“Are you in the city?” he asked her, ignoring all semblance of formalities. He stepped outside the hotel room and lit up a cigarette. Across the sidewalk was a small bench with a small ashtray, indicating it was an acceptable smoking area. The temperature was rapidly dropping as evening approached, and Ben hugged his arm over his chest. “I just left my apartment,” she said, her voice sharp and irritated. “I suppose I’ll need to meet with you.” It only took Ben a moment to realize he wasn’t speaking with the Stella he knew. He wasn’t sure what to say or do, so he chose his words carefully. “Is this the god half of you?” “Is that what she told you?” she asked with a harsh laugh. “Yeah well whatever you want to believe, Tiger. She just left a note saying that I needed to meet with you, and she wouldn’t be back for a couple of hours.”
