Chapter 2: Small Talk

On Wednesday night in the beautiful city of New York,Winston has only been here for three days and his search to find a place to stay was little to none. Working at the new radio station and doing some little DJ gigs was the only income he was getting. There were many choices to chose from,but they were either too expensive or too old and dirty. Winston was getting about tired and started making his way back to the hotel. It became overbearing having to deal with so much in only the three days that he has been here. Coming to a realization that the walk to the hotel was far he stop by the nearest StarBucks to get a coffee to calm him down and get a little energy before going back out to reality.

Making his way into the Starbucks he went to the end to order his drink. " Uh hello, yeah can I get a Caramel Brulee Latte please." The woman behind the counter asked him what was his name. He told her as she began to start writing his name down on the cup. Winston shifted his body to walk down to the the cashier. Finally reaching the cashier, he dug into his pockets pulling a ten dollar bill out of his wallet. The cashier opened the register, pulling out change and handing it to Winston. Then the cashier handed him his drink and wished him a goodnight.

Winston slowly turned around and caught a familiar face sitting at a table alone with her head in a Fifty Shades of Grey novel. It was Anne, the girl he met on the plane. Winston walked over to the table and stood there in front of her to see if she had ever noticed. Anne must have really been into that book because she didn't look up once. Softly clearing his throat to get her attention she raised her head from that book and looked up. She looked a little curious of who you where and why you were in front of her; that's when a light switched on in her head and greeted him with a smile.

"Oh heeeey you." she said with a half smile. She forgot his name and she made it clear that she forgot. "Winston, and you are Anne I'm guessing?" saying a little hesitant. She nodded her head and slapped her hand to her side and shook her head. Man I am so weird thinking to herself. Anne snapped out of her weirdness and motioned him to sit down. Winston pulled a seat out as she slip back into the booth.

"So, how has been New York for you?" Anne asked trying to break the awkward void. Winston cleared his voice before saying anything.

"Not too well. I've been looking all over the city to find a good place to stay, but nothing in price range or standard. Not that I have any." He shook his head and closed his eyes. This was supposed to be an great time in my life,but it's all going to shabbes. Anne could she the hurt on his face, the pain that was in his voice. Everyone goes through things in life. Just look at him. There was no way that she could not try and help him. Remembering the last conversation he has exactly no one to turn to for help.

" Hey..uh..listen, there is a space opened at my condo building complex. They are nice, affordable, and clean. I promise you would love it." she said with her hand on her chest. Probably because she was nervous of what he might say next. Winston looked at her wided eyed.

"How much are they because If they are at a reasonable price I'm buying." becoming very interested in what she was saying. He sat up in his seat to give her all of his attention. "About… I don't know… three-hundred thousand." shyly releasing the words out of her mouth. Winston looked down again. That was way too much for the amount he was getting payed. He could barely pay the hotel bill let alone feed himself. He thought he had enough to do this big move,but it was harder than expected. Shifting his body and removing himself from the chair pushing it in.

" You know thanks Anne, but I don't have the money right now. Well, It was nice talking to you. I'm just going to get back to the hotel." He picked up his cup and started towards the door.

" Wait!" a voice called after him. Anne stood up grabbing her book and purse walking towards him. "You need a ride."

They were now in the car trying to get thow heavy New York traffic." Can you believe this is what I have to go through everyday; this is exhausting." saying while honking the horn at a cab thatcut in front of her shapely. Winston looked over to her giving her a little smile. " Everyday? Where do you go everyday to go through this madness if you don't mind me asking?" Winston said. She nodded her head in approval." I'm a nurse here at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York. I don't think children like me because everytime I come in the room they kick me and cry like I'm the bad guy. I guess that what I like about my job; it's like I never left home." Winston giggled not sure what to say after that.

"At least their cuteness makes up for all of it." he said jokingly. Anne just sat there at the light with her hands on the wheel at a red light just laughing. Winston couldn't help but laugh about how foolish that sounds. The laughing died down as they sat there in silence. they heard nothing but the honking of horns and low music on the radio. They didn't even know that it was on. The radio announcer was talking and that's when the vibe in the care changed.

"Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world

She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit

He took the midnight train goin' anywhere…"

Anne turned up the radio singing to the words. she then realizes that she wasn't alone and shuts her mouth in embarrassment. That when this got real. Winston opened his mouth, surprising her taking her aback a bit.

"…..A singer in a smokey room

A smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night

It goes on and on and on and on."

She couldn't hold back much longer and joined in with him to the 80's hit.

"Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlights people, living just to find emotion

Hiding, somewhere in the night."

They were rocking their heads back and forth, playing air guitar and drums. She was lost in the moment and it felt so good to let loose for once in a while. People on the left and right were looking out of their windows in disgust like they were some kind of rodent. Anne snapped back into reality when a car behind her honked the horn. She shook her head and fixed her hair. Winston turned the volume down to the radio and looked at her giggling. It was like he never left California.

" Ok let u never do that again...in public." throwing him a little smile. Winston started rubbing his chin beard or whatever you call that thing on his face." I make no promises." saying in a devious tone. " Well ok, we'll see if that will work out for you." giving his a smug look.

Anne pulled up in front of the hotel putting it in park. " That was an amazing car ride I must say." Winston shot her a look that no one could explain. He knew that was amazing. For goodness sake he's Winston; that what he is about. He carefully unbuckled his seatbelt, then reaching for the door handle pushing it open. Just as he put a foot out of the car he turned to Anne to Thank her for the ride.

"Hey, It no prob; you are so nice why not do something in return." She made a face after what she said sounded a bit sexual. Winston didn't catch on so she was pulled out of the car saying one last thank you before leaving. That's when Anne shouted out something. " Ummm… Winston, if you still have my number call me and I can see about finding you a place to stay. If that is ok with you of course." finishing her sentence a bit anxious. He bent down to look at her in the car with his hand on the door.

"Yeah that would be great if you could do that for , thank you." Winston didn't know how to express himself. She could tell by the excitement in his voice he was really liking her suggestion. " What time should I call you?" Winston asked. "Ahhh.. about two p.m. if that's fine with you." she said. " Sure, definitely, we'll I don't want to keep you long and nice seeing you again." With that he stood up and shut the car door. He gave a final wave before entering the building.

Anne never thought that she could make friend this fast to her move in New York,but I was nice not feeling alone. Winston does need a friend, so why not. She smiled to herself before driving off. Back out to the busy streets of New York city.