⎾ CLEVER ⏌

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

For the rest of the night Benjamin was confined to his room. He didn't come down to dinner, he ignored his family, and he paid no attention to his phone. Somewhere in the darkness it was lying face down with the volume turned down. He felt as though he was being blame entirely for going out with someone he was supposed to soon call his wife. He didn't see the big deal. It wasn't the sixties anymore. No one was going to care if he went on a little date before the wedding. In most relationships it was almost like it was expected of the happy couple. But no, he was a selfish b*****d and was being punished as so.

Sighing he buried his face in to the pillow and closed his eyes. The memories of today playing like a movie on repeat. He slept hard throughout the night and woke up early in the morning. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up. The house was quiet. No doubt his parents and siblings were still asleep. It didn't matter, he wasn't planning sticking around much longer. He had things to do, a job to get to. Throwing back the covers Benjamin padded over to the adjacent bathroom and went about his morning routine. He came out some twenty minutes later, drying off as did so, and turned to the closet. He pulled out a black three piece suit as well as a white button up shirt, and matching tie. After getting dressed, he pulled on a pair dress shoes and headed out of his room, down the stairs and out the door.

The next couple of weeks followed in a similar pattern. The only difference was that he had gone from staying at the family mansion to the family penthouse. It was far easier to commute to work and back. Rather than stay in East Hampton. It was the late afternoon and Benjamin was practically dragging his feet out of the office. He was tired, bored, and a little bit hungry. Lunch felt so long ago when in reality it was only a few hours ago. Coming back to his desk he flopped down in his chair and leaned back a bit as he stretched. He then pulled out his phone. No messages, a few missed calls from his mother. He'd been avoiding her these last few weeks as he still felt like he had been treated like a child.

Closing his eyes, he tipped his head up at the ceiling, counting down the minutes until he got off. There was still a bit of work to be done, but he didn't feel like doing it. Hearing his phone buzz on the desk he snapped his eyes wide open and sat up in the chair. Picking up his phone there was a message from an unknown number. His thumb swiped across the screen as he unlocked the device. He tapped the message and was surprised to find it was Evie texting him. He had just about giving up on hearing from her since it had been so long. Not that he had been sitting around twiddling his thumbs while waiting to hear from her. Before he was given a chance to reply he received two more messages, one right after the other. Smiling to himself, he quickly replied. When he finished he felt a bit more energized and turned to the computer to continue the spreadsheet he'd been working on before the meeting.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Evie didn’t know if Ben would respond to her text. She hadn’t talked to him in weeks and could only imagine the backlash he had gotten from his parents after returning back to the party. Evie knew it wasn’t Ben’s fault they left, it was both their fault. She had enjoyed her time with Ben, getting to know about him, even if was just about what they wanted in a wedding. Evie wanted a chance to know Ben better on their terms, without worrying about their parents and what they would think.

Driving through traffic, she was making her way back toward her loft. Evie wanted nothing more than to change out of her clothes and take a quick shower. She had a lab today, which consisted of playing a pig brain. Evie had a good laugh with her lab partner, watching as a few of the other girls in her group passed out from the sight of it. She could never understand what led people into medical school, if they couldn’t even tolerate the labs.

Sending the text, she was surprised that she received a message back so fast. Evie picked up her phone, as soon as she stopped at a red light. She read the messages over, smiling a little. Evie was happy Ben would agree to have dinner tonight with her. She hadn’t learned much about what Ben would like to eat. However she had a certain craving for mexican food.

Evie sent another quick text before the light changed. Seeing her phone down, she started driving again. Evie need to get back to her loft to change and shower. She didn’t think it would be right for her to show up in her scrubs. Plus she had a feeling she smelled from a long day at school.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Honestly Benjamin wasn't sure if Evie would ever contact him after the party. While things had seemed pleasant enough while they were out, when they came back he felt as though he had done something wrong. He didn't even see her at the party, though that wasn't his lack of trying. She simply was not in the crowd. By the time the party was over he knew that she was long gone. Stupidly he did not ask for any of her own contact information. He simply thought if they had a nice enough time she would want to get back to him sooner rather than later. Perhaps they could have both even joked about how they got chewed out by their parents.

As he sat at his desk, he went about his work. Or what was left of it. It was nearing the end of the day and all that was left was a spreadsheet he'd been started before the meaning. It was nothing special, just an update of the quarterly budget. He glanced towards his phone while he typed. It had been awhile since he asked a girl out on a date. Or rather since a girl asked him out on a date. Did it still count if they were asking each other out? What about if the person he was asking out was already his fiance? That counted too, right? Shaking his head, he went back to his work. He scowled at the screen as he noticed he had made a few errors in his columns and went back to change them.

A few minutes passed before Benjamin got a another text. He finished typing out a few things before picking up his phone. Swiping his thumb across the screen, he opened up the new messages and read them carefully. He had never heard of the place she mentioned. He wondered if it might be new. It wouldn't be too surprising. In a city like New York, some places were lucky to last more than a couple of years. He typed out one message and hit the send button. Seeing his manager coming around the corner, he set it aside and went back to his spreadsheet, filling in the remaining spaces. When his manager was well past him, he picked up his phone again to type another message, hitting send on that as well. Setting it back down, he looked over his work three times, and stood from his desk to print copies for the next meeting. He left the small cubicle, hoping by the time he came back Evie would have replied to him.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

As she was getting closer to her loft, Evie heard her phone got off again. She knew she hadn’t called or text been in the last weeks. Evie couldn’t blame it all on being busy. She just needed time to actually get used to the idea of spending her life with Ben. Evie didn’t know what Ben thought of her, nor she him. She couldn’t just flat out ask, but she needed time to get to know Ben. Evie didn’t want to rush into the marriage without at least feeling comfortable with Ben.

Pulling into her parking garage, Evie checked her phone. She didn’t like to check her phone while driving. Evie found it to be dangerous, and didn’t want to get into an accident. She grabbed her phone seeing Ben had texted her back. Evie smiled as he seemed into the idea of mexican. She had to admit she loved junk food, but Mexican was indeed her favorite.

Texting Ben back, she moved to grab her messenger bag, as she used it for classes. It was easier weight on her back than a backpack. Evie moved to get out of the car, as she locked it behind her. She made her way inside the building and toward the elevator. Evie didn’t have many neighbors, at least three at the most. She found it was quiet here and peaceful.





Once inside the elevator, Evie hit the third floor button. She waited, holding onto her phone and keys as the elevator went up. Evie figured Ben still had to be at work, but at least he would be done soon. She felt a little excited by the idea of a date, if it would be called that.

Arriving in her loft, Evie set her bag down. She had some homework, but it wasn’t due for a few days. Evie watched as Luna came running at her, dancing around her feet. She laughed softly, beaconing Luna into the kitchen. Evie needed to feed her first or she would forget.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin stood by the printer as he waited for his spreadsheets. There twenty-four people in the office with himself included. He glanced around the office, bored. Many of his colleagues were hunched over computers in their own cubicles. Others were on the phone, taking last minute calls. And a few dared to loiter around the coffee maker in the break room. This time of day was usually the slowest. Most folks were finishing up their last assignments for the day. And the ones who were already done were looking for something to do until it was deemed acceptable to go home. Benjamin was usually one of the latter. It was often said that he was good at his job and most proficient. He took the compliments as they were given, but did his best not to get a big head. While he was aware of how well he was at his job. He also had bigger dreams. One of these days he was going to own this place.

About ten minutes later all of his copies were done and hot off the press. he hoped that Evie had messaged him back in that time frame. Though he could understand if she didn't. After all, it took her over two weeks to contact him in the first place. She was busy, maybe a little mad about that kiss....or just being engaged to him in general. It wasn't like they'd been dating for two and a half years then decided to get engaged. He probably should have been a little more peeved that they weren't allowed to take the same steps as normal couples. Realizing he was spacing out, he shook his head a bit and took his copies back to his desk. He placed them in the "Out" box and turned to his computer to make sure he had completed everything he needed to do today.

Picking up his phone he was happy to see that he two more text messages. Swiping his thumb across the screen, he tapped on the messages and read them both. He didn't both replying since it seemed she would not reply again. With a plan for after work in mind, Benjamin went back to work on his next spreadsheet.

An hour later, one by one his employees were filing out of the office toward the elevator. Benjamin was stapling a few paper packets together that were also for an upcoming meeting. He could hardly stop glancing down at his watch in anticipation. He took a few minutes putting together the last packets, setting them aside as he went. When he finished, he shut down his computer and gathered his things. Picking up his phone, he sent a quick message to Evie. Pocketing his phone, he walked over to the device on the wall to punch out. When he finished he walked over to the end of the hall to the elevators.

Because he was one of the last people in the office, it was fairly easy to get on the elevator. He hit the floor for the garage and leaned back as the doors slid closed. Benjamin couldn't believe it, but he was actually feeling excited about their date. He pulled out his phone to reread their messages. It was stupid how much he was smiling over them. He could only hope no one down in the maintenance room was not watching him act like an idiot. The doors dinged and a quick glance up told him that the elevator had stopped at one of the offices. He hid away his phone and nodded in greeting to the people coming on. Standing straight, he waited patiently as they dinged down the building one floor at a time.

Another five minutes and they had finally reached the garage. Benjamin was starting to feel suffocated because so many people had boarded the elevator from the time he got on. It was annoying, but he could not help it. Slipping past the small crowd of people in the elevator he breathed in the stall air of the garage. Around him car alarms were honking, and wheels were skidding on the pavement. He walked through the noisy lot to his car. He disarmed his own car alarm, placing his briefcase in the trunk. After shutting it, he walked around to the drivers side and slid into the car. He set the keys in the cup holder as he pushed the start button on the dash. Air rushed out of the vent and TOP 40 played on the radio. When he was situated, he pulled out of the spot and headed for the restaurant.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

After a quick shower, just to get the smell of the lab and body odor off. Evie stepped out of the shower. She grabbed her towel as she tucked it around her body. Evie grabbed an extra towel as she went about drying her hair off. She still needed to blow dry her hair, apply some make-up and get dressed. Evie hadn’t checked her phone yet because she knew Ben was likely to still be at work. She left the bathroom to go find some clothes. Evie wanted to at least have her attire planned out.

She took a look through her clothes, not sure what she wanted to wear. Evie had an idea, something sexy but that didn’t really cover what she had. About ten minutes of looking she settled on a sexy Deep V Neck bodycon dress. Evie moved onto look through her shoes as well. She looked over her many shoes, as she caught sight of her black rounded toe pumps. Evie smiled as she settled on her clothing of choice. She grabbed them, as she moved to set them on the bed.

Once Evie had her clothes picked out, she went back into the bathroom to finish. She dried out her hair, not bothering to deal with a curling iron, as her hair was naturally curly. Evie spent ten more minutes drying her hair, then grabbed her make-up bag. She didn’t usually wear a lot of make-up, as she preferred a more natural look. Evie put on some light eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and an almost cranberry colored lipstick.

Finishing up her make-up, Evie went back to get dressed. She knew she didn’t have much time to make things perfect, but it would do. Evie looked through her underwear drawer, not bothering with a bra as the dress wouldn’t allow for such thing since it had a more natural support. She did opt however for a black lace thong. Evie returned to her bed as she went about getting dressed. She sat down to pull on her shoes. Standing up, she went to look herself over in the mirror. Evie liked the look it held, she only hoped Ben liked the view.

Leaving her apartment with a small black clutch in hand, which held her wallet and phone. Evie locked the door behind her as she went downstairs to the garage. She had checked her phone to see Ben had already left his office to head to the restaurant. Evie hoped that Ben didn’t have to wait for her by time she got there.

Finally in her car and on the road, Evie texted a quick response to let Ben know she was on her way as well. She drove from her loft, heading through traffic. She got to the restaurant in about forty-five minutes. Evie pulled into the parking lot, not sure if Ben was there yet as she looked around, as she parked her car.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Traffic in the city was exactly as Benjamin knew it would be. While he did not mind his current work hours, getting home was always a hassle. He often thought about just taking the subway or walking home. But even those options seemed like they would be just as hectic. There was no getting around really when living in such a large and populated city. He edged up as close as he could without hitting another car.

After very slowly edging up to the light, Benjamin decided to turn off on to another street. It was a trick he'd learned long ago. The main streets were always a disaster this time of day. There was no helping it. But every so often he would come across a street that wasn't as horrid and would allow him to drive a few miles before he was sitting at a stand still once more. Sitting at yet another red light, he heard his phone buzzing in the cup holder. Since he was going nowhere he took the chance to read it. He read the message quickly. A quick glance up told him that traffic was moving again. He started to lift his foot off the brake when another car cut him off. Benjamin proudly raised his hand as he flipped off the driver and got on his tail. If there was one thing he could not stand, it was people who had the nerve to cut him off without so much as using a blinker. In a city like this it was downright dangerous.

Benjamin decided it best not to reply after all. Evie would understand. After she was in the same traffic. It took him another forty minutes to work through the heavy traffic and four more to find a parking spot. It was across the street and a little ways from the restaurant. But at least he didn't need to feed a meter. Turning off his car, he pulled down the visor to do a bit of primping. He straightened his tie and fluffed his hair. Pulling out a travel bottle of cologne, he dabbed some behind his ears. Once he was ready, he stepped out of the car, pocketing his phone and arming his car.

He looked both ways as he cross the street and walked up towards the restaurant. In the distance he saw a head of familiar flaming red curls. Smiling, he walked closer towards her. "Yo, Princess!" he called. He jogged the last few steps up to her and came around to face her. The dress she wore was absolutely stunning and the pumps were sexy as hell. Next to her, he almost felt a little under-dressed. Sure his work suit was nice, but not as nice as the one he wore to the party.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Getting out of the car, Evie grabbed her clutch purse. She glanced around not sure if Ben was here yet. Evie moved to lock her car, as she started toward the entrance to wait for Ben. She figured she was early, since Ben had a farther distance to get here. Evie glanced over her phone to see if Ben had messaged her again, but he hadn’t. She stood there for a few minutes before hearing a familiar voice.

Evie picked her head up to see Ben jogging across the street toward her. She took in his words, at least it had been better than babe. Evie smiled up at him, ”Hey there. Glad you could make it.” She spoke as she walked toward Ben. Evie leaned up, as she kissed his cheek. She pulled back smiling, ”Shall we?” Evie spoke motioning toward the entrance of the door. She started walking, as she opened the door to enter.

Once inside, she took in the sight. It was a little crowded tonight, but that was to be expected. Evie waited as they were lead toward a small table in the corner. She took her seat on the opposite side. Evie thanked the hostess as she set their menus down, and notified them a waitress/waiter would be with them shortly. She opened her menu to look over it though she usually ordered the same thing when she came here.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin thought about texting Evie first to let him know he was there. But he knew that her flaming red hair would be easy to spot, even in a crowd. As if on cue he saw her. Smiling, he called out to her. He walked a bit closer as she turned towards him. He couldn't help eyeing her outfit. It was outstanding. "Well thank you, for inviting me." he replied. He was a bit surprised as she leaned up to kiss his cheek, but kept said nothing about it. He nodded to her next question and moved to open the door for her. Motioning her inside, he soon followed behind her.

Inside, music came through the overhead speakers. There were colorful lights on the wall and there was already a nice size crowd. Together, they walked up to the podium and waited to be seated. A hostess soon greeted them and lead them further in to the restaurant. Quietly thanking the woman, he sat opposite of Evie, and picked up his menu. Benjamin scanned the various items, spotting a few of his favorites. He stole a quick glance over his menu towards Evie. She looked really pretty tonight. He almost felt inadequate in comparison. After a minutes had passed, he set his menu aside as he made up his mind. While he waited, a server came by their table with two bowls, salsa, and a basket of chips. He thanked the server then proceeded to pour a bit salsa into a bowl for himself and nibbling on a few chips.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

A kiss to the cheek was nothing, she meant not harm by it. Evie was glad to had an eating partner, after all there was no chance of her cooking. She didn’t like it, her form of cooking included burnt water and cereal. Evie glanced over her menu, she looked toward Ben, as he sat across from her. She didn’t want to look like she was staring so she returned her attention toward her menu. There was a few things she wanted, but she also wasn’t sure what Ben wanted. Evie could feel eyes on her as, she soon glanced to see a server put chips and salsa on their table. She closed her menu setting it aside. ”How do you feel about a quesadilla for an appetizer?” Evie asked curiously as she reached for a chip. She took a bite but avoided the salsa. Evie didn’t much like the taste of it, not the spiciness of it.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin was happy to accompany her out for dinner. If he hadn't he was pretty sure he would have gone out to eat anyway. He wasn't much for home cooking these days, he was too exhausted. He was no five star chef, but Ben could whip up a few simple dishes when he did have the energy though. As he looked over the menu he didn't even notice he was being stared at. He tended to be a little oblivious like that sometimes. Especially right after work. His eyes were tired and his body a little stiff. He could have just as easily told Evie no and gone home, but he was excited to finally hear back that he wanted to meet up. He was curious how she had been since they last saw one another and wanted to know how things went with her parents. But that could wait at least until after they put in their order. When his mind was made up, he set the menu aside and started to nibble on the chips as he waited for Evie to finish making up her mind. Soon, she too closed her menu,setting it aside as well. "Hmm, that actually sounds pretty good. It's been awhile since I last had one." he replied. Taking another chip, he dipped it into the salsa. Benjamin didn't mind it at all. In his opinion it wasn't too terribly spicy. Though if he kept shoveling in his mouth one after another he might start to feel it.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Evie wouldn’t be surprised if Ben had a few questions for her. After all she hadn’t contacted them, nor had she showed up after their escape from the party. Evie had to wonder if Ben was curious. She had run away really, not from Ben, but the idea that she hardly knew the man she was to be married to. Evie had many questions for herself, but she didn’t know how to go about asking them. She didn’t want to seem nosy, but it was important to know the man you were marrying before marrying them, right? Evie nodded smiling as Ben spoke, she didn’t eat here often but would as she could. She enjoyed the food, it wasn’t authentic mexican, but it was close to it. ”So, how have you been, how’s work?” Evie asked curiously, but more to just make small talk. They were eventually greeted by their waitress, who asked them about their drink order. If she was coming with friends, Evie would have ordered a margarita, but she opted for sweet tea instead. The waitress wrote down, her order turning her attention toward Ben.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin would be lying if he said he wasn't the least bit curious to learn more about Evie. He felt as though the last time they met he had barely scratched the surface. There were still loads of things he did not know about her and with the wedding still underway he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to learn what he could about the young woman. He also wondered if Evie would have anymore questions for him. Surely there must be some burning questions floating around in the back of her mind that she wasn't able to ask last time. If not, he wouldn't press her. Her first two questions were to be expected but appreciated it nonetheless. "I'm good. All things considered. Work is okay. It's the end of the quarter so we're pretty busy. Nothing but meetings and paperwork. I'll live though." he replied honestly. Before he could ask any of his own questions, their waitress came over to the table. He waited as she introduced herself before asking for their drink order. He allowed Evie to place her order first. When it was his turn, he ordered a coke. The waitress nodded and soon let them be. "What about you? How is school going?"

 

[xDarkWinterx]

To crack to the ice, it was only normal to ask the most reasonable question. Eventually it would lead into something more. Evie wanted to get to know Ben as well. There were plenty of things she hadn't talked about. All they had spoken about was the idea of a honeymoon and where to have their wedding. It wasn’t as if they were going to be rather involved in their own wedding however. Evie would be lucky if her mother would allow her to pick out her own dress.

The simple question was nothing, but she wondered nonetheless. Evie knew Ben had to be working hard just as she was with school. She listened as Ben spoke, nodding a little here and there. Evie smiled at his words, knowing that Ben had to be one busy man, but she was glad he had the time to get together with her for a quick dinner.

As the waitress took her order, she turned her attention toward Ben, who ordered himself a c**k. Evie already knew what she wanted so she didn’t bother looking over the menu again. She listened as Ben spoke questioning her. Evie smiled, ”Good actually. Been busy with it mostly, midterm exams coming up next week.” She spoke playing it off as nothing, but knew she would have to study a lot this week into next.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin was never very good with idle conversation. He didn't much care for it. Honestly he didn't think anyone did. Who seriously wanted to sit around asking people how they were doing, how their life was, their family, and anything else they could think of. Still, he knew it was necessary so he didn't complain. If he complained now he might not find out why the answers to the questions he was really seeking. He had no intentions of talking about their wedding or honeymoon today. The way he saw it, they had talked more than enough on the matter during their last meeting. Which was nice, it was interesting to hear what Evie truly wanted. Not that it would change anything. Still, they could dream.

When asked, he talked about the mundane days of work. He wouldn't be surprised if Evie thought it to be boring. Hell, he thought it was boring. The office side of business was always dull. No matter how pretty and colorful someone tries to make the office look. He was glad to be free of the office and get out. It was something he had been needing for weeks. Most of his friends and colleagues were sitting in the same boat as him though. Work, family, early mornings. No one could find the time to spare for even a meal. He happy Evie called him out tonight.

After placing their orders he waited until their waitress was out of earshot to turn the conversation back on her. He was curious what all she had been up to these last few weeks. Even more as to why she never contacted him. And even more than that, why she skipped out on the party after he went through the trouble of bringing her back. If she just wanted to go home, he could have taken her himself. All she had to do was ask. Instead she just disappeared that night. He smiled as he listened to her talk, knowing the pressure of school all too well. Though it had been a little over a year since he graduated. "That time of year already," he mused. "Well best of luck." He could only imagine how difficult her midterms must be. He remembered his own all too well but he doubted they were even half as difficult.