He stands next to her in the elevator. A scene that had occurred more than once, in so many different ways. He had been in this elevator with her–alone–before, and it had never turned out well. He sucks up his pride, and decides to be a man, once again. He stares at the floor, but then casts her gaze to her.
"You're not going to try to kiss me again are you?" she questions.
He answers softly, "No."
"So what's the look for?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask," she answers sharply.
"Why do you have to act so tough?"
She meets his glance, but doesn't say a word.
"I know that as cold as you seem, on the inside you feel things just like everyone else does."
"What makes you think that?"
"I've worked with you for a long time."
"Daniel what's your point?"
"It's ok to be broken-hearted."
"I'm not broken-hearted."
"Don't lie to me. I don't believe you."
"That's your choice."
"You loved him, I know that you're broken-hearted. I can tell by the look in your eyes."
"You're being ridiculous."
"Am I?"
"I'm fine," she insists as she chokes back tears. Her jaw tightens, and she stares at the door.
He brushes a hair from her face, and tucks it behind her ear. "No you're not. I know how much it hurts. You might feel the need to put up a wall between yourself, and the rest of the world, but it isn't impenetrable."
"Why is this elevator taking so long?"
"Let me buy you a drink," he offers.
"Is this you trying to seduce me? Again?"
"No," he answers solemnly, "This is me extending an olive branch. I'm trying to be your friend."
"I don't need friends."
"You don't? It's pretty lonely at the top. How are you enjoying the view?"
She gives him a terrible look.
He apologizes, "I'm sorry, that was harsh."
"Don't you have a filter?"
"What?"
"Do you always say exactly what you think?"
"I wish."
"Honesty isn't always the best policy," she reminds him.
"Speaking of honesty, can you answer one more question?"
"What?" she snarls.
"Was the therapist wrong?"
She looks at him for a moment and then looks away. He expects for her to walk away as the doors of the elevator open. Instead she steps out of the doors and turns back, looking at him. "Not entirely," she admits.
"So are you going to let me buy you a drink or not?"
"Fine," she agrees, reluctantly.
They get in a car together, and head to a club. He orders them drinks. She stares at hers as he quickly downs him.
"Are you trying to use your mind powers?"
"Sorry," she apologizes and drinks the alcohol.
"Another?"
"No. I don't think so."
"Why not?"
She lets her guard down for a moment and answers in candor, "I don't want to end up like your mother. A sad, broken-hearted, drunk."
"Understood."
"We should dance."
"You want to dance? With me?"
"Why not? Our relationship couldn't get much more awkward."
"True."
"You know that I still hate you right?" she questions as they move to the dance floor.
"Yes bitch," he answers.
Instead of punching him she steps closer. "At least I know who I am."
"More fake than Barbie, that takes talent, but you pull it off."
She glares at him, "At least I'm not a whore."
"I'm not a whore. Take it back."
"I'm sorry that was unfair, you're a man-whore."
They move in even closer. His hand grabs her ass. "What do you think you're doing?"
"You tell me."
"We should go."
"Fine," he agrees.
They leave the club. They hop into the town car. They sit as far apart as possible. Somehow her hand ends up on his leg. He looks at her, and moves closer. Her hands begins drifting upward from his knee.
"Tell me when to stop," she smiles devilishly.
He turns and moves toward her. She finds herself pinned between Daniel, and the seat. She feels his warm breath as he whispers, "Do you always get the last word?"
She pushes him off of her, back into a sitting position. Seconds later he finds her straddling him. She begins removing his tie. "Not always, but I always get my way," she whispers into his ear as she removes the tie. She unbuttons the first button of his shirt. He reaches for her zipper.
"Tell me when to stop," he begs her.
She doesn't say a word, she simply continues to undress him. She's only a few buttons in when the car comes to a halt. They look out the window to realize that they're at her building. She gets off him, and slides out. He waits for permission.
"Are you going to be a man or not?" she questions.
He jumps out of the car, and follows her into the building. They attempt to keep some distance on the elevator ride to her apartment. She quickly opens the door of her apartment. They both step through the door. She shuts the door and locks it. She turns to face him, and he pushes her against the door. He starts kissing her neck as she continues to undress him. She tosses his shirt, and begins to unbuckle his belt.
"Wait."
She takes a breath, and lets go of his belt. "What?" she questions sharply.
"What are we doing?"
"Daniel shut up and be a man." She demands. He looks into her eyes and sees the fire in them. He spins her around and unzips her dress. She tosses his belt aside as her dress falls to the floor. They move away from the door, she slips out of her shoes an arm's length away. Their clothing diminishes with each step toward her bedroom. ~~~~~~
He lies in bed next to her. They both breath heavily. He stares at the ceiling unsure what to say. He turns to look at her, and finds that she's staring at him.
"I should probably get going," he tells her.
There is silence for several seconds. He waits for her permission. Without warning she's on top of him. He studies her facial expression for clues. Her face moves closer to his. Her mouth is next to his ear when she stops moving. "You're not going anywhere," she tells him.