by Tia Lewis
Bianca
New York City. They say it’s the city that never sleeps, that it’s where you go to live out your “American Dream” or to find yourself. The city gives you more than you give it. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for whether it’s places or people. There’s something here for everyone.
But where does that leave me?
I looked out to the buildings surrounding me. Their flickering lights keeping the night sky lit while below, the constant noise of honking cars and chattering people on the streets rose up to my ears. The shoddy balcony keeping me above everything was a little less stable than I’d been comfortable with. For my last few nights in New York, I wanted to take the chance to look at everything one last time.
From the second I laid my eyes on my dinky little apartment, I knew my place in the city. I was just another busy bee running around trying to make a name for herself. I’d gotten lost in the crowd without gaining anything. The tiring “rat race” that took over people’s lives had taken over mine as well.
“Meow,” Stewart called to me, rubbing his head against my leg. I smiled down at him and pet him on the head, sighing softly.
“You know I’d take you with me if I could. Things are going to be different, but that’s not always a bad thing. Mom and dad will take good care of you.” I grinned a little but quickly realized what I’d said. So many thoughts had clouded my mind, that I’d forgotten to tell my folks about anything that’d happened.
Without wanting to waste another moment, I rushed back into my front room and searched for my phone. The cool, crisp air from outside blew into the apartment, making the entire place feel drafty. It was a nice change from how it usually was since the air system was somewhat broken on a regular basis. When I found my phone, I found that I was hesitant to dial my mother’s number.
The thirteen missed calls would’ve sent me into an episode on a regular day, but this was far from something “regular.” Instead of having to come up with a plan to impress the boss with my mother or hear a pep talk from my father, I’d be able to tell them everything they wanted to hear. But then… Why am I so anxious? I wondered indefinitely, the phone falling from my hands onto the couch cushion.
There’s no getting around it. I ran over the scenario a few times in my head. I’d be quick and assertive. I’d tell them everything I needed to without succumbing to their provoking questions and lackluster answers. For once in my life, it seemed like I had some sort of power. The feeling almost overwhelmed me, so I took a deep breath to calm myself.
I dialed the number without thinking about it, and in seconds someone on the other end picked up. Bracing myself for their voices, I asked, “Hello?”
“Bianca!” shouted a shrill male voice.
“Thank God! I thought you were hurt! You didn’t answer your phone all day. Where’ve you been?” said a stern female voice.
“Sorry. I’ve been kind of busy all day…”
“Too busy for your family?” asked Dad.
“You have better gotten that raise, young lady.”
“Wait a second. Did you ask for one?”
Withholding a groan, I replied, “Mom, Dad… This is going to sound kind of crazy, but I’m going to be going away for a while.”
They immediately clamored over each other with questions. I could already feel the stress building inside of me again. The last thing I wanted was for the feelings to come back to me. I curled my hand into a fist, it tightly bound and shaking.
“Please. Just…listen.”
The other end slowly went silent.
“I got a big case—finally. It’s the biggest case I’ve gotten so far. I can’t tell you all the details, but I’m going to be heading to Brazil soon and…” I’m really going…
“Brazil?!”
“Yeah, my client is there right now on vacation. I can’t disclose his name, but he’s kind of high profile. If things work out, then I’ll be up for a position at the firm for sure.”
As my parents started praising me, I felt myself slip away from the moment mentally. I should’ve been overjoyed. It was something I’d looked forward to for years. Undoubtedly, they’d be criticizing me again soon, but for just a few moments I didn’t have to worry about it anymore, I could bask in knowing I’d impressed them or even made them proud of me. Even if it didn’t last, it was worth it.
The realization was the hardest thing to come to terms with. Excitement mixed with anxiety was a potent mix I hadn’t quite gotten used to yet. My cat hopped up on the couch and curled up beside me as if sensing what I was going through. Slowly, I began to stroke Stewart along his back, and he purred gently, helping me calm down.
I fazed back into the conversation as a content smile played on my face. It was time to break away from everything I’d ever known, and it was better for me than anything else. “I’m going to need you to take care of Stewart for me while I’m away,” I told them calmly, interrupting whatever they were saying.
“I’ll be gone for around a month, so I’ll give you everything you need to take care of him. Just try not to feed him too much, all right, Mom?” I spent a few minutes sitting with Stewart after ending the call with my parents. After a few more strokes along the tabby’s back, I got up and headed back outside to the balcony.
The lights seemed to draw me into a trance as I looked at it all. I took in a deep breath, nearly gagging on the rancid air as I filled my lungs. With the exhale, I said my final words to the city, “Goodbye, New York.”
Bianca
So, this is it, I thought to myself as I looked out the window. Through the cab window, my eyes were nearly blinded by the ever-clear blue sky over the tightly compact buildings crowding what seemed to be a fairly busy city street. The colors jumped out at me—it wasn’t anything like I’d seen in New York. It was almost as if everything in the city was handcrafted or made with an individual architect in mind from the start.
After such a long plane ride, I wasn’t sure how to take it all in. The sights made me feel at home because of the buildings and the abundance of people, but at the same time, they weren’t the kind of people I was used to. A diverse mixture of the same people. All different shades dressed in different varieties of clothes. Diversity was commonplace in New York, but the lack of business suit wearing working class Yorkers made this seem more at ease.
My cab driver was wary of the others on the road with us. It wasn’t like back at home. Mopeds, people on foot, everything seemed to share the same road. Thank God, I don’t have to drive, I thought, trying to relax back in my seat. Even though I’d only spent the past few hours on the plane, it left both my mind and body exhausted. The best I could feel was relief that I was finally in Brazil.
It didn’t take long to reach the hotel. The highest rated hotel in Brazil, was also the closest from the airport, thankfully. My cab driver got my attention, and after giving him a tip, I was moving my luggage into the lobby.
From bottom to top the hotel seemed to shine and sparkle. Countless people walked in and out of the doors, some obviously tourists or staff members. They managed to keep the white marble floor impeccably clean showing off Brazil’s flag in the center of it all. Once I reached the front desk, I presented them with my ID, and they handed me my room card key without many words exchange between us.
I started to lug my carry-ons to the elevator, but a bellhop stopped me to give me assistance. “Oh, why thank you!” I said to him with a smile. He smiled in return, putting my bags onto the baggage cart and rolling it into the elevator with me.
“Hope you enjoy your stay, miss,” he said with a humble bow. He had a certain charm about him. The tan skin and light gray eyes really made him stand out from the other staff members. “We only want to offer the highest quality service to our patrons.”
“Of course, and might I say that you’re doing an excellent job so far!” I replied as we reached my floor. He trailed behind me as I searched for my room. The red carpet beneath us almost made me feel as tho
ugh I really was important somehow. The golden doorknobs on every door and the crystal doorframes made it hard to believe that I was worth such treatment. Is this what all big cases had to offer?
“Ah, here we are!” I announced. The bellhop rubbed his hands together, urging me to try my keycard. “Sorry, this is my first time being somewhere so… Well, you know.” I fiddled with the knob a little, but it quickly gave way to the keycard.
Ahead of me was a room ripped from a dream inspired by a movie. Everything was perfect. The room was varying shades of blue all around aside from the cream-colored pillows and insides of the bed sheets. It was spacious, cozy, and clean. There was enough room for a small chair, a deep cream armchair, and a coffee table by the window.
The bellhop swiftly came in and set my luggage down by the bed. He drew the curtains back and then beckoned to me with two fingers to join him. Still lost in a daze, it took me a second, but eventually, I went over to the window and stood beside him. He urged me to peer further out, and I could see some of the locals going about their day.
Just across from us was a construction site next to a park—barren at this time of the day. It was still in the early hours of the morning. However, some of the locals managed to catch my eye. The children running about on the street and their parents trying to catch up with them brought a smile to my face. Wouldn’t see something like that back at home…
I sighed contently and turned to see the bellhop eying me curiously. He held out his hand wordlessly, and in an instant, I knew what he was after. “You’ll have to excuse me… My boss paid for this trip, so…” I pulled out my wallet and fished around for a suitable tip.
The bellhop didn’t seem to mind the wait, his eyes presently staying expectant. I handed him a few bills, and he nodded approvingly.
“Thank you. I hope you enjoy your stay.” With his final words to me, he left me to myself, and I immediately fell in the bed. As I melted into the foam-like mattress, my eyes closed slowly. They were so heavy from the trip, I hardly had the energy to put my clothes away or start looking at the case.
Just before I drifted off, a vibrating phone caught my attention. Irritated, I answered it and asked, “Hello?”
“Hey, Reed. Just calling to check up on ya. You make it to the hotel?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“Okay, good. Baldwin should be coming by later on in the evening to pick you up. Get some questions prepared beforehand, so he doesn’t catch you off guard.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be ready for him.”
“Good. I’m sure you’ll do great.” Click.
I threw my phone to the other side of the bed and closed my eyes again. It didn’t take long for the darkness to take me as I drifted off to sleep.
Bianca
It was a different feeling waking up in Brazil. The hotel room sparingly used the air conditioning so I could tell the air was a little warmer than I was used to. Late in the afternoon, the harsh sunlight flooded my room from the window.
I stretched and sprawled out on the exquisite bed sheets that’d been laid out for me. They were almost as soft as the mattress beneath me. Despite my constrictive business attire, I felt oddly free—relieved. There was a whole new world to explore waiting for me just outside the door. I pulled myself out of bed and noticed an odd tingling sensation caressing my thighs.
At first, I didn’t think anything of it. There was usually a passing heat in the mornings, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. However, as I walked over to the window and peered outside, I noticed something changing within me. Things in Brazil happened at their own pace. They were slower, and I felt like I could take my time with things.
Dustin is supposed to be coming around in the evening, right? The small park across from the hotel was full of people. Groups of joggers circled around the other people at the park, all occupying themselves by having picnics or working out at one of the provided exercise stations. Out of all of them, one man caught my eye in particular.
He was dark, lean, and working his legs on what seemed to be a makeshift treadmill. Watching him stirred something deep within me. It was a flare—a spark of something I used to know. I lost myself a little, my eyes going lidded as I thought up a fantasy.
Being scooped up and carried off by his big, muscular arms. Smelling his harsh, manly scent and feeling him against my body. I’d feel safe and secure. He’d take care of me. God, it’s been too long, I thought, my mind swirling as the scenario continued.
To feel his touch and his warmth all over me sent shivers down my spine. I didn’t even know who he was, and I wanted him. For him to explore me with his hands and throw me down on the bed, kiss me softly and sweetly, making me feel loved. I couldn’t remember the last time a man had ever done that for me.
The taste of a man’s lips. His power and his control were almost intoxicating—an addiction. Without realizing it, my hand traveled down past my waist, the side rubbing against my thighs. I hummed quietly to myself, enjoying the sensations for a moment. Out of all the things I regretted about having such an overbearing workload, was the lack of time I had to myself. The lack of time I had to find someone that’d treat me the way I wanted.
The way I needed.
In the back of my mind, I started to realize what I was doing and gradually pulled my hand away from myself. My cheeks grew warmer at the acknowledgment of my lewd actions, the wanton needs within me starting to bud after being hidden under the surface for so long. I was thankful that no one was around to witness it, but at the same time imagining someone was there excited me.
The traces of heat flushing my cheeks carried all throughout my body, and my fingers tapped the sides of my thighs. What if he looked right at me right now? I wondered, biting down on my lip a little. What if he saw me looking at him like this? What would he do? Would he give me a show?
Before I knew it, I couldn’t stop thinking about him taking me on the bed. The feeling of his hardness against me would overwhelm me. Oh, God! What am I doing? Reluctantly, I forced the thoughts out of my head and brought myself back into reality.
Embarrassment flooded my senses, and I shied away from the window. Maybe one day I’ll find some time for some fun around here… In the back of my mind, I started to think about my client again. My initial draw to him still had a pull on me.
There was something about his blue eyes that wouldn’t let me forget about him. What kind of questions would I even ask him? I wondered, sitting down at the edge of my bed. Should I ask him outright if there’s anything he wants to tell me? I should probably introduce myself and let him know he can trust me with anything first.
I folded my hands together and twiddled my thumbs. It was difficult to get my mind to hold back any flustered thoughts. The lustful energy from viewing the man in the park was still running through me, and although I tried to focus on the questions to prepare for Dustin, I ended up daydreaming about him again for a short while.
I can’t mess up an opportunity like this. I need to focus. Maybe I should go out to get some fresh air. See the sights. That’ll help me get my head straight. I took a deep breath and stretched out. Upon picking up my phone, I checked the time to see it wouldn’t be long before evening. There’s enough time for a little stroll. I’ll just have to be quick. If I get lost, I can always call a cab.
At last, I started to feel the heat start to fade, and I walked across the room to my baggage. I unzipped the suitcase at the top, but a bright red card caught my attention from the corner of my eye. “Hmm… What’s this?”
I picked up the card and checked the front and the back. It was completely blank—only having an emblem in the shape of a “J” on its front. “How strange…”
Bianca
Evening was approaching, but I didn’t see a hint of Dustin anywhere. What do people do for fun around here? I wondered, thinking back to the pamphlet I’d read on the plane ride over to Brazil.
The dazzling colors stood out to me the most from memory. I also recalled
music being a focus. Maybe I can find some gifted locals? I ran my fingers through my hair a few times, thinking it over. After checking the time on my phone, I made my decision—I had nothing better to do.
I threw on one of the few casual blouses and skirts I had and flew out the door. There was a sense of excitement from getting to explore a new world waiting for me outside the hotel. I’d gotten glimpses—even tastes of it—but nothing could compare to seeing everything for myself in person. Nothing could keep me from the full experience, and as I made my way into the hotel’s lobby, it only became more apparent that Brazil was a very different world from New York.
Everyone around me was in small groups and phones were a rarity among them. They dressed casually, wearing short sleeved shirts and shorts, for the most part, all of them seeming relaxed and friendly. I looked over at a few of them, and they smiled at me instantly, prompting me to smile back. Even though things seemed to be as hectic as in the city—given how many people were there—things moved at a slower pace. I could breathe here.
“Man, I could get used to this…” I muttered under my breath as I pushed through the doors, leaving the lobby. As I stepped down the stairs leading to the fountain at the center of the plaza, I couldn’t help marveling at the beauty of the place. The fountain itself was surrounded by exotic tropical trees and flowers of all sorts. It nearly distracted me from the luxury cars coming up and around it to drop off various guests to the hotel.
I’d always dreamed of living in a place like this. A place that was respected and revered. Known to all as the “hot spot” reserved for only the highest class of people to enter. It was almost like I was a little girl again flipping through the pages of a magazine. My dream job had finally landed me a spot that I wanted, and no one could take it from me.
