The ringing of Lisa’s phone snaps her from her daze. Looking around her shower, she’s alone. She removes her fingers from between her legs. Her body begins to shake because she’s not sure what just happened to her. Turning off the shower, she reaches out and grasps her towel. Drying her hair quickly, she wraps the towel around her slender frame and pushes the curtain open. Stepping out onto the bathmat, she stands there for a moment, collecting herself. Closing her eyes, she again counts to ten.
“Please let whatever’s happening stop. I can’t do this. Not today, not ever. Please make it stop.” Opening her eyes, she looks around her bathroom, wondering if whatever was in the mirror will make another appearance, or if she’ll be given the gift of peace. The water draining down her tub makes a soft groan, as the remains of the seductive demon disappears.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Tonight’s the big event that Lisa's been planning. She’s hosting one of the red carpet events in Manhattan. "The Movie of the Year" is hosting the celebrities starring in the film, giving awards and face-time for promoting their movie. Many A-list celebrities have been confirmed by their agents to make an appearance. Arriving at the office, she meets Mariah on the front steps. Taking Lisa’s briefcase, Mariah hands her a stack of messages and begins going over the day's events. “Samuel needs to speak with you first thing today. Then I have your office ready to go. I’ll meet you up there to go over today’s event to make sure I have everything ready for you.”
“Mariah, you’re amazing. Thank-you.” Mariah smiles at her boss as she walks in the direction of Lisa's office.
Walking towards Samuel's office carrying only her coffee tumbler, everything is buzzing. This party will definitely put Lisa on the PR map. She can feel that things will be changing for her tonight. Lisa looks at the pictures on the walls. They have changed in the last five years she’s been here. Some of the photos are now of her with celebrities, actors, musicians, and athletes. Approaching Samuel’s door, Lisa knocks and pushes the door open. Hearing his voice, Lisa peeks in and Samuel looks up, waving her inside.
“I don’t care! That’s not what I agreed to! No you tell him…” He trails off as his eyes meet Lisa’s. It looks like he’s pissed but when he looks to her, his face transforms into a smile. He motions for her to sit down. Nodding, she takes a seat and crosses her legs. “You tell them the deal is off, then. No, I don’t have time for this bullshit!” Pressing what she assumes is the end button on the device, he pockets his cell phone. Running a hand through his hair, Samuel turns his attention to her and offers a smile. “Lisa, you ready for your big night?”
She nods, intertwining her fingers in her lap. “I am, but is everything okay? I hope it’s okay to ask.” She raises her brows, biting on her lip.
He smiles at her as he stands up and walks around his desk, leaning on it in front of her. He crosses his arms over his chest and sighs, nodding his head. “Yeah, all is well. I’m in the position of acquiring another PR firm. They’re being asshats.” He chuckles. Looking down to her, he smirks. “You ready to light Hell on fire tonight?”
She grins at his terminology, then nods. “That I am. You're coming, right?”
He nods. “Wouldn’t miss it.” She feels a light blush touch her cheeks as he chuckles and pushes off of his desk. “Steven was right about you, Lisa. You’ve done great things here.” Looking back at her he grins, then turns back to the wall. Pressing a button, he opens a secret cabinet and exposes a row of liquors.
Looking over at Samuel, she stands and makes her way across the room. Impressed by the display of liquors in glass containers, she asks, “What’s in this glass container?”
He grins as he opens a top door, allowing cold air to escape. He reaches in with tongs and pulls out two cubes of ice, placing them in a glass. He picks up the clear liquor, then pours it over the ice. The ice begins to crack against the lukewarm liquor. “This is Grey Goose. I believe it’s one of your favorites.” He hands Lisa the glass. Replacing the glass stopper, he turns to her and clinks her glass. “To your success tonight. May it be legendary.”
He takes a sip, his eyes remaining on hers. She finds this almost intimidating, but alluring. Bringing the vodka to her lips, she takes a sip and then lowers the glass, appreciating the burn in her throat. The two stand there for a moment longer. Just as Lisa is about to speak, Samuel’s intercom buzzes. He grins down at her. “Hold that thought,” he says and crosses the room. Lisa watches him as he picks up his phone.
Lisa looks at a few of the pictures Samuel has hanging on his wall. One is of the current president shaking his hand, another is a photo with Nelson Mandela. Looking further down, she finds a framed picture of her, Samuel, and Steven at the Gala from last year. Memories return to her and she smiles softly. Taking another sip of the Grey Goose, the chill of the ice grazes her lip as the liquor burns.