?” she said, with a smile showing her white teeth that matched her robe. He didn't respond he just kept looking into her eyes through the mirror,

“Come over here,” she said, as she put the lid on, and set down the lipstick.                               She held his glance as he did, she noticed the lack of fear and shame in his eyes. He walked across the room, and stood behind her.

“Why is your husband?”

“Dead?” she interrupted openly and un-defensive. “No he’s very much alive . . . just away on some business and won’t be back until the start of the new week . . . I just get lonely here, I was looking for someone to spend time with.” She looked up to the mirror, smiled and then stood and faced him. Walked into him and leaned on his chest and said, "Sit," pushing him onto the couch, but the couch did not move an inch; heavy from the solid gold and ivory, with firm red cushions.

He leaned back on the couch and she leaned into him and kissed him, then again. The red lipstick left its stamp, first on his cheek then on his jaw.

“We could talk some more,” he said, with a dry voice. Her eyes smiled.

He took off his t-shirt and tossed it aside on top of his jacket, he then lay his head back on the silk pillows, as his eyes stared at the ceiling as she leaned into him biting his ear.

He picked up his shirt, and wiped the red lipstick from his chest with his hands; smearing it, but not completely removing it. He grabbed his jacket and started to leave the room, then turned back to look at her. Her sky-blue eyes watched his muscles through his t-shirt. She stood up with the blanket that was draped like a towel on the couch, and marched down the hallway which led into a bedroom. The blanket draped across her body dragged against the marble. He watched her for a second before he turned back to the door, and listened, her footsteps getting fainter.

He combed his hair with his finger, and clicked the button and watched the two doors swing open.

“Goodbye Miranda”.

Seto walked out, the attendant not showing any sign of judgement he just opened the front doors for him and wished him well. Seto thought to himself- I wonder if he heard us, heard her moaning? He stopped himself, and buried the thought deep, trying not to relive the moment. Seto hopped on his horse and headed for the exit gate with the same thought in his head replaying, “Just another client . . . my last client.”

Saturday

New day, 5:30 a.m.

The dew of early morning lie on the darkened windows of the building in front of them. The building was made of brown stone and was no higher than the ground level, but also included aluminum bleachers and a race track behind it, which were both below the building. The building was a motorcycle track that doubled as a motorcycle licensing building.

“I thought you said this was a good investment. . . Man I'm out of here.” Seto snapped.

“Were on time,” Slim said with a puzzled voice, as he checked his phone for the time.

“Excuse me Mr.  Black...”

A shadowy figure came from around the corner, with a wobble to his walk.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” a sincere voice from a pudgy man in black starched pants and a clean pressed white collared shirt with the company logo on the left breast pocket.

“Yea, let’s race!” screamed Ian.

“You must be the owner,”

“This place looks dope.” the pudgy man was glad to hear this.

The gates opened and the five riders entered into a wide track with orange cones and barriers around the turns. He looked at the silver bleachers, which reflected the new sun.

“The track is yours for the next 3 hours.”

“Awesome.”

“Now I’m guessing I don’t have to teach any of you how to ride,” he said looking over his glasses.

“Maybe Seto,” Dura jarred.

“But I must warn you about the scorpion’s tail, Now it has that nickname for a reason,” the pudgy man voiced, as the riders’ eyes fixated on him.

“Yea it’s the last turn, and we’ve lost some riders to it, who wanted to test it,” he stopped and placed the keys in his pocket. When he started to speak again you could hear the keys jingle, “Try to be under 75 when you make that turn otherwise you won’t be able to bring your bike back up.” He walked away abruptly as soon as he finished his sentence, as if they should follow him to see what not to do.

The riders looked at each other confirming what he said. However, all of their feelings of fear were swept away by the moment the first guy revved his engine, and nothing was left except a childlike joy.

Seto started his bike, and ran his hands through his hair, then sat on it as it began to warm up. The other guys began chatting of track times.

“Hey guys the last one to make it around has to buy lunch,” Seto said raising both hands in the air, simultaneously holding the peace sign with each hand. They all accepted the challenge and mounted their horses and pulled to the starting line.

“On 3,”

“1”

“2,” they all took off at the same time. The sound of the engines sounded of a violent freight train.

They rode not as racing at first, but as a one; shifting down and rounding the corners, staggering, giving each other room to breathe.

The second lap was much more aggressive with overtakes. They rounded about the end for the last lap, Ian in the lead, then Slim, then Andrew, Seto, and in last Dura.

They raced towards the turn. Ian was leading going in first to the turn, cautiously, downshifted too early and revved the bike. He began to wheelie, and squeezed the brakes, veering off course. The other four riders zipped pass, their helmets tucked inside their bikes. The next turn was the scorpion’s tail, a collective thought shared by all the riders. Bryant and Andrew slowed down and braced themselves for the turn.

Seto noticed they were slowing, looking at his dash, it read 85, taking it into account, he continued on giving it some gas, with Dura behind him following. Seto took the inside corner at 96 mph, Dura followed his line and went in at 88mph. Seto leaned his bike to its limit, his kneepad scraping against the ground. He came out of the bin, leveled off his bike and finished first with Dura on his tail. The sun on their backs, “Woo hooo,” all the riders heard in their helmets.

9:00 a.m.

“Those were some nice runs.”

The guys ordered, then set their helmets on the table and sat down. The sunlight beamed through the diner windows enlivening there smiles and unkempt helmet hair. The chill from a late winter and, early spring allowed the layer of gear bearable.

“Yea that was a nice track.”

“I'm just glad I'm not buying,” Dura voiced. Who was the rider who took the second place trophy; he wasn’t a cousin, nor brother, but a friend who seemed like family to all of the group.

Seto sat with his track jacket open and his brown hair fell in front of his eyes. He hated sitting still, it was eating at him.

“I don't ride as much as I used to, you can't really.” Ian said.

“What do you mean?” Seto asked.

“I mean you just don't have the time.” Ian said.

“You mean . . . You . . . Don't have the time” Seto said, with an emphasis. The others sat quietly, as this was normal of lately.

“Yea, that's what I said . . . Damn, why are you getting so offensive? “It was just some friendly riding.” Ian said.

“Don’t be so uptight,” Slim said, teasingly.

“You always got to win.” Ian said.

“I’m a daily rider,” Seto said, braggingly. “So naturally I’m faster.”

“Yea,” Dura said agreeing.

“I don't know why I thought you guys could keep up,” he said, then grabbed his helmet and took one more sip of his chocolate shake before heading to the door with a smirk on his face as they collectively booed him.

“I’ll see you guys’ later.” Seto jarred.

He threw a 20 on the table, and you heard the door chime as he exited to the lot.

One of the guys, nicknamed Slim followed him. Seto had known Slim in high school and he was the one friend who he stayed in contact with. Andrew and Ian were his cousins.

Slim was a pretty mellow guy most of the time, and other times extremely pumped

“Hey wait up,” Slim said.

Seto push-started the bike and, turned toward Slim to give him a chance to speak.

“Hey man, when we will see you again.”

“Don't worry about me bro . . .” Seto said earnestly, “I'm bout go get high, you know where to find me.”

“Dude you can't keep up like this. You’re going to turn your back on your family that's been here the whole time for you,” Slim said, as he pretended to cry.

“You weren't there for me you were there for you. I'll see you guys soon.”

Slim looked at his own, then Seto’s bike with his head tilted down. “Before you go let’s go on one last ride, not now but before you go.”

“Yeap, I’d luv too . . . See you then.” Seto hopped on his bike, shifted into gear, and pulled off, as if he was running away from them, or even running towards something.

Chapter 3

Cut

Same day

10:30 a.m.

The phone vibrated against the wooden table; playing a song of a symphony, ‘Beethoven 27th’. The sound of the ringtone echoed through the empty apartment.

“Hello?” Seto answered the phone, placed it on speaker, and set it down next to him.

“Yes, you’ve done well and I've gotten another request for you.”

“I'm done jade . . . I'm moving, to Thailand they have beaches, sand, a place to relax,” he said with an opened heart.

“Two of them and their near,” she voiced of a friend offering a job. Not of an employer who demanded a task.

“No,” he said, as he laid in the middle of the carpet with his hand on his chest, the other to his side.

“Are you sure? One said she would double the going rate and you have already met her.”

“Why are you telling me this?” his voice grew colder.

“I'm just doing my job. Should I find someone else Seto?”

“Yes,” he said abruptly. “I'm going to tell my girl the truth.”

“Well I will tell them you left the country. And you’re no longer with us. “When are you coming back . . . Where did you say u were going?”

“The beach, Thailand . . . I don’t know when I plan on coming back. I’ll stay away as long as I need.” He said, these words as if he didn’t believe them yet. “Jade?”

“Yes Hun.”

“Who was it that wanted to pay double?” he said reluctantly, his mind thinking of her.

“Aww, thinking of using that for a nice beach house?”

“Stop torturing me,” he said.

“But you know I love when you get mad.”

“Yes I know,” he said, turning his head, and looked away as if they stood face to face.

“The last client.”

His heart skipped a beat. . . Then another. . .

“Ms. Miranda of course.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Jade asked patiently.

“I'll do it. . . Just her.”

“Hmmmmm . . . Miranda?”

“Yes Miranda. . . I'll see her.”

“But this is my last one. My last time.”

“Of Course love . . . Of course.”

The phone hangs up. He stared at the glow from the screen, then closed his eyes.

Same day

6:00 p.m.

“So I don't presume you’re married.”

“Girlfriend. . . “Look are we going to do this or not?”

“What’s the hurry?” she said with a tone of humor. Her remark was the answer to the thought of him belonging to another woman, which she assumed but didn’t want to be correct.

“I'll take that as a yes, how long have you been together?” she said, rubbing the cover top on the bed, beckoning for him to sit.

“A year now,” he said, looking down, not into her eyes.

“You’re getting serious. I see.”

“My husband hardly looks at me.”

“He must be a fool,” Seto jarred, still avoiding eye contact as he looked over the city lights now.

“So how did you find out about us anyway?”

“From a friend.”

“I never forget names.”

“Oh you wouldn’t know her.”

“You would be surprised, I’ve been all the way, lawyers, physicians even to the white house staff.” He said sternly.

“I’ll tell you, it’s a funny story really. I was in the area and I dropped in on a friend . . . and as soon as I exit the elevator I turn and look towards her apartment and I see a nice hunk of meat, much like yourself leaving.”

Seto was now looking back at her. She noticed she had his attention and paused and took a sip of her drink.

“And when I finally get her to spill the beans . . . she says there was this agency. Now at first she tried to cover it up by saying he was a nephew, or distant cousin.”

He took off his jacket and set it underneath the TV mounted on the wall behind him, and leaned back against the table.

“That was when she put me in-touch with your lady and. . . I just knew I mean what can you say a women’s intuition.” She paused with an inquisitive look on her face. “So . . . what’s her name, this girlfriend of yours?”

“Lise.”

“Does she know what you’re doing now?”

“I don't see where this is going,”

Seto was now again looking at the city now and focused on one skyscraper specifically, the hundreds of clean blue windows. He had always loved buildings like this. A prime example of man’s brilliance. He walked over to the bed. “No, she doesn’t know what I do,” he said.

“And,” she said, slowly, stretching out the word. “And you intend on telling her don't you.”

He begun to speak, then stopped, “How did you?”

“A women’s intuition,” she said gaily.

“Yes, I'm telling her then we're leaving this country.”

“Now you don't really believe that do you.”

“Who are you to tell me how to . . . Some trophy wife who hasn't been touched in months?” She looked to the floor, her eyes were glued there. Her face showed no sign of emotion.

“I . . . I didn't mean it like that.” He added.

“No. No. It’s okay. . . Besides if he wasn't so boring, I wouldn't have met you,” she said with a new smirk. “Well I'm sorry to say, but this will be our last time ever seeing each other.”

“Yes, it seems that way.”

She leaned back and was now again calling for him to come closer. He was now leaned over her.

“Off.” He said demandingly, pointing to her robe.

She undid her robe, the strings fell limp to the side of the bed as she lay lazily on the bed, but aware of her body. The way her skin shined in the light. The way her hair fell to her shoulders. The way her eyes glared into his from underneath her bangs. He took his jacket off, and kissed her. He went to grab a bottle of champagne, took a sip and then sat it down. She leaned over and took a sip.

“I'm going to have my way with you,” he said looking at her then turning back to the city for one last glance.

He stepped in closer to her and squared his feet. She stepped in and said, “Like your girlfriend?” leaning her head onto his chest. While rubbing his sides all the way past his waist, and her hand clutched his dick. She could feel it erect and growing; this enlivened her. He picked her up and as her legs wrapped around his waist he kissed her against the wall, she bit his chin; feeling his tiny hairs on her teeth and tongue.

“Miranda.” He said with a darker voice as he threw her on the bed. She lie there, looking into his eyes, he turned her onto her stomach,

“I want you so bad right now,” she said. He was still. He stood at the edge of the bed and began pulling her closer to him; he had a thought- She is so soft. He pulled down his pants, put a finger inside of her, and tasted her. Then went in for a lick. She experienced a certain pleasure as she felt his tongue, then again. This time, “Mmm,” he then, grabbed her waist and entered her. She gasped openly and long.

He thought- I'm enjoying this too much.

She moaned, “Like you would Lise.”

She knew just what buttons to push to turn this from a casual hook up to a violent sex. He went deeper and, placed his hand on her shoulder; their eyes catching through the mirror. He said, “Don’t talk about her,” as he was now entirely inside her.

She half smiled then replied, “Oh . . . Oh Lise,” catching her breath. This angered him, she noticed the creases in his mouth tighten for a moment.

His hands moved onto her waist now, his thumbs dug into her back as he began pounding.

“Yes,” she moaned.

“Wow she feels good,” he thought.

A warm, darker pleasure formed from the bottom of her stomach, she dropped her head down to the bed and gave in.

When he woke, he heard her in the shower, then picked up his pants and put them on in a hurried manner. The shower stopped. He found his black V-neck and picked it up, and underneath an envelope was there. She walked out the bath with a towel and asked, “Leaving already . . . Could you pass me that?” she said, gesturing towards her robe.

He handed it to her and she let her towel fall to the ground as she grabbed the robe. “I see you’ve found it,” she said gaily.

“What is it, 10, 20 grand?” His face showed no emotion.

“Think of it as your retirement fund.”

“I've already been paid.”

“And this is extra for doing a super job,” she said mockingly.

“I don't need it,” Seto said effortlessly. She walked over and kissed him on the cheek.

“And neither does my dead husband,” she whispered in his ear. “Besides its just pocket change to me it's just the tip.” She smiled as she lit a cigarette. “Have fun on your trip.”

He walked over to her, took a drag from her cigarette then flicked it onto the balcony. Then walked away, stuffing the money into his jacket. When he left she fell on the bed and laughed. She lay there for a moment lost in time, not knowing how many seconds, minutes or hours that had passed.

7:00 p.m.

He picked up his phone and called Lise; the call rang for a second then went to voicemail -No answer.

He texted her,

“Hey I can’t.

Not today. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Seto looked at his phone as he walked through the revolving doors, he felt like he just ended a book that was many chapters long. Seto walked towards his horse, and suddenly, he began smiling, thinking I could go anywhere in the world right now. As he stepped, each step his boots took, the swift of his walk, taking him further away from the life he used to live.

He sat on his bike seat, his helmet in his hands. He noticed a small blue bird that had swooped down in front of him on a ledge, and began to scan its surroundings. He looked at the beauty of the bird before his eyes then looked in through the cool windows of the hotel. The bird took one step, then another, then stood perfectly still, scanning. He looked at the bird’s eye and he felt as if the bird checked him out to see if he was friend or foe. Seto thought- “Friend.” As he lifted his hand for almost a greeting to the bird. At that second, she was back into the sky evaporating between the blue tinted windows and the even, deep, deceivingly neon blue sky that held the clouds which hid the golden rays behind them. He thought nothing of it, and crank his motorcycle.

A valet, a pudgy guy who had always been on the chubby side came over to him, belly first, and said, “Nice bike,” in a high pitched voice, his posture leaned momentarily almost as if he would wanted to ride that second. His red valet jacket stood polished and neatly kept, which took away the image that he was overweight. He glanced at him and said, “I'm thinking about selling it,” remembering his plans of undefined vacationing, and that he was in a hurry. The bike still ran as they spoke. It reminded him of the power, and love he had for it, even though it was just a machine. He thought- because it is a machine.

He thought about the time he first rode a bike- His brothers’ bumblebee 95 Honda that had problems that are still undiagnosed to this day. He also thought of how his friends all wanted to ride motorcycles, and at first he had no interest until first getting on the Honda and falling in love with the sound of the engine purring between his legs, the relative ease it took, and the speed.

The valet asked, “How much you want to sell it for?”

He thought to himself for a while then realized the valet came with a name tag, ‘Edward’. His thought was- He doesn't seem like an Edward but what does an Edward seem like? “Wise. Edwards is a wise name.”

He looked down for a second and thought to himself- “I really should be going,” before noticing the perfectly polished shoes of the valet and that everyone at this hotel was a gentleman on how they presented themselves down to their gray starched pants. Where at other hotels you would just see sweaty guys running around in khaki shorts.

“Give me your number and if you can come by and pick it up this weekend, if you want it, see I'm moving and would have no use for it then,” Seto said.

The bike being his last sense of his past that he held onto, he was all too eager to let go. “3 grand, and it's yours,” said Seto. The bike was worth easily 5x that.

The valet produced his phone and said, “I’m uh, have to check with my girlfriend.”

At that moment Seto knew he would not call.

“But expect a call,” the valet added.

Seto with his phone in his hand; he unlocked it and began typing into the valets number half-heartedly then text him his name, ‘Seto's bike’.

“Thanks I got you,” the valet voiced, and returned back to his post.

For a moment he thought he was going to receive a salute from the posture and correctness of this man. Waving off the valet. His phone begun to vibrate, and a tune came on. He had heard this before. His mind snapped on to it as if he orchestrated the tune himself.

‘Chopin 2nd symphony.’

Seto glanced at his phone and realized his screen blank. He checked his Jean pockets even though the way he sat he could tell nothing was there, then his jacket. In the left pocket was the envelope, it was it that played in harmony. He pulled it out, dug past the wad of cash, and pulled out the phone making sure not to spill a hundred while doing so. A message that said, “Have fun in Thailand.” He tucked the envelope, threw the phone to the ground, cracking it, and pulled off evaporating into the city’s traffic.

He kept on, going faster. He thought about slowing down, and then he said,

“No, faster.” He noticed the cars slow in front of him, he darted without thought, he went to the shoulder, and pushed past.

He kept on pushing, he'd gotten up to 100 miles per hour, now past that. His thought- I should slow down, but I have complete control. The engine screamed, as it was closer to reaching its limit. He looked back and seen how far away from the other drivers he was and slowed down for a second. His thought- this could not last forever. Followed by a thought of anger for slowing down at all.

“Here I am, do I really want to go to this country,” he asked himself. He remembered about a time when he used to travel with his family when things seemed simpler. He snapped back onto the road, gathering it was no time for daydreaming.

He pulled up outside the apartment seeing the red car he always saw, then pulled into the parking garage, into the shade where his horse felt safe.

“New message from Lise,” his Bluetooth helmet echoed in his ears. As he reached for his phone from his jacket.

“New message from Lise.”

Reading the two messages from his phone one said, “What, why?” the other said, “Just come.”

He had a faint smile forming whenever he thought of her. He typed in the letters

“F I N E”

And hit send.

He let the bike idle for a second while he collected his thoughts, cooling down as much for the vehicle, as for the rider. He cut off the bike abruptly as if the action itself could give him confidence. He knew what he was here for, he's going to tell one of his few friends, the truth.

Not yet fully believing, that today is the day we're done.

Chapter 4

Asleep

Sunday

He walked up the stairs, his phone in-hand as he checked the time-13:08; just passed 1.

He thought to himself, then he knocked on the door.

Nobody came to the door.

He knocked again, “It's me.”

She opened the door as if this was their first time meeting. He stood there looking at her eyes, in her eyes, he thinks, she's beautiful. Just a single thought that crossed his mind, the other’s being let's go, let's not wait, no fuck first, let’s smoke, and I love you.

“Hey,” she said, her voice soft, as if she had heard his sincerest thoughts. He walked in, gave her a hug, and their cheeks brushed against each other as he hugged her as this was the last time.

She noticed this, as they stood there hugging, as if time had stopped. Seto closed the door, as he held her hand, and walked over to the couch.

“Are you free this weekend?” he asked.

“Yes, probably,” she replied.

He said with an expression that couldn’t be identified on his face, “Do you feel like going out of town.” . . . He paused for a moment, studying her face, he said, “I'm going out of town.”

“Where are you thinking about?”

“I don’t know someplace relaxing, someplace good to smoke, I love smoking . . . well we don't have to smoke the entire time, but someplace that has plenty of water and sand.”

“We could smoke here,” she said, her face showed no enthusiasm.

“Really I was thinking Lise.”

She held her lip in between her teeth, as she felt the seriousness in his voice.

He said, “Of course, not forcing anything on you, if you must stay I understand, but I must go, this place has gotten too humdrum for me.”

She looked down at her shoes and then her eyes rose, and made it all the way up to the lines of his face. He leaned back tossing his cell phone to the side and stared at the ceiling.

“I want to feel alive,” he said.

“You don't know this, but in this very second I do, because I'm next to you,”

“But sometimes when I'm here I feel like we do the same thing, going to the same streets. . . I’m telling you, because I don’t know, I guess I like you,” he said, looking at his boots, with a smile on his face. Then his eyes moved over to the window, then back towards her.

She was looking back at him and she extended her hand, and they held hands. And they sat there for a moment in silence. He looked into her eyes and she kissed him, then their lips separate, and they kiss again. Their eyes closed only when their lips met, to open again when their lips separated. She leaned into him, as he placed his hand on her cheek and, kissed her again. He then stood up, walked away, and whispered, “I’m going to shower.”

Lise was still, she lay on the couch, moving her hair out of her face with her fingers, then turned to watch him walk into the bedroom. She had a thought- What did I do to deserve this guy or, how am I so lucky. She didn’t concentrate on it. She then thought- I might love him, then countered that thought by asking herself what is love. She thought- and answered, what I’m feeling now, there’s nothing better than this. This is not love it is too sweet, if love, it must be laced with a bit of lust. She chuckled coming to this conclusion.

She went to the fridge, grabbed a container of strawberries, her fridge was only stocked with bottled water and ice coffee, with a lone gallon of orange juice. Before she remembered that she had somewhere to be. Lise asked herself how much time had passed since he'd came? She glared at her watch at the realization of 5 minutes, it had been just 5 minutes. It had seemed to be thirty or, even an hour or two. The shower started running, and she snapped back. “Will I keep my friends waiting? Will I join him?” she questioned herself.

She stopped to think, took off her jacket and, folded it over her arm as if she were going to set it down. She then opened the door, walked outside and the chill of the hallway from the cooler weather made the decision for her. “Bring the 1jacket,” she told herself.

Lise stepped out the door, walked down the 3 flights of stairs to the parking garage, intentionally ignoring the elevator, and walked across the parking garage to the street where her bright red car was parked. She settled in to the car, crank it up, and headed down the street. She stopped at the crossroad, and watched as the other cars noticed her hesitation, and they proceeded willingly. She looked at the stop sign, exhaled and said, “What am I doing?” Then swung the car around and headed back toward her apartment.

On her way back up to the apartment, she took her phone out and, called her friend.

“Hi this is Sarah please leave a message,” her voicemail responded.

“Hey . . . I’ll be maybe an hour late, or two don't wait up love, love.” Lise said softly.

She took the elevator back up to the room, she held her red jacket and matching bag to her side. First nervously, she knocked on the door, then realized she had the key and twisted the knob open. She walked swiftly, her heels clicked against the grain floor, Glick click Glick click until she was now in her bedroom. She glanced into the shower from where she stood, and saw his hand pressed against the shower wall. She headed into the bathroom click click click, watching him shower through the glass curtain, and she began to remove her clothes. First she pulled her shirt over her head, then she's slid her heels off, click click as they drop to the floor. Her eyes were watching his, but even before he had noticed her presence, he had known she had never left. She then took her jeans off, at that moment he watched her unzip.

He tilted the shower knob of water, increasing the water temperature. They didn’t speak, nothing was said, but their eyes met as her grey jeans dropped to the floor. One leg at a time she lifted, freeing her toes from the denim. She could see his muscles from the transparent curtain. The water was still washing his body. He rinsed the coconut out of his hair, it was Lise’s choice of conditioner. He ran his fingers through his hair, as he turned to his side. He stared at her. Then she began walking back into the bedroom in nothing but lingerie.

He finished rinsing off, as he thought to himself- I want to, right now, I'm going to take her right now. He gave a moment for himself, as he was finished. The water was still dripping from his body and his long hair. He tried to shake some of the water from his head, and then combed it with his fingers, as was the only way he'd ever done. He looked in the mirror as he grabbed a towel, and began drying. He stared into his own eyes as he had done with everybody he had ever met. He walked towards the bedroom. He thought to himself- She is waiting for you.

He threw his towel on the bedroom floor. They were both completely naked, as they faced each other. The curtain drawn, the light from the washroom was the only present; giving her a silhouette of glowing, golden lines, while his, was just a glowing outline. He climbed on top of her. She told him to do so, not out loud. He grabbed her fingers from in between her thighs, and placed them in on his tongue.

His chest to her chest, he grabbed the blanket and threw it over them. He only had a single thought which was - she's warm so . . . so warm.

4:00 p.m.

He now stared into her eyes, she looked back into his, and he waited for a moment before beginning to speak. He knew what he had to do, he stopped, and looked into her eyes. She was still warming him, their eyes were no more than blink apart, their legs interlaced. He said, “I lied to you.”

“I know.” said Lise, with a faint smile.

“What?” as his eyes looked up to find her face.

“I know you’re not who you say you are, but sometimes were better off not knowing . . . as long as I know where your heart is.” He was completely still as she stared back smiling at him. He threw the blanket over them as he began kissing her chest, going towards her neck.

He gasped for air as he woke, “A dream,” he thinks. He heard glasses clattering in the kitchen, moments later she entered the room with two glasses of wine and a cigarette.

She sat them down, and climbed back into bed, looking into his eyes. “You’re sweating,” she said, as she kissed his forehead. He leaned back and said, “It’s nothing.” But, his eyes heavy, were now cast off the side of the bed and lie on the floor. “What’s the matter you missed me?” she asked gaily.

“Yeah,” he said playfully, as he watched her finish off her strawberry.

“Let’s just go come on, we can pack our bags and just leave I have enough money.”

“I don’t know I kind of like it here . . . and you know why I can’t do that,” she said.

“Because of Phil . . . I don’t see why you’re with that guy.”

“His name is George . . . and because he wants more than just sex.” She stood to go grab her drink, and handed the other to him.

“I want more than sex . . . Great sex,” Seto said mockingly.

“Hey, so what’s wrong?” as she walked towards him and noticed the feebleness of his eyes. He stood up and looked away, the lines of his face looked naked and were dressed with no emotion and a plainness. He lifted his head, calmly “I’m too bogged down here... Don't you want to travel?”

“Of course, but what are you trying to tell me. Why now Seto? . . . Seto I’m getting married soon and we agreed this would be the last time.”

“Yes I know, and it still is. . . I can’t believe you’re marrying that guy how long has it been, 6 months?”

“A year now . . . He asked and, I said yes.”

“I will miss this place.”

“Yea me too, but I’ll be moving in with George . . . I’m sorry I know you don’t like when I talk about him.”

“No its fine . . . from here on out we can be honest.”

“I’ve already told him, that whatever it was I doing it will be stopped by the time we get married.”

He leaned against the all brown waist high dresser, where the drinks were resting. His hand cuffed it for balance or to feel something solid, “But don’t you want more . . . aren’t you going to miss this? “If we must give it up Lise that I’m ok with, we had our fun while it lasted, but I want to know if you’re ready Lise.”

She walked over to him. “I’m ready Seto, to leave it in the past.”

There was no reaction on his face, he scoffed. His eyes slowly made it to hers. “I want to wipe the slate clean, I haven't been entirely honest with you... I... I haven't been. . . I want you to sit down. . . How long have we been together now?”

“I've known you for 3 years so about 1.”

“Yes.”

He held her hands. She's felt him shiver and watched him drink some wine and swallow loudly. “What I do.”

She interrupted him, “You’re great . . . your more than.”

“No,” he said clearly.

“What I do for work . . . I’m telling you this as a friend, I’ve only ever told 1 other person in my life. I don’t have many close friends.  . . I feel like I have to tell you like it’s something I must do, especially if we’re going to continue to have a relationship. I’m not trying to get back at you in anyway.”

His eyes now looked into hers, and notices a light he'd never seen before. Consequently he stood up and turned away.

“What Seto . . . What.”

“You see I... I’m not just a model.”

“Yes, I know,”

“More than that.”

She was now wearing a half smile like it was some new joke that hadn't revealed the punch line.

“What?” she asked as she walked over to him and grabbed his shoulder

“What?” she repeated again.

He stood there for a second before putting on his black jeans

“Answer me,” she demanded.

He began to look out the window and said, “What I do for work

Is I . . . I fuck . . . for the past 3 years of my life. Anybody or anything and I get paid well for it too. Sometimes they even leave me tips.” His voice was cold, as he walked causally across the room, went to his jacket and grabbed the envelope and dumped out the stack of hundreds.

Her face still in shock, she muttered, “So how long have you been doing this?”

“Since I was,” he trailed off. “It was when I first met you.”

She looked down and looked back at him in disbelief.

He said, “I'm done. For good now,” his voice heavy. “I just want to go someplace quiet and.”

She interrupted asking, “These women?”

He picked his jacket up and said “Wives of important people really. Politicians some celebrities. . . Looking for someone to make them feel something, anything. They try to buy me these things. My bike, my agent bought me that. “She said it makes clients fill more discrete.”

“Agent?” Lise scoffed dismissively.

“Yes that's who we call who gets you the jobs.”

“And now you want me to go away with you because you quit cheating on me.”

“We never said we were exclusive.”

“Don’t be foolish. I know,” she paused. “I knew. . . I wasn’t the only one you were seeing. . . I know you work with other models and they just can’t wait to get a hold of you.”

“Lise.”

“Hey no harm no foul,” As soon as the worlds left her mouth, they both realized she didn’t believe them. Her eyes cast toward the windows the lights from the street cast on her prominent cheekbones.

“It was work I didn't have any connections like that just sex, and I put an end to it.”

“I haven’t been with anyone but you for a year now, outside of my work and it was just sex,” he thought back as he remembered the last time he had casual sex.

Vroom vroom

He pulled into by the side of the beach sidewalk, clicked the bike into neutral and set it on the kickstand in one smooth motion. The wind from the ocean scurried the thin orange hairs of his mo-hawked helmet. He stared through his darkened visor across the horizon to where you could see feint shadows of ships at sea. It was an early morning ride, not for a specific meeting, but one to clear one’s mind.

“Hey nice bike,” said an incoming tourist walking with her friend both wearing bikinis ready for tanning, carrying a book in her see through bag.

“You ever ride?” Seto said, taking off his helmet balancing it on the tail. He stepped off his bike and leaned against it,

“Yea once,” she giggled.

“Hop on,” he said, smiling at the girls and pointing towards the spare all-black helmet. She looked at her friend and smiled, and her friend looked at her and said, “Don’t do it, were supposed to go tanning.”

She ignored her friend and hopped onto his bike grabbed the helmet from the side. A large cloud blocked out the sun, giving the surroundings a silver tint. She looked at her friend one last time opening her eyes fully and weighing her decision. A moment before he said, “You ready?” and raced up the white lines out of sight. It was a short distance to his favorite hotel.

“Hey what’s your number?” he asked, and tossed her his phone. “I got to roll Megan. Good luck with the board,” he said, as he pinned her down and their fingers interlaced. He kissed her then headed towards the door.

“Wait. I still got the keys...” she voiced as she climbed toward the nightstand and tossed them towards him.

“The room is payed for if you and your friend want to stay here for a night.”

She lay on the bed with the white crisp sheet covering half of her body; she watched him walk out the door, and bump into a room service waiter pushing a cart. Looked at himself from the reflection of the sterling silver, lifted up the plate and took three fries. Brought the cart in the room for her and said “Eat up, I know you’re hungry after . . . well.”

“I’ll call you,” she said with a seductive voice.

“Yes, just sex,” she said with a casual hint of sarcasm. “So should I just go get checked?”

“Lise stop. . . I see my doctor twice of month, however I cannot speak on your life.” Seto snapped. “Look Lise.

“Why are you telling me this . . . why now? To make yourself feel better?”

“I told you this because I don’t want any more secrets between us.”

“You have some balls mister. . . So what we just did, was?”

“It's not the same I. . .”

He hesitated as he was going to say I love you... Having never used the term before, he lay there like he finally found the last piece of the puzzle, like it was right there the whole time, hiding in plain sight.

She noticed his pause and said, “Well I did, do too.”

“Lise.”

“I need some time. . . I want you to go.”

He walked toward her putting his hands around her waist. She turned away and faced the window, placing her hand there to fill something real.

“I'll be leaving in 2 days, if you want to come let me know I can't be here anymore,” he said sincerely, his voice light. He closed the door silently locking it with this that she gave him, an all gold key with g935 engraved. He didn’t take the elevator, instead he walked down the stairs. Clutched his fist and pounded the wall

“Shit!”

Any more bad ideas he thought. He hopped on his bike and drove away.

5:00 p.m.

Seto arrived back to his apartment, he parked in the parking garage and walked upstairs. Inside he stood there, in the middle of the room, not moving, very still. He stood between the door, and the light of his bedroom. He looked at the lamp that had been burning for a week straight. He had a thought- Yes, that was the last time I was here. His apartment was neat, spotless. There was no mail sitting on the counter, or dishes left in the sink.

The only thing, which even made you think someone lived here was the out of place magnets, and up to date calendar on the fridge with a note on it about riding times.

He sat on his floor in the living room. First he grabbed the green from the coffee table drawer, then stared at the blank TV screen for a moment. He rolled his own cigarettes, using green substance in a paper, and stuffed it fit to burst, rolled it, and then licked it to seal it shut. He picked the remote up and turned on the TV letting it play late night comedy for a while, before he turned to a Japanese cartoon. It was if the cartoon was perfectly matching his story. The cartoon was about an underdog who finally faced up to his opponent. He took a long drag of the joint in his hand, then rest his hand on the floor.

The ash fell to the floor. He didn’t notice, as he was still staring at the character, watching him face death, as he exhaled clouds of smoke.

He knew it was a Japanese cartoon, he could tell from the yellow subtitles at the bottom of the screen.

It said, “I will give all I've got.”

He thought about Lise. He took another hit of the joint and let his hand go loose, as he dropped the remote and leaned back against the couch resting his head on the seat. His hand was still holding the joint. He had put it up to his mouth for another puff and, then realizing it has lost its ember. Let his hand fall back to the floor and closed his eyes.

5:20 p.m.

Jade received a call from Miranda. “Yes this is her,” Jade said, with a cold yet womanly voice.

“Oh of course,” she answered.

“Well it seems that he is no longer seeing clients, yesterday was his last,” she said in a professional manner, as she walked out to her balcony.

“Look in my experience, once they leave. They do come back, because of the money, or it’s all they know. But In his case he seems serious . . . No . . . No I won't.” She said with no expression on her face, her words slow.

“Look I've already given out more than I can . . . We have others . . . Look I want him back too he was my best too,” Jade said assumingly.

She began thinking about the last time they were together. She perhaps would have fallen in love with him, if she knew what love was. In her mind she had always used sex for what it was meant for, for power. She realized she was still on the phone, and said, “I've got to go, and don't call back here again for him. He's gone. And we wouldn't want your husband to find out about this, for he would leave you with nothing.”

She hung up her phone, and stared out into the city, the blue sky with sprinkled clouds, cleansing her of any sins she had ever committed and muttered, “Bitch.” She didn't know if it was for him, or that girl or what. She asked herself- what did she feel, who was this anger for?

9:28 p.m.

“Mama... Mama,” the TV woke him, he looked at his phone, it had been 4 hours. He checked his messages, and decided to send one to Lise, “Hey I want to see you.”

This kind of message was not unusual for the two, they usually texted everyday about what ever made them laugh through their days, from funny videos to events on their last time meeting.

He leaped to his feet, and stared out the window, looking down at the city from 8 stories above. He looked at the illuminated windows, he smiled, snapped on the light, and went to take a hot shower, enough to where steam wafted underneath the bathroom door. When he stepped out the shower he grabbed a towel, and walked into the living room. There was a dark haired woman sitting on his couch, smoking the joint that he had not finished, she stared at him with a grin. He said, “Next time give me a phone call before you show,” showing no excitement about her arrival.

“I did . . . and I still had the key from when you moved in so,” she said, with a voice of gratitude.

“Oh.

Mara was popular but didn’t have many close friends; Seto was one of the few. They had first met when seto had first moved to the city. Mara would go to her favorite café after school and would spend an hour or two there before she got ready for work. However, she would occasionally stop by for a slice of their lemon meringue cake after work around 9, and there he would be. Pecking away on his computer, drinking green tea with his headphones on. Occasionally she would look up to see if he was watching her, but it seemed that he never looked up. One day on stopping by to pick up a piece of rewarding cake, she made up in her mind, if she saw him again, she would approach him. And the next time she stopped in, she walked through the door slower than usual. She placed her order for a slice of cake and a green tea. She then turned to him, and he sat there reflecting back her gaze.

“Mam,” The overly anxious attendant shouted.

Mara walked to the counter and picked up her order and placed the green tea on his table and sat next to him. He pecked away at his keyboard for a moment before he closed the laptop, and turned toward her. She swept her hair out of her face and asked, “I’m not interrupting am I?”

“Yes you are. But you brought tea so I’ll let it slide,” he said grabbing the tea from the table but still ignoring her.

“I could leave.”

“Would you, please,”

She stood up in shock, but turned back toward him and said, “You can have the cake too I've lost my appetite.”

“Wait.”

“Oh what now,”

He lifted his head and said, I don’t even know you. But I’ve seen you come in here more than a couple times now,

“Wow my mistake.”

“But I have noticed my favorite thing about you so far. . . It's not the way you walk with grace, or your smile that lights the room but . . . your eyes.” He paused as he peered into her eyes. “There a pretty green, and strong.”

“Now why didn’t you start with that?”

“What’s wrong?” she said, as she got up and hugged him; maneuvering her way slowly around the furniture towards him.

“What’s wrong, Lise is giving you a hard time again?” He was not fully dry and some of the water got on her shirt. He stood there, then wrapped his arm around her.

“I told her,” he said.

“Told who?”

“I told Lise.”

“What, told her you’re leaving her, because you want to be with me?” she said. With a smirk on her face. He walked into his bedroom and she silently followed.

“I'm serious,” he said.

She almost immediately realized he wasn’t joking and her face turned from a half smile, into a look of complete shock.

“About what you do,” she said in a low voice, any more quiet would have been a whisper.

“I couldn't take lying to her anymore.”

“Holy shit dude,” she scoffed.

“Do you mind?” he asked, taking the towel off and throwing it onto the bed, more as a statement instead of question. Her face said, “I can't believe he just did that.”

She looked at his naked body for a second then turned around.

“What did she say?” Mara asked.

“What could she say?”

“I don’t know.” she said, her eyes looking down to the ground, then resting on his closet.

He grabbed some all black underwear with a white waistband.

“Come here,” Mara said, and went to him and hugged him.” She felt his erection and pretended to not notice.

“I should be alone right now.”

“No.” She said.

“No . . . your right, stay,” he said gratefully.

“Have you eaten?”

“I'm not hungry.”

She walked over to him relighting the joint and handed it to him, he took one drag then set it down. He pulled her in and looked into her eyes and said, “What would you have said?”

“I . . . She. . . ” she turned her body away from him and freed from his grasp, walking to, and sitting on the bed.

He stood there like a tree that just had all its fruit plucked. He picked up his phone and grabbed a pair of blue jeans. He looked and seen 2 messages from Lise, which read:

“I need time.”

“Where are you?”

She noticed that he had left the room and was inside of his phone.

“Hey let's go get ice cream and see a movie,” Mara said, and pulled him back out of his phone. He didn’t reply to the message, nor to her. He just pushed her against the wall and said confidently without effort, “I'm leaving for vacation in 2 days. . . I just want to fuck.”

She looked into his watery eyes as they begin to tear, and hugged him, he hugged her back.

He wiped tears from his eyes, and then took her hands off of him; breaking contact. He then kissed her on her neck as she looked down closing her eyes, and felt his lips. She at first shied away then she lifted her hands again to feel his body and his muscles.

“Ok Seto,” she said, keeping her head still, but watched his dark green eyes.

He kissed her and then walked her over to the bed. He kissed her hard then unzipped her jeans. She pushed her jeans down past her hips and, he did the rest, pulling them down to her ankles and, goes down on her.

He wiped his mouth. Moved her white panties with a flower on the middle to the side, and entered her. She moaned and closed her eyes. When she opened they stared into each other’s eyes. He had a thought- she is so small. This turned him on even more and he began thrusting harder into her. They couldn’t tell, how much time had passed, they had lost control of themselves.

He stopped. Rolled onto his back and lay there catching their breath. He was looking at the lines and curves of her body, she lay next to him with her hand clutched in a fist on his chest. She then relaxed letting her hand fall to his stomach.

He lit a joint and smoked as she lay on his chest, she pulled the blanket over her bare body. He watched her fall asleep.

When she woke she realized he was not still laying next to her. He was there listening to music, typing like a stenographer on his computer, she said, “Hey.”

He stopped and said, is that why you came over here is that what you wanted?” he snapped. He had never diagnosed what he had felt for her.

“No,” said Mara.

“Really?”

“No I, just wanted to see you.”

“Never mind... Get dressed were leaving.” He said evenly, hitting a few keys on the computer and then walked out of the room.

He was in the kitchen waiting, she walked in after getting ready and said, “Now my hairs is messed up.”

“Yes it's sexy.”

She began to walk out the door and he said, “Wait,” and handed her a helmet. She had a thought- I can feel my body sore, it feels good, how lucky of a girl Lise is.

He started up the bike, then looked at her and said, “You remember how to ride on one of these.”

“Ima just hold on tight,” she said.

“Yes tight,” he said evenly, “And when I lean you lean.”

He hopped on the bike and pat the seat behind him. He grabbed his helmet and pointed to the Bluetooth connection on them and said, “Can you hear me?”

Her eyes cast toward his.

“The connection is successful,” the Robotic voice of the helmets stated.

“Can you hear me?” Seto asked.

“Yes,” She had heard him the first time but she hated silence and loved his voice. He said, “Cool let's go.”

He felt her legs and arms wrap around him, as her feet got acquainted with the pegs and balance of the bike. Seto simultaneously put the bike into first gear and began rolling.

“Where are we going?” she said.

“So many questions,” Seto answered, still completely focused on the road but now with an added smirk.

“Well I just wanted to know,” she said holding on tighter to him, feeling safe within his control. They came to a stop and she looked down and saw his brown wing tip boots gliding over the cement. She had a thought- why must I feel this way about him, I know he is with another woman. Vroom vroom. He revved the engine as coming to a stop, then eased off the accelerator and held the clutch down. She had a thought- “Every vibration of that engine went through my body I better hold on.” He pulled into a hotel and at that moment she looked up and saw the words on the hotel, ‘The Summit’.

“What’s over here?” Mara asked.

“A quiet place to think.”

“I never knew this was here.”

He let the bike pull onto the sidewalk, as he stopped and walked it to a halt and killed the engine.

“Most people don’t,” he said, taking off his helmet.  To the left there was a long stagnant lake. This lake was at least 200 feet wide, and about a mile long.

Fountains in the lake began shooting, causing the once still lake to ripple creating a soothing noise. They walked towards the lake with their helmets in hand. “You up for a swim,” he said smiling . . . “I didn’t bring a towel though.” He looked at her noticing every inch of her beauty. Blue jean shorts with her red iPhone case poking out her back pocket, with a black and white striped hoodie on with white string hanging loosely off her. She ran her fingers through her messy black hair, as she noted that he was admiring her. Her prominent cheekbones, glowing in the light, she looked over to him with her glowing crystal green eyes, smiling. Her face could easily be on magazines and billboards across the world, if she had chosen that route.

“But look,” he pointed across the lake, “That place has the best burgers.” They began walking toward the restaurant, across the illuminated bridge she walked by his side. They thought, “Should we hold hands?” then both came up with several of reasons as not to. She went into her back pocket on her phone and began to reply to some messages; he looked over and noticed then leaned back placing his hands folded behind his head, walking with his head tilted up. They took the first step onto the bridge, the ground changing from concrete to brown and dark-brown checkered brick. When they get about to the center he reached out and caught her arm, and held her there for a moment he said, “Do you want to come with me?”

“Where to?” she said, with a blank expression.

“To Thailand.” He said looking into her eyes as he leaned against the railing.

Mara looked over the side of the bridge, waiting a while before responding and, spied a turtle poking his head out, then ducking again at the sound of her voice.

“I don’t know you should talk to Lise first,” she said with the single purpose to remind him of earlier that day, when they were together.

“She’ll forgive me it was just sex,” he said, as casually as he looked into the distance, reading names from the buildings around them, and then instantly discarding them.

“Well Seto every one doesn’t see it like that,” she said.

“But you do,” he said with a squaring voice.

“I don’t know how I see it.”

“Well it’s just a thought,” he said as he gestured towards the restaurant and they began walking again.

“Hey,” he said with a warmer voice. She looked at him, intently listening to his boots as they thud against the cement with each footstep.

“I kind of like you,” he said, smirking tilting his head towards her. “So if you wanted to, just let me know and don’t worry about expenses. . . I think it’ll be fun.”

He looked across the horizon and just underneath he could see there where they were headed, then glanced back up to the sky.

She deflected by pulling out her phone and going to film a video of them walking,

“Don’t do that,” he said laughing, waving his hand in front of the camera.

“It’s nice getting out, seeing this city for a while, perhaps I will miss it,” he said.

11:00 p.m.

Lise looked down at her computer she had just watched her fingers hit the keys; sending a request for time off. An email to her boss: The Dean of Medicine. She stopped before pressing send. She sat there in a green small arm chair that didn’t fit with the rest of the furniture in the room. She sat the computer aside onto the ottoman and leaned back not lazily, but stretched out under the heaviness.

Buzz! The apartment rung cutting through her thoughts.

“Hey it’s us open up,” a static voice interrupted. She stared at the intercom, then walked over to it and buzzed them in.

She walked over too and unlocked the door and began walking over to the kitchen counter, and pulled out the drawer a plate with green herbs on it and, rolling paper. A habit that she had picked up within the last two months before her wedding.

Her friends burst in with a new excitement of the weekend on their backs, they first noticed her frazzled hair hanging in front of her face while her attention was still on rolling.

Her friend Sarah, the more obnoxious of the bunch stared at her then dropped her bag on the couch and sat down. “Guess who we just saw?” Sarah said, hoping to get a response.

Her eyes rolled up to Sarah looking through the kitchen and resting onto Sarah’s pretty green eyes, then her new lip piercing. “Who? with who?” where was he,” these thoughts racing through Lises head.

“Who?” said Lise, without managing to break character of- I’m busy rolling here.

Toni the slim fit friend came over to Lise, without touching her at first, standing very close hovering next to her, and playfully rubbed her nose into Lise’s cheek.

Lise finished rolling and twist the end of the joint and checked her pockets, and kitchen drawers nearby for a lighter, ignoring Toni, trying her hardest not to smile.

Sarah started again, “We saw him,” she said, with an undertone of her having caught her red-handed.

“What?” . . . screamed Lise silently, dropping the finished joint to the floor in shock, her body completely frozen for a second. She looked down and seen where it was lying on the floor lifeless, next to her polished black toes but she couldn’t move.

She blinked her eyes twice, bringing her back into the world of the living, then bended down to pick it up hoping Toni didn’t notice anything. She turned toward Toni and before she could ask do you have a lighter, she was in her arms.

Toni gives the best hugs she thought; this was a hug of a person who really loved. A hug from a person who didn’t think she was good enough to be loved earlier in life and, was now just coming to terms with it. Lise hugged her back, then they walked over to the couch with Sarah. Lise sat down plopping her feet onto Sarah’s lap, grabbing the lighter off the table and leaned back and smoked the joint.

“We seen that cat that you said has been running in and out of your building,” Sarah said lazily. Lise stopped for a moment and realized Toni was asking for a puff, who was now sitting on the coffee table.

“Oh,” Lise scoffed, and she quickly turned to what she wanted to talk about.

“I thought you were talking about Seto,” she said, in a warm yet insecure voice, moving the hair from in front of her face, with the same hand holding the cigarette.

“Why what happened with him?” Sarah asked.

Sarah looked toward Toni grabbing the joint from her, completing the rotation.

“Let me guess he cheated on you. That’s what a lot all these guys are doing nowadays,” Toni said, not directed towards Lise but more into space.

Lise bloodshot eyes were casted up towards the ceiling, she shed one tear, and her gray eyes dashed to the side, and then she noticed she was crying. Tears came down her face.

“He is leaving going to Thailand,” Lise said.

“Are you going with him?” the girls asked. Toni was now sitting next to her holding her. The joint had lost it, flame in Sarah’s hand, and she sat it on the table and watched tears drip down Lise face then sat back and crossed her legs.

“He says he wants to leave this country.”

“Did he rob a bank?”

“No.”

“He’s leaving in 2 days, he was here this morning.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you going with him?”

“No. . . . I don’t know.”

“He says let’s try it out for 2 weeks.”

“Sounds like a vacation, why are you sad?”

“She’s getting married in a month and you are a bride’s maid. . .” Toni scoffed

“You got to pick between your man toy and your fiancé. I know which one I would pick.” Sarah said openly.

Lise had a thought- Seto being with all those women.

“Of course she’s not going,” Toni said, the sound of her voice challenging.

“I’ll go but not for two weeks . . . maybe one . . . it will be fun.”

“Well I’m not going with you . . . but let’s to deans tonight that’ll help take your mind off of your man toy.” Toni voiced.

Lise stood up and walked towards the bar, glaring at Toni, “You can stop calling him that.”

“The best part, is the milkshakes, yea the burgers are great but the milkshakes,” he said assuredly with a hint of humor. “Are you serious?” Mara asked.

“2 large milkshakes.”

He handed a 10 dollar bill to the man with dark eyes and a black cap behind the counter, and turned back toward Mara, “So are you coming?”

She went from looking at the menu to him and said, “Where?”

“Like . . . what you did for me in the bed earlier,” he said leaning into her whispering towards her ear.

She had a thought- Why is he cornering me like this?

“I don’t know, I told you I need some time.”

“Fine . . . fine,” he said interrupting. “I’ll come back to you of course but I’m leaving soon.”

He grabbed the 2 milkshakes from the counter and didn’t even look at the change and handed one to Mara.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I should be thanking you I would probably still be in my apartment chain smoking joints right about now. . .  come on let’s go,” as he realized the accuracy of the statement.

He walked out the door and held it for her. “No this way,” he said.

“Hey have you ever been to this places called Deans?”

He stopped her, “No why?”

“Lise has been telling me about it for a while now.”

“Oh, you want to go?”

“No, not really . . . I don’t really care for it.”

“Are you going to try to drag me there?”

“No, she says it’s.” He noticed a troubling look on her face, he furled his brow and stopped walking. “What?”

“No it’s just,” she trailed off.

“What?”

“This is the third time you have mentioned her today,”

“Yes and her the same to you . . . perks of being my best friend I suppose,” he said casually, glancing at the ground for a second.

“Oh,”

“This is the place.”

She slowed down and looked up past the golden awning, as her eyes climbed to the top of the Tower with endless stories. “Are you staying here?”

“Maybe,” he said.

“Let’s go.”

They walked in to the hotel lobby which held brown granite floors, the sound of people walking and their heels and boots clicking against it.

“Come on this way.”

They walked over to the steel elevators, waited for a while and then watched as an elevator opened up.

“You ever been here,” she asked.

“No, I always see it though,” he answered, pressing the top floor number 19 and up they went.

“Come on,” as the elevators door slid open.

The sign on the wall said: Roof, with an engraved red arrow pointing left.

“Come on,” they began running and laughing through the quiet hotel halls, all you could hear was there footsteps echo shallowly through the hall. The design of the carpet that looked like brown and orange diamonds.

“Let’s hope it’s open.”

She twisted the golden doorknob that looked like it led to a bedroom and walked into a room with a 5 foot long corridor, and a small flight of stairs at the end.

“Wait,” he said placing his jacket to keep the door open.

“That’s smart.” she said.

He looked at her and led her up the stairs. She walked over to the side quickly staring far over the city, lifting her hands above the lights.

He walked over toward her consciously slow, “Beautiful,” she said. She could feel him behind her and as she turned around his hands were on her body and he kissed her, then kissed her again onthe chin. She had a thought- I’m in love with him. Then his thought- her lips are so pink this can’t be real, and soft, and moist. She kissed him, rattling her tongue inside his mouth clattering against his teeth he leaned in and bither lip.Then went down towards her neck. To them it was their penthouse on top of New York.

11:35 p.m.

“Its 20 to skip the line.” The club promoter in uniform said.

You could hear and feel the bass from outside of the club. He walked over to him, handed him a 20 and said, “I hate waiting.”

“Alright come on in.”

“Ladies first,” Seto said, grabbing her hand and pulling her into the club. “We’ll stay for a little.”

They entered into the club and walked up a ramp and Mara reached into her pocket, handing another 20 to a girl behind a cashier booth. They walked pass a bouncer with the standard black shirt, and blue jeans on, he nodded them into the club.

Seto noticed but didn’t respond.

“Are you drinking?” she said.

“Not when I ride, no . . . Well I’m driving so yea help yourself.”

They walked over to the bar and ordered a long island iced tea, then walked over to a couch in a lounge area and sat.

She sipped the drink and played with the straw in her mouth as they watched the crowd dancing. Blue and green lights patrolled the club as the crowd moved to the music. The black and white spiked disco ball spun above their heads.

Dancers in the cages, moved their bodies, and stomped their fur boots in sync with the music. The DJs’ smiled and danced, pulling from the crowd the most energetic.

Arms flailed and the bass moved through the air like the heartbeat of the club.

All attention was on the Dj and mixers, and dancers in the cages.

Seto went to a place in his mind, where he was walking on a beach not a care in the world and was interrupted by her standing up and saying, “I want to dance.”

“Now? “You haven’t finished your drink,” he said as he leaned forward and took a sip from her straw, and realized why she was already ready.

“Okay, let’s go,” they slowly walked through the crowd trying to get to the center of the crowd. Everyone was dancing and moving to the music as one.

The track stopped and faded into a new one. His thought was- I know this one. He closed his eyes as the beat dropped, and began bouncing to the music everyone around was also flowing to his energy. He realized he’s having fun and looked towards Maria and she stared back as they both smiled, jumped, and flailed their arms. The song ended and he’s said, “Let’s go,” leading her out the club.

“This place isn’t so bad,” Mara said erratically. They hold hands as they migrate through the crowds of guest. As they walked pass the bar he thought- this girl looks familiar. There’s a fit girl in a purple or blue dress it was hard to tell because of the flashing lights, she had on black heels that wrapped around her ankles and curly brown hair. He could only see her back but her demeanor seemed familiar. This girl in the dress, had a friend with her, and her friend noticed him staring, then looking into her friends eyes she followed her eyes to Seto.

She turned around and he noticed it was Lises friend Toni. At that moment he knew that the other girl was Sarah. He walked up to Toni first saying, “You guys must’ve followed me,” and hugged her. He then looked at Sarah and shook her hand then pulled her in for a hug,

Sarah smiled then looked down and then towards the figure standing beside him.

“Yea we followed the pony tail,” Toni said gaily. He looked back at Toni and said, “This is Maria.”

They didn’t touch, just their eyes, and an unresolved waves. “Well we will be going. . . Maria,”

He grabbed her hand and led her pass.

“Wait Lise is here.” His boots stopped and one turned back towards her.

“I’m not sure she wants to see me,” he said facing Toni, his voice clear.

She leaned over in his ear and said, “Yea right, she’s over at the bar you should talk to her.”

“Yea . . . a moment,” he said to Maria.

He went to Lise, she turned around with 2 drinks in her hand.

“Hey I thought you hated this place,” she said ambiguously.

“It’s not so bad.”

As they walked back to her friends. He followed and said,

“Hey let’s talk,”

“Okay.”

“Outside.”

“I'll be right back looking back.” he said looking back at Mara. She nodded in approval.

When they walked back into the club, Maria and Toni were chatting while some guy was hitting on Sarah. Seto walked in first and approached the group, Lise followed and took a seat and begins sipping her drink contently.

“Mara are you ready to take me home,” he said, grabbing her hand helping her stand up. He kissed Toni and then Lise on the cheek and left.

Chapter 5

Music

They walked in silence for a moment, glancing up at the full orange moon every few steps.

“What was that about?” asked Mara.

“Nothing.” He could now see his bike. “What?” he said.

“You. . . Never mind.”

“Mara if there's something you wish to say.” He handed her the helmet and crank the bike. They hop on the horse. “Hang on,”

The engine ignited in a smooth violent burst. She didn’t know when they started moving she, just held on tight in the assurance of a man who knew where he was headed. She closed her eyes, just listened and felt the movements, like she was being carried effortlessly by the current of the morning tide towards the shore.

“Oh yea,”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“You’re thinking I'm drunk or you’re thinking your drunk.”

“No that's not it.” Mara said sternly.

“You’re thinking about getting me home all to yourself.” He said slowing down in traffic.

“No,” she said, stretching out the word, forcing herself not to smile.

“I wasn't done, or you’re thinking about Lise and me.” She hung on tighter.

“Well.”

“Well, you should know what I'm going to ask you.”

“Yes.”

“Is she coming, does she need more time, or. “

“Stop it.”

“Stop what? “You knew she was going to be there,” Mara jarred as a statement not a question.

“Yes, no, I don't know maybe,”

“So when we fuck, what does that mean to you?”

“Mara.”

“No, Seto I need to hear this.”

“Mara.”

“Sometimes, I feel like you’re not there.”

“You know I love being with you Mara.”

“As a friend or girlfriend, cause I need to know.”

“Mara, “You’re a girlfriend maybe something more.”

“And Lise?”

“A friend with benefits . . . maybe a girlfriend I don't know . . . She hasn't decided.”

She held on tighter and realized that she didn't care, not now, for this moment she was with him. The light of the moon was wide and clear but not visible through the street lights. They pulled into the parking garage and parked next to the elevator.

He said, “You’re in no condition to drive.” His legs were still wrapped around his horse Maras’ were also. He leaned the bike on to the kickstand and said, “Let’s go.” She leaned and stepped off the bike then he swung his leg from around, the bike and stood up straight.

“I'll take you home or you can call an Uber, or if you feel like living life on the edge you can come up stairs,” he said.

“What?” she responded, even though she heard him, she wanted him to repeat it.

He took his helmet off and rolled his fingers through his hair and said, “Upstairs or do you want me to take you home.” She took off her helmet and her hair fell in front of her face, “I'll stay for a bit.” He looked into her warm green eyes and said,

“Bring your helmet.” As they turned toward the elevator. It opened.  And two middle aged women walked out. They looked at him and then Mara. Seto stared into their souls as Mara broke the silence and said, “Hey”. They waved back and continued on their way.

Seto walked into the elevator and leaned against the back rail. Mara walked in, pressed the button and turned toward him. He voiced, “Are you drunk?”

“I had one drink,” she smiled, looking back at him grabbing his jacket, “So maybe.”

He smiled and said, “You’re too much,” and pressed the number 8, “Its 8 not 7.”

The door opened up to an empty hall and closed. He turned to her, and looked at her lips and kissed her. She kissed him back and the elevator doors swung open, this time to a tall man in wearing gray shorts and slides; dressed as he was going to the beach.

“Hey Zeke,”... Seto interrupted his voice warm.

“Hello. Neighbor,” he said, with a thick accent that you couldn't distinguish exactly where from. “This is Mara,” he said, as they exchanged spots, the couple stepping off the elevator and the chalky old man stepping onto the elevator.

“I was just running down to my car I have a case a beer in there. You guys are welcome to come over and watch the last quarter of the game.” Zeke said as he held the elevator doors open. “I’ll let you know thanks,” as they waved as the elevator doors closed. “He goes to my gym,” Seto felt he had to say.

It was a 30 feet walk down the hall to wide brown doors which was Seto's apartment. They walked inside and he went straight to the kitchen and took off his jacket and opened a bottle of wine, his boots clicked against the wooden floor. Mara stepped in slowly as if everything was new and it was her first time entering into the apartment. He walked to the balcony, bottle in hand and opened the door and said “Come.”

“The thing I will miss most about this place . . . this view,” he said, breathing a wide breath then took another sip, listening to the wine swish in the bottle.

“It's not too bad,” she said lazily, and in that moment began feeling dizzy but tried not to show it. Seto gestured toward her the bottle, she declined and walked back inside to have a seat. Seto followed her, “You alright?”

“Yes, “I just need to relax you, we were going too fast on the bike.”

“I know,” he said, “You were squeezing the piss out of me.” He took a seat and sat down on the floor next to where she was sitting on the couch. She lay down putting her nude finger tips into his hair, undoing his pony tail breaking his hair loose on his face. He didn't react it was almost as of now he had a shield over him. She said, “So what do you plan to do over there?”

He took a sip, “Live.”

“Yes I know that, but what do you plan to do?”

“It’s just a trip a vacation . . . I’m not sure how long I will stay . . . but not here.”

“Really?” she asked.

He took another sip.

“Is that really what you’re going to do?”

“I don't know . . . why does it matter?”

“You can't be serious.”

“Look should we be having this discussion right now?” his voice low.

“I'm just curious. Cause I was thinking about going with you.”

“So you really considered it.” He said tilting his head towards her but his eyes were still forward poking at the balcony watching the cool breeze come in and lift the curtains.

“Yes how long will we be gone?” he heard the exhaustion in her voice.

“2 weeks . . . if we like it we stay if we don't we go somewhere else. And, I’ll bring my camera, we can take pictures of all the places.”

She leaned back, her eyes stared at the ceiling. He said “I don't know if Lise will be going or not, but as long as me and you are there . . . That would be . . . A dream come true.” He stopped, looked at the bottle of wine studying its label. Then realized what he just said. He sat up and turned toward her. Her eyes were closed, one hand was cast to the side, the other rested on her chest. He set the bottle down took a breath and looked at her. He picked her up and carried her into the bed. She burrowed under the heavy comforter quilt and continued resting.

1:30 a.m.

“Hello,” Seto answered.

“I was just calling to check on you.”

“Yes, Lise?”

“Well you know, about earlier.”

“Yes, Lise I know.”

“I'm coming over.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, I'll be there in 5 min.”

He tossed his phone on the bed and lay down at the foot of the bed, like a guard dog, barely touching Mara.

He closed his eyes and fell asleep. He woke when his phone rung

“Yes. . . “Alright,” his voice heavy. “No, it’s just I drifted off a little.” he said slowly.

He stood up and walked toward the door. He opened it, Lise was standing there with her head down, sweeping her blonde hair behind her ear. He looked at her for a moment, she asked, “Can I come in?”

He widened the door and said, “Come on.” She sat down, and said, “This has to stop.”

“Fine.” said Seto.

She stopped for a moment in shock . . .

“Well I just because . . . he says he wants a wedding date his parents are pressuring him.”

“Stop. . . Lise . . . Either you’re coming or staying. . . I don't want to hear about him . . . we knew what we were getting into last year, this time. No feelings, no commitment.” He took a sip of wine, he felt his buzz refreshed. He set the bottle down and grabbed her hands. “You will always have a place in my heart. But if you feel like you need to stay I won't hold it against you.”

“I’ve decided to come with you, but just for one week then I have to come back and you could never tell him.”

Seto’s face showed no expression. “So where does he think you’ll be next week? I’m just curious.”

“Well he’s knows I like to travel. And plus he’ll be out of town so it works great.”

“And were going to hell.”

Seto said with a smirk as he leaned back and stared up at the ceiling.

He looked back at Lise.

“Lise. Mara is also coming.”

“Yes I figured.”

“Oh.” Seto studied her face. “This doesn't bother you.”

“No, if she is fine with you.”

“But I won’t be able to stay 2 weeks because . . . that is too long, a couple of days that is it.”

“How long is a couple?”

“A week and a half at the most.”

“I don’t want you to feel forced Lise,” he said, evenly. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek then to her ear. “I don't know if we should be.”

“Let’s not act like this isn’t your reason for being here tonight,” he said exhaling, letting her ear go from his teeth. “But I suppose your right. You will have to spend the night or take a shower. You will have my smell all over you when you go back to him.”

She kissed him and pushed him back on the sofa then climbed on top of him. Mara had woke, and watched peeking from the hallway which led to the other room. She then went back to bed, deciding not to ever bring it up.

Monday

7:14 a.m.

Mara woke, and was cuddled next to Lise. Lise woke up, looked and faced her, “Um,” she said, trying to hide her dry morning voice. “Where's Seto?” they asked one another. Lise rose and went to the bathroom. Mara stood up, still in her clothes from yesterday, and walked into kitchen of the apartment. Where Seto had started to prep something in the kitchen.

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

“1 more day,” he said.

“So I met your friend.”

“Be nice.”

“Yea, should I leave?”

Seto looked at her and grabbed her shirt pulling her in and said, “Doors open.” She turned to walk away and he said, “I'm just kidding come here, you want some?”

Lise walked into the room and said, “Hey I'm going to go.” Mara crunched into a strawberry.

“Can I get a good bye?” Seto snapped.

She hugged him.

“I'll see you later.” Then she also hugged Mara.

“Goodbye.” Lise said waving, then turned and walked to the door.

Mara asked, “Why let her do you like that?”

“Like what? “She's a friend. . . And she's getting married soon.”

“No way.” said Mara, grabbing another strawberry.

“I've met the guy once or twice.”

“Right after we fucked too . . . I could've sworn, he could smell me on her.”

“Oh my god you’re the worst.” Mara said.

“Yes.” Seto said drawing his attention back to prep pineapples and strawberries. “She's coming with us,” Seto said earnestly.

“No.”

“Yes she’s coming, but just for a week, she's getting married next month.” Seto said, then paused. “When I needed someone she was there for me.”

“You realize she’s just using you for sex?”

“Yea or maybe I’m using her? . . . were both having fun so leave us alone mom.” Seto snapped lightly. She thought- maybe Seto is the guy I've been looking for but, what about last night.

“What?” Seto asked, almost as if he heard the thought.

“I didn't say anything,” she leaned against the granite countertop and began typing on her phone.

“This is for you,” Seto said handing her the bowl of cut fruit.

“I have some things I have to take care of. . . Here's the key, well you don’t need that, lock the door on your way out.” He kissed her, then she kissed him, he picked her up, and put her on the countertop. Kissed her down her neck line then stopped. Looked at her and said, “Make sure you eat all of that.” Grabbed his black leather riding jacket and walked out the door.

He started his bike looked at his phone and read the message that said, “Be here at 8 let's talk business,” . . . He replied, “On the way,” and took off.

7:55 a.m.

He arrived at a coffee shop in front of a shopping district. He felt the vibration of his phone, he reached into his pocket and read the message, which said, “Get in.” He stepped off the bike and recognized the black town car, which was parked just to the right of him. He walked slowly to the car, the rear window let down and Miranda stared out with blue eyes, “Hop in,” she said.

He watched Miranda’s dark red lips mutter the words, “Boris take us around the city so we can talk,” she said in a plain manner.

“Mam,” said the driver, the same one from the estate with the pencil thin mustache, he nodded as the divider closed, and you lost sight of the vision of his leather gloves on the steering wheel. “You have it?” she handed him 1000 dollars in a light blue envelope. He tucked it into his jacket pocket. “Boy you’re expensive,” she said unwaveringly, but they both knew that 1000 dollars to her was like lunch at a deli for most.

“This is how much it is to meet up for clients,” he said in a professional manner.

She pressed the button of the divider again to make sure it was closed and said, “Well you’re no longer working so I'm no longer your client.”

“And you’re married so we shouldn't be here at all.”

“Yes, technically,” she said, with not an ounce of guilt, “But, we both know why we’re here. Because we like money, power, and cause were animals who love fucking each other brains out.” She traced his jacket with her dark red tipped finger nails.

“I don’t want to ask how you got my number.”

“When a girl wants something she gets it.”

“Was it Jade?”

“No.”

“All you women with supposed power are the same.”

“Yes I suppose . . . You see I'm divorcing my husband and taking half the fortune.”

“Unlucky for him.”

“Yes, you could say so.”

“But he won't miss it it's the one thing he has a lot of.”

“I hope I had nothing to do with this.”

“Oh no, you were just the spark Seto. The fuel has always been there.”

“So what you want to keep me on retainer to keep fucking you Rand?” She jumped onto his lap and looked into his eyes. He turned his head and looked away.

“You act like you don't want it.”

She grabbed his dick through his jeans, “But your body says otherwise.”

He looked out the window with an almost embarrassed look of his erection.

“Either we can keep acting like we don't want this or we can fuck each other brains out one last time.”

He looked toward her and kissed her hard pinning her against the seat; ripping her dress off and turning her over as if he owned her. He pulled his pants down and entered her, hard, and harder until he forced himself to come in less than a couple minutes. This was her first time seeing him do so. He breathed hard and leaned back. She got up slowly and leaned on his chest. Her vagina was dripping semen, his penis still inside her. She lay on his chest, poking and pinching his chest. Then she kissed him and said nothing, just lay there for a second, next to, two red lips on his chest. Her breast up against his, she lay there with a feeling of having owned him, as if he was something you could possess.

They drove around the city laying there; stretched out, until they made it back to the café. He got out of the car and watched the car pull away, there was still a feint sensation at the tip of his penis. He looked toward his horse and got ready to saddle. First I will need a minute he thought.

9:13 a.m.

“Everything looks great here dear.” George said, smiling at his fiancé.

“Yes it looks lovely.” Lise said evenly. She thought to herself- Did I just say lovely. “So this is it.” Lise said, as she turned toward George.

“Yes.” he said. And leaned in and pecked her on the lips.

“Next month. . . Everything been happening so fast.”

“So you like it?”

“Yes, I do George, this is the place.” She answered gaily.

She began to think- of Seto, Is this what I really want? George does get along great with my family.

“Come you two I want to show you the where all your pictures will be taken.” said the owner of the venue. She was a dark skinned older women with a dark grey business suit on. Her dark slacks went all the way to her black heels as they clicked against the floor with each step remembering why she got into this business. George placed his arm around Lise, and they walked outside the venue following the woman.

“Is everything ok Lise,” She began to think about last night, how she was, and where she was.

“Yea sure babe, I’m just a little hungry.”

“And if you’re worried about food we have...” the owner announced enthusiastically.

Mara got back to her place and set the key on the counter

“Hello. . . Jen,” Mara asked the apartment as she walked in.

“Hey long time no see,” the ecstatic blonde hair woman voiced, who was her roommate.

“Hey what’s up?” Mara mumbled to her.

She ignored whatever Mara had said and began introducing a tall figure on the couch, “This is my friend James.”

“Hi James,” Mara said, and stared at Jen for a while studying her face.

“Hello,” said James.

“Hi I’m, Mara,”

“Have you two already met?” Jen asked.

“No,” Mara answered.

“I’m going to go wash up,” Mara excused herself, then went into her room and shut the door. She thought- one more day. Should I tell her about Thailand? She could still here the two in the other room; the sound of the film they were watching volume increased, and there laughter. She ran a shower and flopped in her bed, grabbing her phone and sending a text message, “Hey I'm thinking about you,” to Seto.

She closed her eyes and forgot the water running. Her phone vibrated and woke her up, it was a message from Seto, and it read,

“Make sure you pack everything you need. Are you going to tell your roommate?”

She looked at her phone for a moment longer than necessary, then took off her pants and walked into the bathroom. When she was done showering she grabbed a towel and walked back into her bedroom.

“Holy shit,” she gasped, at the tall figure looming in her room.

“Whoa I'm sorry I'm just looking for a phone charger,”

She pointed him to the phone charger plugged into the wall while stepping back into her bathroom. When he left, she locked the door behind him. “Fucking weirdo,” she scoffed.

Looking at her phone it read: Seto, “See you tonight?”

“Sure,” she sent,

“Knock, knock it’s the police,” her roommate Jen said from the other side of the door.

“Ok just give me one sec,” Mara answered.

Jen handed her a package, and said, “This just came for you.” Mara looked at her, thinking back to see if she had ordered anything. “I don’t remember ordering anything,” she whispered.

“Open it up!”

“Yeah.” She undid the packing to find matching black lingerie and stockings. Her roommate gasped.

Jen’s guest from the other room knocked on Mara’s door. “Hey someone’s at the door.”

Jen looked at Mara and said, “I’ll get it.” A moment later, “Mara I’m going to need your help.” Mara walked to the door to see a flower courier standing there with a 2 dozen white roses and a note that said: These made me think of you.

7:00 p.m.

The street was a 3 lane street. She passed by the last gas station for a few miles, and then followed a 2 lane road. Until she pulled into a long driveway that circled around to a security checkpoint,

“Hi,” she waved at the security guard, he smiled, and waved back as the iron fence lifted up.

She entered the neighborhood crossing over a bridge with fountains shooting water in the air on either side. The gathering sound of her engine revved as she rounded the corners with the ac lifting her hair from her shoulder every few seconds. This car was huge and would not be expected her inside. She looked like a little kid behind the wheel of a semi-truck. She continued to drive deeper into the neighborhood passing by huge houses on both sides. Some with gates around there houses, others with no gate and just vast amount of land which connected to the neighborhood country clubs’ golf course.

The sky was long and blue with clouds that reached across the sky hiding the sun. She had between her lips a cigarette just for the long trip into the neighborhood. She took one last drag and threw it out the window as she cornered her last turn.

She pulled up to an estate with a keypad, linked to the gate, entered the code and pulled into the driveway. She sat on her car for a minute thinking of the discussion. Her thoughts were of the last time she had been to this house. It was on Mother’s day. Have I become too busy for my family, but the thought fell aside as soon as she stepped outside of her car.

She walked out onto the driveway past the house and walked to the end of the backyard where the gate stopped. She stared at the huge river that wrapped around the neighborhood, in fact also through the city and state. She started to think- it will all be alright.

She pulled the vibrating phone out of her pocket. And saw that Seto was calling and put it on speaker. “Hey.”

“Hello.”

“I'm coming over.”

“I'm not home right now.”

“No?”

“No. I'm at my parents.”

“Wait for me. I'm coming over.”

“To my parents’ house?”

“Yes. . . Is that Ok?”

“Yea sure I'll wait.” the phone clicked.

She texted him the address as she went back to looking at her reflection in the river before heading inside.

Chapter 6

Animate

Miranda got back to her huge estate not even looking at the window just lying in the back of the stretched town car, not too far from where Seto was hours ago.

She thought about- his smell and his touch. And his taste. She rubbed her hand down her breast, arranging her clothing.

When the car stopped, Boris helped her step out. She knew her husband was back from his trip. As she walked into the front door she stopped and watched Boris open the door. She didn't walk through. She looked at Boris for a second, before speaking then said, “Today didn't happen.”

He looked at her, then into the house, then back at her, and said with clear pronunciation as he always did, "Mam."

She went to her husband, both his hands were pressed against the kitchen counter, his eyes were skimming over papers and folders. He noticed her come into the room but kept on reading, “How was it?” she asked.

“Was what?” he answered casually.

“Your trip Nathan.”

He responded without looking up at her, “The same as always, a lot of listening to the board, and then sand on the beach.”

She glanced at him finding it hard to picture him on the beach being carefree. She walked over to him hoping for a kiss or a hug. “I was just out in the city trying to make friends.”

“You have plenty of friends.” He said as a statement not a question.

“No fun ones though.”

“Who needs fun when you have . . .?” he stopped himself. He gathered his papers and said obviously, “I won't be able to get any work done here.”

Normally this remark would have bothered her, but instead she began grinning on the inside knowing that another man had taken her. His touch. Taste. The most excitement in years. Much more excitement than stuffy parties and dull dinners.

She realized nothing could bother her in this moment. She stopped herself and poured herself a glass of wine from the open bottle and walked upstairs.

8:00 p.m.

Seto texted, “I'm outside.” Mara buzzed the gate and watched him enter. She began to think- Am I nervous right now. As she watched him park his horse and walked the trail leading into the house. She went down to meet him. She heard the doorbell ring, as she hurdled down the stairs. The door opened with her father standing at one side and a guy dressed in tighter fitting clothes wearing unkempt hair, and a smile at the other end. His crisp white shirt left unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled to his elbow. She thought- What if? Her thought was interrupted by Seto saying, “Hello Maras’s dad.”

“Yes that's me, Hi, and you are.”

“Just one of Mara friends.”

Mara slid in, and said, “This is Seto.”

“Oh well In that case call me Brian . . . Come on in.”

She looked toward Seto and noticed him staring at her. Her dad noticed and walked back to the kitchen and said, “Dinner is almost ready. . . I hope you’re hungry,” not saying directly to Seto; more just out loud to both of them.

“Well Seto probably won’t stay long.”

Seto looked back toward Brian. “I would love to try some.”

“Oh,” Mara said with hidden relief. Seto walked in and hugged her then leaned back looking at her and kissed her on the cheek. “Sweeney Go ahead and show Seto around. We just put new seats in the theater.” Brian said boastfully, not in a bragging manner. She looked at Seto and said, “Yea let me show you around.”

“OK Sweeney.”

She looked at him feigning anger.

They walked up a spiral staircase with a wooden handrail and iron pickets. He stared at her body as she walked in front of him. “You guys have a theater?”

“Yea, I’ll show you.”

“Mara what does your dad do?”

“He’s a lawyer, his office is close to downtown.”

“That explains a lot.”

“Like?”

“Your career choice, your authoritative voice, your . . .”

“What?”

“And what does your mother do?”

“My mom works as an accountant, but she also works at an arts and craft store.”

“I remember you telling me your dad worked close to downtown, I don’t remember you telling me he was a power lawyer.”

“Must’ve slipped my mind.”

“Mhmm.”

“Yep,” she twisted the knob on the door and walked inside. “This is it,” they walked into a room with an overhead projector with a cat babysitting the room, which ran out as they walked in. Twelve leather dark brown recliner chairs in rows of 3. They sat down.

“Comfortable. . . Where’s your room.” Her eyes looked down and then back up at him. “Come on I’ll show you.” They walked down a long path, alongside looking down you could see the downstairs into the living room.

“Who are these?”

“For my sisters and my brother?”

“So which one is yours?”

She answered by pointing to the all pink door, she smiled. Seto lifted his hand and said, “After you.”

They walked into the room and she looked into the mirror and said, “It’s not much.” Mara looked out the window at Seto's horse. Seto was not looking at her room, or judging her. Instead he was laying back on her bed tossing a stuffed animal up and down. “Leave him alone,” she said, as she walked over to him.

He looked at her then back at the ceiling. He left his hand behind his head, the other to his side.

She looked at him and thought- “So I guess he must really be mine,” she climbed on top of him. Putting her hands under his shirt feeling his skin, and kissed his neck.

“What did I do?” he said. As he tried to kiss her. She used her hand and wrapped it around his throat and choked him pushing him back against the bed. She could see the excitement in his eyes. He slid his hand up her shirt grabbing her breast and smiled.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door. Seto grabbed her and rolled over, leaving her on the bed and stood up and looked out the window and said, “Come in.”

She pulled down her shirt, picked up her phone and said, "What?"

"Dad wants to talk to you." the soft voice and giggling from the other side of the door. “You want to meet the Rugrats?”

8:30 p.m.

A blank look on his face, as he stared off into the distance. ”Hmmm,”

“What is it dear?”

“Oh nothing. . . I was just going to ask about . . .” he stopped and continued to stare,

“Some of the details, the car, when is the car going to pick us up?”

“It says here in 2 weeks hun,” Lise said walking into the room with her robe on.

“Right, ok.”

“George, I told you I would be leaving this a month, going out of the states for a week, 2 weeks at the most,”

“I hope you’ll be back for the wedding.”

She smiled and looked at him and said, “Yes Hun, of course.”

“I just hope your taking this as serious as I am.” His eyes do not go to hers as he’s fixated on his favorite team halftime report. She began thinking- is this all there is. Her thought was interrupted by his booming laughter, accompanied by the laughter of the announcers and commentators from the TV set and soon forgotten.

Same night

Around 10:30 p.m.

“What am I doing?” Seto asked himself. This pain it felt so good. He didn't know what to exactly do. He just lay there listening to the electricity from his headphones that normally gave him enough energy to spring into action. That didn't work. He went to some of his favorite blogs to get inspiration. He even tried to call a friend, none of this worked it still persisted, just an emptiness. He could move his body only to change songs. The rest of his body was still inanimate. He looked at the time but, discarded the thought as if the clock was broken. He just lay there completely still, wearing some of his best clothes as if he was ready for a night out, or to zip around the city.

But no. He could not move. For if he moved he would stop being in pain. Laying here now it hurt so much. So much that he wasn't paralyzed from the pain. But he was paralyzed by the happiness. It started down below the knees, then rose all the way through his gut.

He thought it was because he was hungry but he had eaten recently and had no appetite. Then he thought of his body, and the women he had been sleeping with, and their faces. This feeling of being worn out.

He just lay there looking out the window at the reflection of the sky cast unto the building. The music which blared from his headphones was now hurting his ears and would lead to a headache. But he didn't care. He asked himself- What is this pain? Where did it come from?

He almost smiled and laughed then he realized, that was impossible. Laughter not possible. Joy not possible. Friends... He stopped himself placed his hand on his forehead as his manicured fingers rested inside his hair. He looked at his phone and began typing a long text message, hitting all caps then starting off with, "You were always there for me," I love you like a brother or sister hell even more. You said you would do anything for me so I do have one request. It is simple and you may forget at times or at sometimes it may be harder for you because sometimes I can be heavy. But I'm asking you this because you have never told me no, unless I needed to hear it. So if this is one of those times where you must say no. I will pester you not any longer. I just ask will you forgive me for everything I've done everything I'm going to do and just love me and ride with me from here until the.”

He waited a moment before pressing send.

He heard a knock on the door. This signature knock could’ve only came from a handful of people, he thought- Slim. Then stood himself up, opened the door and there he was waiting on the other side of the door, motorcycle helmet in hand. He shook his hand and welcomed him in. He didn’t walk in, “You still going on that trip?”

“Yep, were supposed to leave tomorrow night.”

“We?”

“Yea me and 2 of my friends.”

“I see . . . one last ride before you go?”

“I’ll grab my stuff . . . is it just you?”

“The rest of the guys had work.”

“I’ll be right out.” He closed the door as his friend Slim turned back to the hallway leaning against the wall. He walked out of the apartment and locked the door. In full gear with his helmet on. He looked toward Slim, smiled and said “Are you ready?”

Slim laughed and said, “Yea.” When they got down stairs 2 other men on motorcycles were parked next to Seto’s horse, these men were Ian and Andrew.

“Hey . . . Slim said you guys couldn’t make it.”

“Miss riding for work? Yea right.” Drew said.

“Yea I’m ready,” said Ian. Seto started his bike and let it warm up. The others did the same.

“So this is really the last time?”

“Guys I’m going on vacation, I’m not dying.” They all laughed as they hopped on their horses and began rolling.

“Can you hear me now?” Slim’s voice echoed through the riders’ helmets.

“Alright guys my name is Slim and I’m going to be your copilot today.” As the riders corner there first turn and wait at the red-light.

“Alright guys this is going to be a speed lap so if we hit traffic were breaking through.”

“Yep.”

“Same as always.” Seto said.

“Why does he feel like he has to repeat this every time?” asked Andrew.

“Fuck you guys,” Slim said, clearing the red light seconds before it turned green smoothly with confidence, and the other riders followed, not far behind.

“Guys I love you but I’m turning on Sade.” Seto remarked.

“Just don’t get left behind,” Ian said, sticking up his middle finger, not so much to the other riders but to the world. In the heat of the high speeds Seto looked towards the other rider, as their 300 horses and rider became one shooting star. That moved with the precision of engineering, cutting underneath the darkening sky. Their blurred taillights raced up the white lines and disappeared into the golden headlights of the cars they darted pass. The four horsemen took the night, under the city lights, with a smiles on their faces focused on the road ahead of them. They completed the lap and pulled into the apartment lot. “Great fucking ride.”

“Just so you don’t forget what the boys at home are about.”

12:00 a.m.

After he said goodbye to his nakama, he went upstairs and walked in his apartment, placed his helmet on the counter, walked towards the bedroom and then had an odd feeling as if someone was watching him.

“Hello,” a warm voice. He turned to see Mara laying on the couch with a bottle of wine on the table.

“I’m glad I gave you that key.”

“You know if I was a robber.” she said sunnily. He walked over towards her unzipping his jacket. “I saw you.”

“Sure you did.”

“I did.”

“Could you tell I was wearing this?” she opened her jacket wearing nothing but her bra and panties. “I got your message and yes, I’m going.”

“Or not wearing. . . I’m ready to serve,” Seto said picking her up, and immediately carried her to the bed room and tossed her on the bed. He gave her a smirk, looked her in the eye placing his hand on her cheek and neck, and his finger slid behind her ears. He grabbed her hand. She didn’t jump, then kissed her deep. He kissed her thigh, dubbing his nose against her stomach, and then moved up, eye to eye with her, where their lips met. His hands slid around her back and undid her bra. It was quiet. There was a faint soundtrack from the music left playing from his ride, he kissed her neck and told her to lay back. He kissed her lips through her white satin panties. She’s lay on the bed staring at him as he took his shirt off. He slid his hands down her panties.

He clenched one of her hands above her head holding on to her wrist, then grabbed the other and held them there with his hands. He used his other hand slowly easing in, then thrust inside of her. He pulled back, put the tip in again, her lips opened to accept him. He entered her fully she pulled forward and placed her hand on his back, her other hand was still held down. He kissed her on her ear as he thrusted deeper and deeper each time, as he stared into each other’s eyes. He removed her hand from his back pinning them back above her head. She smelled like she just got out the shower and you could still smell the strawberry shampoo in her hair, she’s warm. She was so warm, she moaned into his ear every time there chest touch, her warm breath on his neck, their tongues kissed and played for a while. Sweating, he rolled over and looked at the ceiling placing his hand behind her head. She leaned into him not able to feel her legs, and relaxed her head onto his chest they just lay there in each other’s arms. He pretended to fall asleep first then actually did. Then she did. They lay there in the in the wet bed. Still.

The heat inside the room mixed with the colder temperatures outside made the windows condensate and fog lightly. Once he woke he got out the bed and went to his notepad in the other room. He began drawing a blueprint of some kind and listened to classical like Bach or Chopin in his headphones at the desk loud enough to where he wouldn’t notice you sneaking up on him. When she woke, she went to him. He noticed her, but kept on listening to music till she placed her hand on his shoulder. He clenched her hands and pulled her in, She climbed on top of his lap there naked bodies warm each other’s. Their lip met, and he grabbed her thighs.

”Not now,” Seto sighed.

She whispered in his ear in response to persuade him

“Ok,” he said, “But just remembered this moment.” He closed up his work and carried her back into the room.

Chapter 7

Alive

Thursday

A delayed flight placed them in Thailand, two days later than expected, early in the morning. Seto rode in the passenger seat, adjusting radio stations, while Mara and Lise commented on the surroundings from the back seat. Their car dropped them off at their beach resort with a beautiful ocean view of sands and sky.

"Yes,” Seto let out a long sigh.

“This will be home for the next week or 2."

“You guys take the bed.” Seto said as he falls into the couch reclining. “Even there couches are more comfortable.”

“I’ll get another room,” Lise said.

“What you guys have slept together before.”

“Omg,” Mara gasped.

“What?”

“You two are fucking aren’t you?” she was standing, studying there expressions.

“I . . . we.”

“We,” Seto started.

“I knew it,” Lises interrupted.

“For how long?”

“Ok.” Seto said in open admission.

“Last week was our first time.”

“It’s not like we haven’t,” Lise said, the tone of her voice got lower. “I knew it.” She said walking over to the bed and laying horizontally.

“Well yea . . . let’s forget about everything for a while and the next few days let’s just enjoy ourselves, live like kings and queens.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Mara raised her hand in salute.

The phone read “Incoming call... From: Me.

“Yes hello. Hi, this is me.” Or you. Or whatever.”

“Is this....”

“No let me stop you there this isn't your friend up the street or some girl you ran into last week with a metallic t shirt.” The voice on the other end of the line stated. “This is you. “And if I have anything to tell you or would just be cheer up scamp.”

The phone clicked.  He stared at his phone and tried to call back. "Please leave your message for."

Dammit. He threw his phone on the bed, stood up and glared at the window. Then turned to the door and a black Bombay cat jumped at him to attack.

He woke up and stared at the ceiling. He thought- A bad dream

Vamp Vamp his phone vibrated. It was Miranda calling. He knew he would see her again from the last time they were together.

“Hey.”

“Hi Seto.” her voice warm

“I'm listening.”

“Yes, good”

“Miranda it's over”

“I'm not even in the country, I may never come back,”

“Where are you?” he was shocked from her voice. It had the tone of a seasoned friendship.

“It didn't matter. It was great while it lasted. Maybe I'll come back and see you,” he said evenly.

“Stop. Why you don't have to tell me like I'm some little girl Seto I get it.”

“Don’t be mad.”

“I wanted to talk.”

“Were talking.”

“About business.”

“Go on.”

“In person.”

“Ok, I’m interested.”

“Should I come to you or,”

“No, I’ll call you first thing when I get back,”

“I guess you don’t hate me after all.”

“Miranda don't.”

“No Seto if you’re just going to up and leave, it is not my place to stop you, I’ll wait.”

“I'll see you soon.”

“Please do.”

The call ended as she let her lifeless hand fall from her ear and rest along her thigh. A thought came across her mind so feint she forgot it minutes later, "I'm in love." Oh my god this felt great, this feeling, she smiled as she looked down at her phone then fell back into her bed. The silk sheets caressed her cheeks.

Her husband walked into the room unexpectedly. She noticed the wrinkles in his face from years of work and smiling. He noticed her laying on the bed with a smile.

She voiced, “Yes?” as if he was going to ask a question.

“I was just combing, looking for Boris. And I wanted to say goodnight,” he answered.

“Boris should be on his way back from the market, and goodnight Nathan.”

“And what are you so smiley about,” he said.

“Well I’m glad that your back.”

He was walking towards the door but this made him stop, and turn back towards her. “Really?”

He said, “We hardly ever talk.” I signed the papers, take what you want.” They had been married for 3 years now. But it seemed to them 25 to life. Their marriage was long and grey opposite to the colorful and radiant house. They didn’t marry each other for money because they both had come from money. They married each other because it had made sense at the time. Henry stood looking at his wife. He thought: god she is beautiful, did I get her? This thought vanished instantly with him being reminded of a business breakfast earlier in the morning. He looked at her, he began thinking of the other women he had been with in the past 3 years and then he thought she would never do that to me. For a moment he thought of coming clean and trying to save the whole marriage from a clean slate. Then he realized he couldn’t physically address the issue, as if self-reflection had been banned.

Instead he said, “Goodnight I’ll see you tomorrow night I have a meeting for breakfast tomorrow.” She leaned up, her white gown broke off her shoulder and said, “Goodnight George.” Miranda did not move her head she let the words flow effortlessly from her mouth. They both knew this was the end.

Her voice was warm hoping to shock him into walking over and kissing or touching her. How could two people be so close and yet so far away? He walked out and closed the door behind him.

Tired from swimming and the alcohol, they all got upstairs, rushed to the bed and lay there catching their breaths from running up the stairs.

They lay there breathing heavily.

“Why are we such animals?” Mara let out a groan.

“Because of smoke,” Seto said leaned over and set a bottle of sake aside.

“What?”

“I’m serious.”

“Smoke, “We are the only thing on this planet that smokes. Intentionally harming our bodies just for temporary relief of letting off steam. . .

So when we fuck its worse than rabbits u see because we love something that no other animal loves.”

“Pain,” they both say at the same time. Seto leaned his head into her bosom.   Then slowly dropped it lower and lower. She leaned back with a joint in her hand, they had got the green substance from their cab driver and had rolled it all into joints earlier that day. She handed it to Lise who was now leaning against the headboard, with one arm thrown across her body. Mara, braced herself by putting her hand on the wall. ”Does this hurt,”

“No.”

“Mmmmhmm . . . this hurt?” as he licked his finger before sticking them inside of her.

“No,” she said as she began to blush.

“We shouldn’tbe doing this,” Mara let her head fall against the bed looking up towards Lise. The look on her face wasn’t happiness, it was that expression of can we get away with this. When she seen Seto’s face she knew that they all wore the same knowing seductiveness in their eyes.

Seto put his mouth on Maras’s vagina lips kissing them, “You’re right,” he muttered, then grabbed Lise ankle pulling her towards him. He climbed on top of Lise and stared in her eyes. She was looking away towards the door ignoring them. He hovered there before kissing her. He turned her head towards them with his nose kissing down her neck. Mara lay there watching, covering her vagina with her hand. Seto leaned back standing on his knees, moved her hand, and then told them to kiss. Seto finished undressing Lise.

They woke the next morning early, they had all slept awkwardly on the damp bed. Seto rose first, and headed for the beach where he stood with the feet in the water rising almost to his knees. The water was blue and transparent, he stared at his feet. As he noticed the girls approach him.

“Good morning.” He said with a smirk, then paused. “We have a busy day ahead of us.”

Their guide showed them around on elephants, and they also scuba dove in the clear waters that day. Over the next 2 weeks they ate and drink lavishly. They swam in the mornings and nights. Rode bikes through town. Visited other cities. And they had sex with each other freely. They even attended Buddhist temples. And began practicing martial art basics. They joked about how familiar they had become. Lise had left the evening before heading back to New York. They had only 2 days left until there flight.

Mara and Seto sat inside their hotel. Seto leaned back half asleep on the balcony after a long day. When Mara came to sit by his side.

“What Mara, what?” Seto jarred.

She looked at him and said, “Oh, nothing.”

“Very funny.” Let’s get going.”

“Where are we going?”

“Come on sweeney?”

“Very funny.”

“Yea?”

“Yea.”

“Hey, come here,” Seto said. She leaned back on the bed looking at him seductively. He then laid next to her.

“I feel.” He paused and looked to the ground before looking up. “I feel that you get me. Like. Yea Lise and I are great,” He stopped leaned back against the wall, zipped up his jacket then reached inside to pull out a joint. He played with it in his fingers preparing to light it.

He lit the joint staring at her. “I feel like you just get me, I don’t say this to a lot of people. I’ve only ever told 3 people in my life that I love them.” She reached over and held him.

“I know. . . I’m here for you,” she said. He looked into her eyes and realized everything would be ok. They lay in the bed with their feet interlaced staring into each other eyes without blanking. The breeze moved the curtain from the window before resting then again.

Conclusion

Seto and Mara arrived back on Jan 20. Lise had left 3 days earlier, and with reason her wedding was in less than 2 weeks.

They grabbed their luggage and walked off the plane in silence.

“We can just take one of these cabs out front it will be faster.”

“That’s weird,” Mara said, pointing at the sign.

“You were saying about a cab.”

“Yea,” Seto muttered, surprised but his face showed no sign. They saw a white sign, written on it: Seto Venn.

“Maybe it’s a different Seto Venn,” he said unassured, then noticed the white beady mustache of the man, and a bulge in his back pocket which was his brown leather driving gloves. It was Boris, Miranda’s driver. Seto recognized his face before Boris noticed him. Seto looked at Mara and noticed her eyes watching his, they walked to the driver with the beady mustache.

“Hello Boris,”

“Hello Mr. Venn how do you do . . . mam,” he said, to Seto with cutting pronunciation, then bowed to Mara.

“Is this your dad,” Mara blurted out. Boris wore driving shoes, grey slacks, and a tighter fitting ocean blue, 3 buttoned collared shirt. His face was wearing a new found happiness.

“No, he’s a friend . . . So where is she?” Seto snapped.

“She’s waiting at her new home and you and your guest are welcomed.”

“Of course she is.”

“To your mother’s house?”

“No, but she is controlling like a mother.”

“Alright Boris, let’s go see your lady,”

“Right this way,”

Mara laughed, and said, “Yea, let’s go,” questioningly.

Seto answered, “Fine.”

Boris helped them with their luggage, they followed the bushy eye browed man to the all-black town car. The bar inside was stocked with champagne and brews.

Seto reached for a bottle and 2 glasses, filled them up and that was all they drink, as they rode to their destination behind the tinted divider.

“You never told me you had any rich friends,” Mara voiced.

“She wasn’t always a friend, she’s an ex client,” he said clinching his jaw.

“Are you serious?”

“Her name is Miranda.”

“Seto are you serious? We can walk away from this.”

“No, its fine I’m curious to see what she has to offer, it will be fun I promise.”

He said turning toward her and looking into her eyes.

When they had a question they would use the buzzer to ask the driver.

“How long will it be?”

“It will be about 5 minutes . . . but really were here, turn around and look over the hill. You will start to see an all- white jaded house that’s where were going.”

There was an all- white building which the architecture must have had a rendition of the white house in mind. They glanced over the receding hill as the house came into sight; the moving image looked like that of the moon rising.

They pulled up to a woman dancing on the balcony with a glass in her hand.

She didn’t mind waiting on them. When she noticed the car pull up, she continued dancing for a moment. Then looked down, greeting her guest with her eyes and said, “Hello” wide and cheerfully.

“I think I know her.”

“You do? That’s weird.”

Seto leaned against the town car smoking a blunt of green substance, which he got from his apartment, as being the only condition that he would come. “Wow,” Mara said dryly in awe of the structure before her, she waved and sent a big hello back.

“Wait there I’m coming down,” Miranda yelled in a warm voice. The doors opened to a small pool in the living room with 2 spiral stair cases leading upstairs. She walked down the stairs and looked at the happy couple. They looked back in her blue eyes.

“Seto,” she said smiling, and then extended her hand for his. When their hands touched, she held his above her head and spun herself around. She then turned to Mara.

“And if I remember correctly Mara.”

“Yes, Ms. Powers . . . did u ever get that taken care of,”

“No Mrs. “Well now its Ms. Waters” You can call me Miranda,” she said grabbing Mara’s hand with both of hers. “And yes it’s all taken care of . . . it bought me this house.” She said, and lifted her arms as if to support the house.

“Do you like it? It was made by a Spanish architect, someone gave it the name spaceship home . . . enough about me, I want to hear all about your trip, there’s a lounge upstairs packed with refreshments. Come. “And Seto must you smoke everywhere.”

They followed her blue eyes as they glanced up at the balcony.

“The view,” she said, looking at Seto “Is why I come here.” She first opened the champagne which in itself declared celebration.

Looking at her he said, “Yes it is nice.” The first words he had said to her, acting as if this was his home and he had been here a hundred times before. Then she took her eyes over to Mara, “The breeze is why I love it,” she said, stepping in close to Mara, Seto watched.

“I didn’t do too badly for myself did I,” Miranda murmured as her eyes focused on Seto, she noticed how relaxed he had been this whole time, and that he had opened a bottle of wine.

Seto said, “How much? . . . I’m just curious. “

Miranda looked at him, “If you must know my husband or ex-husband was worth over 60 mil. So I’m sitting at around 30 well 25 because of this house.”

“You too know each other?” he asked, pointing at them wagging his finger between the 2 of them with the bottle in hand.

“I used to know her as that lady in the dress from work.”

“Yes that’s true, I used her law firm for my divorce papers.”

“And how well do you two know each other?” Mara glared at Seto, then her eyes jumped back in forth between the two.

“It’s a long story,” Miranda said.

“Enlighten me,” Mara snapped.

“Are you sure you want to know?” Seto said mockingly.

“I’ll tell you Mara, I’ll tell you anything you want to know,” Miranda said openly, “And wow Seto.” Miranda snared.

“When was the last time you had sex?”

“ a week before we left. . . but it wasn’t anything like that, it was more business, however I was, and still am attracted to her,” But It was nothing like that.” Seto said sternly.

“He’s right it was nothing like that, it was pure animalistic sex, but I wanted to repay him, because he truly is a cocksmen, and honestly if you weren’t with him, I would jump on him in a second.” Now that we got everything out in the open, we are all good, my chef is preparing a meal for us, and it will be ready in an hour. You too make yourselves at home, I’ll see you at dinner. If you excuse me I’m going to go pleasure myself.” Miranda left the room as soon as her lips stopped moving. Seto watched her walk through the open door and disappear into the unknown corridor.

Mara looked down at the floor for a while as they stood there in silence. She eventually looked up towards Seto and whirled into his arms. He set the bottle of wine on the table and soon after that it was knocked over as they went to the floor and bumped against the table.

“Wait,” he said, standing up and walking into the house. He reappeared back on to the balcony and said, “Come on.” They walked into an empty bedroom and he tossed her on the bed. And stood above her with an anger. When they started sexing, it was with a might they had never done before. It was pure animalistic sex.

Mara woke first, and looked out the window, across the horizon at the setting sun, still illuminating the room. She glanced out the window past the waving trees, thinking of nothing, her mind clear. She got a feeling that someone was there and she sat up and turned toward the door. Miranda was leaned back in a chair slumped against the wall. Her eyes watched Mara’s.

“Hello,” she said clearly, “Did u sleep well?”

“I.”

You both missed lunch, she looked toward Seto and he was lying next to her completely nude still asleep. She became aware of her own nudity, she pulled the blanket over her chest and off of Seto, shielding her body from Miranda’s eyes.

“You’re very beautiful,” Miranda said.

“Thank you,” she answered gratefully. She wanted to ask- “How long have you been sitting there.”

“I just came in a second ago but noticed you two were still sleeping. I know you guys are beat so I’ll give you some time to rest dinner is in 2 hours I’ll see you then. “Oh yea Boris brought your things up,” she said gesturing toward their luggage then exhaling smoke.” Miranda said, exiting the room.

Mara lay back down.

Seto woke and put on the clothes him and Mara had torn off each other bodies’ hours’ ago. Laced his boots then turned towards Mara and watched her sleep for a moment. He left the room and walked downstairs, to see Miranda waiting wasn’t a shock. She was in the kitchen reading a book while the chef cut vegetables on a cutting board. She didn’t turn to him when he entered, but did so when he came in talking distance. “So what do you think,” she murmured. As if his approval was the only one that truly mattered.

“Well I don’t.”

“Never mind don’t answer that. . . Did u ever expect to be here?”

“Well yes. I knew I end up someplace similar,”

“Do you know why? You have something Seto. Something that not everyone has. A gift nowadays that is getting rarer. Not the fact that you’re not scared to do 200 mph on your motorcycle. Not the fact that you’re not scared to hold a women embracing everything she has so much to offer. “It’s that fact that you’re not scared to love. As much as you try to repress it. It’s in everything you do and don’t do. You love.”

“Oh is that it,” he said stubbornly?

“Yes.”

“It’s that simple?” he asked with an undertone of humor.”

“Yes,” she said smiling.

He sat leaned back on the counter staring into her deep blue eyes.

“Dinners ready,” the chef interrupted.

“I only eat in this room upstairs.” She said gesturing up. Seto nodded.

“Go wake Mara and meet us up there.” Chef we’ll eat in the observation room.”

“Mam,” the chef responded.

He knocked 3 times on Mara’s door then walked when seeing the light on. She’d dressed and was on her phone telling her boss she’ll be back in a week. She noticed Seto walk in and over to the window, but did not interrupt.

“Ok, see you then,”

“Everything ok?”

“Yes. My boss telling me about one of our clients,” she stopped.” I didn’t tell him I’m currently living with one of our clients,” she said with an awkward smile of acceptance.

“Hey dinner is ready let’s eat.”

“Oh yeah,” she said, with an expression of she forgotten she had to eat.

“Hey Seto,” she said earnestly. “I don’t want to go back.” She trailed off

“I know,” he responded softly.

They walked into the observatory room with a gigantic telescope in roof.

Miranda held a button that darkened the room with a soft black light which illuminated the ceiling of the room which was painted of the night sky. Simultaneously the telescope opened its lens and protruded out the house toward the sky.

Miranda uncapped the lens and glanced through. They watched her in silence.

“There is Venus. Take a look.”

The last plates were brought up and they sat and ate spinach salad.

Seto finished his plate first, leaned back and sparked his cigar blunt.

“It feels like we made It.” he said, exhaling and then watching and clearing the smoke in front of him. He grabbed a pillow set it behind his head and began blowing smoke rings.

He looked to turn his head, and offered the cigar to Miranda, and she grabbed it out of his hand rather quickly.

“I don’t do this often,” she said. But it’s a celebration.

She said as she gestured for Mara to uptake. Mara shook her head no, and at that moment Seto reached, grabbed it, and placed it between his lips.

“Ok, well I’ll try a little,” Mara said.

She placed it between her lips inhaling the smoke and then exhaled filling the room with smoke.

“You keep that one,” Seto said pulling another one from his shirt pocket. He lit it, and leaned back blowing more rings. Miranda took the joint from between his lips and laid on the floor, which was soft high loose carpet, and grabbed a pillow from the couch that arched around the circler room.

Miranda said, while she blew smoke into the air. “Do you guys ever kiss? I mean it seems like you 2 are falling in love?”

“We didn’t want to make it awkward for you,” Mara scoffed lightly.

“Oh I don’t mind. Actually I insist, I love new love.”

Mara looked at him, letting Seto’s cigar dangle between her fingers. Mara took another drag as she sat still and watched Seto eventually stand up and kiss her.

“Oh that’s it?” Miranda snapped. “I mean a real kiss.”

Mara blushed, looking at Miranda “Why? . . . Why don’t you kiss him?”

Seto interrupted, “Ok,” grabbing Mara’s hands and kissed her deep.

“Ok,” Miranda said. I just wanted to see if you were over me. But that was a kiss of love between you too.”

Seto said, “I don’t know. . . Maybe one more,”

Mara furled her brow, and pushed Seto. He fell back onto the sofa.

“I want to join in on the fun, Miranda said almost mockingly, as she sat up and handed the blunt to Seto, and went towards Mara where her nose was inches away from hers. She brushed Mara’s hair with her hand, then kissed her, on the cheek.

Then she kissed the outsides of her lips, then bit her lips, and kissed her. Then stopped for a moment as she tasted Mara on her lips. Seto was now sitting up more attent then at first.

“I’ll take care of you,” Miranda said.

“Really Rand, I’m right here.” Seto said. However he did not try to stop her.

“And what are you going to do about it.”

Miranda reached in between Mara’s legs and let her hand rest there. Maras’s eyes whirled towards Miranda’s as they stared into each other’s eyes.

“Why don’t I . . . We walk away from you right now?” Seto voiced.

“Nothing’s stopping you.”

“Rand. . . Let’s go Mara were leaving,” Seto daintily ashed the blunt on the carpet, stomped it out with his shoe and walked toward the door.

Mara’s arm reached out and grabbed him. He waited in the threshold with a look of shock on his face.

“Seto wait. Seto its okay. I’m okay with it, besides it might be some fun.” Mara said to Seto.

“I would be lying to say I haven’t thought about it. But I wouldn’t think you would be comfortable.”

“I’m glad you’re honest with me as usual, now sit down. And get another ones of those joints and refill my glass would you.” Mara ordered, feeling naturally at home.

He did just so too, with pleasure, of using his body to serve Mara. Miranda was now kneeling before Mara with her hands up Mara’s shorts.

Seto took the table cloth and set it on the carpet and threw pillows down as well. He helped Mara to Miranda’s level and handed her, her glass. Seto fell to his knees and began taking Miranda pants off and placed lips on Miranda’s clit. He looked at Mara as her eyes were barely open from Miranda’s ravishing. He stared at her then his lips went back to Miranda’s sex and he felt her fingers in his hair.

“This must be the warmest room in the house,” Miranda was the first to wake in the foggy room. There was spilt bottles that drooled into the carpet. Mara and Seto bodies lay in across the floor. She walked to her room and grabbed two bottles of water. She moved her body with an anger from the heat, walked back up the stairs and threw them into the room like grenades. Then walked back to her room and fell out on cool sheets.

When she woke she took a long bath, then went back up to the room to find it empty except one of the maids cleaning up from last night. She walked down the hall to the guest room and knocked, but received no answer but, she heard the shower going.

She walked outside for some fresher air.

“Breakfast is ready mam,” the cook yelled after she had lost track of how long she was outside.

She walked inside, and she saw her guest sitting at the table. She said, “Its nice out,” and took a seat next to them. The next morning was not awkward.

They all sat down for breakfast as normal. Until Seto said with a knowing smirk on his face.

“I wanted to talk to you about that job . . . There was no job, was there? You just wanted to fuck me, again?”

“Well if I’m going to be honest with you, then yes.” But let me finish,” she said, as she held Mara’s glance. “I have this wealth an honestly no one to share it with. I gave Boris a raise, enough to where he won’t have to work here in a year’s time.

Other than that. . . A charity. No, a fat politician like my ex-husband will just pocket most of it.” So it’s yours. This was not my attention, when I first married, maybe I was foolishness enough to think that my husband was a good person, that maybe there was a good side to him, I don’t know,

How can 3 years seem like a lifetime,” she said, reopening a wound that didn't have enough time to heal.

“Its fine Miranda, well take whatever you have to offer.”

“Seto,” Mara scoffed.

“This house. It will be just a getaway anytime you want to. You know unwind.”

“You’re always welcome. I won’t be here, for the next year, no, I will just travel. The world, Korea first, then japan, then china. I’ll be back,” Miranda said, “But no time soon.”

“So are you going to stay at the office Mara or. . .”

Mara interrupted her by standing up abruptly and walking away from the table.

“Mara,” Seto said.

“I’ll talk to her,” Miranda said, as she glanced at him.

Miranda followed Mara outside. Mara was looking off into the distance, and she did not turn to Miranda when she approached, but snapped, “How do I know I won’t lose him?” Miranda stood with her hands in her pockets. She wore loose fitting capris.

“Have you learned nothing since you been here? . . . That man loves you Mara.”

“But.” “I.”

“You don’t have to answer to me, but the answer to your question is. You can’t know, but you better enjoy the ride.”

“Oh I see you’re leaving,”

They had brought their luggage to the door and were waiting for Boris to pull the car around.

“Yes we’ll be back soon, we’re going back to the city to arrange somethings. But Miranda u got yourself a roommate.”

Mara hugged Miranda goodbye. And Miranda wiped the tears from her eyes. I’m just going to the banker I will see you whenever you come back. I won’t be leaving until the end of the month.”

Seto and Mara went back to their apartments. Seto moved out of his. While Mara still held onto hers. Seto left his apartment, checking his mail on the way out. That’s when he found an invitation to Lise’s wedding. He had a thought- So this is really happening.

2 Weeks later

Seto wore a grey tux with white shirt which matched Mara’s white dress and smile. They showed up to a tall all-white venue which matched the brides dress. When they walked in, there was wooden floors and pictures of the couple. Words of wisdom for and about the married couple their names in cursive ‘George & Lise Lano’ and, beautiful flowers in bizarre vases. Seto walked in with Mara on his arm and they were told to follow this lady and find a seat outside.

Seto looked at George, it wasn’t hate nor contempt he felt, it was more of a sadness. After the ceremony, Seto and Mara had a drink, chatted for a while then decided to leave, never speaking to the bride or groom of the evening. Lise had kept an eye on them ever since they had walked in, and every time they stood up, her heart raced. She could take it no longer, she excused herself to the restroom and purposely bumped into them.

“I’m glad you came,” Lise voiced trying to sound casual.

“We wouldn’t miss this,” Seto said evenly, then bowed and turned to go. “Mara.”

“You look beautiful,” Mara said.

George had noticed his wife talking to Seto, a man who he had always tried to befriend. He walked over and started, “Aren’t I the luckiest man Alive?”

“Yes Lise you do look beautiful,” Seto voiced, extended a hand to George, and then turned to leave. Mara followed, and waved goodbye to the couple. Lise eyes had started to tear up, but they had been doing so all day and George thought nothing of it.

“Let’s go dear.” George said.

She noticed that they were really leaving.

“I’ll be just a minute,” she said as she whirled towards the departing couple and followed them out the door. George’s face bewildered he walked slowly back to the ceremony chatting with the groomsmen as he sat in one of the two chairs position above the room. One of the guest commented, “You look beautiful together,” and he would smile. Then when he was asked where was she he would say, “She will be just a moment,” and then stare right pass them.

“Wait,” Lise hollered.

Mara looked at Seto but he kept walking.

“Wait,”

Mara was pulled towards Lise, but she didn’t turn. She kept looking ahead. Eventually she glanced at Seto and she noticed the tear in his eyes.

“Wait,” she yelled, as she began picking up a pace. She finally caught up to them and Mara turned towards her and hugged her. She didn’t realize that she had ran 3 blocks. Seto was still facing away, she grabbed his jacket and pulled him toward her. I won’t marry him. I won’t. I want to live. I want to be alive.

They got back to the house. “Lise I’m not sure if you know what you just did but either way. You’re staying here for the next week. No one leaves this week. You will have time to think about it. We’ll let you go after a week and you’ll have to decide whether you want to come back or not.”

“So are there any rules here,”

“Yes,”

“Never judge others,”

“That’s it?”

“So where do we go from here. We figure that out later, right now let’s have some fun.”

“So what do we do now?”

He waited for a moment, then he laughed an open laugh and fell back. We live.

Later on when there alone.

“What is it that’s driving you?”

“I’ll tell you if you . . . if you really want to know. It’s a novel.”

“I’m glad we are where we’re at now,”

“So why was Thailand so important to you?”

“It was nothing more than a vacation, a much needed one, for us both and Lise, I just had to know I had to see.”

“What did you see? “

“Well you were there with me”

“We still have friends there if we ever wanted to go back I’m pretty sure prim would be happy to have us.”

“Like the cab driver,”

“Yes.”

“What are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know. You?”

“I didn’t mean it like that . . . but I’m just finished school so of course go back to the firm,”

“I see I guess I haven’t really thought about it yet.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“You don’t?”

“No.”

“No? . . . Well you shouldn’t. You see that journal. He waited for a while as he pointed across the room to a yellow note book.”

“Yes I’ve seen you writing in it before,”

“You know what s inside there?”

“An artist?” She gasp.

“No, it’s tales from our adventure, from the work, I did before and a little bit of where we are now.”

“Am I in it? You have to wait till it’s finished.” He stands up grabbing the notebook and tucking away in his bag.”

“Where are you going? I’m going to grab a drink. And a when I get back I’ll roll a joint sit there and finish writing.”

“How long have you been working on it.”

“A couple years, now”

“So you’re going to write about,”

“Yep . . . can we change the subject?”

“Ok . . . is she in it?”

“Yes.”

“Ok this is my last question.”

He leaned back openly, lifted his hand and said, “Yes?”

“What is the name of it?”

He laughed with his head tilted up, as if seeing into the future

“Alive.”

“So what do we do now?”

He waited for a moment, laughed an open laugh and fell back, “We live.”