1955
Katherine Vance awoke early spreading her arms wide her lips widely opened with the early morning breath coming out from her mouth as she yawns, the soft morning light filtering through the blinds of her window. The previous night's strange encounter with the man from the party felt surreal, almost like a dream. She pushed the thought aside, determined to focus on the day ahead.
Her work was a place of order and purpose. She worked as an assistant manager at a prominent publishing house, a world of manuscripts and freshly printed books. Her talent for writing and her keen eye for a good story had made her a vital part of the company. It was her work that had drawn so many new, prominent writers, and she was fiercely proud of her contribution. Her friend and colleague, Ava, also worked there, though in a more administrative role.
She dressed with her usual care, choosing a classic plaid skirt and a button-up blouse, cinching it with a thin belt. After a final glance in the mirror, she grabbed her satchel and headed out, her mind already on the day's tasks.
As she walked briskly along the quiet streets, a sleek, black car pulled up beside her, its engine humming so quietly she barely heard it. It was a magnificent automobile, the kind only the city's most affluent families could own. The back window rolled down, and Katherine's heart skipped a beat as she saw the familiar face of the man from the party.
He offered her a charming smile. "Good morning beautiful," he said, his voice as smooth as velvet.
"Oh, hello," Katherine replied, a blush rising on her cheeks. "You're... sober now?"
He chuckled, a rich, low sound. "Yes, I am. And I'm so terribly sorry about my behavior last night. I'm afraid I was a bit of an imbecile." He gestured toward the car door. "Could I offer you a ride to the place you're headed? It's the least I can do to make up for my terrible manners."
Katherine hesitated for a moment, her mind weighing the propriety of the situation against the sheer luxury of the ride. "That's awfully kind of you," she said, and slipped into the plush leather seat.
As the driver pulled away, the man turned to her. "We haven't been properly introduced," he said. "My name is James Anderson."
Katherine's eyes widened. "The son of the Anderson's company?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise.
He nodded, a hint of pride in his smile. "One and the same. And you are?"
"Katherine Vance, you can call me Kathy since that's what I'm used to hearing." she replied with a wide smile, her voice soft.
A comfortable silence fell between them for a moment. The car glided smoothly through the streets, a quiet bubble in the bustling city. Then, James spoke again. "How about I buy you dinner tonight to make up for my behavior? I know a fantastic little Italian restaurant not far from here."
Katherine smiled. "That's very sweet of you. I'd love to." She tucked her hair stand behind her ears and thought, 'Can't believe it, I finally saw the Anderson every girl was talking about in the company.'
When they arrived at the grand office building that housed her publishing house, she told him, "this is me," and he ordered the driver to stop the car. "Thank you for the ride James Anderson," she said to James, waving at him.
He smiled and gave a small wave as the driver pulled away. Katherine walked into the building, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. As she stepped into the bustling office, the familiar scents of old paper and fresh ink filled the air. She saw her friend and colleague, Ava, busily sorting through a stack of manuscripts.
"Kathy Katherine! There you are!" Ava said, her eyes alight with mischief as she saw the car pulling away. "Do tell, what are you doing in a car like that? Did a prince finally sweep you off your feet?"
Katherine laughed. "You won't believe it. I have a dinner date tonight with the man from last night."
Ava's jaw dropped in surprise. "You finally have a boyfriend! Oh, thank goodness. I was getting worried and was about to set you up with some of my friend's cousins." She hugged her. "Do you like him?"
Katherine's smile was soft and genuine. "First of all his not my boyfriend and I don't know but I think I do."
"You must introduce me to him one day," Ava said.
"Of course," Katherine said, gently pushing her friend toward their desks. "But for now, you talkative girl, let's get to work."
Later that evening, after a long day of work, Katherine finally made her way home. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the city, and she walked with a light heart, thinking about her upcoming dinner with James.
She reached her front door, a small smile on her face. Then, a sudden panic washed over her. "Oh my God! The restaurant!" In her excitement, she had completely forgotten to ask him for the name of the place. She fumbled with her keys, her mind racing, feeling embarrassed that she would have to call him.
Just as she opened the door, she saw a small, wrapped envelope lying on the welcome mat. It was a little thing, tied with a simple string. "Mom what does she want again by sending me letters every hour, don't her hands get tired when writing, I work in a publishing company and I know what it means to write," thinking it was her mother since she only got letters often from her, she picked it up.
Written in a bold, confident script on the front, it read: The place is La Bella Vita, at 24th and Main. I'll pick you up at seven o'clock. She recognized his handwriting immediately. A warm wave of relief and a hint of a smile spread across her face. He had thought of everything. She tucked the envelope safely into her handbag and stepped inside to get ready for her date.