Chapter 16

When I arrived at Rochelle’s gated community I spoke to her through the intercom and was let in by security. And on my way to her housing unit I took in the sight of her commune. It was made up of an estimated one hundred housing units, including a café, a gym, a lake of a swimming pool, and a fountain that put on quite a show. What’s more, I could tell whoever was in charge of the gardening was the proud owner of a green thumb. The property was undeniably beautiful and I wondered how much it would cost one to live there.

After parking in Rochelle’s guest parking spot, I grabbed her bouquet, hopped out the car and walked up two flights of stairs. Then, with my stomach in knots, I took a deep breath and rang her doorbell. Moments later she opened the door with a big smile and even though her attire was somewhat causal, she looked gorgeous enough to make Greek Gods feel unworthy. She wore a red blouse, a black leather jacket, tight jeans and black heels. She also had her jewellery on, reeked of perfume and had applied her makeup. What stuck out the most was the bright red shade of her lipstick.

“Are those for me?” She glanced down at the flowers.

“Ahh, yea.” I handed them over.

“Thanks, Chris. They’re beautiful.” She took a whiff. “Mind waiting in the living room while I put these in a vase and finish getting ready?”

“Not at all. By the way, you look great.”

She led me to the living room, where I took a seat on her largest black leather couch. She told me she’d be right back, headed to the kitchen to take care of the flowers and then upstairs to where I presumed her bedroom was. As I looked around Rochelle’s home I noticed it had a very modern look. All her belongings appeared as if they’d come right out of the factory. Her artwork looked like it’d been purchased from people who knew what they were doing - not that I knew anything about art. And I got the impression some hotshot decorator came in to throw it all together. The word “elegant” sprang to mind.