◦ ◦ Eric's POV ◦ ◦

Well yesterday was a great day, I sold my house, not officially but in a few weeks it won't belong to me anymore. Some women named Cayden Brias, by the way she was flirting with me, it was cute. Anyway, I sold my place for my asking price of 245,000$, now I wasn't expecting anyone to buy for that price so obviously she's got money and of she's buying this place, she's either single or has a boyfriend but the way she was describing the reason of her move, I doubt she does. The only reason I am making such guesses is because I can read women. When guys I know have trouble with girls, whether it's to get a girl, what to do by the third date or what's wrong with the relationship, I am the expert everyone comes to. A lot of my closer friends think I should charge people, you know, it would be my second job, but I don't believe in charging money to the help, I wasn't raised that way.

I woke up this morning happy, and then I realised I had to find a place to live. Earlier this week I kept glancing at these condo's downtown that caught my eye every time I passed by. Maybe it's time I take a closer look, I didn't have to start work for a couple days so it was perfect timing. So, I got dressed after a quick shower. I put on jeans and a white button down shirt, comfy plus, it was cool outside. Grabbed my Café Cubano and sunglasses then headed out to my car, or truck. Big black truck, my cousin gave it to me after his major lottery win a few years back. He won a few million and first thing he bought was this big black Lincoln but last year he decided to get rid of it, gave it to me, and bought a big black Hummer HT, Hummer Truck. Why does he need a car that big, I have no idea. So I got in my truck, and blasted the radio and drove down to that wondrous condo. However, the whole time I was driving, I was thinking about that women's voice and her name, Cayden. There was something about her, her name sort of clicked somewhere in my head, it's as if I met her, the way she talked, the words she used. I couldn't figure it out.

I finally made it to the condo, and only ran one red light. It was a tall building, 15 stories, and it was right on the beach. The Building had five rows of windows and was completely gray except for between the two first rows and the two last, the building was black. The lobby was big, full of glass windows and marble floor and the walls and railings and detailing in the elevator was gold painted metal. The leather furniture was black and the plants weren't plastic. It was expensive taste and I am sure I am ready for it. I stepped up to the lady behind the lobby desk and asked about the condos for sale. It was a new Condominium and I knew there were still some apartments left. She told me to wait while she went to get the manager; he was in charge of that stuff apparently.

"Hi, sir, I hear you're interested in buying here?"

Now I guessed he was the manager, he really looked like management material. He was wearing navy blue button down shirt tucked into black trouser with shiny loafers made him look extremely down to business. He was as tall I was and maybe a decade older, which leaves him between the age of 35 and 40. He took out his hand and shook mine before I could answer, then he added a very inviting smile.

"I pass by this building all the time and it has always tempted me to take a look. I am looking so, like to explore a little."

"Of course. Well, I could show you a few, did you have any preferences?"

"Well, it's me alone, no need for more than one bedroom, one bath. Although, the bigger the better, right?"

He laughed, I cracked a goofy smile, he isn't easy to manipulate, meaning bargaining will be tough.

"Always, no you're looking for something you. Something chic, something modern, something with an ocean view, top floor?"

"Well, depending on the cost, yeah that sounds about right."

"Mr...?"

"Delko, Eric Delko."

"Mr. Delko, you don't look never mind seem like a man who has anything to worry about, am I wrong?"

"I'll let you know when we see this apartment."

He laughed again and I took a deep breath. He showed me to the elevator, and pressed the penthouse button. He was a real sales man, showing me the best he's got to make me regret the next ones that followed, but I knew better, or t least I hope.

"So, you said it's just you alone? No girlfriend?"

"Um, not that the moment, no. I just got a new job, I finally finished school not long ago so I am trying to concentrate on my career path right now, and woman stress won't fit on my shoulders right now, if you know what I mean..."

I cracked a quick smile, he smiled too. Thank god, he understood what I meant, I would have looked like an idiot if he didn't find that funny.

"Oh, of course. Well, this place will impress whomever you bring, it's unforgettable and it will never get old. What do you do?"

"Well, I am on the dive team, Under Water Recovery Team."

"Oh, that's interesting."

"Yeah, but soon I'll be part of the crime lab, this is only temporary-"

I was cut off by the elevator bell going off; we reached the top floor, I was curious at what this amazing place looked like, and the moment the manager opened the door I was stunned, it was magnificent, it was a real looker. It sparkled, or maybe that was just me but I was completely blown away. It had such a manly touch, a wealthy manly touch. Half of all the walls were window. You can see the blue of the ocean reflect on everything. It was so big; every room was five times the needed space. The kitchen had two extra rows of red wood cabinets and the master bath had one too many sinks. It was all perfect just really big for one person, a little too big; it would make you feel lonely all the time.

"It's amazing but it's kind of big. I'm just one person."

As much as it hurt to say I wasn't worthy of this 'castle-in-a-building', it had to be said. It probably cost a whole lot more then I could afford too.

"Are you sure? It's going for 650,000$! It's a steel."

A steal?! Steeling my money!

"I can't afford this. I'm sorry but I was thinking something more in the 300s. I would love this but I just can't afford it."

"Well, I have plenty in your price range but I have to say they are much smaller."

"Perfect."

I'm not happy that I gave that apartment up but I'll deal. We took that classic elevator down to the twelfth floor. The manager was just telling me some boring details about the building and everything in its proximities; gyms, shopping, beach, restaurants, etc. All blahblah to me. As he showed me the next apartment, I was satisfied. There was still a view, just with fewer windows. The rooms were two times as big instead, and the kitchen was perfect size with a little island and granite counter tops. The only problem was that the bedroom was still huge and the bathroom still had his and her's sinks. But I liked it and it was very reasonable priced, 379,999$. Well affordable.

I signed some papers and I signed so more. In other words, by the time I was out, I had about 7 hours of daylight left. So I made a long car ride to my parent's house. I haven't seen them in a while and I deserved a very well cooked dinner. I heard my cousin is bringing his trophy wife, okay, more of a money wife. Anyway, she's a blond Budweiser girl in person. I just like looking at her. But the whole car ride, it wasn't Jenna, my cousin's wife that was on my mind, it was Cayden. I started picturing her, she said she played lots of soccer all through her life, and still expects to. She said she was Portuguese, mean's tanned skin and dark hair either brown or black, and moved to New York because of her University choice. She's focused on what she wants, she's obviously smart because she got in, she's determined and very adventurous. She sounds like a handful. Now that made me smile because the only time I dated someone like that was in high school; cutie named Jaquie. She was tall, very opinionated and had a very serious face when she was angry. She had long strawberry blond hair and was very smart, very dedicated to her studies. She didn't like playing sports but she would watch all my baseball games. The funny thing was, I was this super popular kid, or I thought I was, people and I just seemed to click and we always got along, but her, she had her little girlie friends that weren't very matured during the first year but developed within the next three and I sort of adapted. I made everyone jealous with her in my arms and the prom. But, after we graduated, she told me she was moving to Europe for some art academy in Barcelona and just left. I was sad, sure, but I couldn't help it, it was just meant to happen. I am a firm believer in God; I'm a catholic boy, so I know God has something in mind. I am also a firm believer that if you're a positive person, you'll get positive back, and so I stayed positive and look what God bought me. Gradgirl, sure I don't know her and she can be an old snotty bitch but what if she isn't. When I talk to her, she can relate, she can understand, she can listen, and she's super funny. She's a total mystery and I will probably never meet her because she won't tell me her name, neither will she tell me where she lives. Oh well with her, but this Cayden girl... Whenever I thought of GradGirl, it made me think of Cayden, and whenever I thought of GradGirl, it made me think of Cayden. There's something about them that just seems to fit, as if they have very similar personalities. They can't be the same people. GradGirl is looking for a job where she lives, not Miami.

Before I could continue arguing with myself, I was parked at my parent's house with that big Hummer HT in the driveway. I got out and beeped the truck, making sure the alarm was on. My parents are Cuban and live in Little Havana; I know most of the people that live in the neighbourhood but I've heard about the crime level here and it isn't getting better.

I barged in and saw my father and cousin, his wife and two kids in front of the TV. The adults were talking and the kids were watching some cartoon with fighting monsters.

"Hey Carlos!" I walked over to my cousin. He stood up from the dark green sofa and hugged me, a manly hug, not one of those girl 'OMG IT'S BEEN SINCE FOR EVER!' things.

"Wow, Eric, you still look the same. How was your last year of school?"

Carlos was tall, had a beer belly but made it look good. The Genes in our family were good, he was family on my mother's side but my father acted like he loved Carlos as much as he did his car.

"It was great. Graduated and getting my dream job in time, hopefully. I have to start off getting some experience so I'm doing under water work for now."

"You're mother was telling me about that. Congrats man! What about a girl? Any hot chick you've been hitting l-"

That's when my mother barged in slapping Carlos in the back of the head.

"No speaking like that before the children!" She warned him with her motherly finger she used to use on me.

"It's 'In front of the children', not 'Before the children', Mami."

When she saw me pulled me to her, I had to bend down to hug my five foot tall mother. She kissed me uncountable times before letting me go to breath. She had on a white top with beads on it and a pair of jeans and an apron. She was a tremendous cook like most housewives in the area but she always added a special kick to all her dishes. That's why everyone came here for the holidays; the house was big and homey and the food was amazing.

"I don't care, not in my house. I'm going wash your mouth wit soap!" She just had to go point that finger at him once more. "Eric, help me set table up."

"Alright."

I sat down beside my father and asked how he was doing and all those father son questions, gave him a quick hug then my mother started yelling at me again.

"It's nice to see you again Jenna." I said after hugging my cousin's gorgeous wife.

"You too Eric." She sat back down, her boobs bouncing, yes I noticed, it's hard not to after Carlos spent five grand on them.

"ERIC!"

At that point my mother was starting to get on my nerves, so I just rushed over and helped her with setting the stupid table. Didn't take long but then my mother wanted me do some other little things. This and that finally ended up on the table and we all finally got to eating.

"So Eric,"

Oh no, my mom said 'So Eric' that only means one thing: Who's your girl now?

"No mom, no girl."

"You didn't even know what I was going to ask you."

"I took a wild guess."

I stuffed a couple spoonfuls of mashed potatoes in my mouth to avoid having to say anything more.

"Eric, you're 26 years old and you have a very stable life, why aren't you with a girl? A nice, pretty and smart girl, settle down and maybe get mar-"

"Celia, please. Let the boy live his own life." My father shot back.

My mother was very traditional, in fact my while family was but I didn't to be. I wanted to live a different life from everyone else, at least everyone else in my family.

"Mom, please not tonight. Look, I will settle down later. My life is just getting started, can I live it before I settle down."

"You think having family isn't living?"

"No, not at all. I meant living alone."

"Sure." And that was sarcasm coming out of my mother's mouth, she was good at it, but I loved her for it.

"Mami, I will bring you a girl worthy when I find one, deal?"

"Fine."

"No more bugging me?"

"No bugging you."

"Thank you."

We finished the dinner off with some chocolate mousse cakes Jenna made and brought then I made a quick getaway home.

The car ride was long, again, and it was very dark but the Miami night life shined through my window on some roads. That was one of the things to appreciate in Miami, at least downtown anyway, the party never stops, people go from the beach to the restaurants all the way to the clubs and bars then start all over again the next day. It was paradise.

I blanked my head from any thoughts and just enjoyed the views in front of me. Palm trees, moonlight and lots of bikini and cocktail dress girls. Lots.

When I made it home, my laptop displayed a new message from of course, GradGirl, some junk mail and some from friends, nothing special except for the one entitled 'Hey SciencePrince!'. He quickly opened that one email and read it.

Good Afternoon SciencePrince,

I just got in from my wonderful day. My life is being put together for once, all by itself, I am doing nothing but spending money! lol. I don't want to brag after hearing about your misfortune, well not really misfortune, just a bump in the road. Anyway, I'm going to be a CSI! How's the dive thing going? By the way...

-GradGirl

She wrote word for word, never shortened, never skipped, never miss spelled, she was intelligent. By the way she wrote and by what she wrote, she was younger then old. The only thing she never does is describe herself. Okay, so I didn't either but that's because she didn't. She started it! I've been talking to her for months now, and I think I deserve a little juice. I was going to suck it out of her with a straw if I had to, not that that is possible but I'll try.

Well, it's Good Evening now GradGirl,

I was out apartment shopping. Found a place to, right on the beach. I can't wait to move out .It's fantastic you found your dream job, I and everyone you know are and should be very proud of you. When do you start?

I know you have your reasons, why won't you tell me your name? Or anything about you?

-SciencePrince

Oh SciencePrince,

If you've only heard the hazards I've heard about the internet and the people you meet via internet. I don't want to end up like any of them. I'm not saying your some stalker, serial murderer but I just can't take any chances. Whether you will kill me, or someone who's stalking you will kill me, or someone who is watching you will kill me. There are millions of possibilities and they don't end well. I'm sorry, I really wish I could. I would love to know the you I read messages from all the time, you seem so sweet and passionate about what you love but I am one of those girls that over do anything that involves the possibility of death.

P.S. I start in about a month. I can't wait!

-GradGirl

Dear GradGirl,

If I happened to know your name, maybe you, would you tell me?

-SciencePrince

SciencePrince,

That sounds like you're a stalker, you know me? Are you one of those computer dorks that hack into other people's accounts?

-GradGirl

No GradGirl,

Not at all, I was just wondering. You just remind me of someone. It's impossible you're her though. So, where did you say you were working?

-SciencePrince

Well SciencePrince,

I'm moving down to Florida, got a job down in Miami where you are. Remember you recommended me that guy, or flaunted about him. Well, he called me back and told me I got the job. Thank you!

-GradGirl

I knew it! They were too similar to be apart. I was too damn good at that detective work. I couldn't believe it, I mean, what was the chance. GradGirl and Cayden were the same people. But she still didn't know that I was Science Prince, I should tell her. Just as I was about to write her, she sent me a message back, that message ment she was signing off and I couldn't talk to her for the rest of the night. The only reason I knew that was because that would be the only time she interrupted my typing time. So I just read her message.

Dear SciencePrince,

Well, I needed to talk to someone who understood what I was going for, thank you! I hope one day we could bump into each other, whether we know it or not. I really love talking to you, have I ever mentioned that? If not, I'm saying it now, Thanks :P

Talk to you later,

Goodnight!

-GradGirl

That's when it clicked. She liked talking to me, telling me things, I was a person she didn't know and couldn't judge her because of that. She could tell me all she wants and she thought I couldn't do anything about it because I don't know her physically.

Remember I was telling you about me being the one and only help guys can get about girls? The only help to relationships, to getting the girl or to just getting a girl in bed? Whichever? Well I am the woman expert, and GradGirl could tell me anything, and that anything could help me know what women want.

If Cayden doesn't know that I know she is GradGirl, try to keep up, then I can get best of both worlds. I can know what Cayden wants because she as GradGirl is telling me as SciencePrince how Eric, other words me, can please her.

If in the end it all works, the help I give the guys who ask for it will always work, I can honestly make a living out of all this. Ever seen the movie 'Hitch', well I am like 'Hitch' and do you remember how he made his money, like I would, if my plan worked.

In the end, I am lying to Cayden, but it's to help me help her. It's all for her in the end, right? That's an honest lie, ironic isn't, but it's one of those lies that don't need to be told and don't hurt anybody, whether they are told or not. And, that's if Cayden and Eric, or me, hook up in the beginning and I don't think that's going to be a problem. I seem her type, she seems mine, we both have passion for crime solving and lust for putting criminals in jail, it all fits!