“I didn’t realize you two were an item,” Maureen said, looking over at her husband who was grinning.

Karyn wasn’t exactly the most liked person at her TV station. She was known for being overbearing in staff meetings and throwing out story ideas that management didn’t always agree with ethically. Scott Ellis seemed amused by her, though. I ignored Maureen’s question about our dating and turned to Karyn to whisper in her ear.

I flat out lied. “Babe, I wish you had gotten here sooner. I have an early commuter flight to New York City in the morning and was just about to respectfully excuse 89/727

myself, since I have some preparation to do for the meeting at WANY.”

I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t feel good about lying, but the thought of missing out on seeing Allison… who was expecting me…was killing me. If I hadn’t intervened, knowing Karyn, this would have turned a long night into a never-ending one.

I would have to make up a story tomorrow about the meeting being cancelled suddenly, but I can deal with that later.

Karyn’s eyes popped. “WANY! You are going to talk to them about the anchor position…the one I want?”

The truth was I did have a meeting to discuss Karyn and a few of my other clients at WANY next week. So, the lie was not 100--

percent ruthless. In fact, my idea was becoming more brilliant by the minute since next week’s actual meeting will look like the res-cheduling of the fictitious one.

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“Actually, yes, that’s on the agenda, Karyn.” I looked up at Scott realizing that Karyn shouldn’t be discussing jumping ship in front of her current co-worker. This was my fault. I didn’t want to jeopardize Karyn’s job, even if I knew she really didn’t stand a chance at the New York anchor position. In fact, I had two other clients I would be pushing harder for to get that job, because they were better for it, plain and simple.

Karyn rubbed my shoulder. “Honey, I completely understand if you need to go. I can’t believe I didn’t know you were going tomorrow, but I am happy you are.” Karyn then did a little happy dance and stomped her feet fast in giddiness.

“Thanks, babe. You stay…have fun,” I said.

On that note, I got up from the table, shook hands with Ellis and gave Maureen a friendly kiss on the cheek after she leaned in.

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“Thanks for a great meeting, Scott. I am sure this is the beginning of a great working relationship. I’ll call you later this week once I have had a chance to talk the guys in suits.” I leaned in and kissed Karyn on the cheek, slapped down eight hundred dollars cash that should more than cover the bill and walked out.

Halle-friggin-llujah. When I exited the restaurant onto the busy street, I felt relief as the cold air hit my face. I waited for the valet to bring out my Audi and gave him a higher than normal tip, patting him on the back, simply because I was so friggin’ happy to make it out of there in time.

I wouldn’t have time to go back to the condo and change, so I would have to see Allison dressed up the same way I was that first visit. She is definitely going to remember me now. I am not sure how I felt about that, given what an ass I acted like that day.

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I revved the engine and sped onto I-93.

It was 10:20. I would be just getting there in time if I were lucky.

I passed a broken down Toyota Corolla and thought about the fact that if this were any other night, I would have helped the poor bastard. Not tonight, though…not tonight.

10:45…I was almost there. I started to feel my heart pounding, knowing how my body would react when I saw her again. I continued to drive focusing on that beautiful haunting face.

10:50…I exited the off ramp and made my way down the side streets, noticing the black and orange lights adorning the houses and stores on Main Street in preparation for Halloween.

I could see the Stardust in the distance, but noticed that the Open sign was not illuminated.

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Fuck.

I slid fast into the space right in front and without thinking, rushed out of my seatbelt and slammed the car door closed.

When I looked up, my heartbeat ac-celerated as I saw Allison standing with her coat on facing me through the front window as I opened the door.

She looked like a doll, standing there in a fitted brown coat and a pink knit cap, with flushed cheeks. She was gorgeous.

The chimes sounded as I opened the door, bringing us face to face and into a few seconds of silence where I stood in awe of her before speaking.

“Hi…I, um, am so sorry I’m so late…I’m Cedric. You called about the credit card I left here earlier today?” I couldn’t stop looking into her eyes. They were so unique, yet familiar.

“Hi…yes, that was me who left the message. It’s no problem. We aren’t 94/727

technically closed. I’m waiting for Max, the owner to finish up before we lock up. Let me get your card,” she said.

She definitely seemed nervous.

“No rush,” I said.

No rush…stupid thing to say. Why wouldn’t she want to get the hell out of here?

It’s the end of her shift.

I watched as she walked behind the counter toward the register. She was the perfect height, about five feet six inches, not too tall, not too short and was wearing light beige Uggs. She must have changed out of her work shoes. She is really ready to leave. I am inconveniencing her. She looked frazzled as she rummaged through papers and folders near the register. I heard her whispering to herself. I thought I heard a faint ‘fuck’.

I hadn’t moved yet from my spot near the door, so I walked over to her.

“Is everything ok?” I asked.

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“No…um…it’s not. My co-worker told me she left your card in this folder and it’s not in here. I am afraid I have to call her and find out where she put it because it’s not here.”

I smiled, wanting her to relax. “No worries…it’s gotta be in this place somewhere, right?” I am in no rush. Please take your time, Allison.”

The credit card was the least of my concerns right now. It could be on its fucking way to Nigeria now for all I cared.

Just then, an older black haired man with a moustache who looked like Super Mario came out from the kitchen, dressed in a coat and hat with a newspaper stuffed under his arm.

“Ready to go, Al?” he asked. This must be Max.

“Max, if it’s okay, I need to use my key to lock up. This customer left his credit card here earlier today and I don’t know where 96/727

Sonia put it. I just tried her cell and there is no answer, so I am gonna look around for it.”

“No problem. You know how to lock it, right?” Max asked. He didn’t seem worried. You can tell he trusted her.

“Yup…done it before plenty of times.

Thanks.”

The bells chimed as Max left the diner, leaving me alone with Allison.

Alone with Allison.

This was my one and only chance to get to know her. It’s now or never. I hope she never finds that goddamn card.

“Cedric, I am really sorry about this.” She looked over at me quickly, while still rummaging through cabinets and drawers, her big eyes frantically searching. “I know Sonia wanted to put it someplace for safe keeping, but apparently, that backfired.” Her cheeks looked red. She was actually really upset about this. I wish I could tell her how happy the situation was actually 97/727

making me, but then if she knew that I’d probably end up in the back of a cop car heading back to the city.

“Allison, it’s really ok. Please, don’t worry about it. Do you mind if I sit down while you look?” I asked.

“Please…yes…can I get you a slice of pie or something?” she asked.

“That’s really sweet of you, yes, I would love some.” Pie actually sounded really good.