“Goodnight. Dinner was nice, but I need to go.”
“You aren’t going to walk me to my apartment?”
“No.”
“Is this a joke?”
“No, it’s the end of our date.” Ding…ding…ding…the elevator kept ringing.
“Is there a problem, Miss Bennett?” Clyde rushed over and saw her and Eric in discussion.
“Everything is fine, Clyde. Dr. King just got his hand caught in the door.”
“Do you want me to get some ice or the first aid kit?”
“No. I’ll take care of his hand upstairs…isn’t that right?” She looked at Eric.
“Yes. All I need is a little ice and I’ll be fine. Thank you, Clyde.” Eric stepped inside the elevator and Olivia pressed the button for her floor. They rode up to the twenty-third floor in silence. Once the elevator stopped, Olivia exited and noticed Eric was still inside. “What are you doing?”
“I’ve seen you to your floor, and now I’m leaving.”
“You can’t.”
He held the door. “Why not?”
“Because Clyde will get curious as to why you’re back so soon.” The elevator started to ding again. “Get off before my neighbor calls about the dinging.”
He looked down the hall for another door. The only other door was at the far end of the hall. He smiled and exited the elevator, and followed her to her apartment. She opened the door and they walked inside. Eric was very gentlemanly. He closed the door and remained by the credenza. He looked around, spotted the flowers he had sent, and watched Olivia get comfortable.
“How much longer are you going to stand there?” she called out.
“Why did you want me to come up?”
“It’s customary for a gentleman to escort his date to her front door after a date.”
“I did just that when I walked you to the elevator.”
She walked over and handed him a short glass containing dark brown liquid. “What’s this?”
“Something to help your hand.” She took a sip from the glass and stood across from him.
“Smooth.”
“So, are you going to kiss me?”
“Why would I want to kiss you?”
“It’s another post date custom.”
He nodded his head. “I see. You like being in charge.”
She slowly dragged her finger around the rim of the glass. She dipped her finger inside the glass and put it in her mouth. She slowly removed her finger, smiled and took another sip. He was fascinated. She had a power over him. But it was too soon to give in. He had to see how long she was willing to play this game.
“That’s such a hard statement. I prefer to think of it as planning. Every situation needs a planner, and I feel I am the best person for that role in my relationships.”
He laughed, took another sip, and placed his glass on the credenza. “Goodnight.”
“Excuse me?”