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Could Have Been Colder

Chapter Eleven

The ride to the Empire State Building was quiet. Aside from the usual salutations when they arrived to gather Olivia for the ride to the charity event. The only other sounds being made were from the city has the passed through and Evan's grunts has he pulled on his collar. Not much was said out loud that is. Christina was going over her speech. Being careful to memorize the inflections and the sharp but pleasant requests for donations. Olivia was playing her regular mind tennis.

'Remember the auctioneer will do all the work. You just have to spot the bidders.'

'God, she looked paler then usual. I shouldn't have left her.'

'Keep my eyes on the crowd and watch for signals. Signals? What are signals? What if a guy picks his nose? Is he bidding or digging? What if some over done woman decides to put on more makeup?'

'I wonder if she has left yet.' Her cell phone buzzed in her purse. She smiles wryly at Christina and Evan has she bends to pick it up. She flipped the screen to find a text message was available.

"LVN in 10 CU LVU!" She smiled in relief. Resting her head on the headrest she looked out of the window and watched the city go by once again.

Benson Apartment

Alex pressed the elevator button to take her to the lobby. She liked the fact that the elevator opened into their apartment. It made it easier for groceries, getting ready in the last minute, and of course getting undressed on their way up. "Any luck that will be how we end our evening." She told herself when stepping into the elevator. The sudden jolt of the elevator has it began started Alex. The descent seemed to be much quicker then she usually travels. She was starting to sweat again. Grabbing the railing she steady herself preparing for any type of stop. It was gentle. She was still sweating and beginning to feel weak again. The door opened and Jimmy was standing on the other side. He saw the state she was in and entered the elevator. He grabbed her by the arm.

"Ms. Cabot, lets get you to the bench." Jimmy guided her out of the elevator and over to the bench that was propped against the wall. "Let me get you some OJ from the car stay here." He stood up and headed for the front door shouting over his shoulder "Sam, sit with Ms. Cabot for me I will be right back." The stout man in the red doorman uniform turned quick on his heels and headed towards the blonde resting on the bench. He sat next to her and took her hand. They did not exchange a word. Sam would just give a worried but warm smile and Alex provided him with a weaker version in return.

"Here you are Ms. Cabot." Jimmy said catching his breath. He held the glass out and waited fro her to take it. With a shaking hand she grasped the glass and placed it to her lips. She took slow sips of the orange liquid until it was gone. Never taking it from her lips. Once finished, she sat back against the wall, glass still in her hands. Both men still staring at her like expected fathers.

"Better?" Sam finally asked seeing the color restore to her cheeks.

"Getting there, Sam. Thank you." Alex with head still resting against the wall closed her eyes for a moment. She pictured Olivia waiting for her at the ball. Constantly checking her watch. With a deep breath she handed the glass back to Jimmy and began to rise.

Take me to the ball my good man." She said with a weak smile. Sam stood and offered the crook of his arm to her. Jimmy walked ahead to open the car door. In normalcy, Alex smiled at Jimmy slightly bowing her head in thanks. Jimmy grabbed the bill of his hat and gave a slight bow himself.

Sam made sure she was tucked inside the car before reaching to shut the door. Alex stopped it in mid flight. Looking at both men, "This goes no where. " She looked from man to man; each shook their head in understanding. Sam shut the door once again. He stepped back from the curb. Jimmy walked around the car to the driver's side. He looked over the car to his collogue and crossed his fingers in view. Sam clasped is hands together as if in prayer.

The car glided into traffic. The princess was off to the ball.

Short but almost done.