Page 16 of Elevator Pitch

I fucking love this book club and everyone in this room.

8

daylight

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | September 17, 2023

It’s beenthree weeks since I met Selah, and we only see each other in passing. I’ve been fortunate to run into her a few times while she picks up her mail or comes home. I’ve managed to get two more book recommendations from her since her friend, Daya, spread the word. I’m grateful because I’ve been traveling recently and had plenty of reading material.

I had a few gaps in my schedule this weekend, so I was able to catch two back-to-back weddings for mySoulBlendusers in Jersey and Philly. I’m glad I brought my camera because there was some incredible scenery and I’d been itching to take some photos lately.

I used to find it awkward whenever I’d show up and they’d ask me to make a speech for the couple, but I come prepared now. I started keeping a few on deck in my notes app, so I fire away once they pass me the mic. My assistant, Hazel, had the idea for couples to include a note featuring their love story with their wedding invitations, which was absolutely genius.

Alex picked me up from the airport and we rode back to my apartment with Clifford. He always watches him when I go outof town. ‘Uncle duties,’ as he likes to call it. I can’t wait to get home and take a nap because I’ve had my wedding fix for the fall. I crammed four weddings into two weekends. I took a few days off to recover, which I rarely do, but I’m hoping to find more reading material for the time being.

He parks on the street, and when I grab my bag from his trunk, I notice a familiar head of curly hair walking towards our building. My vision is blurred to everything around us and locked on her. She throws her head back with a boisterous laugh and smacks the shoulder of someone in front of her. That’s when I see she’s walking with someone. A man of tall stature and messy blond hair is carrying bags and walking into the lobby with her. She said she was dating, and I assume one of those dates went well.

My thoughts are interrupted by Alex calling me. I come around and he’s waiting while Clifford sits beside him. His brows wrinkle in concern and I shake my head. I use my exhaustion as an excuse, which he seems to buy, but he may still grill me in private. We head towards my building and greet David on the way in, who always has a treat for Cliff. On the elevator ride up, Selah crosses my mind again. I quickly shrug off any assumptions since I hardly know her and shouldn’t be concerned with her love life.

She’s my neighbor and that’s it.

My beautiful neighbor that I think about often.

My beautiful neighbor that I think about often seems to have a boyfriend.

My beautiful neighbor that I think about often seems to have a boyfriend, and is off limits now.

That’s it.

9

coffee envy

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | September 26, 2023

Like clockwork,my mom calls right as I’m heading out the door. She insists on talking to me during my morning commute. It’s a highlight of my day. She's so excited about the upcoming holiday because Henry and I will be visiting. Chuseok is Korean Thanksgiving, and we celebrate it in September or October, which is based on the lunar calendar. I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, though Dad and I aren't as close. I don’t visit home as often now that things have really picked up atSoulBlendand my parents remind me every chance they get. I stop to grab a coffee before work. My favorite coffee shop,Artie’s, is around the corner from the office, so I park there and walk over. I’m prepared to wait because the morning rush is no joke. There’s no telling how long this may take, but it’s all good. I’ve got time and I’m in no hurry.

When I step inside, it isn’t any busier than normal. Everyone is coming and going for the most part. I usually don’t bother looking around, but while I’m standing in line, I scan the shop—peeking to see what new baked goods they’ve got on display as Iwait. I search over my shoulder at the cafe side, which is pretty empty aside from a few patrons.

I do a double take when I notice a very familiar head of dark curly hair seated with a laptop, presumably working. As I pay closer attention, I recognize the gold rings catching the light as she scrolls with her mouse. I don’t get a good look at her face because her back is to me, but she’s facing the window, and I hope that I can catch her reflection. Right when I think I’ll get a good shot, she’s leaning over on the opposite side to retrieve something from her bag beside her. I follow the movement, in the slouchy cropped sweater and jeans that hug her generous curves. That’s when I observe her leg bouncing nervously under the table. She pulls AirPods from her bag and puts them in. Now facing forward, I see her reflection for a brief moment, and it’sher.

What’s she doing here?

I order my usual and a box of donut holes for us to share, since I’ve suddenly decided that having donuts and coffee with my neighbor is more important than getting to work on time. I’ve had the pleasure of having a few run-ins with her since we met. I check my calendar after, and I see that I don’t have any meetings until after eleven. I didn’t plan on being late today, but I feel like I should at least say something to her.

I don’t even know if she’s going to want to eat with me or even wants company. She seems to be working. I probably shouldn’t.

I grab my order and swallow the urge to turn around and bolt as I trek toward her table. She doesn’t notice me at first, as she is occupied with her work and is probably listening to something. When she glances up and locks eyes with me, her look of surprise shifts into a shy smile. We greet each other at the same time and nervously chuckle.

“I was just grabbing some coffee on my way into the office when I saw you. I wanted to say good morning and see if you had eaten already. I got some extra donut holes.” I lower the container onto her table.

“Good morning, Greyson. That was nice of you. I’d love some.”

She takes a donut and bites into it. The soft moan that escapes her tells me I made a good choice. She freezes, covering her mouth shyly, and I stifle a laugh.

---