Hunter was ready to leave when Arabella dragged him into the elevator.. “Arabella. I’m fine.” She pressed the ‘L’ button and stared at the door, staying silent. “Arabella. I’m not asking for any handouts.” He said quietly.
“Good. I’m not asking if you want one.” She replied staring at the door still. She looked at him through the corner of her eye. “Hunter? When was the last time you showered? You smell like a wet dog covered in asparagus.” She said sniffing the air in the elevator. Hunter smelled himself.
“It’s probably been a couple of weeks. Martha’s been sick lately.” He said studying the ground. The rest of the elevator ride was completely silent. As the door opened on the ground floor, Arabella went to take his hand, but he rushed through the door and out into the street. His spot. It was picked clean. His blanket, his sign, the money he had collected. It was all gone. He cursed under his breath and turned to see Arabella walking over.
“What? What is it? What’s wrong?” She asked, looking at him oddly.
“My spot! It’s gone! That was everything I owned! Dammit!” He said before turning away from her and taking a few deep breaths. “Sorry. It’s not your-“
“Come.” She interrupted before grabbing his hand hailing a taxi. She must have used her Charmspeak because the drivers seemed to almost crash into each other trying to get to her. She pushed Hunter inside and got in after him. “5th avenue. The upper east side.” She said to the driver. “Across from Central Park. And step on it, would you, dear? Thanks.” She said before sitting back and digging through her purse. After a few moments they arrived in front of a large building with a doorman out front and balconies going up the front. “For free? You’re a peach.” She said with her million dollar smile. The driver blushed and grinned at her. Hunter rolled his eyes at how easily he was played. “Come on, Hunter.” She said grabbing him by the hand again. The two of them got out and she dragged him toward the building.
“Uhh…Hello, Ms. Foster. You’re looking as magnificent as ever. And who is this individual?” The doorman asked. He was in full uniform and had a nametag that read ‘Tom.’ Arabella gave him that 10,000 watt smile.
“Hello, Tom. Just an old friend of mine. We’re going to go catch up. Thank you, Tom!” She shouted back as she pushed Hunter onto the elevator. Hunter had almost given up at this point and felt like he didn’t even have a choice in the matter.
“Arabella, I’m not looking for anything. I get if you want to catch up, but I’m doing fine.” He lied. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long-“
“Oh, hush.” She said as the doors opened. “Come.” She pushed him out of the elevator and toward the door in front of them. She stood in front the door and started digging through her purse. A small smile spread across his face.
“Do you need a map?” He said quietly after a few moments.
“Shut it.” She said with a smile before finally pulling out her key. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. “Here. Come in.” She said calmly.