The Ploy Revealed

Imogene Scott

“Hi.” I say casually, then turn back around.

“I expected more than a ‘hi’.”

I don’t respond because I don’t want to. I’m late for work and I don’t think I want to strike up a conversation with this man.

Except he thinks this is a reunion and he continues to try to talk to me. “I tried to find you after our dance. But you just disappeared.”

I throw him a quick glance, then glance at the elevator’s monitor. The elevator will get to the ground floor in a few seconds. If I can manage to play dumb all through, I might be able to escape this person who’s obviously trying to flirt with me.

“I stay in the penthouse by the way.” he says again.

I cock my head. Oh, shit. The penthouse is on the highest floor of the building and they say the building owner stays on that floor. Does he perhaps, own the building?

I continue not to say a word even though I know this man standing next to me has the power to make me vacate my apartment.

“You know, it’s really rude when someone