The Sweet Edge by Risa Peris Page A

or even fodder for psychoanalysis to want that life when he grew up in poverty. His father was a butcher and his mother was a cocktail waitress. They were second generation Irish, and though they lived in better conditions than their parents, they were still poor and disrespected. Campbell still remembers, like an appalling toothache, when his high school girlfriend's parents had forbidden her to see him and had refused to allow her to attend the prom with him.  Her name was Skye and she was a beautiful red head with pale skin and freckles. She reminded him of a mermaid with her luxurious tresses and delicate features. Skye was careful where they went on dates and usually she preferred to sit in his Camaro and star gaze while they passed Boone's Wine back and forth. Campbell had convinced himself that she was discreet and shy but deep down there lurked a dark worm. Skye was ashamed of him and when her father found them in the car by the shore he could see from Skye's face that she was indeed ashamed of him. Her father, a police officer, had pulled Campbell out of the car by his ear. He then spat at Campbell and called him "trash". Skye sent him notes in school apologizing and claiming that her father was "mean and angry" and she couldn't possibly disobey him by continuing to see him. Campbell burned the notes and promised himself that someday he would find an even more beautiful woman. A woman to cause envy in lesser women. A woman who wanted to be with him despite his family. No shame.
    "How long are you going to be out here?"
    Campbell didn't turn around. He sighed. "Is HR gone?"
    "Yeah. Just left. Do you want your messages?"
    "Put them on my desk."
    "You OK?" Margaret, Campbell's assistant, was standing in the glass doorway bracing against the cold wind.
    "I'm fine Margaret."
    "It was a good day, right?" Margaret squinted at Campbell as she patted down her blonde hair.
    "It was a wonderful day." Campbell knew she was counting on a healthy Christmas bonus from him. Margaret loved good financial days at the office. He knew she noted every detail to justify, if she ever had to, her bonus worthiness. "You can go Margaret. I'm heading home soon."
    "Alright. Have a nice evening. Remember you have a reservation at Lola's tonight."
    "I know. Thanks Margaret." She turned and closed the heavy glass door.
    Campbell sighed. He pulled out his iPhone and checked for messages. He had several work related texts, a few missed calls from unknown numbers and two new emails from Kristin. He opened them and read them.
    Hey Cammie:
    Do you mind if I use your credit card for a trip to Saks. I need a new coat and my actress salary isn't allowing such a splurge. You said I could use the card for emergencies and, well, I'm freezing my toned ass off.
    TTYL, Krissie
    Campbell deleted the email and read the next.
    Hey Cammie:
    Didn't get a response about the credit card. I figured you wouldn't mind. Bought a new coat. Fake mink but so wonderfully soft. You will love it. BTW, it was on sale.
    Kisses, Krissie
    Campbell stuck his phone back in his pocket. He was meeting Kristin for dinner. He didn't want to talk to her now. Campbell wanted to stay outside, staring at the city in the frigid weather. He could feel his face getting numb. He wasn't sure why he was brooding. He should be sipping champagne with his team. Campbell decided he wasn't happy. He wasn't sure why. He had everything he wanted. Money, a high powered job, a beautiful girlfriend, the ability to travel wherever he desired, respect of his colleagues and the residents in his co-op…there was no reason not to be happy. Campbell walked toward the edge and looked down. From the top of the skyscraper you couldn’t even see the sidewalk or the street below. He felt he was suspended over an abyss and had a sudden terrible fear.
    "What if I jumped? Climbed the security gate and plunged to my death? What would I think of on the way down?" Campbell tightened his coat around him. "I wouldn't be a