Chapter 15

I couldn’t wait to rush to "The Strip," where I met Arthur for the first time. I needed an answer.

I started toward the club, walking fast. I was going by myself, but after walking a few blocks, I texted Nina and asked her to meet me there.

It was still early as far as New York City nightlife went. I asked one cocktail waitress and all the bartenders if they had seen Arthur. I gave a detailed description.

The waitress said she might have seen him once with a bunch of other men in suits, but she couldn’t be sure.

All the bartenders said they didn’t know Arthur. They definitely didn’t know of anyone working at “The Strip” that fit his description.

I looked around in frustration. I saw Nina walk in the door. She was wearing dark jeans, a sparkly tank top, and a cool leather jacket.

She looked good.

I looked down at what I was wearing. I wasn't exactly dressed for a trendy club. Not that it mattered; Arthur wasn't here anyway.

I complimented Nina's outfit, and she hugged me.

“So this is where it all started, huh?” Nina asked.

"Yeah. But I asked all the bartenders, and no one knew who Arthur was. So he’s definitely not a stripper.”

“At least not here,” Nina joked.

“No one knows his identity at all,” I said. “At least not from my description.”

A tall, slim waitress with bleached blonde hair approached us. “Are you the ladies looking for the handsome man with the thousand-dollar suits, gray eyes, and fabulous cheekbones?”

I laughed. That sounded like Arthur.

"I think I know who you're talking about. He's come in here a few times with two or three other suits. Usually early on a Friday night. They drink high-end drinks, treat me respectfully, and pay cash."

“Dang. I was hoping you caught a name on a credit card or something,” Nina said.

“Sorry, girls. I just noticed him because of those striking eyes and his expensive watch. Good tippers at that table. The guys seemed extremely honorable, if that’s any help.”

Then the waitress pointed at a huge African-American bartender polishing glasses behind the far bar.

“See that guy?”

Nina and I both nodded. "He's the manager and he's here every weekend. You can leave a detailed note with a description, and if the manager sees your guy, he'll pass it on."

“Thank you,” I said.

“Well, that’s something,” Nina said, “But I admit, I thought the mystery would be solved right away. Do you want to go?”

"No, let's stay," I said. "We're here; we might as well take advantage of the atmosphere. Maybe later Arthur will show up, or one of his friends."

“And maybe we will see some cute guys who are actually real strippers!” Nina said with a happy expression.

We waited late into the night. I turned down countless approaches from men who would never measure up to Arthur.

Nina got up and danced a few times, but mostly she stayed by my side.

We asked a few more times, but no one seemed to know who Arthur was.

“Maybe that’s a good thing,” Nina said to me, speaking loudly over the music. “Maybe that means he doesn’t hang around clubs too much.”

"Yeah, maybe," I answered. "But I don't have his contact info, and I still have no idea who he really is.”

“He sounds busy and important, whoever he is. Didn’t you tell him you used to work for Andrea?”

“I did.”

“Well, you were the top marketing person and the top seller at her real-estate firm, so your name is all over the Internet. If he wants to, he can find you.”

“I guess,” I said reluctantly.

“You’re going to have to wait until he comes to you.”

I wanted to entice him, but I couldn’t think of how.

“I guess you’re right.”

I began submitting resumes right away. I had to. I’d used all my savings.

I visited Noah and even brought my computer to submit some resumes from the hospital.

I contacted everyone I knew, everyone I ever helped and let them know I was looking for a job.

I got a few phone interviews, but nothing turned into an immediate job and I needed money right now.

Nina offered to ask if she could get me a job at the tavern, but the idea didn't appeal to me. Soon I might not have a choice, though.

The next morning when I opened my apartment door, there was a huge bouquet of pink, red, and purple roses on my doorstep. I knew immediately they must be from Arthur.

I picked them up and held them to my nose. They smelled wonderful.

Tucked among the flowers there was a small card.

‘To my personal bloom, a woman who can capture everyone’s attention with her bravery, voice, smile, and heart.’

I sighed. “That’s so romantic,” I said to myself.

I turned the card over.

“Doris, I have to go to Italy for business for a few days. I will send Nathan to you to get your number. – A.”

“Definitely not a stripper,” I said. I was about to turn around when I noticed an envelope at my feet.

I tore open the envelope.

“Dear Ms. Doris,” I read aloud.

“If you would like a temp job at ACBRE Global Group, Inc. A small company that offers a range of services related to real estate, including leasing, property sales, and marketing consulting, and has an office located within walking distance of your apartment, please let me know.”

I blinked. What?

I read it again. Was this a temp job offer? It sounded great. I kept reading.

“I will stop by your apartment at five p.m. if that works for you. If not, you can text me at this number. – Nathan.”

“Wow.” I tapped the paper against my hand. I never regretted quitting Andrea’s firm. Firstly, it was probably long overdue. I was beginning to hate working there. Secondly, I got the feeling she was going to fire me the day of her wedding anyway.

While I’d never regretted quitting, the financial strain had been very stressful.

“Nathan,” I said, tapping the letter against my hand again. I remembered meeting Arthur’s colleague at the wedding. Did Arthur arrange this?

“Yes. I’m going to dress myself up, and focus on having a great attitude. I’ll start a new life with a more positive outlook.”

I went back into my apartment to put the flowers in water. They really were beautiful. From now on, roses were my absolute favorite.

I met Nathan that afternoon at five. I gave him my number and asked him to pass it on to Arthur.

Nathan gave me ACBRE Global Group, Inc.'s exact address and a written job description. It was pretty close to what I had been doing but better.

I could do this. It was a God-send.

I thanked Nathan profusely.

When I looked in the mirror Monday morning, I was ready. I noticed my long brown hair had become more lustrous, my face was rosy and looked healthy, and my big turquoise eyes were glowing again.

What a difference a few lucky moments, a little bit of bravery, and a decision to take life by the best reins could make.

Nina noticed. Nina was clearly happy for me. She even texted me, joking about how much she loved my new inside-and-out makeover.

She also texted me and teased me if my makeover wasn’t all because I fell head over heels and was in love with one handsome mystery guy.

Of course, I denied it.

I started my new temp job, and everyone there was nice. My only worry was I was filling in for a woman who recently had a baby, and I didn't know when she'd return and want her job back.

One evening after work, I went to the tavern to have dinner with Nina.

I learned from Nina more about the night when that guy had knocked me over on the dance floor at The Strip.

Nina told me that Arthur took care of me and had been hugging me to comfort me after I was drunk that night at the club. I hardly remembered it until Nina mentioned it.

But once Nina started talking, I began to remember a lot of it. Like how gentle and kind Arthur was when he held me, and how he questioned Nina so thoroughly before he turned me over to her care.

Arthur’s combination of in control man and caring, kind, sensitive person was impossible to deny.

Thinking of Arthur made my heart skip a beat.

"I hope I see Arthur again," I said to Nina. "I mean, I have to believe I’ll see him again. I have to.”

“Of course, you will. You are desirable, Doris. When he's ready, he'll seek you out."

I frowned. I hated waiting.

“You have to be patient. You know how men are. They love the chase.”

On the weekend, I went to the hospital to take care of my adoptive father, Noah, as usual.

I went to the cafeteria to get a cup of coffee, and when I came back, the nurse on duty told me that Noah had fluttered his eyes again.

Because he seemed more aware than ever, I told Noah about Arthur and me.

Noah seemed to respond. It was just a little squeezing of fingers, but I believed some part of him heard me and approved.

Dr. John Enoch stopped by and flirted. It was clear he was launching a full-scale pursuit to get me to sleep with him. I didn’t know whether to be flattered or concerned.

Somehow, he heard that I had been unemployed, and he offered to arrange for me to do a few errands for the hospital.

I was about to say no, but he looked so proud of himself for finding me a job, even a part-time one, that I said yes instead.