#rezsickness

Elisa set out Stefan’s outfit along her couch, inspecting it and ultimately approving. The burgundy button up was a far cry for his usual black, but she thought that her parents might appreciate the color. If he hated it, then she had a charcoal shirt in reserve, but he rarely complained.

She set his suits with her luggage for the others to bring down to her rental. It was bound to snow the whole way and she still couldn’t believe that she was taking the time to drive, but she wasn’t going to subject her pretty little pet to an airport. He really didn’t seem very fond of crowds, and she could relate.

Technically, she should have brought Thomas or Kai to this event. They’d be more suited to the polite small talk and long speeches, but Stefan had come so far and this seemed like an important part of his grooming. Plus, she’d just gotten use to his company. She was fond of his sincerity and his shy awkwardness was endearing.

Besides that, people would ask too many questions of the others. If she brought a well off man she’d be hassled about him for months or years. She’d hear no end of nagging if she brought Thomas around and he’d earned a bit of a break after their last soiree.

She finished getting herself ready, putting on brown leggings, and white dress and a sweater over top. She tied it off with a belt so she wouldn’t lose her figure entirely and then inspected herself in the mirror before deciding that it was acceptable. She really flourished in the spring and summer, but winter fashion was acceptable.

[Text] Stefan You will need the January 5-8 off work. See to it.

[Text] You’re entertaining me on Halloween. [Text] We’re staying in, but you’ll need clothes for the morning

Elisa wasn’t sure what the private detective would enjoy eating, but he’d liked the sea food so she had salmon cooked for them with steamed vegetables and a mango chutney. It smelled delicious and she was looking forward to eating it.

Hopefully he’d be on time or she’d need to start without him. Her apartment was clean and free of the gifts that were so often left for her. She’d spent the morning sorting through them and sending them to the various people and companies that helped her get rid of the extras so that all that remained were a few very tasteful bouquets to decorate her dining table and the top of her piano.

When Stefan arrived Elisa went downstairs to fetch him. She didn’t want any of her following intercepting him and causing problems on the way up. She’d made sure to dress well. She didn’t want to look slovenly for the detective. Besides her dress was comfortable and stylish. It was enticing without being lewd and she felt like it was perfect for meeting a business acquaintance in her home.

She opened the door for him, gesturing him inside from the winter air and stepping back into the warmth of the building for her own sake. “Thank you for getting here so quickly,” she said by way of greeting, offering her hand delicately to him with her palm toward the ground. “I’m up several floors, but there’s an elevator right this way.”

[Text] Stefan? [Text] This is Elisa. We met a a little over a month ago? [Text] I was hoping that I could hire you to investigate something for me.

[Text] You’re making me dinner tonight [Text] I’ll provide the wine but you’ll need to bring chocolates

Elisa had ordered too much food, which was typical of her. She just couldn’t resist ceviche and now that she’d found a restaurant that would serve it in the city... well, whatever. 

Sure, she was leaving town in a few days, and it should really be eaten that night, but she could give it to someone. There were poor souls all over this city that didn’t have enough to eat. They might not fully appreciate raw fish and spinach salad, but they weren’t typically very picky.

Oh, there was one now. A handsome young man, around her own age by the looks of things stood under a storefront. His jeans were torn and his jacket was worn. He looked pale and thin. 

Her heart ached for him. He’d probably been tossed out on the streets and had nowhere to go. It was going to be cold tonight, and that jacket wasn’t going to get him very far, but she could at least make sure that his stomach was a little more full.

She reached into her purse, but all she had was a five dollar bill. She folded it up and tucked it in the side of the box as she approached him. It wouldn’t buy him a coat as warm or expensive as hers. It wouldn’t buy him much of anything, but it would help.

“Excuse me? Sir?” She walked forward slowly, not wanting to startle him. A gentle expression and a friendly smile graced her features. “Are you hungry?” She offered him the box, still moving cautiously.