From up in the hills, the lights looked pretty. The
chaos
of being within it, stuck in traffic or wondering where your next meal was going to come from was dressed up as a gorgeous sea. Pain and suffering could be beautiful, if viewed from a far enough distance.
From up here, Ashley felt at peace with uncertainty. Destiny told her she might be raped or killed if she kept going. Why else would some random man from the hills invite a random
waitress
from the city?
He wouldn't do such a thing would he? He can't assume I haven't told people right? I've gone now three times already, Destiny.
It's not enough that I know, Ashley. The people who live up there, They are different. They can make things disappear.
Destiny's words had filled her with unease. She had to force herself to actually get into the SUV the man had sent for her. The ride took only 20 minutes. It was that downtime when everybody had already gone home after work, but hadn't yet gone out for their dinner plans. The calm before the storm. She would not do this for the rest of her life she had thought while riding in the black Suburban
SUV
. She could not do this for long. Soon she would become unattractive to powerful men like the one who had such a nice house up in the hills.
You like that view don't you?
She turned around, startled. Yes. It's so pretty.
Yeah. It is. There's nothing wrong with liking the view. Sorry I didn't know what else to say.
That's okay.
Ashley smiled at him hoping for him to say something that would ease her. Maybe a fun fact that he could share. He knew so many weird things.
Sorry I think we need to call it a night. Are you okay with being driven back?
Ashley gave a disappointed look.
You can certainly stay here if you'd like. I'll just be occupied.
No that's okay. Please. I don't want to get in your way.
He smiled. But she could tell that underneath was some intense emotion that couldn't be expressed through a simple smile. He was not being real with her. He was feeling things that he wasn't sharing with her. Because he couldn't share it with her. Maybe something happened in his business or whatever he did to make all this money.
Will I see you again? she asked. Soon, I mean.
They locked eyes. She could hear some instrumental
piano
melody playing inside of her head.
Of course, he said.
In the Black Suburban SUV the driver never played
music
. Just the quiet sound of the luxury vehicle. This time around Ashley didn't want to be in such silence.
Could you. Is there a chance we could listen to something?
The driver looked at her though the rear mirror.
Sure. Got anything you want to hear?
Something with piano. No words. But upbeat. Not too slow.
The man put on something that was exactly what Ashley had in mind.
What is this?
It's a piano cover of some pop songs. Why? Like it?
Yes. I do. She thought of sharing the reason she was astounded. That the song had been playing in her head even before he put it on. But she held her tongue. What good would come out of it?
The man's eyes were warm. Surrounded by few smile wrinkles to either sides. Features of young guy becoming a real man. He was astutely dressed. Like you would expect out of someone who drove for the wealthy. He might not be as wealthy as the man up in the hills but he was very handsome. Cleanly shaved like Mr. Clean, and with a solid build that wasn't cartoonishly bulky. Maybe not getting to spend the night up in the hills had left her feeling lonely because she had never thought too much of the driver before. What would she do now? She had gotten all dressed up. She would not be able to fall asleep if she went to bed. She was not tired.
Imaginations of him taking her to dinner flashed in her head. Maybe a few drinks, getting to know how he ended up becoming a driver for the man up in the hills. He would not pry too much. Not ask how she ended up being one of his flings. He wouldn't pry so she would want to tell him. She would whisper it. This is how I met him...
And he would not judge. He would listen. And understand.
We're here. Do you need anything else from me?
No. That's fine. Thank you for the ride, sir.
My pleasure.
The car waited until she was inside her building before driving off.
Ashley then realized she hadn't gotten the name of the song. She immediately went to her phone but didn't know what to look up or do. She saw that Destiny had left her a text. She texted back right away, suggesting that they go out.
Destiny was at a coworker's who was having a party. Ashley felt stupid for not asking the driver for a ride. But it was only a ten minute ride. She could make that easy.
Upon her arrival Destiny greeted Ashley with excitement. However the rest of the living room felt a little off. Destiny offered and made Ashley a gin and tonic. Destiny wanted the details. Why was she here? She said she would tell her later. Destiny rolled her eyes but made a show to say that she understood. The room had too many people for this.
Hey come on, let's go smoke.
Destiny tugged on Ashley's arm taking her to a bedroom where there were two other girls and three men. After shutting the door behind them it felt so quiet. Not in a comfortable way. The faces looked at them. One girl was almost passing out. The one who was still awake looked at them with a too bubbly smile. One guy looked spaced out but awake. The other two looked downtrodden. This was not a place Ashley wanted to be.
Then suddenly the music came on.
What is this song? Ashley asked.
The guy who was spaced out snapped into focus, looking down at his phone. It's a piano instrumental of a --
Will you shut up?! one of the downtrodden guys yelled.
The spaced out guy leaned his head down.
What are you two bitches doing here?
Don't mind Kenny. He's not having a good night. But it's not his fault.
Shut up you fucking bitch! Haven't you already said enough?
Ashley looked at Destiny with examining eyes.
Like I said. It's not his fault. Come on, let's go outside. Probably for the better. Sorry, Kenny.
I said shut up! Get the fuck out!
Outside the two shared an
American Spirits
cigarette
just far away enough from another small group that was having their own conversation.