Culture Shock Read Online Free Page A

surprised him. Surely she was used to compliments, a looker like her. He reached past her and put his hand on her doorknob. "Got your key?"
    She produced one from her pocket. "Right here."
    He pulled the door closed and locked it. "Don't want to take any chances with your valuables, especially in this neighborhood. Oh, and you mentioned not having excitement in your life?" He picked up one of her trash bags along with his own. "How's this? Allow me to escort you to the dumpster. Now you‘ll have something to write home about."  He laughed and it felt good.
     
     
    Once in the alley, Cynthia flashed back to the building Superintendent and his suspicious behavior. She fought the urge to dig for the bundle he'd deposited, and almost laughed. Wouldn't dumpster diving make a great first impression on her handsome neighbor?
    Alex snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Can I have your other bag or have you become attached to it?"
    "I'm sorry," she said, handing it to him. "I guess I drifted off somewhere."
    Alex took hold of her elbow. "Garbage delivered, mission accomplished."
    She chuckled as they walked back into the building. "Next time I hope you take me some place that smells a little better."
    She noticed the slightly ajar first-floor apartment door as they ascended the stairs, but didn't mention it. For the first time since she'd arrived, she felt safe.
     
    ***
     
    He watched the couple disappear from sight, inched his door shut then leaned against it. He placed a cigarette in his mouth and struck a match. The smell of sulfur hung in the air. What a disgusting display he’d just witnessed. A chuckle, sounding evil even to him, escaped his puckered lips as he held the fire to the tobacco end and watched the Camel come to life.
     
    The way they'd laughed and carried on while he peeked through the door. She was a looker, that blonde from upstairs, but then she probably knew it. He could tell by the way she batted her eyes and flaunted her curves at her unsuspecting victim. Her actions made him sick to his stomach.
    The sun had climbed higher in the sky and left his room virtually dark. He moved to turn on the light and pondered saving the poor schmuck who'd been with the bitch. So many blondes and so little time. But, ridding the world of women like her was his responsibility and he'd take care of her soon , very soon.
     
    ***
     
    Cynthia couldn't believe she'd actually churned up enough nerve to invite Alex for dinner. Talking with him came easy, and the fact that he was drop-dead gorgeous didn't hurt either. She could only imagine how fantastic he looked in his police gear.  The saying, “women love a man in uniform” had to have started for a good reason.
    While they'd been at the dumpster, she pondered mentioning what she'd seen from her window earlier; but the last thing she wanted was for him to think she had nothing better to do than spy on people. She'd decided to keep it to herself, at least for the moment. Still, she wondered about the strange man who oversaw the building. His emotionless features made him appear evil.
    Rummaging through the cupboards, she grasped for ideas on what to prepare. She had chicken in the fridge, so she could broil the breasts and top them with melted Parmesan cheese and chives. Now all she needed was a side dish. Perhaps mac and cheese. Didn't everyone love pasta in some form? Standing on tiptoes and still barely reaching the second shelf, she teased the box forward until it fell into her hands. Her greatest dilemma came while surveying the can goods on the shelf below. Green beans? Corn? Baked Beans? Decisions, decisions.
    She snapped her fingers. "Got it. I'll do green beans with sliced new potatoes and bacon bits." She hadn’t eaten all day and her menu made her stomach rumble.
    She put the cans with the beans and potatoes on the counter next to the box of pasta to simplify preparation later. Afterwards, she made one more sweep through the apartment making sure