Julia leaned over the sink letting a slow breath escape her as she watched the water drain from a broken water bottle that got punctured during the move. She wasn't too concerned as she had a pack of water bottles in almost every room.
Having just moved to this apartment, she already felt out of place. Especially out in the city. The busy streets and small spaces were something she would never get used to.
A loud noise caught her attention as the mover dropped a box of pans on the counter. He was attractive. Fit. Julia would say he wasn't her type but she watched him a little too closely when he was placing the large art piece she made above the bed.
"Looks like that's all of it, Miss Wilde. You sure you don't want us to stick around before we head back?"
She shook her head trying to force a smile. "No, I got it from here. You guys should head out before it gets dark. It will be a long drive back."
"We thought about grabbing a hotel and seeing the sights." The mover said, scratching at his brow. "Maybe treat a girl?"
Julia turned from him as her face reddened forcing her to grab a water bottle from the nearby pack to drink. "Well I only paid for the move." She laughed nervously before taking a drink. He definitely needs to go. She thought, turning back to him. "You know I didn't pay for unpacking."
His head tilted, causing his shaggy blonde hair that curled at the edges from sweat to shift. His grin seemed to be a light against his tan skin as he leaned forward confidently.
"Well. I don't mind helping you strip down your boxes." He gave Julia a leering look.
No, no. Definitely not. "I appreciate it but I'm alright." She moved past him walking to the front door and opening it wide for their exit.
The movers were all standing in the living room drinking from their water bottles as they waited for their lead who was behind her.
"Alright boys. Thank you all for your work, but I gotta get some rest."
They nodded to her in understanding as they filed out the door. The lead stopped to speak with her once more.
He pulled out a business card and tucked it into the door frame with a smile. "In case you need me tomorrow... Or tonight. That's my cellphone."
"Thanks." Julia said, hand still on the door, waiting.
As soon as he passed the doorway she closed it, thankful to be alone again as her back pressed against the wall.
Julia had just changed so much in her life. Her name and appearance. Her job and state. The hardest part was disappearing from her friends and family. All because of a man.
There was a knock on the door causing her to jump back from the wall in fear.
She cleared her throat before speaking. "Yes?"
"Was just going to tell you someone left a box out here" A rough voice came on the other side. There was a thump against the door, a clear sign of him moving the box against it. "Someone could have tripped."
Julia lifted slowly to check the peep hole and watched as a man entered the apartment across from her. She opened the door and pulled the box inside, closing it back with her foot and locking the bolt.
Looking over the dented box with the word MUGS written in marker. Groaning in annoyance as she wiped her face. The movers had to have seen it when they left.
Pushing it across the floor Julia had never been so grateful to have tile floors as she slid the box against the wall near the kitchen. Once out of the way she fell back onto the couch twisting her body to where her legs were over the armrest as the wall of windows showed off the city.
She was on her back as she stared at the ceiling. It was smooth with overhead lighting and spotlights. She laughed as she imagined the popcorn ceiling at my old place and the orange lighting. This was much more relaxing to stare at.
She practiced her smile trying to shift her face from the anxiety she was feeling. Tomorrow I start my new job. She was nervous. She had chosen a position she hadn't worked before but still worked within her degree.
Pulling out her phone, Julia realized that she had yet to fully set it up. She had only three contacts. Her landlord, the detective from her case, and the office she would work in tomorrow. Locking her phone she dropped it to her chest with a huff.
Her head hung of the couch as she stared at the living room upside down. The apartment was modern with plenty of lighting. Geometric furniture and white granite seemed to be the consistent of the room. Julia's eyes stopped at the sight of a tool box under the table.
Sitting up right she stood and walked over to it. The name 'Jaz' was written on a white label across the top under the business name Moving Easy.
Julia turned to the door seeing the card still in the frame. The name Jaz is written on the name line.
Of course.
She pulled out the card and began dialing it on her phone, cursing herself for how it would appear.
In just one ring the phone is answers.
"This is Jaz"
"Hey, Jaz! This is Julia-"
The sounds of loud movement within the truck echoed on his side as he team were yelling about going to the bar.
"Miss Wilde."
He said seductively as he let out a small chuckle.
"I didn't expect you to call so soon."
Julia closed her eyes, nodding in embarrassment .
"Neither did I,"
She laughed.
"But I have something here that belongs to you."
Jaz was quiet, unsure if she was hitting on him or if he had actually left something. With a few scans of his work truck he realized what it was and laughed.
"Oh yeah! My tools. That might be important."
"Might be! Would you like to get them tonight or tomorrow? I'm not sure when I will be back home, but I can see about leaving it downstairs. "
Julia did her best to keep the conversation light
"Is it okay if I swing by after we put up the trucks and equipment?."
"Sure. I should be up for awhile longer."
Finishing up the call she hung up and slipped the phone into the back pocket of her jeans. The apartment's AC shut off as she carried the box of mugs to the kitchen. It had been a relatively cool week for it being summer, which she preferred, but now the sound of the city could be heard.
She left two mugs out without realizing it as she shifted through a nearby box and pulled out her kettle, filling it with water from the bottles as she had yet had her utilities turned on due to it being the weekend.
Putting on the kettle she grabbed some mint tea from another box not wanting to dig down to find her black. TIme passed as she poured the hot water into the cups and sat them at the kitchen table. Julia gripped the back of the arm chair as she stared at the two drinks that steamed with green tea.
She made him tea.
Julia's head hung in defeat. Adonis had changed her. Even when packing she placed his favorite tea on top. He preferred caffeine at night. The tea relaxed him and kept her up for him.
Anger was all she felt as she to grab the mugs and pour them out.
The doorbell rang pulling away her attention as she went to the front door and looked out of the peep hole. Jaz's eye glinted in the hall light as she unlocked the door and opened it.
"Miss Wilde." He said with a smile.