"Excuse me?". I didn't understand what she meant.
"I said the view up here is pretty". She repeated.
"Oh yes, I agree". I said and nod my head.
"You can never get used to this view, right?". She said while looking down at the lights below us.
"Do you come here often?". I asked curiously.
"Not so much... maybe once every week, it depends really if I'm not busy". She said and took a sip of her drink.
"You?". She asked.
"It's my first time here". I replied.
"Ah, I thought so too. I'm familiar with the regular ones here". She said and look behind her back to the bar.
She come here often so she's probably well off. I secretly check on her and I have to admit she's gorgeous. About 5'5 tall, wavy long blond hair, piercing blue eyes and cute dimples. She really gives off a very friendly vibe and I was suddenly curious about her.
"So what do you do? If you don't mind". I asked.
"I don't mind". She giggled.
"I'm a Surgeon". She said smiling and her perfect dimples showing. No wonder she's rich, she's a surgeon.
"My name is Arizona by the way". And she extend a hand and I reach mine and we shake hands.
"Like the state, Arizona?". I thought that's an odd name.
"I get that question a lot about my name". She smirk and she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear before speaking again.
"But no, not the state. I was named after a battleship the
U.S.S. Arizona, which my grandfather served and died. I came from a Military family". She said and take the last sip of her drink. Hmmm, interesting.
"My name is Alex".
"Nice meeting you, Alex. So what do you do?". She asked casually.
"Oh I'm not working right now". I said suddenly feeling embarrassed. I was hoping she wouldn't push any further about my employment.
"So what brings you to this place? I saw you with someone earlier". She said and cock her head to the side.
I'm glad she didn't ask further about me being unemployed because I don't want to talk to her about my life as a convicted felon. I like her because she doesn't pry about other people's business.
"Oh yeah, that's my friend. It's my bachelorette night. I'm getting married tomorrow". I said and take the last sip of my drink.
"Oh really? Wow! Congratulations! Come on then, another rounds on me". She walk back inside and I followed her.
I spotted Nicky sitting on the bar stool looking at me smiling. I guess she was there sitting watching me the whole time.
Arizona, walk towards Nicky.
"Hi, you're Alex's friend right?". She said and shake Nicky's hand as well. Nicky gave me an inquisitive look.
"Yes, I'm Nicky".
"Arizona. I heard your friend here is getting married tomorrow so I'm buying you guys a drink".
I like her confidence but at the same time she's very polite and friendly.
After getting another round of our drinks we all went to sit on one of the lounges and talk. This place is really nice and relaxing. No wonder Nicky won't shut up about this.
Nicky, asked her about her unique name and she patiently went on to explain again. Though I'm guessing she get that question a lot.
"Do you always come here alone?". Nicky asked.
"Yes, this is the only place right now that I can relax and get my mind off work. Nobody recognized me, none of my co-workers come here".
"So what do you do by the way?". Nicky asked.
"I'm a surgeon". She responded.
"What kind of surgeon?".
"A fetal surgeon". She said nonchalant.
I wonder what a fetal surgeon do. I've never heard such thing.
"What do fetal surgeon do?". I asked eagerly.
"Ummm..." She cleared her throat and put her drink on the table. "Well, basically I perform surgery on an unborn baby in the uterus".
Woah! That's an extraordinary job. She is really awesome.
"Wow! You're a bad ass!". Nicky said impressed.
I have to agree she's incredible.
"Oh, it's nothing". She said dismissively and looking embarrassed.
I like that she doesn't brag.
"I've never heard of fetal surgery before. How many fetal surgeon there is?". Nicky kept asking and I'm glad she's keeping the conversation going.
"Oh, there are five of us". She said.
"Five here in Ohio?". Nicky inquire.
I saw how Arizona shifted in her seat like she's uncomfortable and sip at her drink before answering.
"No, in the world".
My eyes bulge and my mouth dropped open. No wonder I've never heard such a thing because that job is rare.
"Wow! You are incredible". I blurted.
"Not incredible enough to keep my marriage apparently". She said and turn her head to the glass wall and stare at the view outside.
We all stayed quiet for a few seconds before Arizona break the silence.
"I'm sorry guys, I don't want to weird you out. I had a very stressful week from work and today I just signed my divorce paper".
We talked more after that and she opened up to us about her marriage. She used to live in Seattle and work in one of the best hospitals there but because of her divorce she moved here to Ohio.
It was really nice talking to her and she has good humor too. I don't know why but I suddenly want to be her friend.
We kept talking as the night progress and I ended up opening to her about my time in prison.
"I did some illegal shit, I worked for an international drug cartel as an importer".
She didn't even flinch or look surprised or scared. Infact, she was even more interested.
"That's how we became friends". I pointed at Nicky. "We both served time in Litchfield and then a lot of shit happened and I was transferred here in Ohio. But, now we all live together and my wife".
"Still something good came out of it". She murmured smiling at us.
I glance the time and it's already 2 am. Arizona, noticed me checked my watch.
"Do you guys have to leave?". Hmmmm, She's also very perceptive. I'm starting to like her even more.
"Um, yes actually it's getting late and I don't want to be late at my own wedding". I replied.
She chuckled.
"That's right. I'm leaving too anyway. Early work tomorrow".
The three of us take the elevator together going to the parking lot.
We said our goodbyes and she walk over to her car.
"God, she is hot!". Nicky, blurted.
"Very funny and smart too". I added.
"You have to admit, Vause. If your not getting married tomorrow you'll hit on her".
"Oh fuck off, Nichols!". I shot back and ruffle her hair.
"Hey stop!". She protested
"Thank you for bringing me here, Nicky. I love this place. It's very relaxing, unlike the party they have at home, ugh! so not my thing".
"Yeah, I know how you feel. It's crazy in there". Nicky said while driving to the penthouse.
We reach the building and I am spent. I definitely need some beauty rest because I don't want to look hideous on my wedding tomorrow.
Everything I need for the wedding is already at the Penthouse. My dress and my shoes. The make up artist will be here at noon, so I have plenty of time to rest.
Nicky, is my maid of honor but she refused to wear a dress which I already expected. Instead she's going to wear a pants suit with the same color as my dress.
Piper, will be there tomorrow waiting for me at the altar and I can't wait to see her and be officially married.
*******************************
By around noon the next day my make up artist arrived with 2 other people. They started cleaning and painting my nails, they also did my hair and make up.
I am really happy for our decision to hire a wedding planner. I have zero stress and zero worry because I know Miranda got everything under control. It is so comforting to know that we don't need to stress about the details of todays event because everything had been taken care of.
I have always imagine this day and living in it now seems very surreal.
Finally, it is time for the dress. They carefully helped me wear my dress and they put on my shoes. As I was about to stand up Nicky barge in on my room.
"Holy shit! Vause!". She screamed and a look of genuine surprise on her face.
"So what do you think?". I asked.
"You are beautiful, Alex".
"Uh- huh". I shrugged.
"Did you get to have a look at yourself today?". Nicky asked.
"No, I haven't seen myself yet actually".
"Ugh!". Nicky groaned and went outside and she came back dragging a full length mirror inside my room.
"Come and take a look". She demanded.
Then I walk over to the full length mirror and I don't even recognize myself. A dark- haired beauty is staring back at me, her eyes were sparkling with excitement. Her dress fits her skillfully that her body looked graceful. If it wasn't for the thought that I'm standing in front of the mirror I wouldn't think it was me.