The tie was in the drawer with Irene’s panties. A tie in this place was like inviting yourself to a hanging. I straightened my suit coat, tilted my ...hat down a bit, walked across the street and into the bar. You’d hardly know it was four in the afternoon. The place was jumping. About twelve guys were gathered around the pool table, the only well-lit area in the joint, all talking at once. Dante was stalking the table, a cue-stick in his hand. Guys were shouting. A stack of bills lay on one. With utter chaos and lockdowns across the world and in the city, I am totally confined to my apartment.The only time my skin could absorb some sunlight is when I walk out to my apartment balcony. The only humans that I could see are the old lady in the building across the street and the man who lives in the apartment adjacent to mine.Sometimes I feel like I am Will Smith from the movie ‘I Am Legend’. It seems like nature has decided to give human atrocities a break.The old lady sometimes waves. I didn't want to ruin my reputation with them on the first night.********"Jake, wake up." Whispered Reece, shaking me gently. "Come on, you're gonna be late for school." Fuck." I muttered, stuffing my face into the pillow."Come on..." She begged. "If you get up now I'll make sure we get some alone time tonight."I pulled back the blankets and stumbled out of bed. I was expecting to have my skin met with cold air, and to be shivering all over. Instead, the room had a perfect temperature, which. With her feet back on the ground, I gave her a massive hug and we kissed hungrily.ooOooThe next few months confirmed to me that she was the woman I wanted as my wife, the one with whom I wanted to share the rest of my life. So I bought a beautiful diamond engagement ring and pondered how and where I should pop the question. It had to be special, perfect.I phoned and booked a table at a fancy restaurant, making arrangements for the waiter to bring Champagne at a certain time. I was satisfied.