Read part 1, part 2 here
There was no lag, no laziness, I was Robert--I knew that already. I touched my face and studied it in the mirror. "Huh, you'll do," I told the reflection.
I reached down and picked up the receipt and pen Robert had dropped in the struggle. Then I went back to David's pants and took ten bucks from his pocket, "It's not stealing, I know he'd tip... believe me," I told Robert's conscious.
As Robert, I left the room taking the service elevator to the kitchen. I seamlessly drew on his memories checking in the meal on the register and placed the signed receipt in the folder.
"You going?" A voice called out, it was the head waiter.
"Just finished," I told him. "See you later." I knew Robert had an evening shift as well.
In the staff room I removed my uniform shirt and hung it up in my locker. I switched on my phone and checked for messages--nothing I was clear for the afternoon. I pulled on my hoody--Robert thought it looked cool over his vest, and I hitched my rucksack over my shoulder.
Robert would normally be heading home to catch up on some sleep before the long evening shift, but after immersing myself in his memories I figured a way to get back with Justin again.
I hailed a cab and gave him the address of a park towards the west of the city. I knew that's where I'd find Connor, a friend of Robert's.
Paying the cab, I walked towards the bridge. I couldn't see him, then a squeal of breaks announced his arrival. "Hey Robbie, what are you doing in this part of town?" he asked.
"Thought I'd visit," I replied as he balanced on his bike. He was a messenger, it was a perfect job for him. He loved cycling, being outside and was definitely an adrenaline junkie.
We walked to the embankment, he cycled slowly controlling his speed and balance perfectly. I looked at his physique: strong and athletic. He had a handsome face that oozed confidence. I was going to enjoy being Connor.
Cautiously I looked around; nobody around. I slipped off my rucksack and dropped it to the floor. Connor perched his bike against the wall. From my bag I drew a few bottles of water and held one up. "Want one?"
"Oh man, you're a blessing," he said with a smile of perfect white teeth.
Throwing a bottle--way over his head, he tried to catch it, but it fell to the ground. "Sorry man," I apologised. As he bent down to pick it up I launched myself onto his back, locking my arms under his and around the back of his head.
"What are you playing at Robbie?" he exclaimed as I wrapped my legs around his thighs. He stumbled backwards and we both fell against the wall of the embankment.
Robert wasn't strong, so I was already struggling to hold onto Conner. He was bigger, big enough to obscure me behind him.
I unwrapped my legs and began to pull myself from Robert's lower body and into Connor's. This was going to be awkward and dangerous, it was broad daylight.
As soon as my legs entered Connor, he sensed something was wrong and started to fight me even more. But by this time I was already up to his waist. "Relax will you," I whispered. "You won't remember anything, it'll be a blast." That only riled him further.
I just didn't have any purchase to hold him in place for much longer. I needed him to stop now!
Then the solution came to me, I pulled my head free of Robert's and straight into the back of Connor's. He stopped struggling and his arms dropped--I was in control--at least partially.
I took a deep breath. Relaxed Robert's body and pulled my arms free. I felt for Connor's back and pushed inside. He convulsed slightly, but as the last of me left Robert and migrated into Connor he became still.
Taking another breath I rolled my shoulders enjoying the tightness of the one-piece he was wearing under his hoody and shorts. I felt the familiar rush as Connor's strength flooded through me as we became a single entity.
Scooting across I grabbed the bottle and sat next to the sleeping Robbie. I took a few gulps from the bottle and started to page through Connor's memories while I waited for my friend to wake.
"What happened?" I heard Robert groan.
"I dunno, have some water maybe you're dehydrated."
He took a gulp of water, "Damn, are we at the Embankment?" I nodded. "How did I get here?"
"Like I'd know," I snorted. "I saw you walking and I pulled up. You went on about not seeing me for a while--which I thought was a little needy."
"What happened then?" He groaned again rubbing his head.
"We sat down and the next thing I knew you were asleep. Maybe they're working you too hard at the hotel?"
"I dunno."
"Have you had anything to eat?" I asked.
"Only breakfast."
I slapped his chest, maybe a little too hard--I was still getting used to being Connor. "Com'n, lets hit All American down on Water Street--my treat." Grabbing my bike I threw a leg over. "Come on Robbie, jump on."
He grabbed his rucksack and looked at my quizzically for a moment. I patted the seat and he climbed on holding my waist. I took it easy at first, but then started to pump the pedals hard to pick up some speed. I started to sweat, Robbie held be tighter as I raced through the streets. I felt his head on my back, I guessed he wasn't used to slipping through such tight traffic, but now I knew my way around the city--thanks to Connor.
We skidded to a halt outside the Deli, I waited, then looked over my shoulder. "We're here," I said.
"Fuck's sake!" Robbie muttered, practically falling off the bike.
I laughed. "Little too fast for you?" He said nothing. "Go in and choose something. I've just gotta lock up my bike."
Connor knew he had to look after his bike, it was his livelihood and now I had that responsibility. I checked the chain and lock a second time, then joined Robbie inside.
We got a couple of gourmet sandwiches and juice, I'd had a good week and for once could afford to treat my friend--I smirked, being Connor felt so natural. It was not only becoming easier to get inside people, but I found that taking on their identity was just as easy.
Robbie looked at his watch. "I need to get home, need some sleep before tonight."
"I can give you a lift if you like," I offered.
"No way, I'll take the subway." I tipped my chin and watched him. I followed soon after, heading back to Connor's studio apartment; a single room at the top of a block downtown. It was cheap, but suited his lifestyle.
I crashed out on the bed and booted up his laptop. As it started I got myself a beer from the makeshift kitchen which consisted of a microwave, sink and the small squat refrigerator.
The laptop had found my neighbours WIFI, I grinned to myself as I started Netflix. I thought for a moment about calling Jacob to see if he wanted to chill, but decided against it. Inside I leaned back on the bed and watched Marvel's latest serialisation.
It was a binge fest. Maybe four, or six episodes I can't remember. I'd had enough, it was almost midnight and Connor had to work tomorrow--I had to work tomorrow. I felt totally drained, probably due to the number of changes I'd had over the weekend.
---
Whatever was happening, it was relaxing. Like the warmth or laying on a tropical beach with the sounds of waves lapping at the golden sands. There was a lightness, not the effort of flying, but floating like a cloud caught in a breeze. Where was I? Was I dreaming?
I took a breath and reluctantly pulled myself from the dream. I blinked lazily, then squinted at the bight overhead light. A shrill, hard noise bludgeoned its way into my mind.
"SHIT!"
A yellow cab! And I was heading straight for it!
-- END OF PART THREE
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