The Precipice Read Free

across her face as she watched them enter the bustle of the lobby and stride swiftly across the broad room, their egos in tow. She shook her head. “Jerks.” Her voice was barely audible. She stepped out into the flurry of activity.
    It was a grand room with a high ceiling, antique brass chandeliers, and dark marble pillars spaced evenly throughout. Warm burgundy carpet with a stylized oriental pattern anchored the large space. It was furnished with traditional mahogany side and coffee tables, paired with stately wingback chairs, and set in small groupings. Since the location was a popular meeting place after work on a Friday afternoon, many of the chairs were occupied by other young professionals, with glasses in hand. Located on the far left side of the lobby was a rather large, European style bistro that catered to the lunch and dinner crowds. Happy hour was in full swing with a noisy crowd of young urban movers and shakers. On the opposite side of the lobby were a newspaper stand, a shoe shine booth, and a modest flower shop.
    Elizabeth noticed a small group of men in suits gathered just ahead and to the left of her path to the exit. She recognized the one gesturing with his hands while he talked as the mayor of New York City. The rest were probably aides and a handful of the city’s well connected.
    Elizabeth walked halfway across the lobby when someone stepped out from behind one of the grand pillars from her left, startling her. “Elizabeth, so good to see you again.” It was Drescher and he was right in her face, smiling with a strange look in his eyes. She wasn’t surprised that he was among the mayor’s entourage at happy hour.
    “Mr. Drescher!” She stepped back to put more space between the two of them, but looked him directly in the eyes, trying to figure out what he was up to. The smell of his cologne made her nose wrinkle slightly. She rubbed her nose with a couple fingers to try to stifle a sneeze.
    “Elizabeth, please call me Jack.” His voice was sickening sweet. He stepped closer to her and gently touched her forearm with his hand. “Elizabeth, why don’t we go grab a drink?” He motioned with his head toward the lively bistro. “Then we can talk further about this new project.”
    He leaned in toward her. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath. She was so uncomfortable that she desperately wanted to back away. She could hear Vera’s voice in her head reminding her to keep Drescher happy. His happiness was going to have to wait.
    He looked into her eyes and seemed to be able to tell that she was not going to acquiesce. “It’s the weekend,” he implored.
    “Mr. Drescher, I’m sorry. I’m on my way out for the weekend. I can’t really stay.” She was polite, but firm. “I’m sorry.” The two stood there for a moment looking at each other in the awkwardness of the situation gone sour. Elizabeth turned away from him and headed directly for the revolving doors, leaving him standing alone by the pillar. She could feel her stomach becoming nauseous. Too many times over the last couple of years, Jack had gotten too close for comfort with Elizabeth. She had turned him down on several occasions when he asked her out for drinks or dinner. Although she had to admit to herself that there was something about his self-confidence and his powerful presence that attracted her to him, she had no intention of jeopardizing her career by making a mistake like that. It concerned her, though, that he appeared very frustrated each time she declined his offer. Clearly he was not used to having to take “no” for an answer.Sensing his eyes following her out, she tried to shake off her uneasiness and lengthened her strides.
    When she reached the sidewalk in front of the building along Lexington Avenue, the rain had slowed to a fine mist. She barely noticed it. Delayed by the encounter with Drescher and distracted by the phone call from her grandmother, she had some things to sort