Chapter 2: Residence in Seattle

I saw a lady sitting on a dark-colored high stool at the counter. A pair of brown hazel eyes scrutinize me from head to foot as my red heels touched the zigzag marble flooring that completes the French-themed aura of this fancy bar called French 75.

She wears a big smile as our eyes meet. She flaunts her long legs by wearing a pair of black slacks. She stands up as I approach her. The golden big buckle of her belt emphasizes her outfit and compliments her bell-bottom slacks. She wears an old rose laced-top crop allowing her to expose her sexy flat stomach. Her wool black coat that completes her FBI agent look is hanging on the stool next to her. Few more steps away from her, she sends me a skeptical look while leaning her weight on her right foot and crossing her arms in front of her big chest.

"Kendra Higgins". I uttered, amused by her sexy stance. I sent her a killer look. "Well, well, K. You look as fabulous as always."

She flips her black silky shoulder-level hair confidently. "I know I do. I always do, A." Then she motioned me to sit at the stool where her coat is. She removes it and sits down first. Then I sit down and put my golden pouch on the counter of the bar.

She ordered immediately as soon as we sat down. "Thirsty, aren't we?" I said.

"Of course, I am. Thirsty for alcohol and hungry for your stories. Now speak up bitch, I've been dying to hear about your early honeymoon in Prague." She giggled excitedly.

"You do know how to ruin the mood, Ms. Higgins," I said sarcastically while sending her a daggering look. Silence took over, then a few seconds later, we burst out in laughter like crazy teenage girls. This is how we behave when we are together. She has been my best friend since forever, a best friend of a lifetime I might say. She is a fashion guru.

Their company is in contract with ours – an advertising company, so it requires us to meet a lot, almost daily. She is also my business partner and the co-owner of Events for Keeps, a company which I built from the scratch – my pride and my wealth.

She began to tap her fingers on the counter waiting for me to proceed with my tragic story in which for sure she will find hilarious. I let out a deep sigh, "Nothing!"

She frowns, "What do you mean by nothing?" she asked impatiently. "Don't tell me we are keeping secrets now, bitch?" she added with an obvious accusation in her voice.

I shrug and shake my head, "Of course not, K. It's just that nothing happened. Just like before! Just like forever!" I continued with disappointment shown on my face.

"Cheers to that, Hail Mary full of grace!" she said obnoxiously, then grabbed the shot glass and devoured the liquor in it.

I took the other glass and raised in mid-air, "To that virgin priest Siegfried, and my failing relationship, and my ever boring sex life, and to my every fading charisma. Hell yeah!" I took the shot and put the shot glass back to the counter a little violently. Then Kendra ordered another round of drinks, and another round of drinks, and another round, and another round until she's wasted. We drank to the fullest while reminiscing that ugly argument I had with my boyfriend. The so-called anniversary celebration became a memory that I want to forget. I sighed and just continued listening to Kendra's rant about my boyfriend and my boring love life.

I don't understand her weakness towards alcohol. She loves drinking but she never builds a tolerance towards it. Unlike me, who can't be drunk, even if I want to get drunk, it is just too hard for me. Give me a barrel of sake, then maybe, like I said, maybe, I'll be tipsy.

Even though she is my best friend, I know that I am not the one she wants to be with at this time, so I took out her smartphone and scanned it for a contact number. Then I dialed the number to my smartphone and put back hers in her bag. The number rang so I waited for this person to pick up the call.

To tell you honestly, I should have saved his number a long time ago, since she is Kendra's lover for more than a year now, but unfortunately, I just couldn't bring myself to save it, you'll know why soon. After seven times of non-stop calls, he finally answered. I explained the situation as I always do. He said she will pick her up after an hour. So here I am, taking care of my wasted best friend in a bar. Do I complain about it? No! Definitely, not! I love taking care of her because this is the only time I could show her how much she means to me. Kendra has a very strong personality. Sometimes, I feel that she doesn't need me at all. Another thing is, she always takes care of me since childhood. The reason why I am strong now is that of her.

I tidy up her appearance while waiting for her lover. I tied her hair and covered her with her coat. I put on my coat as well because it is starting to get chilly here. I ordered a few more drinks to enjoy the moment. I need to enjoy this because tomorrow will be work again. For sure, I won't be able to meet my boyfriend again. He is a very busy man. He works like a CEO, when in fact he is an Accountant, a very essential one for his company, for their firm, I might say.

Just thinking about him made me sad. We never had a chance to talk again after the argument at the restaurant. The morning after that, he asked another hotel employee to give me one of his shimmering notes. He had to go back to Seattle early that morning while I stayed for a few more days scouting new places to feature in my writings.

I took a sip and roamed my eyes around this bar. This is what I love about this bar, people try to be discreet as possible as they can. They never make a noise and let the peaceful ambiance of this French-themed bar continues. They are high profile, by the looks of it. I continue to admire the place.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard a man cleared his throat beside me,

"Ava", his voice is as cold as ice and crazy deep. I look at him. He nods and smiles at me, "How's your vacation? I hope you enjoyed it a lot." He is as friendly as ever. His mood is so bright.

"It was good for work. But not for a vacation, I guess." I answered distantly.

He chuckled, "Well I guess nothing's working out with you and that boy." His statement froze me a bit. He is one hell of a gossipmonger. I twisted my upper body facing him.

"Well somebody's nitpicking," I said with a little bit of sarcasm in my voice.

He puts his arms up in surrender, "Or more like friendly chitchat, Ms. Anderson."

I raised my eyebrows, "You don't need to befriend me, Mr. Murrow. At least not now, not yet. Kendra is head over heels for you and I won't do anything that would make her hate me. I will treat you, well. I guarantee that, but probably, not as a friend."

He smiled at me without any sign of annoyance in his face, "And I won't do anything to her for you to hate me even more."

"I don't hate you. I hate the situation you are in, but not you." I clarified. I saw a change of mood in his face but he tried to hide it. This is Nikolai Murrow, Kendra's lover. Tall, handsome, smart-ass, and a hard-fucker as she describes him.

With our chit-chatting, Kendra's awaken from dreamland, still trying to sober up, "I can smell you, Nik. What are you doing here?" she said. That's what she always says every time Nikolai is to pick her up.

I pinch her cheek, "Wake up princess, your knight is here to snatch you away from me again!"

She smiled at me while her face is still buried on the counter, "Why don't you tell that little priest to come and get you!" she suggested, "Or else, I'm going to give you away…" she paused sobbing up, "to other beast fuckers who will feast in that perfect body of yours!"

Nikolai laughed his ass out as I felt a little bit of embarrassment, "Yes, your honor, find me a prince immediately". I shook my head left to right and let out a smile as I look at her still tipsy.

"Okay, chitchat is over ladies, I will now reclaim my princess and punish her for drinking too much. Again!" with an emphasis at the end of his statement. He then dips his lips towards her forehead down to her lips then gives her a long sensual kiss. I cleared my throat to break up the intense scene. They both smiled at me then gaze at each other once again. He carried Kendra in his strong arms in a matrimonial way, exposing his left ring finger.

My eyes darkened at the sight of his wedding ring. Yes, he is a married man, with a wife and two young kids. My right hand took a grip at my purse trying to calm myself up. I hate the fact that my best friend is going out with a married man. But what can I do? When I see them together, everything around them sparkles. They don't care about anything. They are just happy together. If I might say, they are perfect together, for each other. Their relationship is yes complicated, but a lot damn better than mine.

I noticed Kendra's face buried in his neck, probably sleeping again, so I took the opportunity to have a serious conversation with Nikolai. "Nikolai, until when is she going to be the other woman? Do you think she deserves that?" I said it in the calmest way possible.

He took a deep breath and looked me straight in the eye, "No, she deserves anything but that. I'm working on it now, Ava. You know I love her more than anything."

"Until when?" I questioned him. "I don't question your love for her. But could you please at least remove your fucking wedding ring when you are with her?" I burst into anger.

He took another breath, "I know. But you see, this is one of the conditions that my wife gave me before she signs the divorce paper. I need to wear this until she signs that damn paper." His voice remains calm but his grip on Kendra's body tightened. I remained silent and just had a contest of stare at him.

He first broke and then said, "You know I would do anything for Kendra. But I just can't leave my kids. And Kendra doesn't want it, too. She loves them dearly." His eyes are full of determination and sincerity. "Just give me six more months. I promise I will fix everything in six months." He looks at Kendra's sleeping image and brings her closer to him.

I sighed in surrender, "I see. I'm sorry I butt in. I just want the best for her. She deserves the best man, you know."

He looks at me firmly and breaks a smile, "Then she deserves me. You know I am the best man for her."

This is what I like about him the most. His personality is anything but ordinary.

"Thank you for a wonderful chat and for taking care of her."

"No worries. Now, go, lovebirds."

"Miss Anderson."

"Mister Murrow."

Then they disappeared, and I am left alone.

Without them by my side, I suddenly felt the shivers. I buttoned my coat and ordered another shot of drink to heat my system.

The longer I stay here alone, the lonelier I feel. I suddenly remember Kendra's suggestion about sending my boyfriend a message. So I get my smartphone out and stared at it.

I don't know why I don't dare to send a message to him. Do I miss him? I miss him badly! Do I want to see him? Of course, I do. So what's stopping me? Well the fact that he might again turn me down, leaves me no choice but to think over whether to send him a message or not. I won't be able to stand two consecutive rejection and disappointment in a row.

So I took four more shots then finally, started typing a message for my boyfriend.

Message sent. All I have to do is wait for his reply. A few seconds after, my smartphone vibrates. The smile on my face disappears because I know what to expect from this fast response.

I opened the message and read it, "I'm sorry I can't. Work hours. I love you." Sometimes, I think maybe this phrase has been set as one of his message templates.

Damn! I wanted to tell myself I told you so, but then again, why didn't I feel surprised or disappointed anyway? Well, maybe it is because I'm already used to it. I learn how not to expect anything from him.

So I just decided to visit a club afterward. One of my favorite hobbies is club hopping. Since I couldn't get drunk that easily. I could visit an entire street of clubs in this area of Seattle. It is still mid-week, only a couple of people and lovers were around the places I visited.

After the fourth club, I checked the time and it is already one in the morning. I think I have to get home now.

So I took a cab and went to my apartment.

***

I got off the cab and entered the apartment building. The guard greeted me as I entered. I yawned out of sleepiness and saw that it is already 1:30 in the morning. I hurried to the elevator and pressed the button with "13" carved in it. Then I leaned at the elevator.

The melancholic feeling returned when I realized that I am again alone in this claustrophobic box of loneliness. "How I wish I could have a boyfriend who also picks me up!" I thought to myself. I closed my eyes as it started to get heavy. Half-asleep, I heard a cling sound in the elevator after a few minutes.

"Finally!" So I stepped out of the elevator.

I looked into my purse while walking down the hallway of the thirteenth floor. I was looking for my key card so I wasn't paying too much attention to my surroundings. My feet already know where to go so it stopped automatically in front of my unit. I held out the key card, tap it on the door, and encoded my pin. The door lock clicked and I entered.

I remove my heels and put them on the shoe rack beside the doorway. Then I throw my purse on the couch and go to the kitchen to get some bottled water.

After the refreshment, I went to my room and started taking my clothes off. Not being a fan of anything bright, I didn't open the light. The only thing that illuminates my room is the moonlight that passes through the glass wall of my apartment inside my bedroom. I looked and stared at it for a while, Oh what a beautiful scene!

I walked towards my closet half-naked, only wearing my underwear exposing my breast and my upper body. I tried to look for a sleeping gown in the dark, but since the moonlight isn't enough, I reached for the switch just a few steps away from the closet. Now that the room is bright, I will finally see what's inside the closet.

To my surprise, a figure of a man sitting on the chair beside the bed appeared. I jumped and screamed out of panic. Half-asleep, the man hurriedly stood up and searched for the source of the scream. Then he scratched his half-opened eyes and called out to me,

"Ava, are you all right?"

It took me time to realize that the man inside my room is my boyfriend, Sied. My heart stopped momentarily.

"Goodness, Sied! What were you thinking?" I exclaimed still catching my breath.

He walked towards me then wrapped his coat around me. "I am sorry I didn't mean to startle you." He kissed me on the forehead. "I wanted to surprise you but I fell asleep while waiting for you." He smiled at me. Oh god! That beautiful smile melts me every time. Now I can feel how to be intoxicated by alcohol, all I could see is his lips and this thought is asking me to devour it. All right, I am feeling horny!

"Well, congratulations! You did it!" I said.

"I'm sorry, love. I intentionally responded to your message that way because I wanted to surprise you. But I didn't know it will take you long to get home." He said while looking at me. "Where have you been?" he asked with curiosity in his voice.

"I was out. I felt bad after receiving your message so I stayed out for some fresh air." I explained. "What are you doing here? I thought you have work." I asked sarcastically.

He takes his steps towards me and hugs me, "I came to do this. I miss you so much, Ava." His gestures surprised me even more. His long arms wrapped around me gives off the warmth that I've been longing for. For the first time in a long time, I feel wanted. I feel loved. I feel beautiful. As he hugged me the coat fell to the ground. But my body didn't mind it because his warmth is good enough to heat me. I hugged him back – his wide sexy back. Oh damn! Now I am feeling horny! Should I test the water again? Am I ready to be rejected again?

Then I felt something just above my abdomen harden as he pulled me closer. Then his hands started to move and feel my skin. Oh damn! Is it you, Siegfried? I gulped out of disbelief.

My muscles tightened on its own, so I distance my head enough to see his face. His gorgeous face seemed a little bit different, his stare is serious and deep. Still dumbfounded, I asked him, "Are you all right Sied?"

He didn't answer but instead, his hands pulled me closer to him. My eyes widened as he intensely claimed for my lips. What the hell is happening? Oh god! Finally! This is it! So I just let him devour me with his desires. He continued kissing me. Our tongue intertwined in a very hot and sexy way. I tasted the alcohol but I didn't give a damn!

My left leg went on its own and brushed his right leg and thigh. Then I hooked it around his right leg and motioned it up and down. It went back and forth and accidentally touched his manhood. The already hardened manhood came to its full form, wanting it to get out of his pants.

I heard him groan and curse at the same time, "Damn Ava! What are you doing to me?" There is something about him right now, but whatever it is, I don't fucking care! I just want him now wanting me!

Then without any warning, his monstrous strength lifted me, I hooked both of my legs to his slim model type hips and locked it to his behind as his hands on my back support my weight. He started kissing me again, passionately and intensely. Because of this sensual feeling, my body automatically reacts by arching backward. It exposes my breast in front of this hungry man.

He stared at it like a hungry wolf, his eyes widened as he gulped. Again, without a warning, his mouth is now on my breast, for the first time. Yes, for the very first time in seven years as a couple! And damn, it is so great, so damn great!

I let him continue with his fantasy while I am dying of this sensation on my breast as his tongue toys with it and his mouth sucks the juiciness out of it. I grasped his hair and pull his head closer between my breasts.

After that moment, my back touches the linen sheet and the comfy of my bed as he gently put me on top of it. I gulped two times in disbelief. Oh damn! This isn't happening, is it? I wasn't prepared for it.

But I just want to savor this moment. I saw Sied removing his clothes exposing his gorgeous and sexy body. Then he removes his pants and saw his manhood screaming to get out immediately, and it is damn huge! Goodness, gracious! Would I be able to take it? I shrug my head. Come on give it to me baby!

Then he is now on top of me, his eyes are half closing, I didn't know his eyes are that expressive. I think it is worth the wait. Then he put his lips near my ear and whispers, "I love you so much, Avery Anderson."

Not waiting for my reply he dips his head on the side of my head and started kissing my neck. I started to feel the full weight of his body on top of me. He continued caressing my neck.

"I love you, too," I whispered back.

Moments after, the kissing stopped, and his weight is now as heavy as it can be. Seconds later, I feel him breathing, or more like I could hear his light snore. I looked at him and confirmed he is sleeping. Oh crap! He fell asleep while making out.

I sighed and put him lying on his back. "I will forgive you now for waiting for me and surprising me tonight, and for that wonderful kiss, for telling me you love me, and for everything about tonight. But next time, I will claim it." I kissed him and slept beside him.