LOCATION: NEW YORK CITY, MAIN STREET. TIME FRAME: 25.03.2022
@forall-x
If there was one thing she knew, it was that she’d never change.
Lanie Almeida stood tall, luscious brown locks cascading down her back, while a strappy dress adorned tanned shoulders. The summer’s air was leaking onto the New York City streets, while most natives fanned themselves furiously to keep the heat at bay. It didn’t seem to phase her. Most of the ride here had been by private car. The short walk to the restaurant was nothing to break a sweat over; but my god, it was hot.
This was her day off, and for that, she was grateful. It hadn’t been a day packed with anything of importance. Instead, she’d spent the morning on the phone with her family's clean-up crew; even she’d had difficulty getting the blood out of her wooden flooring earlier in the week, --- a professional was required. The images of the previous weekend came to the forefront of her mind, like small flashes.
A slice there. A snip here.
Each thought was just like a scene from a horror movie; blood spilling onto every surface, her skin painted red, and something finally unleashed the sadistic bitch. That was her favorite look; dishelved and wild. In her natural state. But the smile on her lips that grew with each passing second, exposing it to the passerby, making it uneasy for most. However, her beauty garnered a different approach. Male's eyes lingered a little longer than they should, while women more often than not returned the beaming girl's expression.
The truth of Lanie Almeida was simple; there was only truth when it benefitted her.
Turning the corner onto 9th Avenue, the RH Rooftop Resturant came into view. It had been her choice this time. She wanted something more fancy. If Ruby was questioned, Lanie could simply get away with saying she fronted the bill; she was a surgeon, after all. The perfect cover up for her kind of work.
Within moments, the elevator rose, taking her to the top floor. Each passing floor took her higher, the city spanning out before her moss green eyes. There was beauty in this city, that she could admit. But beneath the concrete jungle was darkness. And that kind of place was where the raven-haired girl dominated.
Finally, Ruby came into view.
‘‘I have to say---’‘ Lanie called, heels clicking as she approached her best friend, arm adorned by her new coach bag; a gift from a male friend who’d all but disappeared in the recent weeks. A shame, she joked internally.‘‘I really wish you’d let me look at that wardrobe of yours.’‘ It was a jab, but meant with love, sincerely. Lanie had simply never been very good at hiding her thoughts, her face usually a give-away. Unless, of course, it came to the men she liked to lure home.
Then she had the best poker face known to humanity.
Lanie couldn’t remember exactly how long she and Ruby had been so close. But if there was one thing that she did not have, it was friends. Ruby being her only one, besides her sister and boy best friend.
‘‘What ever happened to your face...’‘ Her voice trailed off, more a coe. Lanie knew of Ruby’s joke and the hinderance it caused her on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes she wished she’d picked something a little less violent. But then again, she couldn’t talk. Sliding into the seat that was pulled out for her. Lanie gave thanks in a sweet smile, a head nod before disregarding them all together. Lanie’s family, while not filthy rich, had enough money to keep them comfortable. It’d been thanks to their business. A business fronted by yet another business. Shell corporations.
‘‘I guess I’ll be treating you today.’‘ She stated, giving her a once over, unimpressed was a natural look when it came to Ruby’s attire. ‘‘And maybe some shopping after.’‘ She knew she was testing her look, but it was better than nothing.
‘‘We’ll have a champagne bottle on ice, two glasses and a small platter for every starter, please.’‘ Lanie ordered, before settling back into her chair. Oh, how much fun this would be. It was a rarity that they got to spend quality time together anymore.