Clockwork Romance (6 page)

Karina was just staring at me like she was waiting for me to take a bow. Instead, she said, “That’s an interesting story.”

“Well,” I say, “now that you mention it, how many people do you know only stay in one relationship their entire lives?”

“Not very many, if any.”

“Do you think it’s the fear of commitment?” I ask.

“I don’t think it’s so much a fear as it is something people don’t want or care about. But you know, the longer you go without somebody in your life, the more likely you’d be willing to accept it. Commitment, that is. If you have plenty of people to be around, plenty of friends, then who the hell cares if you screw up a relationship with one person? Now if you have no one, the more you crave companionship, assuming loneliness isn’t something you like.”

This talk was going well, so I decided to push the conversation a little further. “I’m guessing marriage isn’t something that’s really interested you?”

          
“I’d like to… someday. If I haven’t grown old and withered by then.”

“Don’t be too doubtful about it
,” I told her, trying to comfort her. “You’re a great catch.”

Now she looked ready to say something else. “When you say that, is it based solely on my appearance? My looks?”

“No,” I tell her. “Not completely, at least. Like you said, there’s always an attraction, but I can tell that there’s more to you than what appearances may suggest.” She gave me a smile, then I smiled back. That’s when the waitress came by to ask us if we needed anything else. We didn’t, so she gave us our check and told us to have a good night. Yeah, like she meant that. The bill was twenty-three dollars and some change, so I took out a twenty and a five and put them on the table.

“Wait,” Karina interrupted. “You’re only going to tip a little over a dollar?”

“Yeah, and she’s sort of lucky I’m tipping anything, but I don’t carry around exact change,” I said.

“What the hell is up with that?” she questioned.

“It’s long, it’s complicated. Long story short, I used to work in a restaurant just like this, and more often than not, she’s going to use my money along with everyone else’s just to go get drunk or something. Me, I like to know exactly what my money is being spent on, so I’m sorry, but I’m not in the business of funding other people’s wild endeavors.” I sort of am if you think about it, but I won’t mention it. What was weird was that Karina began to smirk.

“Is that just another way of saying you’re cheap?” she asked.

I give her a funny look. I can’t believe she just called me cheap. “No it’s not. And to prove it…” I took my wallet out and took out another twenty dollar bill. I saw the look in Karina’s eyes as I put the bill on the rest with the others. “How’s that?” I asked.

“I guess I take back what I said.” And with her stunning green eyes staring into mine, she continued, “So where do we go from here? The evening is still young. I would hate for it to end so suddenly.” Karina looked up and to the right, like she was thinking. Then her eyes went right back to look at me. “How about we go back to your place? For a nightcap. I think we know ea
ch other well enough now to where we can visit. What do you say?”

“I say… what are we waiting for? Let’s not waste time growing older.” We leave and head back to my apartment. Once there, I open up the door and allow Karina to go inside first. As I close the door behind me, she says, “I really want to tha
nk you for being such a gentleman tonight. It was really nice.” That was the first time in a long time I’ve been called a gentleman. Karina stood in the middle of the room and looked around. “You have a really nice place,” she said, setting her purse down on the coffee table. “May I have a seat?” she asked politely, her arms stretched outward toward the couch.

“Of course, and thank you,” I said. She took a seat and awaited for me to accompany her. “Would you like anything to drink?” I inquired, hoping she would join me in a beer.

“Well if you’re going to have something, I wouldn’t mind joining you, thanks.”

“How about a beer?” I suggested.

“Great,” she said. But first I have to use the bathroom” The way she told me that last part made it sound like she was telling me a secret.

“Sure, it’s right in there, straight ahead.” I pointed towards my somewhat of a hallway. It was more like a square area with a door straight ahead and a door on the right. The door on the right led into another bedroom, but I only used it for storage. It was full of all the random things I‘ve accumulated over the years.

“Thanks. I’ll be right back,” she said. She got up and went into the bathroom. Meanwhile, I went into the kitchen to grab two beers from the fridge and two glasses from the freezer, then took them over to the couch and set them down on the coffee table. They were Chat Noirs to be exact. I always drink my beer from a glass. Beer always tastes better that way.

As I’m sitting on the couch, I stare at the glasses. There are two of them. That’s one more than usual. Right now, I’m not alone. I have someone with me. Someone who wants to be with me. Someone who wants to be around me. I feel alright. Karina comes out and joins me on the couch.

“Don’t you just love returning to a room and having a drink waiting for you?” she asked rhetorically. We take our beers and pour them into our respective glasses. I didn’t want to pour them while she was in the bathroom. She might think I was trying to drug her or something.

As we finish pouring, Karina asks, “What shall we drink to?” I think for a moment. Perhaps to a lovely evening, or the days ahead? I’ve got it. “Here’s to a newly blossomed friendship.” We touch glass and take a drink. I’m not certain that I know how this night will end, but I hope that it will lead to more nights like this. I was uncertain of what to do next, though. Instead, Karina offered a solution.

“You wanna watch television, or do you feel more comfortable drinking a beer in silence?

I had a better idea. “How about we see a movie instead?”

“Don’t you think it’s a little late to go to a movie?” she said

“I wasn’t suggesting that we go out to a movie, I meant let’s watch one here.”

“Okay, then. What do you have in mind?”

I get up and walk to a cabinet on the left side of the television. “I’m somewhat of a film collector, so listing every single one might take a little long. However, I do have one in mind.” I reached into the cabinet and pulled out my copy of “It Happened One Night.” “How about this one?” I suggest, not fully expecting her to know what it was.

“I don’t think I’ve seen that one,” she answers.

“Oh, it’s a magnificent film,” I tell her, hoping to educate her on classic American cinema. “It c
ame out in nineteen thirty-four and was the first film to win all five of the major academy awards. And it’s also one of my personal favorites.”

“I can’t
wait to watch it then,” she said, sounding almost as eager as I did, unsure if she was being sarcastic. Anyway, I put the movie in and rejoin her on the couch. We spend the next hour and forty-five minutes being reminded of the good ol’ days. Days I unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to live in. I believe those were simpler times. During the movie, Karina looks very engulfed in it. I suppose she would, since it is a romance film.

Karina and I don’t act like a couple while sharing the couch together. We don’t hold hands, she doesn’t rest her head on my shoulder, nor do I try to put my arm around her. We stay on our own sides of the couch, her on t
he left side, and me on the right. She even takes her shoes off, so she can put her feet up on the couch. By the time the movie was over, we had already gone through most of a twelve pack of Chat Noir. I think it’s safe to say that we’re both more than just a little buzzed. But it’s okay, because I can handle my alcohol. I always can.

The credits roll, and I ask, “So, what did you think?” with a smile.

Karina answers, “It was really good. I liked it.”

“Yeah?” I get up to take the disc out of the DVD player.

“I loved Ellie,” she added. “She was so sweet and lovely, despite being privileged. It was like once she met Peter, then it was clear that the two were meant to be, even if they didn’t know it right away.”

“Right,” I replied. Suddenly, I heard a tapping sound on my window.

“Do you hear that,” she asked. “Is it raining?”

I opened the curtain just beside the television to not only find out that it was indeed raining, but I was also greeted by a loud rolling thunder. I answered with an obvious, “I believe so.”

Karina let out a laugh and said, “I guess it appears as though I’m not going anywhere tonight. Even if it wasn’t raining, I don’t think I’m in any condition to drive.”

“Sure thing,” I told her, “but I’m not going to allow a guest of mine to just sleep on the couch. You can have my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

As she stands up and attempts to walk to my bed, she mentions, “I know I’ve said this already, but you really are a gentleman.” That makes the second time in forever that I’ve been called a gentleman. She turns on the lamp once she reaches the nightstand next to my bed, then she sits down. I make my place on the couch, lying down to where I can see into my room so I can keep an eye on Karina. Not that there is anything to be suspicious about, but who wouldn’t want to keep an eye on her?

“I hope you don’t mind if I make myself comfortable,” Karina calls out.

“Not at all,” I say. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

I notice her sliding off her pants and tossing them on the floor. I pretend to have my eyes closed, but I can’t help but to notice her perfect legs and how they look in the dim light. She had on pink panties, which I could tell were lace. However, she kept her shirt on, then turned on the lamp and got into bed. I suppose this is the next step in achieving the relationship I’ve been looking for. I mean, we’re not in the same bed, but at least I’m not alone. And I like it. I’m beginning to feel happier. Now I try to go to sleep. Karina. Her name is Karina.

Chapter 6

I’m being awaken
ed by the sound of my phone vibrating. Why would a vibrating sound wake me up? I must have been close to waking up on my own anyway. It’s daylight, but since I am not in my room, I don’t know what the time is. So I look at my phone, which is still vibrating, meaning someone must really need to talk to me. The time said 11:54 am. Today was Saturday.

“Hello?” I say, answering my phone. I’m trying not to wake Karina. Honestly, I’m not sure if she’s still asleep. Maybe she’s just waiting for me to get up first.

“Is this a good time for an arrangement?” said a male voice I didn’t recognize. I was pretty sure what this was going to entail anyway.

“Can you hold on a moment?” I asked. I wanted to take the call in the hallway so that Karina wouldn’t be able to hear, nor did I want to wake her up. I get up and notice Karina still peacefully asleep in bed. I guess we both like to sleep in on the weekends.

I stepped out into the hallway, shutting the door quietly behind me. “Who is this?” I ask.

The voice continued,
“We hear you’re a guy to call for some quality cocaine.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You still haven’t said who you were.” I try to speak softly, so my neighbors won’t hear.

“Quit playing stupid, we know you’re the guy.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s we?” I question.

“Do you know who Roman Leone is?” I know who Roman Leone is. He owns several hotels, casinos, and various other estates. But that was only the legitimate side of him. He was notorious for running an organized crime syndicate in the city. Cops could never trace anything back to him or the people who worked for him. He’s the kind of guy people like me aspire to be. Not me personally, however. It wouldn’t be hard for a man like Roman Leone to get my number. I’ve never met him face-to-face, mainly because I’ve never really been worth knowing. Recently, though, I have been becoming more noticeable, much to my chagrin. But it comes with the job, nonetheless.

“Yes, I know him. Or who he is, at least.”

“We need five kilos by tonight. Can you do it?”

“Five kilos?” I repeat, trying to say it as quietly as possible while not getting to loud. Especially if I’m mentioning the word “kilo.” “What do you need with that much?” I try to ask as politely as possible. I need to remember who I’m dealing with here.

“That’s not part of the discussion. Can you do it?”

“Yeah, yeah. I can do it.
” I answer, not wanting to make this man have to repeat himself again.

“Good. We’ll give you fifty for it.” He meant fifty thousand, but you probably knew that.

“Fifty?” I said. “At fifty I’m losing money. The lowest I can go is seventy-five.”

“Hold on, will ya?” said the man who hasn’t even identified himself yet. I’m assuming he was talking to his boss about the deal. I waited on the phone patiently while I waited for the man on the other end to return. I look down the hall in the meantime to make sure nobody is watching or listening with their doors open. Who cares? I’m just some guy talking on the phone, nothing to be surprised about.

A few seconds later, the man returned to the phone. “We’re willing to go sixty-five, but that’s the highest we’ll do.”

I think about it. “Sixty-five, huh?”

“Mr. Leone is a man who knows how to return a favor,” the man says.

I want to do the deal. Having friends in high places might save my ass one day. Plus, I’m just eager to clear out my inventory as soon as possible. “It’s a deal.”

“Good. Meet us at the lake at ten o’ clock tonight. When you pull up, there will be a black sedan with the trunk unlocked. Throw the coke in the trunk and shut it. The car will take off as soon as you do so. There are some benches next to a trash can underneath a pavilion beside the parking lot. The money will be in the trash can. Agreed?”

“Yes, except for one thing,” I respond. “I don’t feel safe bringing my car. How about this? I’ll put it all inside a backpack and walk from a nearby parking lot, like next to the supermarket. Then I’ll put my backpack into the trunk. So if you put the money in a backpack too, I can take it from the trash
can and leave looking the same as how I went in. How does that sound?”

“That’s fine. Just make sure you are alone, inconspicuous, and not being followed. “

“Got it,” I ended. Then I hung up. Taking one last look around, I go back inside. I shut the door again and walk to the archway. Karina is still sleeping Wait a minute. She had been lying on her side, then she turned to lie on her back. Her eyes open just a little, enough to notice me standing there. She lets out one small laugh and says, “Are you watching me sleep?”

“I’ve only been standing here for five seconds. I think it would be more fitting to say that I’m watching you wake up.”

She clears her eyes, “What time is it?” I look over at my clock to discover that it’s already noon.

“Twelve o’ one,” I say. “I just woke up myself.”

Karina sits up in bed. “I hope I’m not keeping you from going out or something,” she says. I walk over to the window and look outside while Karina puts her pants back on.

“No not at all,” I say. “It’s actually a beautiful day outside. I was going to ask you if you wanted to take a walk.”

“Take a walk?” she repeated. “How old-fashioned are you?”

I gave a brief breath of laughter, which almost made me sound offended.

“Oh. I didn’t mean anything by it, it’s just that I don’t know many guys who like to take walks anymore. But I forgot, you’re not just another guy, are you?”

“No,” I tell her, looking away from the window and at her.

“But… as much as I’d love to, I really have to take care of some things today. But I’ll tell you what, you can walk me to my car. It’s about a block away.”

“Sure.” We both go toward the front door. I grab her purs
e of the coffee table and hand it to her.

“Thank you,” Karina says happily. We get outside, Karina leading the way as we walk to her car. On the way,
we have another conversation. Karina begins, “So I was thinking about what we were discussing last night. What do you think… about us?”

“Well didn’t you say we were just—.” That was all I could get out before Karina interrupted.

“I know what I said,” she says. “But that was before. What I wanna know is, how do you
feel
?”

“Well who says we have to become a couple? Society?
Can two people enjoy each other’s company without being subjected to a label?”

“Now you sound like a hippie,” she laughs.

I continue, “Look, I’m just the kind of guy who doesn’t take interest in some of society’s norms. And besides, I haven’t really had much luck when it comes to dating, anyway.”

“So what are you saying?” she questions. “You just want to be friends?”

“I’m not saying that at all,” I respond.

“So you want us to act like we’re dating, just not admit to it?” she says.

“Maybe,” I said, unsure of myself. “I don’t know. How about we quit thinking of what to call it, and just live it?”

“Is this some kind of experiment or something?” she jokes.

“Ha-ha,” I let out. “An experiment. That’s good.”

She asks, “So do you want to do anything tonight?”

“Umm…” I thought about my previous engagement that I’ve got already planned. “… I actually have to do something tonight.” Then I thought that I could possibly make time afterwards. “But how long are you going to be up tonight?”

“All night.”

“In that case, if I have time, we can get together after. It might be pretty late, though, like around eleven. That okay?”

We get to her car. It was a black jeep, nothing flashy. “I’ll be waiting,” she said. Karina was about to g
et in her car, and I thought the conversation was done, when I remembered, “Wait a second. It just occurred to me that I don’t even have your number.”

Karina just smiled and said, “Check your phone.” She got into her car and started it up. I took out my phone and went to my contacts. There I found her name, Karina, along with her number.
It was the only contact in my phone. I look back up and see her driving off. I gave a smirk, not sure if she even noticed it. She must have put her number in my phone when I wasn’t looking or something. Anyway, I put my phone back in my pocket and begin to walk back to my apartment. I need to get ready for my plans tonight. Both of them.

******************************************************************************

When Karina gets back to her apartment, she opens the door, then immediately throws her purse in a chair sitting by the door. Standing in the same spot, she proceeds to take off her coat, then tosses it on top of her purse. Walking toward her bed, which lies straight ahead from the door, she takes off her shoes with her feet and then falls on the unmade bed, her spread out in all directions with her head lying just below the pillows. Her left leg lies underneath the covers, and her right leg exposed. She begins to massage her outer right thigh, then moves to her inner thigh and up toward her crotch, feeling the smoothness of her jeans with her hand and fingers. Her eyes close. Karina quickly tries to unbutton her pants, as if she can’t wait any longer. She shimmies out of them, up over her knees until they are completely off, then get tossed on the floor to be forgotten for time being. Her left leg goes back under the covers, then she turns on her side, right leg above the covers in an almost fetal position. Her pelvis rocks back and forth, grinding the blanket as she softly moans with excitement. Back and forth, back and forth as she squeezes the blanket with her hand. Karina repositions herself on her back, both legs exposed, as the sunlight beams on her through the curtains on the opposite side of the bed. She lifts up her shirt just below her breasts, then moves her hand down her stomach and into her panties. She begins masturbating while her back slightly arches off the bed. Her moans continue, as she reaches behind with her other hand, clutching onto her pillow. Her heart starts racing. Pure sexual energy is released along with every exhale she takes. The circular motion of her hand becomes more vigorous as she flips over to her knees, bringing the blanket over her. Her head lies on the bed, making her moans pressed against the side of the sheets. With her left hand now, she has the edge of the bed in a vice grip. Her other hand massages her entire vulva as her moaning becomes slightly louder. Instead of her breaths releasing energy, it now passes through her vocal cords. She rapidly takes off her panties and quickly tosses them on the floor, then returns to her previous position on her knees. Still underneath the blanket, butt elevated and legs widened. Her body moves up, her left hand pressed firmly on the bed. Her right hand moves faster and faster as she moves closer and closer to climax. Karina moans and moans, eyes remaining closed. Then she finally arrives, accompanied by the last remaining breaths she has left. She leans forward, her head falling onto her pillow. Both arms reach underneath the pillow to grab the end of the bed, gently sliding her body back and forth on the sheets, which feels pleasurable to the bare bottom half of her body. She stays in this position as she attempts to fall asleep, exhausted after her previous workout. It is silent in her room now, as she can hear the clock ticking on the other side of the room. She lies in her bed in peace, and whispers to herself, “Luke.” More silence followed.

******************************************************************************

Before long, night had already arrived. I’ve been waiting for it all day, just so that I could get this deal over with. Somehow, time feels slower when you’re waiting for something, yet flies by during the best times. Time is nothing more than a stubborn child who won’t let anyone have their way. But inevitably, time rolls on, and right now, it’s time for me to roll myself. That was corny, my apologies.

I grabbed the cocaine from the underground cellar earlier in the afternoon so I wouldn’t have to worry about doing it at night, the time when all the bums of the city carelessly walk throughout streets and alleys merely getting in the way and on people’s nerves. The backpack is in my bedroom. It was a dark blue color, which would appear black to someone walking in the night. And someone walking with luggage in the dark either looks homeless or suspicious. This isn’t Europe, so it’s not like I’ll appear like a backpacker wandering around looking for a youth hostel. And I don’t look like the homeless type.
But I don’t think anybody will pay me any mind. Not where I’m going. The lake is completely secluded at this time. Only the sound of crickets inhabit the area now.

It’s time for me to go. I throw on the backpack and head for my car, of course not forgetting to bring my protection. Having it on me just makes me feel safer. It takes me about fifteen minutes to get there, but I don’t go all the way there. The less the number of cars there the better. I park in the parking lot of a grocery store, which lies at an intersection. The store faces the direction I will be walking. It isn’t busy, so it shouldn’t be a problem walking to the lake unnoticed. Another added plus, there are no streetlights leading to the lake, so it wouldn’t be wise for someone to drive there at night with a couple of busted headlights. The road is about a half mile until it reaches the lake. Actually, the road curves right, but there is a dirt road that continues straight. That’s where I’m going.