A Pryce Worth Paying - Page 6/34

An early afternoon appointment had been confirmed with her valued client and Aliziana couldn't be late that day. Frances Ellery-Chambers, an elderly, well-to-do woman from old money was extremely fussy, always reminding her to be prompt. Aliziana would always smile and reassure the iron-willed woman that she would be punctual as expected.

A Pryce Worth Paying - 4

After finding her handbag and umbrella, she decided to forego her scarf and wear her neckline bare. She took a deep breath to compose herself, flattened her tousled hair with her hands, touched up her matt raspberry lipstick, grabbed her keys and raced gracefully on her heels to the apartment lobby.

There he was, her favorite doorman, motioning to her to come to him. She greeted Jonathon with a wide smile, then followed him to the taxi that he had hailed for her. A heavy-set man with rosy cheeks and deep-set eyes, Jonathon nodded his head with a smile. Saying goodbye that way each day had become a welcomed ritual for her since living at The Wescott on Fifth Ave.

“Have a good day Miss Ali.” Jonathon told her but before she could reply, she heard her name being called out, muffled by the rain and loud street noises.

"Ali - Aliziana!" A man’s voice called out to her. She turned to the direction that it came from, then sighed with disappointment when she saw who it was.