My Neighbor and His Toys

“Where the hell will I find a fake boyfriend for tonight?” I asked myself early in the morning. I got out of bed and went along with my daily morning routine. The boyfriend thing is gonna be my problem later. Right now, let’s focus on work.

I reached for my phone, smoothing away any wrinkles in the grey pencil skirt, and noticed a few messages from the office. I sighed and looked down at my silver wristwatch, which showed that I was always on time. Precise timing was essential for me. I'd never been late for anything before, and I wasn't about to start now, especially with three manuscripts on my desk that needed to be edited.

I was well recognized in the writing industry for elevating any class B novel into a New York Times best seller as an editor with little patience for laziness or cheap rip-off novels written by amateurs who had just graduated from college. Now, I have my own company, but I decided to move to magazines. It took a long way to get here. All of my achievement happened without the help of my family's well known name, and for that I was proud of myself. I'm pleased with my solo accomplishments. 

I took out my black thermos and my extra strong coffee, I slung my huge leopard bag over my shoulder and sipped my coffee. I sent a text with my phone on my hand. Amy, my assistant, is preparing the paperwork I sent her last night in preparation for my meeting with a potential investor later today. 

Ever since I admitted to Rachel that I slept with her boyfriend, I turned into a massive workaholic. Maybe it’s cause I wanted to distract myself. I liked feeling busy rather than feeling guilty. Working also made me feel like I was improving myself somehow.

When the door in front of me opened, I slid my phone into my purse and stepped out of my apartment. A tall, skinny blonde emerged, clothed in a wrinkled hot pink little dress from the night before. Her short blonde hair was a tangle on top of her head, like a bird's nest, and what little cosmetics she had left from the earlier. The events of the previous night were smeared over her cheek like a child had done it.

Ugh! Of course… I rolled my eyes.

Ethan’s play toy last night. She appeared to be in her early twenties. With her hair brushed back and her cheeks flushed from being caught exiting a stranger's apartment, she flashed me a hesitant smile. Ethan's 'toys' have a tradition. She rushed away, her head dropped in sorrow or humiliation, like the others who were embarrassed.

With a grimace, I shook my head and turned towards the half opened door. The girl appeared to have just walked off the stage with her high school graduation in hand, but the horny son of a bitch didn't seem to mind.

"Do you have no shame? She's a child,” I spat out.

Ethan shrugged his broad shoulders as he strolled down the hallway in just his blue boxers, unconcerned that he was practically naked. He stood casually against the doorframe, staring at the girl until she moved around the corner and out of sight, his gaze locked on her retreating butt.

"Good Morning to you too! Those girls come to me, besides she wasn’t innocent,” he spoke the words cooly as if they excuses his insensitivity. His words making me cringe.

"You’re such a disgusting pig,” I rolled my eyes at him. Gracing me with his devilish grin that made woman of all ages swoon he crossed his arms over his chiseled sun kissed chest.

"Your kindness towards me is too much, Soph,” he said. Narrowing my eyes, I came up with a scathing retort on the tip of my tongue, but it meant I'd be right back into his mouse and cat game.

Ugh. I can’t stand that guy at all. I’m not even saying that in a cute way. Like I genuinely wished he moved away. It might be better for every one who lives in this apartment building.

"Just make sure you and whatever poor lost girl you feast on tonight are quiet. I'm having guests and I don't want them eating dinner to the sound of your next victim's groans,” I said.

"Victim? You make it sound as if I'm the devil," He laughed with a throaty, manly chuckle. He was also entirely human like me, but I am convinced he is part Satan’s child. With his intriguing blue-grey eyes, disheveled black hair that screamed sex, a brilliant pearly smile, and that figure, Ethan resembled one of the flawlessly sculpted Greek gods you only saw in museums rather than a human being.

No one would be be innocent or nice if everyone looked like Ethan Ricci. As much as I hate to admit it, that boy looked nice. It’s just every else that turns me off. The endless amount of girls he sleeps with, the way he wears his clothes make him look like a cheap douche, and is icky enough to flirt with me.

Even if he knew I was well aware of him taking a new girl every night to devour. He thinks he has a shot of getting with me? To be fair, he probably knows he has no shot. He’s just letting it out there that he’s available to fuck, no matter who or what you are. 

"Just, please keep it down tonight,” I say with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

"Yes ma'am,” he teased, faking a military salute. I walk away from him at the hall, towards the elevator.

Ugh. Seriously just move out already.

“Sophia!” He called out for me.

“What?” I said, with an annoyed tone, not looking back at him.

“Enjoy work, cupcake!” He greeted me with enthusiasm.

Why does he call me such nicknames. Cupcake? God. Could you get any more tackier?