Is this destiny?

Jeff opened the door of his 43rd floor penthouse and let JoAnna come inside.

She got in, and he closed the door behind her. Both of them are nervous wrecks.

"Is it OK if I keep your things in my bedroom?" Jeff hesitantly asked.

She gave him a small nod. Jeff entered through the third door on the right carrying her suitcase, while JoAnna slowly continued down the long hallway until she reached a large game room with a pool table, chess table which is set up, pinball machines and a poker table surrounded with sofas and chairs. Wet bar was on the right side filled with various liquors. Everything looked sterile, no dust, no sign of wear or ever being used. The room was dark, lit up by the light of a burning fireplace.

JoAnna heard Jeff's steps approaching. "Do any people come here?"

"Not really."

"I never imagined that this would be your style." JoAnna looked around.

"It's not..." Jeff admitted. "I told designer to do what he wants, and it ended up like this."

"What is your style?"

"I don't know... I never thought about it. I spend most of my time in the office, or out on business." Jeff looked at the pool table and pinball machines. "Do you like it?"

"Not really." JoAnna was honest.

"You are welcome to redecorate."

JoAnna didn't respond.

He enjoyed seeing her blush. He enjoyed seeing all different expressions that she is showing him. "Hmmm... let me show you something you will like." Jeff flipped a switch on the wall, and on three sides of the room blinds went up, revealing large windows. "How about this?"

"Now, this is very nice... more than nice." JoAnna took in the night view of lit up skyscrapers, and a busy Interstate 110 below, from the 43th floor. She walked outside on the patio and inhaled fresh air, while light breeze caressed her cheeks. JoAnna was mesmerized by the view filled with millions of night lights stretching with no end and meeting the stars at the horizon.

Jeff embraced her from behind. "If you want it, it's yours."

"What?" JoAnna didn't understand.

"Whatever you want... I can give you the world if you wish."

She turned around and faced him. "I have no such wishes."

"What do you wish?" He was ready to do anything to make her happy.

What could she wish for? She is already with the man she loves and does not need anything other than him. "What do I wish? … How about you show me around? If I want to shower, I don't know where to go..."

He smiled and gave a small nod. "Come on... let me show you around."

Jeff put his hand on her back and gently guided her back inside.

In the kitchen, JoAnna checked the fridge and pantry. "You don't have any food here."

"I eat out." He simply responded.

"You need to get some food if you want me to stay here." JoAnna made it sound like a warning.

"What do you want?"

"Basics... chips and ice cream. Ribbed chips and chocolate chip ice cream."

Jeff got his phone and sent a text. "Done."

"I don't want to know who got that text." JoAnna shook her head.

Jeff showed her the rest of the penthouse. She found the decor and furniture very masculine and sterile. Like it's staged for some photo shoot of men's magazine. No personality, no warmth. She didn't observe any personal photos. Walls were either empty, or with abstract art which reminded JoAnna of faces and different body parts.

...

At the edge of South Los Angeles, Aiden and Sarah parked her red convertible BMW into a rented storage unit. Sarah put on a blonde short wig, and they left the storage unit on a black Kawasaki motorcycle, NINJA H2 SX. Aiden was driving and Sarah was holding onto him tightly from behind.

After a short drive, they entered a crowded bar and took a seat at one table in the corner.

It's late in the evening. The right time when people start succumbing under the influence of alcohol, showing their ugly faces. This is what Sarah and Aiden are waiting for patiently.

...

In Jeff's apartment, JoAnna got out of the shower and heard voices from outside the bedroom. She grabbed a bath robe that hanged on the door and put it on. The bathrobe was too large for her, so she ended up folding the sleeves few times.

JoAnna walked out of the bedroom and saw Jeff talking to another man, their voices were low as they spoke until they became almost whispers. Man didn't seem happy, but he was timid in front of Jeff.

JoAnna cleared her throat and both of them looked at her. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Not at all", Jeff flashed a smile and nudged the man. "Steve was just leaving."

"Hi, Steve", JoAnna looked at the man.

Before he could respond, Jeff said, "Bye, Steve." Jeff was practically pushing him out.

Steve protested, "But Boss..."

"I will send you instructions in the morning. Now go." Front doors were already open.

Steve walked out while being pushed by Jeff. "Good night, Boss. Good night..." He didn't finish when the door closed almost hitting him in the face.

Jeff looked at JoAnna, "It's big for you. I will get you one in your size." He was talking about to robe.

"No. I like it... it's roomy. Who was that?" JoAnna looked toward now closed front doors.

"Steve, my assistant. He got your ice cream and chips." Jeff explained.

"Huh, I feel sorry for the man." JoAnna shook her head. "It must be hard working for you."

"I pay well." Jeff didn't think there is a problem to call Steve for both work and personal matters, anytime. That is what he was paid for. And it was in his contract.

"There should be no price for dignity. Look at the time, and you called him over for some junk food."

"And to tell him I'm not going to work tomorrow." Jeff added happily.

"You are not?" JoAnna was pleasantly surprised to hear that.

"How can I leave you by yourself on your first day in our home?"

"Your home..." JoAnna corrected him. "I'm just staying over." The place was so masculine, and childish. With the exception of the bedrooms, the whole place was designed like a one large man cave. JoAnna will not call this place home... unless she redecorates.. At least that is what she thought then.