THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US

CHAPTER ONE

Bronx, New York

"Jane you're going to be late to your book signing!" a sweet voice said over Jane's mobile phone as she did her make up with one hand and talking on the phone with another. She loved the city in the night time, its eclectic atmosphere, the vibrant noise coming from the downtown clubs, street performers showcasing their talents to the tourists, the city hummed in a radiant energy that was in sync with the rhythm of her heart.

"I know Cassie, hold that thought" she put her on hold, as she went to the powder room to pick her outfit. A black satin leather jacket with a white blouse embroided with tiny pearls and her favorite pair of blue denim jeans. "Jane? Are you listening to me, your fans are going to be pissed!" said Cassie. "Rushing me won't make a difference Cassie" retorted Jane. She opened her balcony to let the chill air inside her condominium, the air conditioner had been busted and it would take a fortune to replace it.

Moments later she grabbed her car keys and entered the lift to the basement area where she parked, she noticed the eerie silence that was dominant in the parking lot, the fluorescent tubes were all busted leaving only one that flickered like a heartbeat. She sensed a feeling of someone was watching her from afar, she looked over her shoulder and all she saw was a black cat running off with dinner.

She entered her red Volkswagen Golf Mini and exited the basement towards the main street. She had an unshakable feeling that she was being watched by someone or even more ominous something that was evil in nature. She quickly used her all time mantras: I am safe, I am protected, I am light, to chase away the demons that haunted her.

After an hours drive she arrived at her destination a Book store in downtown New York that was famously known by the locals for releasing the most indigenous books known to the history of mankind. It is said that the Harvey's bookstore was first established by a newspaper vendor named Harvey during the first world war, he wasn't drafted due to his poor eyesight but he would sell newspapers to the war veterans that came back from Hell's Paradise in Vietnam.

He grew the newspapers business into a famous bookstore with multiple branches across North America and his business was succeeded by his son and grandson Thomas and Paul Harvey, they kept his memories alive by hanging all sorts of pictures of him while he was youthful and vibrant, the whole bookstore had a potent aroma of pines and blueberry scented candles that made it even more cozy despite the terrible storm outside.

Jane entered the retro-looking book store and was surprised by the long file of people waiting for the book signing ceremony. Their faces brightened immediately after catching a glimpse of their favorite author like a god revealing itself to its creation. They applauded haughtily as she got in, cheering with every step she made. 

Near the back of the book store was a small panel made for her and the publishing agent and a big time Hollywood producer who was turning her book into a big Blockbuster movie. Beside the table were huge posters of her book titled "The Difference Between Us" a historical drama between a slave and the daughter of a white settler farm baron falling in love within the late 18th Century. Her book sold over one million copies world wide and had been ranked the best new novel from the bookforgeeks website.

A cold chill swept across the book store as a man wearing a dark grey hoodie opened the door and entered surreptitiously while rubbing his hands for some sort of resolve of warmth. His dark hair glistened, as raindrops trickled down his forehead. He was a fairly handsome man with square cheekbones and a domineering posture that the ladies loved. His blue eyes were in contest with the deep sea and his skin was tanned primly.

Jane spotted the gorgeous man and bit her lip.

The tall man who introduced himself as Paul to one of the fans in the long line sparked a conversation as easily as riding a bike. His charisma was unmatched he laughed haughtily at one of the stranger's jokes with enthusiasm. Inside his hoodie he pulled out a book, which was as old as age itself, with highlighted bits and notes on almost every page. His book was so worn out he had to use both hands to stop it from crumbling apart.

Time flew by as Jane signed and took photos with her fans. All was right as rain. Until it was Paul's turn, he opened the front page of the book and gave her a smiling gesture that made her blush in redness. She could stare into those ocean blue eyes all day she thought. Jane in a slight motion signed the ancient book and wrote her number down. 

What am I doing? she thought.

But she couldn't resist. She must know who this mysterious man was and decipher him to his very core...