The sound of an alarm clock woke me up out of a dreamlike state and sent my body jolting forwards. Opening my eyes sleepily, I peered around the darkened room in puzzlement. Where am I? I thought to myself. In no time, the memories of last night came rushing back to me. I smiled and reached over to touch the spot beside me, but, it was cold and vacant. Glancing at the clock once more, it read in big block numbers 9:00am. Tristan's already at work and probably didn't want to wake me. I assured myself in my mind.
Pushing the soft covers back, I swung my legs off the side of the bed and attempted to stand up. The skin covering my inner-thighs was sore and tender. I gently brushed my fingers against my center to still feel the sticky residue from Tristan's cum. This calls for a shower…
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Glancing at the taxi driver and then, back down at the business card, I parted my lips and read the address:
"I guess this is the police station, um…435 Melton Ave" I announced uneasily. As if knowing the place all too well, the taxi driver nodded his head and sped forwards. I looked out my window at the passing cars and people along the sidewalk. New York City was such a fast-paced area, with everything and anything happening all at the same time. A home-sick feeling washed over me, as I leaned back in my seat and crossed my arms tightly around my chest. Before I left Tristan's apartment, I threw on my chiffon dress again, not thinking much of it. Now, I wished that I was wearing an overly large sweater and jogging pants. Tristan's landlord and especially people on the street gave me the once-over a few too many times. In my mind, I knew exactly what they were thinking; my outfit screamed 'slut.'
The taxi came to a stop, as a gray stone building came into view. Police cars were parked out front and men in suits drinking coffee stood outside. I quickly opened my purse and handed the driver all the money I had. A little disappointed, he looked me over in the rear view mirror and raised his hand; motioning for me to just get out of the vehicle. I did so willingly and scrambled out as fast as I could.
Standing on the sidewalk, I watched the taxi drive away. Is this such a good idea? Turning around, I gazed up at the sturdy establishment with its dark gloomy windows and metal bars.
"Just breathe…everything's fine" I tried to console; but, my nerves went haywire.
When I entered the building, tons of people (predominantly men) raced around. Phones were ringing off the hook and secretaries were shouting things across the vast room. I walked up to the closest desk and politely smiled.
"Hi, I'm looking for Tristan Dugrey. Could you direct me to his office by chance?" The lady looked up at me nonchalantly and smacked her gum.
"Look, if you're here to file an assault or a rape offense, I suggest you fill out these papers right here" she barked, shoving a packet full of paper in my direction. Trying to maintain my cool, I placed them back on top of the desk and shook my head.
"I'm not here to file a report…I'm just looking for—"
"Lady…can't you see we're busy here?" she snapped, chewing her gum like a cow. I glanced down at her gaunt face and sunken eyes.
"I just—" I began again, trying to get my intentions across. Unfortunately, this particular lady had no interest in what came out of my mouth.
"You could be the Queen of England and I wouldn't give a rat's ass—" she shouted in her thick New Yorker accent—"now step aside." I was on the brink of giving this woman a piece of my mind before two hands scooted me away from her desk.
"Hey, what are do'in here?" Tristan demanded gruffly, as I spun around to face him. He was wearing a black suit with a white buttoned-down shirt and a baby blue tie. My eyes grazed down his chest, as I smirked. I knew exactly what was underneath there.
"I just wanted to see you…" I began, tucking my hair behind my ear. Glancing around, I could tell that my scantly dressed body was calling attention. A few of the other male detectives eyed me up and down, as they chatted amongst themselves. The sudden feeling of stares undressing me in public made my entire body shiver.
"You shouldn't be here…" Tristan declared firmly, looking around at his other co-workers. I peered up into his constantly shifting gaze and tried to gain his attention. Brushing my fingers along his lips, I let them glide across his jaw line. He immediately diverted his concentration onto me and took a step closer. The penetration of eyes still on us, made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Tristan cupped my chin and bent his head down to kiss my lips. It was gentle and innocent, but I felt so much of him in that small moment. His hands pushed me against his body, but the sensation was short lived. A loud bark erupted behind Tristan:
"Dugrey, I want you in my office now!" With that, a door was slammed and blinds were heard smacking against the glass.
"I have to go…" he stated flatly, detaching any contact with me.
"Look, I'll call you tonight or something, alright?" I nodded my head, as I noticed a small smile creep onto his face. I knew exactly what he was intending by that 'something.' Tristan paced away from me and darted directly across the room towards the large office in the far corner
"See ya later…" I mumbled aloud, as I turned to exit the station.
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"So you were with some random guy the whole night and didn't bother telling us?" Paris screeched loudly. I covered my ears with my hands and shook my head.
"Look, I didn't mean to bail on you guys, it's just—"
"—that you bailed on us, right?" Logan cut in. In utter defeat, I looked up into Logan's soft brown eyes and shrugged my shoulders.
"I'm really sorry" I whispered in a small voice. Logan gave me a comforting smile and then, took a step forward.
"Our flight leaves in an hour and a half…we should get going. Happy Birthday, Rory" he asserted in a monotone voice. I shut my eyes and let out a loud sigh.
"Guys, I'm really, really sorry…what can I do to make it up to you?" I watched as a grin formed on Paris' lips. Shaking my head frantically, I took a couple steps back.
"I am not…I repeat NOT going on a pity-date with your cousin! He sings show tunes and carries around fungus collections in his pockets—"
"You did say anything Rory" Matt cut in, as he walked out of the bathroom and pulled his duffle bag strap over his shoulder. I covered my face with my hands and let out another sigh before growling.
"Alright…but, ONE date and that's it!" I shouted trying to make my stand on the topic known.
"I guess I'll have to think up what you owe me later" Logan murmured, as he leaned closer towards me. I nodded my head uncertainly and smiled.
"I'm really going to miss you guys…" I intoned in a saddened voice. Everyone piled together into one big hug and said their goodbyes.
In less than ten minutes, I had the apartment back to myself again. It took some getting use to the peace and quiet, but the new atmosphere grew on me. I lazily ambled around, looking through old photo albums and scrapbooks. My eyes stopped on this picture of Christopher and me. We were fishing out of Cape Fear in the dead of winter. By the look of my size, I couldn't have been anymore than eight years old. Gosh, we look so happy…I thought to myself. A smile formulated on my lips, as I brushed my finger down the photograph. I missed Christopher truthfully and missed the bond we use to have as father and daughter. Now thinking back, I blamed myself for all the missed opportunities and chances I had to spend time with him.
The phone rang suddenly, making me jump four feet in the air. Taking a deep breath and picking up the cordless phone, I hit the green 'talk' button.
Lorelei: "Hey Kiddo! How you hold'in up?" a voice boomed on the other end. It was my sarcastic, but amazing mother.
Me: "Hey mom. I'm doing well. Just going through some old pictures and stuff right now. I can't believe how happy we were altogether."
Lorelei: "You mean 'us' as a family?"
Me: "Yah, there were no worries and nothing to tie us down. I kind of miss those days…" My voice drifted off, as I laid the picture on top of the coffee table.
Lorelei: "You should come home and let me take care of the funeral arrangements and stuff." I nodded my head at the suggestion, but decided to push the statement aside.
Me: "No, I think my place is here right now. I just can't leave yet. Christopher was murdered mom, and I can't just brush it off and forget about it" I argued in a hoarse voice. My mother laughed a little and cleared her throat.
Lorelei: "Look, I have to go take care of the zoo that just piled into the Inn, but maybe we'll talk later. How does that sound?"
Me: "Can't wait" I stated happily.
Lorelei: "Then, it's a date! Love ya lots…" she yelled over something in the background. All too soon, the phone call dropped and the line went dead.
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