Gemotions

Brenda stared, mouth slightly agape, at the Rolls Royce parked in Mr. Henderson’s driveway. She’d always known he was… well-off. The impeccably manicured lawn, the subtle but expensive landscaping, the way he always seemed to have fresh flowers in the window boxes. But this? This was beyond anything she'd imagined. Her heart thumped a rapid tattoo against her ribs. She couldn’t believe it. He’d always been so… normal, in a way. Quiet, friendly, but definitely not… this.

She watched him exit the car, the late afternoon sun glinting off the polished chrome. He was dressed in a suit that looked as if it cost more than her entire apartment. A slow smile spread across his face as he noticed her, and he tipped his head in greeting. Brenda felt a blush creep up her neck.

"Good evening, Brenda," he said, his voice as smooth as aged whiskey. "Lovely day, isn't it?"

She managed a weak, "Yes, Mr. Henderson. It certainly is." Her voice cracked slightly. She felt a sudden, profound sense of inadequacy.