A Thief's Seduction (Closed)

[Orithyia]

Stalina Vodianova work name 'Eden'
Twenty-nine
34-24-34 32C
Five' Nine" 131 Lbs​

Thomas Blanchard was the holder and suspected owner of the three things that would make my life easy. The first was the 1787 Basher Doubloon the most recent of the three to be auctioned off, pulling in an impressive $2.99 million dollars. The second and my personal favorite is the 1933 Gold Double Eagle. Like me it's life was seeped in thievery and deception. It's $7.59 million price tag doesn't hurt either. But the grand daddy of the collection is the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar at a whooping $7.85 million dollars. Now the collection in whole is only worth $18.43 million but once it was known that we were going for the lot bids started and some how the amount skyrocketed at an amazing $129.01 million. It always amazed me what the price of stolen goods were. Maybe if they just played fair they would be able to get the entire set for cheaper. It was unlikely and that's why the bidding for this job was so hot. Whatever it wasn't my money they were spending. At 12% of every job I didn't care who's money it was that I would be taking home.

Five days ago is was no surprise that T. Blanchard scored the doubloon, in fact we had already expected that and had found his permanent mailing address. It was strange that a man with so much money lived in a hotel. Joker said it made scene with all the hands he had to trace it thru. I just figured it was the house cleaning and good food. The The Empress was a classiest place in the state and if I could afford it I would have been living here too.

The limo pulled up to the curb and my door was opened and a hand was waiting to assist me. Since we found out about this place we started watching it like a hawk looking for openings and lucked out with a huge wedding party. I was chosen to go in with a story of my own and get a feel for the place. For what big money this job was I was giving a rather large window of two and a half weeks to get the job done and today was my first day. It also happened to be the same day and time as the wedding party's rehearsal dinner. Having already studied the guest list I waited until the last person arrived and then waited another ten minutes before the limo pulled up.

I frantically grabbed all my things the act was on. "Darn it, darn it, darn it." I panicked trying to thank the boy who opened my door as I made my way as briskly as deemed polite thru the lobby and straight to the guardsmen. "I-" it was just the worst of luck that my heel snapped and I fell fumbling at the guard's feet. "Oh this is not my day." I moan getting to my feet with as much grace as I could with a broken heel. "I'm late and Jenna is going to kill me." I was all nerves and my venture to my feet wasn't as sly as I would have hoped, it I wasn't acting. "Do you know where the Royal Ballroom is?" My eyes pleaded with the guard to tell me it was close even though I knew it was on the other side of the hotel. "I'm with the Williams wedding party." I explained as if it would make the ballroom just appear. I tried for a smile as I teetered before the man but my face was on the verge of some emotional break down. "I'm late and my cousin threatened to cut me from the wedding if I was late again." I told him, a reason for my reactions. "And I'm the Maid of Honor, you can't cut the maid of honor, can you?" My breathing picked up again but I tried to calm down as I waited for directions I already knew.

 

[Josu_T]

Alexander Neilsen
Thirty
Six' Two" 190 lbs​

Life was not as I had expected it. I had hoped that by thirty I would have much more to show in the way of accomplishments. But all of my relationships had failed horribly and after years of studying to become a cop I was stuck as a security guard. Sure, I was a guard at the best hotel in the state, but that just added more stress without more pay. Every day being looked down on by the guests and yet relied on to protect their precious things.

The day of the wedding rehearsal was even worse than most. It was a big party and many of the rooms had been booked for the wedding. There were many strange people running around trying to set things up and it was hard to tell who was supposed to be there and who was in the wrong place. I did my best to do my job. That was when I was called in for a security meeting.

I finished my rounds and walked into the small meeting room laid out with maps of the hotel and lists of actions to take in different circumstances. The meeting was a briefing about a new addition to the vault worth a lot of money. apparently Mr. Blanchard had a new piece that he had bought at auction. The sales were final and it had been delivered early that morning, slipped in with a food shipment. It really didn't change anything. They weren't adding more shifts and we weren't asked to look for anyone in particular who might be coming after it. They had simply decided to waste our time with that little piece of knowledge. As if I cared that Blanchard, who treated me like garbage, had a fancy new trinket that he'd never look at.

I made my way back to my post after the meeting and waited for the wedding people to clear the lobby. About ten minutes later I spotted someone who looked like she belonged to the wedding party. An attractive woman who was in quite a rush. she apprached and suddenly her heel snapped. I immediately knelt down to see if I could help her and to make sure she was ok.

As she stood up I got to my feet. She spoke quickly, clearly panicked. I wanted to calm her, but she just kept talking. When she appeared to be done I smiled at her. "They are just getting started now. They only went into the room about ten minutes ago. They're probably still arguing about who should sit where." I quickly told her the fastest route to the Royal Ballroom. Then I offered, "I can take you there if you want."

 

[Orithyia]

"No I should be fine." I smiled at him using his body for a second to catch myself as I nearly fell over again. "You know this is the first time I've worn these shoes out." I let out a full sigh as I clutched at broken heel in the hand that didn't hold on to the guardsman. "Thank you for the directions." I said as I made my shaky way around the corner. At the last minute I turned, nearly fell and dropped my phone and gave a thankful wave to the guardsman before rounding the corner. The 'accidentally' spilled cell phone abandoned in the middle of the hallway in plain sight.

The moment I knew I was out of sight I took off my heels and made my way to the Royal Ballroom. I had no plan on joining the wedding group but I had to at least shadow it. This would be the more bothersome part of this gig. I hated the shrill tones the bride took with her bridesmaids and the attitude she favored her future husband with. It made me wonder how women like this scored men like those. Wasn't it painfully obvious that the women were as shallow as a rain puddle? Again I cringed as the bride yet again bitched and moaned about this and that. I rolled my eyes and prayed for this to be over with and soon.

It was a shame that it lasted another 87 minutes but I watched for the signs as to when this would end and made sure to leave just moments before the group. I watched at the bride stood up but knew that there would be lingering threats I'm sure centered around how everything was to be perfect for tomorrow and how it would be their fault if it wasn't. I just shook my head heading back to the lobby of the hotel.

Rounding the corner and back in the lobby I looked around on the ground in search of the phone that I had dropped. I didn't know who picked it up and I didn't really care as it was a front phone and it's only purpose was to give me another reason to come back here. So I continued my act of searching for the phone before giving up with a mumbled curse about how expensive that phone was. The clock on the far wall of the lobby told me that I had at least 3-6 minutes before the wedding party made it to the lobby. When they showed I approached the bride commented about how lovely her hair and nails were and how fantastically cute her heels were. I made sure I was out of hearing range and my back turned from anyone who might spoil my plans and talked with large hand gestures that told a different story then the one that came out of my mouth. The bride smiled and we both nodded and I pointed to the lobby to which the bride nodded again before we parted.

I wasn't sure of the guard was watching but if he was I wanted there to be a solid interaction that would backup my story.

 

[Josu_T]

I reached out and supported her as she seemed to have a hard time standing with just one heel. I gave her a sympathetic look, feeling sorry that her shoe had broken the first time she was wearing them. I felt a need to help her, but wouldn't force her to accept my assistance to get to the ballroom. As she made her way down the hall I watched to make sure she didn't fall again. When she wavedI smiled and waved back. That was when I noticed her phone drop.

I quickly made my way down the hall when I realised she didn't notice the phone. The moment I got to it I picked it up. Looking around the corner I tried to spot her, but she was nowhere to be found. With the pace she had been going before I should have been able to see her before she turned another corner, but I didn't think much of it. I put the phone in my pocket and hoped to see her later to return it to her. I wasn't about to interupt the rehearsal to return a phone, not after seeing that bride-to-be. I really wished her fiance luck. He'd need it.

I returned to my duties and waited for my chance to return the phone. Nothing much happened during the hour and a half that the rehearsal was going on. There was really nothing for me to do. When the rehearsal came to an end the other guards and I were ready for the larger number of people in the lobby. We always made sure to be ready without being obvious in the lobby. Most guests never even knew that the hotel had security.

When the wedding party emerged I finally spotted the girl. I hadn't really been looking for her before, not expecting her to be there without the rest of the group. She seemed to be having a close conversation with the bride and I smiled. She was the maid of honour of course. When she parted ways with the wedding party I went over to her. With a smile I produced the phone from my pocket and held it so she could see it. I called out to get her attention. "Miss! You dropped this earlier today, I thought you would want it back." As I reached her I handed the phone to her. I was glad I had caught up to her.

 

[Orithyia]

"Oh my gosh." My hand flew to my chest and I sighed in relief. "When I realized that I lost it and didn't have any of the numbers for tomorrow I started to panic but I was almost positive that I had it in the limo so I figured it couldn't have gotten too far away from me." I rambled sweetly. "Thank you is what I'm trying to say if my mouth would ever let me." I laughed hesitantly at what I made to me my nervous fault. "What's your name by the way?" My head turned ever so slightly to the side as I asked the question. "I'm Eden." I offered my hand to the man who's name I already knew. "And do you have a lunch or dinner.' I corrected as I looked at my phone screen. "Or something of that nature so I can treat you to a meal in thanks for being my knight in uniform and saving my phone and I'm sure my life. Have you met Jenna? She's gone kind of crazy and if everything isn't perfect she's already made death threats that I'm sure she wouldn't' feel bad about following thru." I rambled again my hand still stretched out.

 

[Josu_T]

The girl surprised me with how much she spoke. It seemed to be beacuse she was nervous. I smiled as she thanked me for returning the phone. Her comment about the brinde made me chuckle and I took her hand, shaking it gently. "I'm glad to be of service. My name is Alexander, but I go by Alex." My gaze met her striking blue eyes and I was stunned for a moment by her beauty. I had noticed she was attractive before, but I had not yet noticed just how gorgeous she was. Our first encounter had seen her so worried and panicked that I had been so focused on the situation. Now I really got to see her.

It took a moment to regain my compsure, but when I had I smiled at her. "There is no need to do anything to thank me, I'm just doing my job." I paused for a moment. I knew she would be there the next day, but after that there was no guarantee of ever seeing her again and something inside me felt like that was unacceptable. "However, it would be my honour to have dinner with a lovely woman such as yourself. If you have time I will be done my shift in an hour. Or we could make plans for another night of your choosing." My eyes searched hers to see if she might possibly be interested in that option. I could only hope that she might accept.

 

[Orithyia]

I couldn't help but smile and hoped that it didn't show my arrogance at how this was going. "Alex it's a pleasure to met you." I returned his gentle shake before letting go of his hand. I loved the way he looked at me as if he was just now truly looking at me and it wasn't in the way that men normally looked at me as if I was a piece of meat but more of an 'oh wow' look and it only make my smile grow. I'm sure my face the first time I saw him was near to his. Alex was a good hand taller then me placing him over six feet and I was just a sucker for tall men in uniforms.

"But there is. I don't think you understand the magnitude of the service you provided for me. My phone is my life and without it I surely would have been lost. I mean if you hadn't of picked up my phone and kept it safe who knows who would have. Maybe a teen excited to find an upgrade from their current phone of maybe someone seeing it as a quick way to make cash by selling it at a pawn shop. See the many ways it could have got wrong if you hadn't of picked it up." I told him firmly wanting him to know how thankful I was to him.

"Now as far as dinner I would be blighted on the condition that I pay. I know it's not very old world of me but I feel as if I owe you, be it your job or not." I said before Alex could bring up the fact that he was just doing his job. "If we are in agreeance I would love to met with you back here. I'm in desperate need of a new pair of shoes." I laughed in good sprite at the ill luck of breaking a brand new pair of heels.

 

[Josu_T]

I could only smile at Eden as she corrected me, stating that I had really done something special. She said it in such a way that I almost believed her. Clearly she was happy and thankful though. She was really pretty with a smile on her face and I never wanted to see her with a frown. When she suggested dinner for that night I couldn't have been happier.

I chuckled as she laughed and then nodded. "Sure, that sounds wonderful. As much as I would like to treat you to dinner, I won't ignore the requests of the damsel in distress." I smiled at her and turned a little to look at the door. "I guess I'll see you in an hour. We can meet over by the pillar next to the door. Unfortunately I must go now if I want to avoid getting in trouble and having to work longer." I smiled at her and very reluctantly left her side to return to work.

 

[Orithyia]

"I'm glad that you're my knight to my damsel." There's a faint flush of color on my cheeks as I told him that and I quickly look away, a hand going to my cheeks to hide the blush. "If it makes you feel better I'll let you play next time." There is no hiding the deepening blush as I turn back to face Alex. "So an hour, by the pillar." The words fell quickly out of my mouth as if trying to hide my rosy cheeks with a chance of subject. "Okay see you later I wouldn't want you to get into trouble." I was taking tiny steps backwards as I changed the subject.

I gave a final wave and turned to leave. It wasn't until I at the door that it dawned on my that should something happen Alex wouldn't have a way to get a hold of me. "Alex!" I called out then quickly covered my mouth when my raised voice turned some heads. I have nervous waves to the people who looked and ignored the ones who glared at me because of what I'm sure they would call bad manors. "Here." I said once I was at Alex's side. In case you're late or you have to stay after class for passing notes." Grabbing his hand I quickly wrote my number down and ended it with a little heart sign. With nothing else to say and shoes to buy I quickly left the hotel lobby without even looking back.

Fifty-two minutes later with new boots and outfit I arrived at the hotel. I didn't see Alex anywhere but I was early so I didn't really worry about it, he would be here soon or he would call. So I sat in one of the plush high back chairs facing the window and daydreamed. A peaceful calm falling over my features as I let my mind wonder and my guards down.

 

[Josu_T]

I noticed quite quickly how cute Eden looked when she blushed. She looked even cuter when she tried to hide it. I nodded to confirm where we would meet. When we parted ways I went back toward my post. I could only hope that none of the other guards would be upset with me. Suddenly I heard Eden call my name. I stopped and turned to look at her.

I waited and watched as she walked back toward me. I could only hope she hadn't changed her mind. When she was next to me I waited a little nervously, but with no reason. I let her lift my hand and watched as she wrote her number on it. I smiled and could only wave back to her in stunned silence. After she was gone I quickly returned to my post.

I reached the other guards and one of them actually congratulated me. I smiled and quickly pulled out my phone. I entered her number into it and saved it so I could never forget it. Then I got back to work. The next hour was long and dull. It was really difficult to focus, but I managed. When my shift came to an end I hurried to the guard room and signed out. Lucikly I didn't need to stay longer. A minute later I was in the locker room for staff and I changed into my regular clothes. I didn't have anything nice, so my casual clothes would have to do.

A few minutes past the hour I emerged into the lobby and walked toward the doors. As I passed the pillar I saw her there in one of the chairs. I stopped in my tracks and just smiled at her. She had changed completely, but looked just as beautiful. She was looking out the window and I wasn't sure if she had seen me yet. I walked over to her and placed my hand on the back of the chair. She looked happy and I could only hope it was because of me. I spoke softly, trying to avoid surprising her. "Hey, sorry if I made you wait."

 

[Orithyia]

I startled in the chair when Alex spoke and I was proud of myself that I didn't react with my normal attack first take measure of what was going on later approach. That feeling of accomplishment quickly diminished when I realized that I had left myself get so relaxed on the job. It was unprofessional and unacceptable and I made a mental note to never let it happen again. I couldn't remember the last time I let my guard down like that but I carried a scar on the back of my thigh high near my butt of something like that happening before and getting caught.

"Alex." I said pleasantly get up form the chair to greet him once again offering him my hand. "Don't worry about the wait it wasn't long and it was a nice opportunity of relax and take my mind off the chaos of being a maid of honor." I lied easily enough with a sincere smile on my face. "So where would you like to go on our dinner?"

There was something bothering me and the question was out of my mouth before I could stop it. "So did you get into trouble with me pestering you?" There was a hint of worry in my voice as I asked the question. For some reason I really cared wither or not he had gotten in trouble and it wasn't like me so I pushed it away and didn't think about it further.

 

[Josu_T]

I was a little confused when she offered me her hand. We had already met, so a hand shake did not seem appropriate. Instead I took her hand gently and raised it, kissing the top of her hand tenderly, trying to be a gentleman. I lowered her hand and smiled at her softly, hoping she didn't think of it negatively. I was quite happy to hear that her wait had not been too long or dull.

She surprised me a little by asking about whether or not I had been in trouble. It kept the smile on my face. It seemed she might actually care about what happened to me. It was a good sign. I shook my head. "No, I didn't get in trouble at all because of you. Don't worry about me, I can handle myself." I gave a slight chuckled and stepped aside so she could join me on the way to the door. "I have a nice place in mind for dinner. It is a few blocks away, so we can walk there easily. Unless you would rather drive. I'm fine with either."

The place I had in mind was, in my opinion, one of the best kept secrets in town. It was a small fine dining place with low prices and amazing food. The atmosphere inside was great. It was perfect for a casual dinner as well as something more romantic, depending on who you were with. I had gone there on many occasions with friends, but never on a date. While I wasn't sure dinner with Eden could be considered a date I definitely hoped it might be.

 

[Orithyia]

I was shocked. I couldn't remember giving my hand to Alex and if I did why would he have kissed it? I asked myself, mind all a mess while the smile on my face kept in place. "That's good I would hate to be the reason for you getting into trouble." I told him as I tried to figure out why the back of my hand tingled. Or why I felt like giggling.

When Alex stepped aside I stepped into the empty space and looped my arm in his in a casual manor. "I would rather walk, you get to see more of the city that way." I hoped the walk would also give me enough time to reset myself and get back in the game. The daydreaming and hand kiss was seriously getting to me. "I have to admit I'm kind of excited about this dinner of ours." I looked up and caught his eyes and stared into them for a moment before realizing it. I turned away quickly and pretended to look around not that we were outside.

"So I'm really bad at small talk and seeing as I can guess the weather being outside and I'm not the biggest sports fan..." I let the sentence die and my gaze lowered until I was watching my new boots. Like a kid I was making a game out of not stepping on cracks and lines while at the same time not walking funny and tipping off Alex. It wasn't working very well and I quickly stopped, not wanting his attention. It was with that thought that I realized that I was nervous. "Sorry. It seems I'm nervous. Large groups I'm great with and small ones too, even one on ones. It's just you I think." I braved a look up to see his face. "It's not a bad thing." I assured him looking back down again. "It's just strange. I don't know why I'm nervous, just am." I took a deep breath cleared my throat and raised my head so I was no longer looking at my boots.

"Excitement and nerves, feels like a first date." I laughed. "It's a good thing it's just a dinner thing, right." There was a shy smile on my face when I looked up at Alex this time. "Are you a sports fan? Think it's kind of warm for this time of the year?" I tried changing the subject to something that didn't rattle my insides.

 

[Josu_T]

I smiled as our eyes met while she stepped out to join me. The feel of her arm in mine was comforting. She seemed to be a little nervous which she had been each time I had met her so far. Yet it somehow didn't fit her. I wondered for a moment why that was, but let the feeling pass. Her excitement about their dinner did appear very genuine and I shared that feeling with her.

We started off toward the door and she started with a little more of her nervous rambling. It really was cute. I looked over at her with a constant smile. She was looking away. Then she turned and I looked into her eyes again. They really were beautiful. She was beautiful and I was left unable to speak for a moment. She seemed to have a power over me that I didn't fully understand, but it also appeared that I was doing the same to her.

We passed through the front doors of the hotel and were on our way to the restaurant. When she tried changing the subject I leaned a little closer in to her. My free hand raised up and gently rested on her arm, just above her elbow where it was looped around my arm. I finally spoke again. "You know, this can be whatever you want it to be. Or what we want it to be. And I think you are really cute when you are nervous. There is no need to be nervous though."

I let that sink in for a moment and then allowed her the change in subject she had been hoping for. "I watch certain sports. No super fan though. The weather is a little warmer than usual, but I like it. Tonight isn't to warm or too cold, just right. The sky is nice and clear too. I just wish that more stars could be seen in the city. Soemtimes I wish I could just turn off all the lights so the stars could light up the sky." I smiled and then gave a slight shrug. I had gone a little off the weather topic. I was glad we were just a block away from the restaurant.

 

[Orithyia]

I was filled with relief when Alex when with the flow of my ramblings then subject change. He was really sweet and a little part of me hated him for that. I ignored the 'this could be what we want it to be' because I wasn't quite sure what I wanted it to be and knowing what he wanted it to be wouldn't help in the long run of things. I wasn't a cruel person and the idea that I caused harm to another by my actions would bother me.

At Alex's mention of the stars I looked up at the sky and a memory of home flashed before me. "I didn't grow up here." I mentioned almost absentmindedly. "And when I was younger me and my Papa used to look up at the skies and he would tell me stories about them." It should have bothered me that I just told this stranger something of my past that was pure truth but it didn't. My mind was focused and after this job I would probably never see this man again. There was still a vibration of nerves but the cold hard truth of what my life was helped me ease over it. I would make the best of tonight because come morning I would have a wedding to pretend to attend and coins to steal.

I had no idea where Alex was taking me but I followed without complaint. "So only certain sports. Let me guess," I looked up at Alex with a mischievous smile. "I'm going to go with cricket, golf and long distance rowing." I teased.

 

[Josu_T]

As Eden told me about her memories I had to smile. I didn't have a story that was the same as that, but it did seem as if we shared a fondness for the night sky. Anything I had in common with her was a good thing. I was getting to like her more and more with every passing minute in her company. The topic returned to sports and I grinned at her guesses. "Wow, how did you know? Did you read my mind? I hope not." He chuckled and joked about the random picks of sports.

As they neared the restaurant he shook his head. "Actually you were right about one of them, but it isn't on tv much. Just the big competitions. It brings me back to my own days as a rower back in high school and college. Those were some good times. But really, I mostly watch the typical sports, just not very often." I shrugged. It really didn't matter all that much. She had already mentioned that she wasn't a big sports fan. So unless she happened to be a fan of athletes and just not the sports themselves, my past as an athlete and his sport preferences were unimportant.

We got to the restaurant and walked inside. Someone came over right away and picked up a couple of menus. A moment later we were led to a nice table for two with a good view of a park out the window. I already knew what I would be getting, but I glanced at the menu anyway while she had a chance to make a decision about her meal.

 

[Orithyia]

I was shocked what ever the chances that I would guess something like that. "Really? Rowing?" I tried to hide the smile only to realized that Alex hadn't been joking. "Oh you mean the truth." The smile vanished and turned to genuine pleasure. "While I've never rowed in real the rowing machine in the gym is one of my favorites." It didn't feel like enough so I added to that. "I'm hoping that means that you can swim. Maybe one day we can have on outing on the waters."

"This is a nice place." I've never been here before and the place was cozy in just the right ways. I looked down at the menu and the fist thing that caught my eye was the eggplant parmesan. "Do you come here often?" I asked once I gave my order to the waiter asking for a glass of water no lemon. "I love how there is the comfort of it the moment you step in.

"So tell me something about yourself. Is saving damsels in distress something you do often?"

 

[Josu_T]

I really liked the idea of going out on the water with her some time. Possibly getting out there on a boat and then going for a swim. The fact that she suggested it was also a really good sign that she might like me. I thought there was a chance that something might grow between us and we might end up in a relationship. I stopped that line of thinking before I got too far ahead of myself. It was just the first time we had spent any time together.

When the waiter came I placed my order for the spaghetti and handed them the menu. I simply ordered water as well. When she asked me a coupe of questions I smiled at her. Leaning back in my seat I relaxed and answered. "I wish I saved more damsels in distress, but unfortunately I am not a hero. I have come here a few times before with friends and family. Never with a beautiful woman though. I must say, it makes this place even better."

I smile over at her and gave a slight shrug. "So, what do you do when you aren't busy trying to make a crazy, demanding bride happy?" Of course it couldn't be all that bad since the bride was Eden's friend. I did want to know more about her though.

 

[Orithyia]

"I'm sure if you had saved more damsels I surely would have been over looked and then where would I be without a phone and alone tonight?" The comment about me being beautiful caused color to ride in my cheeks and I looked away shocked to find that I was really blushing. It made me wonder why but I couldn't find an answer so I let it go. No sense thinking about something that I didn't understand. "I wouldn't say I was beautiful." I said quietly still looking away and out of the window into the park. "I am glad that my company makes it better." I gave him that much as I turned back to him.

"Besides Jenna isn't that difficult to deal with. It's just the wedding hype that's making her crazy. Plus it's not like I can just up and leave she is my cousin and my parents will be there." That was a truth I could smile about. Jenna's maid of honor was her cousin I just wasn't her. "And I know that the food will be great so I have to at least stick around for that."

There was hesitation. What was I again? Oh yes that was right. "Fine arts and antiquities dealer." Wait- I had meant to say swim instructor but that was what came out instead. It was the story I told my parents and I hated that it was the same one that I was telling Alex. It was too close to the truth of sorts with a man who was so close to the target. "I don't do anything big but I keep trying."

 

[Josu_T]

I was a little surprised that she was so modest, but it was endearing. It made her that much cuter. I simply nodded when she spoke about the wedding. I knew all the details of the wedding party for security reasons, but didn't really know anyone involved. I knew that her details were right, but there was no reason for me to doubt her about that. Then she explained her job. It surprised me, but sounded interesting. It reminded me of some of the people I worked for though, and that was annoying.

I was distracted for a moment as I tried to get rid of the thoughts of the obnoxious people in the hotel who made the guards deal with the things they should have in proper safes or in museums. Or at least in houses, not in a hotel. I looked back at her and instantly my thoughts changed for the better. Our water arrived a few seconds later and I took a sip. "You know, if you want to try getting in on some big deals you should meet Mr. Blanchard, who lives at the hotel. He is constantly working on big purchases. Recently he got some sort of old trinket that cost more than I'll make in a life time. I'm sure he'd be interested in working with more people who can find him the next big thing he can blow his money on." I caught myself and quickly added, "Not that what you do is bad or anything, I just don't quite see the point in paying that much money for anything."

 

[Orithyia]

I couldn't believe the name that came from Alex's mouth. "Mr. Blanchard. I've heard of him, like a thing of legend but I would never had thought he lived in a hotel. Does he own it or something?" Alex's catch was nothing that bothered me. "Oh I totally understand. I get to hold things that if I even breathe on the wrong way will own my next three lives for." I rolled my eyes. My stomach rolled a little at the excitement of this night. Without meaning to I had Alex talking about Blanchard.

A part of my felt bad for feeling such excitement while I was having a good night with Alex but I reminded myself that this was a job outing and there was no sense in making it more then what it was. Yet I could stop myself from thinking how nice this night was so far and how I wouldn't mind seeing him again. I shook my head and realized that I was playing out the action. "I have problems paying more then fifty dollar for a pair of jeans I couldn't imagine spending millions on a scrap of paper a dead person scribbled on. Never the less it's a job and while I'm not in the high rankings yet I know I will be one day." I took a sip of my water and lick my lip at the stray drop that clung to the bottom one.

"Still..." My voice became uneasy and I waved away the thought with my head. "Never mind I wouldn't want you to go out of your way or get you into trouble." I shook my head adding to my waving hand. "The park out there is lovely." I tried at changing the subject.

 

[Josu_T]

I was really glad she understood me and didn't think I was making fun of her profession. I chuckled at her joke about paying a lot for some scribbles. She seemed like the kind of person who would indeed be successful at whatever she did. I smiledacross at her and felt more at ease with her with every passing moment. Then she licked her lip and that made my heart skip a beat. I had to focus to avoid licking my own lips. I found I very much wanted to kiss her, but that was not something that was really an option at the moment.

Fortunately she continued talking and I was able to focus again. I wouldn't force a conversation with Blanchard, but if the opportunity arose to gether working with him I would take it. At her change of subject I looked out the window. I nodded slowly. "It really is. After dinner if you feel like going for a walk through the park I'd be happy to walk with you. Maybe in the middle of the park it will be a bit darker and we will be able to see more stars. You can tell me some of the stories you know about them and maybe I'll be able to point out a few constelations that you don't know yet." I shrugged, trying to make the suggestion a little more casual, but any extra time with her would be an amazing bonus to having dinner with her.

 

[Orithyia]

"I like that idea very much." I told Alex agreeing with idea of an after dinner stroll. I had never shared stories with my past with anyone and while I expected to feel anger about speaking of memories that weren't his business I hadn't counted on wanting to shame with someone. That realization made me really look at Alex. I knew at face value he was handsome but there was more just his looks about him. I studied the planes of his face, the color of his eye and found nothing that would tell me why I was so relaxed this him. "I can't believe how relaxed I am with you." I absentmindedly blurt out. There is was again, me saying something without meaning to. I wanted to get mad at myself, hell I wanted anything that felt normal but I wasn't and I didn't.

The food came just then and the aroma that accompanied it made my mouth water. I also gave me a reason to look away from the man that seemed to just slip under the radar. "This smells wonderful." I grabbed a fork and took a bite, almost sighing when the flavors hit my tongue. It was easy enough to keep facial reactions in place as I withdrew into my mind. I quickly went over what I knew about the man in front of me and couldn't find any fault. The idea that I was being played crossed my mind but I didn't get that vibe from him.

"How does yours taste?" I ask planning to keep things on common ground where I wouldn't say something too true. But even with that thought and that growing plan a large part of me wanted to know things about Alex that I didn't already know. I wanted to know what constellations he could point out and how his voice would rumble with my head on his chest. The last bit caught me off guard and I choked on my second bite. I tried to wash it down with water but it didn't help. My eyes started to water and in my mind I yelled at myself. Telling me that this is what came from silly wants.

 

[Josu_T]

Once again I was really happy that she agreed to do something with me. It meant more time with her. As she looked over at me in silence I looked back at her. Eden was unlike any girl I had come to know before. She was very intriguing and quite wonderful. Her beauty wasn't all there was to her, and it was her personality that I was really starting to fall for. I smiled as she told me she was relaxed, but couldn't figure out why. It was nice to know there was something different about me for her.

As our food arrived I thanked the waiter. I sat up in my seat and started to eat my meal. I already knew it well, having ordered it before. It was just as good as it had always been. I smiled and continued eating. When she asked about it I smiled over at her. Before I could say anything she seemed to be struggling. I immediately became worried and shifted in my seat, ready to get up. "Are you ok?"

 

[Orithyia]

"No- I'm fine." I gasped hand on my chest as I tried to breath. "It was a little hotter then I expected and I guess it went down the wrong way." I took a testing drink of water and when that didn't make it worst figured that I was over it. Still the water build up in my eyes spilled over the edge and a single tear rolled down my cheek. "I'm fine now." I assured him voice a little rough. "Thank you."

I made certain that for the rest of dinner I not only cut my bites into tiny squares but also kept my mind from things I knew I really didn't want. It was just the fact that this job was a lonely one and it was hand having no one you could trust. It was hard for me to admit that I was lonely and equally so to admit that maybe I needed that special someone to at least gave a larger part of truth to. And the exact thing I told myself not to think of I thought of. I could see myself opening up to this man, maybe not all the way at first but to start off with the harmless little things. Alex was the kind of man you took on picnics and I so dearly wanted to be the one he went on picnics with.

"Do you like picnics?" The question was out of the blue and I knew it but I wanted to know if my fantasy world was at least based on something I could maybe one day have.