Chapter 2 The man who knocked me off my feet

Cherry said it was just a small get–together. "Nothing too fancy, just rich friends of a client getting together." But when we arrived, the apartment looked like figment of a genius's imagination. Exposed brick walls, low jazz spilling from hidden speakers, the air was warm with perfume and expensive whiskey. I felt out of place the second walked in. I had to hold on to whatever shred of confidence I had left for the night. Slick suits, glassy smiles, women in silk dresses. Cherry fit right in of course. She always did.

A pretty lady elegantly walked up to us, took our phones, and ushered us towards a dimly lit table by the corner of the room. It was furnished with expensive looking padded sofas. An assortment of expensive looking drinks were arranged on the glass table. The men seated around the table appeared to be in their mid to late thirties. All in expensive looking suits, laughing and conversing with no care in the world. When we arrived at the table, they all looked up at us. Cherry kissed one of the men on the cheek, I assumed that was her client.

He flashed a dimpled smile, his suit fit too well to be off–the–rack, dark and quiet. The fabric catching just enough light to suggest money, without the need to flaunt it. His voice was soft and confident as he spoke to Cherry.

"Hey pookie, you made it! Wow, you look stunning." She blushed and turned to me with a smile that said "relax" before introducing me to the group of men. They all said hello with equally pristine smiles. Cherry and I both sat down. She began flirting and talking to her client, whose name I learned was Robin.

I on the other hand, was too shy to look up from my seated position, my hands suddenly became interesting, I started wishing I had my phone. Cherry said they were 'private people', hence why we had our phones taken. A few heartbeats later, strong hands tapped my forearm. When I looked up, I saw generous lips asking me something but unfortunately, all of my senses had stopped working. So I couldn't hear a thing, I could only see how handsome has. He wasn't conventionally attractive, it was striking. Clean lines, easy smile, sharp green eyes and shiny teeth.

There was something about him that felt steady, not showy, not practiced, just present. The kind of man who listens before he speaks. Who makes you forget you were supposed to be careful. His suit wasn't as sharp as the others, his watch a little scuffed. That somehow made him more intriguing. When I finally learned how to use my words, I blinked, embarrassed by how lost I was.

"I'm sorry what?"

He chuckled softly. " I was asking if I could pour you a drink." He gestured to the glass and drink on the table.

I nodded, smiling nervously.

He handed me the glass of brown whiskey and then proceeded to ask what my name was, I studied him briefly.

"It's Sasha."

My voice sounded strained, I quickly took a sip from my drink. He gave me a small smile.

"Nice to make you acquaintance Sasha, I'm Crest."

He stretched out his arm for a handshake. I took it.

"Nice to meet you too." His hands were strong, warm.

Feeling confident, I decided to try making conversation.

"You live around here?"

What sort of dumb question was that? I regretted it the moment the words left my mouth. He shrugged lightly, "sometimes." That was all, no explanation, just sometimes. Cherry's laughter echoed from across the table, a reminder of where I was and what I'd said yes to. For a moment all I could focus on was him, his calm, that half smile, the way he looked at me, like he was studying me.

"So," he said, "you're Cherry's friend."

I nodded. "Since college."

He looked at me like he was trying to solve a puzzle. I took a long sip from my drink and asked.

"Are you here often?"

He smiled. "Let's just say I'm here to ease off stress."

Cherry signaled to me, passing me a piece of paper. I immediately unfolded it. Her handwriting was scribbled on the small note, asking if I was doing okay. I looked towards her and gave her a thumbs up, she winked and proceeded to writing on another piece of paper, seconds later, she passed it to me.

"If you're overwhelmed let me know okay?

I'm going upstairs with Robin. Is that okay? If yes, nod.

It's the third room right. Find me if you need me."

I laughed lightly, at the absurd way we had to communicate. I nodded as she stood up with her companion, walking towards the spiral stairs.