LIFE IN AN APARTMENT
Chapter 1
This is the second in a series. If you have not read "Life in an Apartment Introduction I suggest you do so before continuing.
"Rob, this is Sally Evans. We met last week on the elevator. I trust you remember me."
Rob almost said, "How could I forget you?" but bit his tongue. "Yes, I certainly do. After our conversation in the elevator, I put two and two together and realized that you are likely Stan Evans's widow. Am I correct?"
"Yes, Stan and I were married for just shy of 50 years. During the 45
th
year of our marriage we learned that Stan had stage four prostate cancer and that he likely would not make it to our fiftieth. It was at that stage that we made the decision to sell our large home and purchase an apartment that I could manage when I was once again on my own. I am now into my fifth year here and generally enjoy it."
"I am sorry that I was not able to attend Stan's funeral, but I was out of the country in connection with my consulting practice. I did not know him well but the few times we talked at Probus I found the conversation interesting."
"I understand completely," said Sally. "Do not worry at all in this case. Actually, the reason for the call was to invite you to come for a drink and horsd'oeuves on Friday Evening."
"That sounds delightful. What time and what can I bring?"
"How does 5:00 sound? And just bring your smiling face; oh, what is your poison of choice?"
"I normally am a Manhattan man but that is not to everyone's taste."
Sally replied with a giggle, "That was Stan's drink, so I think I still have the makings here, rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters; correct?"
"Just don't forget the cherry" Rob said.
To this Sally broke out into laughter saying, "My cherry is long gone; look forward to seeing you Friday at 5:00 Suite 803 in case you forgot.
"Don't worry, I have not forgotten." From then on, the days to Friday seemed to drag for Rob.
Friday at 5:00 on the nose Rob was at the door of 803. Within seconds of ringing the bell the door sprung open and after a moment of shock Sally said, "Get in here quickly with those flowers and wine. We don't want the local gossips to start a nasty story about us."
Rob stepped in and the door got quietly closed. "Rob, you did not have to bring either those lovely flowers or the wine."
"Yes, I did." Rob Said. Mrs. Hutchinson brought me up to treat a lady well, especially on a first date. My mother also said, "If you wish a second date make sure you leave a first impression on the first one."
Sally chuckled and said, "Well so far so good but the night is young and while first impressions are lasting it is how things finish that are more likely to be as important. Rob, please take the gentleman's chair" having indicated a wing back covered in leather opposite a coffee table and a matching leather sofa. "I will put these lovely flowers in a vase and get us something to drink and something else to eat."
Rob was speechless as Sally left the room. What did she mean by that? Was the double entendre a mistake or was Sally teasing? Not only that but her outfit had him kerfuffled. She was wearing a lovely white blouse that was almost shear. It was obvious that she also had on a frilly bra that almost contained her ample breasts.
Sally returned with a large old-fashioned glass with his Manhattan on a tray along with her wine and a plate containing Chinese dumplings and beef satay. She set the tray down and came across the room handing his drink to Rob bending forward in the process. When she bent forward, he thought he could almost see down to her naval looking down her cleavage that seemed to be enhanced by the bra.
Sally returned to the sofa and picked up her wine. She raised the glass and said, "to a new friend and hopefully a long friendship."
"Absolutely!" was Rob response. Then Sally arose and brought a small plate and napkin as well as the larger plate of dumplings and beef satay as well as a dipping sauce for each. "You must have worked all day," said Rob; a lot of trouble."
"Not really, the dumplings come frozen, and the satay just require some slicing and marinating before they get put on the skewers and then grilled."
"Well cheers"said Rob Raising his glass.
"And hopefully the first of many such evenings" replied Sally. The conversation went on as each got to know the other. Drinks were consumed and the appetizers eaten. As time progressed and each got more relaxed the conversation became more convivial and both Rob and Sally began to explore subjects that may have been tabu earlier in the evening. After about an hour of conversation while Sally had replenished her wine from the bottle that had been in a cooler on the coffee table. Rob on the other hand had nursed his drink as he recognized that the quantity contained in the glass Sally had brought was sizeable and the alcohol content was several times that of her wine.
"Rob, let me freshen your drink."