by Elias Raven
I runway walked out of the dining room (letting him check out my assets again). I then ran up the stairs and into my room. I quickly closed the door and turning around fell against it, holding on for dear life. I could see Kathy and Sarah urging me on and pulling out my phone there was a long list of comments from the two of them (hey, I only saw fifty shades, I haven’t done anything like that before, but you would swear the way my girlfriends are talking, that I was a sex doll named Susie and that I loved to be tied up and swung around on a swing to be used for oral pleasure). I texted them back that I would give them all the details later… (uh-huh).
I looked in the full-length mirror in front of my closet, and then thought for a minute. You only get one shot at making a good impression and I was going to make The Prof fire his guns on the first draw (ok, I know that sounded slutty, but I meant the first time he saw me all spruced up).
I ran around the bedroom pulling out skin-tight jeans and a matching rust-colored blouse. I raided my lingerie drawer (think Victoria’s Secret) and pulled out a matching pair of bra and panties. I had to work quickly, so off came my nightclothes as I switched over to the new lingerie and pulled up the jeans (laying on the bed and using a crowbar to get them on). I layered a cream-colored shirt and then went with an open button look for the rust-colored top.
A pair of suede (tan colored) booties to round out the look. Some mint-body spray (it’s subtle, not too overpowering) to finish the look and running a brush through my hair along with a little makeup (not a lot, I didn’t want to look like Octo-Mom), I grabbed a matching suede jacket and came down the stairs. I found both my dad and Nick waiting for me. The whistle from both men was all the encouragement a girl needed.
“Wow! You look fabulous!” Nick said.
“Awe, thanks, I just threw it together,” I said nonchalantly.
My dad gave me the raised eye look (like you are so full of it Paige), but I was all smiles and taking Nick's hand headed out the front door to Nick’s waiting Aston Martin. I totally felt like a Bond girl (to be honest). Nick opened my door first and let me get in before closing it, and then he quickly came around to the driver’s door and hopped in. Then he turned the key and my heart skipped a beat. (someone pinch me please). The car roared to life. The instrument cluster looked so masculine, red on white with hints of black tastefully splattered throughout the panel. The tan leather interior was immaculate. The car was so beautiful, but add car and hot guy and I was about to become a bit of a harlot! (come on Paige, keep it together). Isn’t self-talking a wonderful thing?
We waved to my father as we pulled out (sounds naughty right?) of the driveway. We made small talk while driving. I was enjoying seeing the city in Nick’s car. We were getting looks from passing women and guys. I was like (yeah bitches) as we drove soaking it all in. I definitely could see myself doing this on a regular basis (focus Paige, hot guy in the car remember!)
“So do you have any ideas about the box and letters I’ve received so far?” I asked.
“Well someone has gone to a lot of trouble to get you interested, I must say!” he replied.
“Well, that too! But who does this in this day and age?” I volleyed back.
“Perhaps it is a man or woman that likes you but doesn’t know how to approach you, so they came up with this rather elaborate scavenger hunt to get your attention!” he replied, acing the shot.
I tapped my finger against my chin and looked over at The Prof again.
“Well, it would have to be someone that knows a bit about me?” I replied by sending another serve his way.
“True, it’s not like you are a public figure, so it would have to be someone you knew in College or have known in your life at some point.” He answered by sending the ball back my way.
“I’ll have to make a suspect list and start seeing who comes to mind,” I said, sending the ball back (and waiting to see if he made eye contact).
He did look at me in that suave quiet debonair look that just sent my legs into buttercream mode. I crossed my legs trying to keep it cool, down there. I didn't I say I was doing so successfully? Nooooo! I was starting to wonder if Nick was my secret package (say it in French) man. Well, two could play the challenge (say this in French also, sounds bitchin).
We pulled up to Raffi’s and my dad had been absolutely right! The place was a three-ring circus. Replete with order takers at the entrance (working the drive-through). The parking lot was full!
(cue Elephants and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!) We both looked at each other. My spider-sense (go with the gut right) was going off. The drive-through was speaking to me. I pulled up to a buxom blonde server that had the name Gina inscribed on her badge in mint green lettering.
Nick gave me the chin to take the lead. I was loving this man more and more.
“Hi, my name is Paige Murphy and I was wondering…” was all I got out. The waitress smiled and said:
“Hi Paige, just a second your order is ready.” and stepped over to a window. After a few moments, a package wrapped all Raffi style (it’s a thing of beauty really) was handed to me.
“Is this it Gina?” I asked.
She looked at her IPad and replied.
“Yep! The boss said you would be by either today or tomorrow to pick up your order! She replied wearing that fake plastic smile that only those in hospitality and food service know how to give.
I looked at Nick who just shrugged his shoulders and then we started to get car horns. Sticking our arms out we waved and headed back out of the parking lot.
“I’ll drop you by the front door. Go into Customer Service and see if they can give you any more detail!” he told me. I gave Mr. Handsome the thumbs up (I needed a fan to cool my crotch at this point).
Nick stopped and grabbing the package I made a beeline for the main doors. I was greeted with a swirling mass of humanity all converging on one thing… Chocolate! It was awesome. I had to force myself to go over to the customer service desk. Seeing a chocolate-colored bell, I reached down and rang it a couple of times and then waited. After a few moments, an elderly gentleman came out from a swinging door.
“Can I help you miss?” he asked.
“Yes, I was wondering if you could help me? I just went through the drive-through line and was told this had already been ordered for me to pick up as a gift? I showed him the package.
“Oh yes, I remember that order. It was paid in cash. They also dropped off an envelope to include with it. They also gave us a huge tip for our discretion, so we are not allowed to divulge any other information to you other than the girls in the back saying thank you!
I thanked the old man and headed back outside. I could see Nick double-parked with one of New York’s finest closing in. I ran over to the car and opened the passenger door, tossed in the package, and hopped in.
“Step on it! The game is afoot!” I said aloud.
I watched Professor Buttercream get the goofiest smile on his face. I looked over at him as he merged into traffic.
“Are you a Sherlock Holmes fan?” he asked.
“Um no!” I replied playfully. He looked crestfallen.
“Junkie is a better word! My dad is the uber fan of the century! He even has a membership in the 221B Baker street society!” I continued.
“That explains it then! It runs in the family!” and laughing he quickly shifted through the gears of the Aston Martin and headed back to my parent’s house.
Chapter 23
I held the package between my legs and watched The Prof carefully. He seemed nonchalant about what happened at Raffi’s. Of course, the question comes to mind, is he looking at the package or looking at my legs (then my head said am I showing enough cleavage to entice the poor man). Looking at my top, I could see the outlines of my breasts, hopefully, he was appreciating the view. We made really good time from downtown and before long; we were back in my driveway.
“Thanks for going with me today!” I told him shyly (batting my eyes and going all demur).
&n
bsp; Nick looked at me and returned my smile and without thinking, he put his hand on the package that was resting between my legs. I looked at his hand and then he turned red and went to remove it.
“No, no it’s ok! We are on an adventure. What’s a little package between friends?” I said putting my hand over his.
My lady bits were trembling wanting to just throw the package in the back and shift him into high gear, but I didn’t want to scare him off (yeah, it had been a long time since anyone had parked in my freight elevator). We held hands for a second and then saw my dad come out on the porch. I put my finger to my lips and said:
“Shhhh!” and I knew the hook was set.
Car doors opened and we stepped out into the light of day with our little package between friends in tow.
“Dad! You would be so proud! We solved the second riddle. We brought home lunch!” I said laughing (feeling very giddy at the moment).
Nick looked rather abashed and walked up behind me. My dad clapped him on the shoulder.
“Thanks for going with her!” he said in a low voice.
“Oh, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world” he replied laughing.
Mom was waiting for us in the dining room. Coffee and pound cake were already laid out on the table. (Ok, we just got home. What did she have a periscope and see us pull into the driveway?)
“Nicolas! So good to see you again! Howard told me that he had called for backup today!” she said smiling.
“Yes, we seem to have had some success!” he replied.
On cue, I set the package on the table. Nick waved over to me to take the lead. I grabbed my dad’s magnifying glass looking for anything that was a giveaway, but it was a Raffi’s gift package.
“I believe that the good stuff is on the inside Paige!” Nicolas offered.
My mind guttered at the comment, but squeezing my thighs together and catching my breath I replied:
“I didn’t think about what the customer service rep said. They got an envelope to put with the gift box. Dad, can I use your penknife?” I asked.
Taking the Schrade knife, I cut open the seams on the edges and carefully slid the box out. It was a one-pound box of heaven, whatever it was.
I lifted the lid and found an envelope and below the envelope was a tray of double dipped dyno-mints. My eyes locked onto the chocolate like a heat-seeking missile. My hand reached outward, but my mom caught me mid grab.
“We can eat those later dear. Let’s open the letter and eat the refreshments we have out and I’ll chill these for tonight,” she said smiling.
Nick was watching me carefully, listening to our exchange.
“Sorry, I have a bit of a thing for those mint cookies,” I explained.
“No explanation needed, I could eat a pound of those all in a single sitting. It’s refreshing to have a friend that enjoys them as much as me,” he replied (clench, breath, and clench breath).
My mom was watching me out of the corner of her eye and smiled at me. She could tell I was developing a thing for the professor and quickly at that.
My dad pulled out his trusty letter opener. He carefully examined the envelope with a magnifying glass noting that there was something bulky in the envelope, but nothing of note to give away the content. Running his opener along with the V he opened the envelope and gently leaned it over. Another skeleton key fell out onto the tabletop wrapped in a soft cloth, followed closely by a sprig of mint. He examined the pages to make sure there was nothing else and handed me the pages to read.
You follow as a hound to the scent!
Of mint sweets that draw you nigh…
For every doorway that is opened…
Another barrier will be imposed.
Follow your heart and intuition.
You are getting closer to the answer.
Will you be afraid to walkthrough
that final door?
The key will show you all...
Regards,
(The Mint Leaf Signature Again)
That summer sun, whose genial glow
Now cheers my drooping spirit so
Must cold and distant be,
And only light our northern clime
With feeble ray, before the time
I long so much to see.
~Anne Bronte’~
My father laid the mint sprig with the others and compared them under the glass.
“Yep, the cutting is the same as the others. I do believe these are from the same plant,” he said.
I looked over at Nick, who was rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
“Thoughts?” I asked him, smiling into his eyes when he looked at me.
“Let us see what the key will tell us, then I can answer you!” he replied smiling back at me. My dad was trying to play it cool, but I could tell he was watching the interchange between the two of us (well, I haven’t made it a secret, duh).
“Be careful honey, you don’t know where that’s been!” My mom warned.
I glanced over at her and said:
“Well so far, nothing bad has happened. You said to go with my intuition and I don’t sense any danger mother. I think I’ll be ok.” I replied and gave her a wink.
I unwrapped, the key from its clothed cocoon and walked over to the box. Sliding the key into the second opening, I gave it a turn. This time a panel opened to the left of the original keyhole.
“Brilliant!” was all Nick could say.
“That’s it professor?” I asked.
“Well so far, you have been treated to drinks and sweets. I would say your admirer is quite a fan of yours!” he replied.
“The latest poem, Anne Bronte was an interesting choice I must say!” he continued.
“Actually, not really. The Morgan houses one of the largest Bronte collections in the world.” I replied.
You could have heard a pin drop.
“What, I learned that during my tour. When we were studying poetry at NYU, I actually went down to the vault and saw the original draft for that poem written in Anne’s own hand!” I continued.
“Well, The Morgan is closed at the moment,” Nick said looking at his Rolex watch.
“They are closed tomorrow as well.” My father reminded me.
“Well, damn!” I said in frustration throwing up my hands.
“I can meet you at The Morgan on Monday Morning with the girls to continue the investigation?” Nick volunteered.
I clenched thinking of Mr. Hotness leaving until Monday. The wheels on the bus were turning furiously. I could hear my phone buzzing; the girls were dying to know what was going on. Ok, time to go for the Hail Mary and see if we score a touchdown.
“Can I at least take you out to dinner as a thank you for helping me today?” I asked him (giving him the pleading eyes and pouty lip look).
“Well, my father is out of town until Monday and my schedule is open at the moment, dinner would be wonderful I should think!” he replied.
Nick smiled and looked over at my father like he was asking permission.
“You two have a nice dinner. I’ll be with your mother over at Frankie’s later if you would like to join us,” he said.
My head turned around doing a full three hundred and sixty-degree turn just like Linda Blair. Visions of Mr. Pink Champagne and a very tipsy Paige fluttered through my head.
“If it’s not too late, well come by to cheer you on dad!” I replied quickly.
I gently nudged Nick and took him aside.
“Should we change?” I asked (needing to freshen up).
“I would like to freshen up a bit. How about I go back to my flat and I’ll be back to pick you up in say one hour?” he asked politely.
“I’ll see you then,” I replied and we touched hands (I know romantic right?) and I walked him to the door.
After I had watched him drive off, I turned to find a smiling father standing next to me.
“Did you like my choice of backup?” he asked.
I threw my arms around my dad’s nec
k and gave him a huge hug!
“Thank you!” then I kissed his cheek and went running into the house yelling Mom!!!!
Chapter 24
I was talking a million miles a second. My mother bless her heart (look up under southern slang) just listened and held her hand up when something I said didn’t make sense. She should be a patron saint (well she is in our family). I was taking an emotional puke all over my parent’s bedroom. I mean Nick (sigh) and the whole mystery and how we are going out on a date and I really like him.
“Mom! Is it ok if we date? I asked.
“Yes, dear! You have my permission,” she replied.
“Will it seem unseemly? He is a bit older than me!” I squealed.
“He’s not that much older and besides he’s a good egg.” she patiently answered.
“Do you think the girls will approve?” I asked.
“Honey, they’ve been trying to get you to talk to him since the last time we had a girl’s day out.” she reminded me.
“They practically threw you under his car, I seem to recall someone was a bit smitten,” she added.
“Do you think Richard (Dr. Bennett Sr.) will approve of me?” I continued.
“Honey, you are going on a date. Take a deep breath and get your underwear out of a knot. Whatever you do, you are forbidden from drinking! The last thing you want to do is dump champagne on that man’s jacket again!” she said laughing.
I whipped my hand out pinky first and locked my pinky to hers!
“Deal!” I replied.
“Now what am I going to wear, I don’t want to come across as too reserved, but then again slutty might scare him away and on and on it went.” Saint mom just rolled her eyes and went along for the ride.
I must have stripped and gotten dressed at least a half dozen times and right when I was touching up my makeup the doorbell rang!
“Crap! It’s him! Mom, please tell him….” I pleaded.
“You have five minutes, that’s all I’ll cover for you,” she replied grinning.
I ran to the banister edge and peeked down at the men.
My dad had already greeted Nick at the door and had matters well in hand. Dino was already dressed in his favorite tux looking very much like Nick the lounge singer (from SNL- Shhhh! Don’t tell my dad, he will kill his only child) Nick was wearing the same outfit that he had on the night that we had met (ok I was a hot melted puddle of butter at this point) Mind you the outfit had been repeatedly dry cleaned and looked wonderful (thanks dad for paying the bill). The two of them made small talk waiting for the ladies to make their appearance. I ran back to my room to finish getting ready and saw my mom spying on me from her bedroom door.
