Chapter4

Simon

The air has a chill to it when I step outside. The sun is warm, heating up my face as I put on my sunglasses. I glance at my reflection in the glass door and I cannot help but remember Italy and my time there. I correct my thought immediately and say to myselfour time there. Still looking into the glass, I admire the brown pants and cream sweater I have on. My chains not covered but exposed over my sweater. I remember walking into Shelby’s apartment in Italy with my new glasses and outfit. She tried to hide her stare of attraction, but I know I saw it. My fingers go to my charms, moving them between my fingers. I wonder if she is wearing the charm that I got her. Did she get the meaning of the charm? It was not in the box. She has to be okay. I have to findher.

Reaching for my phone, I notice the time. Luckily, I have only a few blocks to walk. Shelby’s attorney and I agreed to meet at a coffee house that is still open and has outside seating. My mask on, I start to make my way for my meeting. I also check my messages — nothing from Carol yet. It is weird walking in New York. Normally the streets are crowded with cars and the sidewalks are filled with everyone having to get somewhere. A few shops are open mostly for necessities and I am pleased to see people wearing masks. It will definitely help decrease the spread of the infection. The city that never sleeps seems like a quiettown.

The coffee shop is open when I reach it and a gentleman in a suit is sitting at one of the outside tables. I am assuming he is Shelby’s attorney as he is the only one dressed in a suit. He looks up as I reach thetable.

“Are you Simon? he asks, while turning the papers he was reading over so as not to divulge anyinformation.

“Yes.”

“I am Attorney Kelman, please have a seat.” He gestures with his hand for me to sit down. He is older than what I envisioned. His hair is dark with gray weaved throughout. His face is cleanly shaven and he has glasses that look more like cheaters that he uses just for reading. His suit is a dark gray with a white shirt that is crisp with starch and a grayish tie with a small design. I take my seat across from him. The waitress presents herself instantly. She takes my order before disappearing back into the coffeeshop.

“So, you probably are wondering w