It's early Wednesday evening, and it has been a long day. As the afternoon meeting dragged on, I grew more uncomfortable every minute, knowing that I had a stack of phone messages and emails to address back at the office. I got my secretary to pick up much of the slack, but I had to go over the spreadsheets, too, so by the time I was finished, my eyesight was blurred and my neck stiff.
Finally finished, though, I close up my briefcase and put on my overcoat and hat. Hours of sitting at the desk are taking its toll; most of my body is stiff from lack of movement.
As I walk out of the elevator into the lobby of the skyscraper where I work, I look through the glass wall to the city streets. A heavy downpour is drenching those unlucky enough to have umbrellas and newspapers to hold over their heads. Wet floor signs litter the floor in front of the revolving glass door. A chill comes into the room with each revolution of the entrance.
I see Laura's long, straight black hair. As if she can sense I'm here, she turns, gives me a flash of a smile, and without a word walks through the door, out to the street. She wears the same uniform as all the other employees in the lobby, but it's not enough to hide her spectacular figure. She motions to the left with her hand, and within an instant my limousine pulls up directly in front of the door. I walk though the revolving door and thank Laura as she opens the limo for me. "Have a good evening, sir," she says with her sultry voice. I hear the soft thump of the door as she closes it after me.
As I lean back in the seat, I hear the soft whirr of the divider descending to reveal my driver. Today, it is Gina, the redhead. "Good evening, sir," she says. "How was your day?"
I mention it has been a long afternoon and I'm feeling a bit stressed. Gina grins and says, "I'll call ahead and let everyone know, and I'm sure we can help you relax and ease your mind." With that, the divider rolls up again, and I am left to my own thoughts for a few minutes.
We arrive at my apartment building, and the door is opened for me. I grab my briefcase and head into the building. I walk directly into the elevator, which is patiently waiting for me. When I reach the top, I walk out into the hallway and reach for the doorknob. Before I make it, the door opens into the penthouse.