Chapter 5: The morning after

Oliver drove home while looking out of the window of the limo, watching as the world passed him by. He could not stop smiling for the night was a success and things were going according to plan.

“How was your evening sir?" Asked Trevor as he watched his master through the rear view mirror of the limo, watching as his master looked out at the world with a glimmer of hope in his eyes that Trevor had not seen from his master in decades.

“It was great Trevor," replied Oliver. “She was exactly how I remembered her. Her quirks, her smile, her long black hair. Everything was exactly how I remembered it to be. However, there’s something about this that has been bugging me ever since I learned that Helena had been reincarnated into Alice Grayson."

“What is it?"

“Why did I find out about her reincarnation so late and why did it take so long for her to be reincarnated again? So many things about this doesn’t add up."

“I believe you should give it time," Said Trevor. "Her memories have not started to come back yet, so enjoy your time with her, because you don’t know when they will return, spelling the end of her existence in this lifetime. You have waited for her for 81 years, you deserve to be happy."

“Thank you Trevor."

***

Alice sat at her desk the next morning, chewing at the tip of her pencil trying to figure out what to write for her article, but found it difficult to formulate anything because she didn’t have much to go on. She remembered taking her notebook to the interview, but not once taking it out to take notes. She tried thinking about the man that she had spent her night with, and things she had learned about him that would interest her readers, but what did she actually know about him? He seemed very much like a people’s person, but had a look of loneliness in his eyes, he was interesting and open to conversation, but not open enough to let any personal details about him be known. Could she write about how he accumulated his wealth? Maybe. But he was very vague when speaking about the topic. He said that it was old money, but didn’t mention family at all. He seemed more interested in getting to know her than she in getting to know him. What a joke, she thought to herself.

Alice typed and deleted and typed again, getting frustrated that the article couldn’t just write itself. She reached for her water bottle but then realized it was empty when picking it up, irritating her even more and throwing the bottle to the ground.

“You okay over there?" Asked Sammy while sticking her head over the cubicle to check on her friend.

“I don’t know Sammy," replied Alice. "I’m pretty sure my career is over. Christina really wanted the article for this Mr Page to go well, but last night at dinner, we spoke about everything, but him. All I know is that he’s kind, handsome and has blue eyes that put the Atlantic to shame. Worst part is, I really want to see him again, but for all the wrong reasons."

“Damn girl, why are you beating yourself up for wanting to see a man again? You just mentioned all the traits of a man that I would definitely throw my career away for, the only thing you didn’t mention was that he had a great a*s."

“Well, he did," replied Alice.

“Aah, then you’re screwed. Too bad he didn’t ask you out for a second date."

“Last night wasn’t a date Sammy, get over yourself." Snapped Alice.

“Well, I’m not too sure about that, said Sammy as her eyes followed a man holding a giant bouquet of roses walking in her and Alice’s direction."

“I’m pretty sure those aren’t for me."

“Hi, I am looking for Alice Grayson?" Said the delivery man who was now standing in front of Alice and Sammy.

“Hi, that's me," said Alice.

"Hi Ms Grayson, this was sent from Mr Page and also, he asked for me to give you this note."

The delivery man handed Alice the bouquet of roses and the note and then made his way out. Alice opened the note to check what it said:

"I thoroughly enjoyed our time last night. I am also aware that I probably wasn’t open enough with you to give you enough information for your article. So please allow me the chance to make it up to you tonight by taking you out. I will meet you in central park at 8pm."

From: O. Page

Alice looked up from the note and thought to herself, the nerve of this man.