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Ashkim - Page I

He glanced around his living room, looking for someone – anyone – who looked interesting. It wasn’t a large room, but there were almost forty people in it, and just as many upstairs. John Tyler didn’t know half of the people at the party, even though it was his own apartment. People wandered in and out and John didn’t care. Occasionally, one of those people would be able to hold his interest.

John noticed one such person coming down the stairs. He had never before seen her, if he had he would not have forgotten. She was about six feet tall, with flowing ebony hair that reached to the delicate curve of her hips. She wore a chocolate colored man’s shirt, matching dress slacks, burgundy leather gloves, and a black sport jacket. Oddly, she wore no shoes, yet John did not notice. His focus had closed on her eyes. They were dark violet, and they reflected all of the light in the room back at him in an indigo beam.

He found himself walking to her and introducing himself. She smiled down at him from two steps above and introduced herself as Ashkim.

“Do you go to State?” asked John, trying to place where she might be from.

“Oh, no,” said Ashkim “I live in this building.”

“That’s funny,” John replied, “I would have thought we would have met before now.”

“Today is my first day here,” explained Ashkim. “To tell you the truth, I just…” At that moment Tom Kessler bumped into Ashkim while staggering down the stairs, knocking her off balance. John caught her as she fell, and they came face to face. Her waist was narrow and muscular in his hands. Ashkim flashed a slight smile.

“I’m sorry about him. I’m afraid he’s had too much to drink,” apologized John.

“I’m okay,” said Ashkim, recovering her balance. “Is there someplace more private?” She glanced around the apartment.

“Upstairs,” John replied and started to head upstairs. He tripped on his first step, and this time Ashkim caught him. He looked back at her and blinked. Aren’t those my clothes you’re wearing?” he asked, mystified.

“Shh.” Ashkim put her finger to her lips. “I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink as well. Let me help you.”

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