Illusion (3 page)

             
"So this is your office." She hands me a slip of paper. "This is your user name and password for the computer, your email and account information is the same as before. If you have any issues, let me know and I'll get the tech guy in here. We're still new at running things, but it should be very similar to back at the Atlanta office. Susan from Editing is going to be joining us on Tuesday, she just accepted the offer yesterday, so you will know someone."

             
That makes me smile. Susan is the sweetest woman in the world. She is fifty two, with five kids, twelve grand babies, and is a widow. I'm surprised she'd leave her family behind like that, but she always swore she was part gypsy and was going to get away one day. I guess her one day is now.

             
I sit at the desk and type in the information she gave me for my user name and password. It accepts it and the computer loads the icons on the screen. It looks very similar to what I'm used to, just a little updated and rearranged.

             
"You won’t have any assignments today or tomorrow, but starting Monday, you'll be back at this full force. Right now we just want you to get used to things, make sure you're comfortable, you get to know everyone. Here is an office supply catalog." She places it on the desk in front of me. "If you really need anything, skim through it and let me know. I have to get it approved, but more than likely we can get you what you need. We want to be a family here, and we want you comfortable. If you have any questions or concerns, contact me directly. I'm extension seven-oh-nine. Gemma is seven-oh-one. She is the head of this office and everything has to be approved by her."

             
"Okay, thanks so much. I think I got it."

             
"Perfect. Now, lock your computer, you always want it locked when you’re away. You're responsible for everything on it unless it's a technical issue. I'll show you around the office, introduce you to everyone that you'll need to know, and explain your schedule for breaks and such."

             
I follow her around and by the time we're done, it's closing in on lunch time. She tells me I can go ahead and take it now if I want, but to be back in exactly one hour. Back home we usually brought lunch with us and we all sat on the back porch and talked. There was only about thirty of us in the office, and we didn't all work at once. I had made quite a few close friends over the years and I miss them like crazy right now. I'm not sure what to do, where to go, or anything else for lunch.

             
I decide to leave and find a sandwich shop or something. No one else seems to be leaving the same time and it makes me feel awkward leaving alone, but I do it anyways. In the elevator I secretly wish I could call the only friend I've made so far in New York City to have lunch with me, but I'm sure Harvey is at work and is busy. Plus, I didn't even get his number in return.

             
There happens to be a fast food joint across the street from my work building, which I hadn't noticed before. I walk down to the cross walk then make my way over there. I don't usually eat fast food, I like home cooked southern meals, but it'll do when I didn't prepare anything for today. I'll have to order off the value menu though.

             
Walking in, I'm greeted by the one person I was just thinking about. I pause for a second, wondering if he really is stalking me. Maybe he is a creepy murderer after all. I swallow my fear and do my best attempt of a smile, while feeling a little sketched out by the situation.

             
"Sorry if I'm coming on a little strong. You mentioned where you were working and I don't work today until three. I figured I'd see if you'd eat at the only fast food place on the strip. Since you're new around here, you're a little predictable." He smiles in a shy way, probably embarrassed by his behavior, and he is shuffling his feet awkwardly.

             
I decide he is just being genuine. I'm not sure if I'll regret this, but I was just hoping I'd see him and here he is. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to while I'm eating. Plus, I'm getting as little food as possible, not able to afford too much this week, so I'll have some extra time to do absolutely nothing. Having company will be nice.

             
I give him a small smile. "Well, that was awfully kind of you." He smile grows as he leaves his nervous behavior behind. "Are you eating as well?"

             
He laughs while running his hand through his hair. "I actually ate already. I've been here," he looks down at his watch, "an hour and ten minutes."

             
I can't help but laugh out loud, completely thrown off. "I'm not sure if that's sweet or scary, but it's funny nonetheless."

             
I can see him swallow as he looks away from me. I guess that'll teach him to stop giving off the stalker-vibe.

             
I order a burger, fries, and milkshake, then I sit down with Harvey. He had grabbed some ketchup and a straw for me while I was waiting for my food. I thank him before dipping a few fries into the ketchup.

             
"So how has your first day gone so far?"

             
After setting down my milkshake, I tell him about my morning. He seems genuinely happy for me.

             
I'm happier than I thought I would be. When I pictured my first day, heck, my first month up here, I thought I'd be lonely and depressed, crying myself to sleep at night, dreading waking up in the morning. I'm not sure if it's the change of scenery, meeting a stranger, getting away from Kirt's grave and his family, what it is, but I'm actually smiling, laughing, and enjoying myself.

             
When I'm done talking about my day, I ask him what we're going to be doing on Saturday.

             
"I'm bringing you on the beginner’s tour."

             
"What is that?" I'm almost afraid to ask.

             
His face brightens. "Well, it's what I call the tour that I give to newbies. See, if you're moving here, there are a few places you'll want to see and know. When you're just visiting, it's directed more towards the scenery, the places that are well known and heavily visited. If you're going to move here, it's full of theaters, museums, libraries, a few shops and that stuff. On your second tour, I'll bring you to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the places people think of when they think of New York City. I have other tours as well, depending on why you need a tour and what you're looking for."

             
"Wow, that sounds great." One thing he says sticks out the most though. "When I tour... again?"

             
"Ah, you caught that," he says with a devilish grin.

             
"I did indeed."

             
He shrugs his shoulders and leans down in the chair a little more, relaxing. "I thought I'd give it a try. Of course you don't have to accept, but I'm sure after Saturday, you'll be begging for me to show you the wonders of the city."

             
I roll my eyes. "We'll see how Saturday goes. Do I owe you anything for the tour?"

             
He looks offended. "No, not at all. Just your time."

             
"You're so corny." I stand up to empty my tray but he grabs it faster and brings it over to the trash. "I need to head back to work," I tell him.

             
He looks down at his watch again. "Alright. Same time tomorrow?" His eyes are very hopeful.

             
"Well, I was planning on packing a lunch tomorrow."

             
"So I'll meet you outside of your office building. We can maybe go to a park?" He questions it, but there is still that automatic assumption I'll accept. I have to think of what Emi would want me to do, and I have a feeling she'd be shoving me into his embrace.

             
"That sounds great, but my lunch actually starts at one, I was just early today."

             
"Well I'm glad it was, that would have been longer of a wait."

             
I shake my head, amused with him. "Bye Harvey."

             
"Bye Zoey.”

We part ways and I make my way back into work.

              The weather man claimed it was going to be a gorgeous, sunny day, but currently it's foggy, chilly, with a light amount of dew. I don't like it, not one bit. I decide to dress in layers, just in case. I'm not exactly sure where Harvey is planning on taking me, so while deciding on my hair, I pull it into a tight pony tail, also keeping my makeup light. I want to look nice, but I don't want to look like a fashion model while traveling the city.

             
I meet Harvey at the address he gave me, which happens to be a pier. The fog is extra thick around here and it gives me the chills, especially when there isn't much around. It's still early morning and the sun hasn't fully made its entrance into the sky.

             
He smiles softly when he spots me, handing me a coconut coffee, which I can tell is from the same cafe we first had a conversation in. I take it from his hands, extremely grateful by his thoughtful gift. "Thanks," I tell him with a smile of my own.

             
"You're more than welcome. You're not much of a morning person, are you?"

             
I blow into the coffee spout, then take a small sip, savoring the delicious taste. "No," I tell him after my sip. He laughs softly. "You'd think so after working the same job with the same schedule all these years, I'd be used to early mornings, but I hate them. Always will."

             
"I'm not big on them either. That is why I work the evening shift most days."

             
I continue sipping on the coffee while we get walking.

             
"So today, like I mentioned, I'm bringing you to all the best places in the city that aren’t meant for tourists."

             
"Okay," I tell him with a smile.

             
"Do you like art, movies, plays, anything like that?"

             
"I like movies," I say with a shrug. "I've never been one of those people that are into art, theater, or much of anything like that. I do like history though."

             
He looks a little bummed but doesn't say so. "That's fine. I'm sure once you see the places, you'll fall madly in love."

             
We end up at a cute little museum just outside the city. It's filled with large windows, overlooking the ocean. You can even see the Statue of Liberty from inside and it's beautiful. There is a lady that meets us at the front door, and she ends up giving me a map of the place. Harvey and I read along the printed pages, exploring different rooms and the different history that each thing brings. It isn't a top of the line museum, it's more of a hole in the wall type place, which probably won't be open for many more years. I like it though, I like the personal effect it brings.

             
"What is your favorite thing about history? When you think about all that you've learned in school, what interested you the most?"

             
I don't even have to think on that. "Don't tease me, but I loved learning about the dinosaurs, and about fossils. That stuff has always intrigued me. I used to say when I was little I was going to be an archeologist when I grew up." I can't even contain the smile on my face. I probably look like such a geek right now, but I don't mind.

             
He chuckles softly with a shake of the head. "Dinosaurs and fossils, huh? That's pretty cute. So why didn't you become an archeologist?"

             
"Life happened. I grew up. I don't know."

             
He stops me and runs his hand down my arm, comforting me when I'm feeling a little glum. "It's never too late."

             
"I'm twenty seven, I don't have that much time."

             
"Not with that attitude." He winks and continues to walk.

             
After the museum, we end up at an old theater. It's one I've heard about before, when I watched a documentary on television once. I remember thinking it'd be awesome to visit, knowing a lot of famous actors started out here. It's not used often anymore, only for a few plays a year. People care more about Broadway now, but one day I'd like to come see a performance.

             
While heading to the third place Harvey is supposed to bring me, we pass an abandoned school ground. It's built mostly in brick, but it's missing a wall, and some of it looks like it's been burnt down. It looks interesting and I kind of want to see inside of it.

             
After Harvey pulls on my hand, we walk through the fence together, onto the tar that has tall weeds growing out of the cracks. There is old playground equipment off to the side and a flag that has seen better days flapping around on the top of a large pole. I look to Harvey, giving him a questioning glance. It's like he read my mind. "What are we doing here?"

             
He smiles with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You'll see."

             
Stepping over a few things, we make it to a door that is unlocked. "Are we going to get arrested?" I question.

             
"Trust me Zoey, we're fine."

             
I sigh but manage to follow him regardless of my fear. We walk down a long hallway that is filled with miniature sized lockers, most of them are opened, some are actually missing doors. I'm shocked when I see some papers still shoved inside one of them.

             
"This was a popular school in the seventies, mostly for those in the rich community. Although it wasn't private, you had to pay for your own books and stuff, so the wealthy basically ran it. They're not sure why, it's never been solved, but the water somehow got poisoned. When everyone in the school was getting sick, it started a small riot and a lot ended up passing away right in the halls. After a majority of the students here passed away, their parents came to the school and set fire to the place. It was quickly put out, but not before a handful more died. It's one of the most haunted places in the city."

             
It literally feels like things are crawling on me as he tells me the story. When I look into one of the classrooms that seems to be unscathed, I'm reminded of a history report this girl Dot did in my class years ago. It was about a haunted school in New York City. This must be it. How freaky!

             
Harvey continues telling me different facts about it and I'm feeling my heart breaking for all those families. Those poor, innocent children, their parents, the teachers. Everyone. Such a tragedy. I'm surprised it isn't told more often. "I don't bring people here, but I thought it'd be interesting to show you. You seem like the type of person that embraces death, instead of fearing it like most."

             
I look at him, surprised he'd think that of me. "In a way, yeah. I like the thought of their being spirits and an afterlife. It gives you a sort of comfort. I don't believe those who haunt us are evil, well, not all. I believe they're mad and trapped in some sort of limbo. They're trying to get out, someway, somehow."

             
"That is a great way to think about it."

             
“I thought so,” I say, feeling a little shy all of a sudden. I don’t normally open up like that.

             
We turn back around and walk out of the school. I run my hand along a wall that is covered in soot and dust. I look at my fingers when I get outside and can feel my heart break once more for those the tragedy effected.

             
I clear my mind and inhale some fresh air once we're off the property. It's getting much warmer out, just like the weather man said. I take off my sweatshirt and wrap it around my waist. I feel pathetic doing this, it isn't something I've done since I was in high school, but it's a place to put my sweatshirt while we continue.

             
"Where to now?" I ask.

             
"I don't know about you, but I'm starving. How about some food?"

             
"I'd love that!" I really hope I didn't sound too excited about food.

             
He fidgets with his own hands for a moment before reaching over and grabbing my hand. I let him. It's weird. It's a different feeling, one I thought I'd never get again. I feel content with it.

             
He seems to notice that his gesture shocked me, and he asks, "Is this okay?" While giving my hand a squeeze.

             
"Yeah, it is," I tell him honestly.

             
His face lights up and my heart rate speeds up. I never thought I'd be okay with this again. The fact I'm happy with it, especially so easily, so soon after meeting Harvey, I'm almost scared I'm allowing things to happen too fast. Okay, I am letting things happen too fast. I won't let him kiss me, I tell myself. That would be too much too soon. Holding hands, that is okay. Friends do that.

             
Harvey brings me to a quaint little family restaurant. It's filled with your basic, every day foods. It's kind of refreshing. I don't feel overwhelmed when choosing what I want to eat for lunch, I'm perfectly content with tomato soup and two grilled cheese sandwiches.

             
"Tell me a little about yourself, Zoey."

             
I think on it for a minute. What can I tell him that won't cause him to run for the hills? Things he doesn't already know. I can't tell him about my dead fiancé, my depression, my panic attacks, my OCD that developed over this past year. I can't tell him how I hardly have friends anymore, how I was most recently living my parents because it was too hard to live on my own, especially in a place I shared with Kirt. That I only moved up here and took the job because I'd probably have been fired back at home and my family practically forced me.

             
I don't have much more to tell him when I really think about it. "I'm not sure what you want to know. I moved here from Georgia, as you know, I'm closing in on thirty and can't say I'm where I thought I'd be. I love my job most days, I'm close to my sister, Emi, and I love my parents. My favorite food is ice cream, I'd eat it three times a day if I could get away with it. I hate working out though, so I don't. My best friend moved to Florida three years ago, her name is Tabby. That is about it."

             
"Where did you think you'd be at twenty seven then?" He leans back and waits for my answer.

             
I answer him honestly. "I thought I'd be married, with two kids, a dog named Rover, an average sized home with a fenced in back yard, good vehicles. You know, the average family in America."

             
"The average family in America ten years ago. Welcome to the new generation. Things aren't like that anymore."

             
I huff out an annoyed breath. Not annoyed at Harvey, annoyed with reality. "Yeah, tell me about it."

             
"So what stopped you?" he asks.

             
"Stopped me from what? Living the American dream?"

             
He nods his head. "Yeah. Why aren't you married, kids, and all that?"

             
"I need to use the restroom." I get up and walk to the bathroom as fast as I possibly can. I know I probably just freaked him out, but I can't help it. I can't answer that question right now. I hardly know Harvey and answering all those personal questions is something I'm not even close to ready for.

             
I splash some water on my face and look into the mirror. I look... happy. Wow. I wasn't expecting that. Thinking how this morning has gone, I can see why. I've been able to talk, laugh, joke, and see things around a beautiful city I wouldn't have seen without Harvey. He is making me happy. I'm thankful for that. I'm also scared. I need to talk to Emi. Since I can't right now, I made plans to do some more things with Harvey today, I decide to take a few deep breaths, use the restroom, then head back out.

             
When I sit at the table, he doesn't say anything about me running off. Instead he readjusts himself in his chair, then leans forward, his face looking a little serious. "Ready to go?"