Behind Their Veneers

IV

She was a blonde with hazel eyes and she was formally dressed in something he assumed to be a white shirt and pantsuit or a skirt because only the long sleeved white shirt was visible as she stood behind the counter.

She wore a slight smile as she conversed with Carol, who insisted on being called by her name and not Levine, Leonardo's makeshift last name. The blonde spoke into the intercom and a female voice followed after.

'Looks like the therapist is a female. She would be an easier prey to threaten.' Jordan thought.

Carol turned to him before saying,
"Stay here, I'll call you when it's time for you to come in. Don't you dare, I repeat, don't you dare bail on me. If you think I'm kidding. . . Then, try me," she threatened as she dusted the imaginary specks of dust on his suit before turning towards the elevator with a saccharine smile on her face as though she hadn't just threatened him.

He released a tired sigh as he walked to the sitting area which was dominated by the colour black; the couches and coffee table with only the white marble floor tiles acting as a total contrast to the dark setting. He was at least pleased that the therapist hadn't opted for a bright and polychromatic setting because it would've been sickening to be surrounded by the colours pink and purple.

He sat, crossed one leg over the other and closed his eyes before focusing on his breathing. The only sounds in the room were the low howls of the air condition as it blew cold air into the room and the occasional clicking of the keyboard as the blonde receptionist typed.

It was quiet. Other than the typing reminding him of another existent life form in the room, the place had the tranquility he always had in his office being alone and it was indeed, really nice.

"Excuse me sir?"

A small voice penetrated through his peaceful silence and he slowly opened his eyes to gaze upon the intruder. His eyes met with the hazel eyed receptionist and he saw her standing a few feet away from him, conveniently giving him the comfort of his personal space-something other girls or women always failed to do-with a small smile on her face.

"Would you like anything, sir? Maybe a glass of water?"

For a few minutes, he only stared, not uttering a single word. Then he pulled his shades down his nose, revealing his eyes. Immediately, he saw her visibly tense up as the smile evaporated from her lips and her eyes widened in realisation, fear and surprise. He let his eyes go up and down her body, taking in her appearance. He was right. She wore a black skirt with black heels.

He only let out a deep breath before putting the shades back on his eyes. Resting his head on the back rest of the couch, he waved her off and he could hear her hurriedly retreating footsteps.

For a few minutes, he remained like that until he heard the ringtone of his phone go off. It was Carol.

"Hmm. . .?" He answered.

"J, you can come on in now."

"Do I really have to do this?" He was counting on a last minute change of her heart.

"Oh but you already promised," her resolve might be cracking. Now, all he needed were the right words.

"I know but what about the meeting. I really have to go," he tried again. Who knew? Maybe she would take pity on him.

"No way! I'm not taking no for an answer. Get up here this instant," Or not. She shouted and immediately hung up.

He let out a deep sigh before getting up and walking towards the elevator.
"It's the third floor. Door in the middle," the blonde said quietly before the elevator door clicked shut.