At only 24, Artemis had done a considerably good job in making a life for herself. Already having a house in Beverly Hills and a few cars to her name. Truth be told, her millionaire parents were key players in her owning all this but she believed she deserved some credit. Credit for taking the initiative to move out of her parent's house to start a life of her own.
She liked her house, it wasn't a mansion like the one her parents owned or anything and she was okay with that. The four bedroomed house exuded a tasteful blend of modern and classic styles.
The exterior showcased a manicured garden leading to an elegant entrance. Inside, a chic foyer welcomed guests with contemporary art and soft lighting. Her living room was furnished with plush furniture, featured large windows that allowed natural light to flood the space. Neutral tones dominating the color scheme, creating an inviting atmosphere. The open-plan kitchen layout seamlessly connected the kitchen to a stylish dining area, where a sleek dining table and contemporary chairs provided a perfect setting for entertaining friends and family.
She had taken her time in decorating the bedrooms. One of them serving as her personal workspace, adorned with bookshelves, a cozy reading nook, and a desk overlooking the scenic backyard. Another room, designed with a modern aesthetic, functioned as a guest bedroom.
The backyard was magnificent, featuring a well-maintained garden, a patio with comfortable outdoor furniture, and a small pool for relaxation. Lush greenery provided a sense of tranquility, creating a perfect retreat from the bustling city life.
After stepping out of the shower, she put on a silk sleeping dress and went downstairs to fix herself a drink before bed. Just as she was about to pull a bottle from the wine rack, her doorbell rang.
A smile graced her face when she saw Hiram after opening the door. "Hey you," she started. "Come in."
They shared a couch, just as they always have whenever he was around. She brought two glasses and a bottle of Merlot which they emptied over long conversations filled with smiles and laughter. In the seven years of their friendship, they had learned to appreciate such times where they would be just the two of them, talking about anything and everything.
"I'm gonna grab us another bottle and you can tell me all about this girl Trisha was talking about." She told him with a smirk picking up the empty bottle.
"Can't trouble myself opening it with free labor right here." She teased handing him the bottle.
"You are an idiot." He replied and they laughed lightly.
She picked her glass and got comfortable on the couch, facing him, a wide grin on her face.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" He cried.
"Just spill it already." She prompted. "Who is she to you?"
He thought for a while before he answered. "Honestly Art, I don't know."
"What do you mean?"
He let out a sign. "I don't know what to call her." He answered then adjusted himself to fully face her. "I mean I thought we were friends but then she called me a random stranger."
"Ouch!" She exclaimed.
"But we cleared the air." He quickly added with a chuckle. "We are okay right now."
She fell silent for a second then suddenly spoke. "Do you like her?"
He almost chocked on the wine. That made her laugh.
"Enough about me. Let's talk about you."
"At least tell me her name." She pleaded.
"It's Ammika." He replied.
"That's a beautiful name." she commented setting her glass down.
"Back to you now." He went on, with a sudden spike of enthusiasm.
"What about me Hiram? Am I not the same Artemis you see every day?" She was fully aware of where he was headed and was trying to find a smart way to get around it.
"Art, it has been more than a year since Barry, you need to move on." He advised. "You can't just sit around feeling sorry for yourself, there's life after-"
She didn't let him finish, "Easier said than done Hiram. I don't think I really want to move one after what happened with Barry." Her voice was soft and gentle. He could tell she was still hurting from the incident.
"Listen Art," he started, taking her hand into his. "Barry was a prick, whatever happened was by all accounts his fault. He felt you were too easy going and took advantage of that. There are better men you know."
"If I tell you I'll think about it, will you drop it?" She asked with a chuckle.
Hiram didn't respond to her. He stretched out his hand for the wine bottle and poured into both their glasses.
Over the following couple of minutes that turned into hours, they sat there, laughter and conversation intertwining with each sip of the Merlot. Fifteen minutes to minutes to midnight, Hiram decided to call it a night.
She walked him to his car parked right at the bottom of the stairs at the entrance. Standing next to his Ferrari, he hugged her goodnight and watched her walk back in. At the door, she almost fell but held on to the handle and leaned on the door. Hiram quickly ran up the stairs and held her. "Hey, you okay? You don't seem too good."
"Yeah, yeah…no it must be all the wine." She answered.
"I'll help you to bed." He didn't wait for a response. In a second, he lifted her from the ground and carried her into the house, slowly walking up the stairs.
He had been to the house a couple of times, finding his way to her bedroom was a piece of cake. Inside, he gently placed her on her bed, filled with snow-white pillows which he moved to create space for her.
"Hiram," she called as he turned towards the door. "Will you stay till I fall asleep?"
"Sure thing." He agreed with a smile walking towards the white one-seater rock chair at one corner of the room.
Artemis had dedicated her time into designing her room. Her massive bed taking up a generous amount of space, with a night stand and a lamp on both sides. Right above the headboard, a large piece of art graced the wall. To the extreme right was the floor to ceiling glass doors that led to the balcony. In one corner, her dressing mirror stood, right next to it was her makeup table, a few meters from it was the rock chair. Straight ahead was a door to her bathroom.
After a few minutes, she was deep asleep. He gently pulled the light blanket and covered her to her chest and slowly walked out.