by L. W. Clark
“I like it, but I had a lot of Chinese delivery last month. I only ordered chicken and broccoli.”
“Do you order Chinese often?”
“Not usually. But I didn’t feel well for a few weeks, and Chinese food was my best friend.”
“Oh, you didn’t feel well. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“That’s OK. It has nothing to do with you.”
“No, I said sorry to hear.”
“No, no. Don’t be sorry. You didn’t do anything.”
“This is too funny,” he said.
“What?”
“When someone says, ‘sorry to hear’ it’s not an apology,” he smiled. “It’s a just way of showing sympathy, like it makes me sad that you were sick.”
I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face, and then he couldn’t stop laughing. We shared a few appetizers. The conversation and champagne flowed. It was a great time. When it was time to go, he put me in a taxi and paid the driver.
“I had a great time, Alyssa,” he said. “Please call me when you get home?”
“Yes, I will,” I said as I hugged him. “And thank you so much. It really was great.”
While the taxi driver raced on the highway, my mind was racing.
What a great day. Full of fun, warmth and beauty. It was the most interesting and classy day I’ve had in a long time. It was like the days I had with Maximillian back home. It was just being who you are and, in the moment, forgetting everything as you experience pure pleasure. I didn’t get tired at all around Gilles, but I’m not sure I want to see him again. Sure, he was fun and comfortable to be with, and the places he took me were fantastic. I felt so free with him, which doesn’t happen often. I’d love to do it again. But wait. Why? Why do I want to see him again? Because he’s kind? Because he takes me to nice places? Because when he holds my hand, I get goosebumps? Did just that little touch make me feel, sexual? Maybe that was it. The reason doesn’t matter. I do want to see him again.
“Hi Silvia, I’m glad you’re home.”
“Hey Alyssa. I was just about to make some tea. Do you want some?”
“Yes, please.”
“Where did you go? I’m sure you did your city tour.”
“Yes, I did a city tour, but a real one this time. I never had a chance to tell you … do you remember naked man?”
“Who?”
“You know, naked man? When I was stuck on the roof and the next-door neighbor helped me? And I saw him naked?”
“Oh yeah,” she laughed. “I remember. What happened? Did you see him naked again?”
“Very funny. No, I didn’t see him naked, but I did go out with him today. I spent all day with him.”
“Really? Tell me more.”
As she poured the tea, I told her everything about my great day in the city with Gilles. I shared every single detail, from the beginning to the end. She listened carefully, with wide eyes. I talked so long our tea turned cold, but neither of us cared.
“The most important part?” I said. “I felt so comfortable with him. We got along so well. It was an instant connection. He’s like one of those close friends who you can talk to about anything. No barriers you know? I also felt protected by him. Like there was a real man right next to me. An older, mature man with power. Like a father.”
“Like a father?” Silvia asked. “What do you mean? Do you like him like a father? That’s just weird.”
We laughed so much that I accidentally spilled my tea on the table, which made us laugh even more.
“No, no, I mean, like when you’re a little girl and your father protects you. You’re being cared for by a smart, mature man.”
“Oh … I know what you mean. How much older is he? Five or six years?”
“I should really say no if he asks me out again.”
“Why? I like him already. For you of course,” she smiled.
“Dating takes time. Time that I have to use for other things. I have a student visa that could be extended, but it’s questionable. He seems to be high class. With good manners, good looks, and he’s stylish. It doesn’t seem like good timing. I’m super busy with my job, school will start soon, and my plan is to go back home. Why start a relationship now? It was a great day with him, and I loved the places we went, but it’s a distraction. It should just be this one day out and that’s it.”
“How old is he?” she asked again.
“He’s forty-seven. I don’t care about his age. I like older men.”
“What? Did you say forty-seven? I think that’s too much. I would never date someone that old.”
“Why not, if you liked him? What’s the difference? If you feel happy with him that’s all that counts, right?”
“You know, I’ve heard that some older man can be strange. They might ask you to do some bizarre stuff. Especially if he’s rich. They like to do strange things with younger girls.”
“Yeah, but younger guys can be weird too,” I said, thinking of Zachary. “By the way, did you ask Zachary about my necklace?”
“Yes, he said it’s still at the jewelers.”
The phone rang and Silvia picked it up.
“It’s for you,” she said covering the mouthpiece. “It’s the old man.”
We both started giggling.
“Hello?” I said, still laughing.
“Hi Alyssa,” Gilles said. “I hope you got home alright.”
“I did,” I said, trying to compose myself. “I’m sorry. I forgot to call you.”
“That’s OK.”
“My roommate and I have been chatting since I got home.”
“Girls … I hope you weren’t chatting about me.”
“Actually, yes, we were. I was telling her that I had a great day and … and you … and you showed me a really nice time.”
We were on the phone for an hour. We talked about everything. Neither of us wanted to hang up. I usually don’t like talking on the phone. But with him it was easy. We finally said goodnight.
“Right. Like you’re not going to see him again,” Silvia mumbled from her bed. She was sleepy.
“I’m not. Goodnight Silvia.”
She didn’t even respond. She was fast asleep.
TWENTY-FOUR
I slept late and didn’t even hear the alarm. I had to meet Viktor and I was going to be late. It was an important meeting. I was making my last payment. I would get back my freedom and my passport. I borrowed it for a day when I applied for my student visa. You’d think they would have let me just keep it with only a few payments left, right? Nope, they took it back.
“Sorry I’m late Viktor. I slept through the alarm,” I said as I handed him the envelope.
“You slept through the alarm? Who sleeps past noon? I missed my lunch. But here’s your passport. Good luck.”
“Thank you, and to you too, Viktor.”
On the way home I stopped by Zachary’s apartment. I didn’t think he’d be there during the day, but I thought I’d try anyway. I wanted my necklace. I always felt like something was missing, something from Maximillian. He wasn’t home so I left a note that I wanted the address of the jeweler so I could pick up the necklace. I never heard from him. I called a few times, but he never answered his phone.
I know it’s just a necklace. I shouldn’t let it ruin my day, but I’m getting frustrated. Why is it taking so long to fix? And why doesn’t he answer?
The phone rang. I thought it was Zachary so I rushed to pick it up, but it was Gilles. I was happy to hear his voice, but I wasn’t happy about being happy. I was trying to suppress my desire to see him again. I wanted to focus on my goals. I didn’t want any distractions, and that was that. I was preparing myself to say no to him, in case he asked me out again.
“I’d like you to join me for dinner,” he said. “Can we meet at seven-thirty?”
He seems rushed.
“No, no…. I can’t… I can’t meet you tonight.”
My heart is pounding so fast, again.
“Oh.
Why not? I thought you said you were free tonight.”
“No… I know, I am, but…. I have to go to work tomorrow and I need to wake up at five.”
“That is early. I have to catch an early flight tomorrow as well, so we won’t be late. It’s just dinner.”
What is he catching? A flight? Oh, never mind.
“I don’t know… really, if I can, but … where is dinner?”
As if that matters.
“You’ll see.”
“I don’t think I can. I didn’t bring enough clothes with me.
Yeah, my big wardrobe is on Long Island.
“Don’t worry about the clothes. Just wear whatever and tell me yes.”
I heard a female voice in the background, but I didn’t understand what she was saying. I understood Gilles though. He told her “He’s on his way.”
Where was his way? What’s that all about?
“Sorry” he said. “You still there?”
“Yes.”
“Yes to dinner, right?” he asked.
“No, I said yes for…. that I was still there. Not the yes that you want to hear.”
“Yes is yes. I’ll see you?”
I paused, and then said yes. I wanted to say yes all along. I was just being stubborn, but then I gave in to my desire. I became who I really was. A girl who wanted to be out on a date with a guy.
“Great. Just wear something casual,” he said. “Let’s meet at seven instead of seven-thirty. 58th and 5th.”
So, I said yes again, to the old man, just as Silvia said I would.
Wear whatever? Something casual? I’m confused. What am I supposed to wear? The same dress? Or just pants and a top? No, pants and a top would be too casual. Better to wear the same dress. At least it’s a dress.
When Gilles saw me crossing the street going towards him, he smiled. Then we both jumped when a loud and long car horn started honking at me. I ran to him. He grabbed me and squeezed me so tight, without saying anything, like we hadn’t seen each other for a while.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Do I? Thank you.”
I was self-conscious about wearing the same dress, so I put some accessories on to camouflage it.
“Let’s go,” he said. “We don’t have much time.”
He took my hand and I followed him like a little girl. He walked so fast I had trouble keeping up. And he kept speeding up as we went. I was too shy to ask him to slow down so I had to walk even faster. He was walking fast, and I was jogging, like a girl.
Bergdorf Goodman. I saw the building we were approaching. I knew that place. I passed it many times. I stopped to look at those beautiful window displays for a long time. I looked at the windows while I was jogging. There were new, beautiful collections, in all colors.
How often do they change these window displays?
I wanted to ask him but didn’t since I was out of breath from the cardio. I kept jogging as we took a left turn.
We’re going inside? Why? Maybe he has to pick something up. Or there’s a restaurant inside? Who cares? We’re going in!
As we went into the store, he held my hand even tighter; it almost hurt. I thought he wanted to avoid the crowd and keep up his pace. I didn’t ask any questions while we waited for the elevator. I was too busy looking and he was busy with his cellphone. It seemed like his mind was elsewhere. There was beauty all around, the fashion and the people.
“Hello, Gilles. I’m glad you made it,” a woman said, waiting for us on the floor.
“Hi, Caroline, how are you?” he asked as he kissed her on the cheek. “This is Alyssa.”
“It’s so lovely to meet you,” she said as we shook hands. “This way please.”
I had no idea what was going on as we followed her into a private room.
“Please, have a seat,” she said.
“Caroline, I’m afraid we don’t have much time,” Gilles said.
“Of course not, Gilles,” she said with a smile. “You’re always in a hurry. We’ll get you out of here quickly. From your description of Alyssa, I’ve already chosen a few dresses and shoes. The dresses are popular with young women. I think you’ll like at least one of them.”
She walked over to a rack with three dresses and on the floor below were three beautiful pairs of shoes.
“Please, this way to the fitting room.”
Is this happening?
“I’ve already paired the shoes with each dress, but you can experiment. Try them on and come outside so we can have a look,” she said as she closed the door.
My face is numb. I think I’m in shock. I need to calm down and focus since we’re in a hurry.
I put on each outfit and stepped out where Caroline and Gilles were sitting judges. I tried on a Giambattista Vali sleeveless black midi dress with Valentino lace slip-on style, pointed toe high heels. A long Oscar de la Renta poppy-print satin dress with Prada pump suede upper low heels. And a Giorgio Armani sleeveless floral minidress with Yves Saint Laurent metallic leather pointed toe high heels.
“I like all of them, but my favorite is the Oscar de la Renta, even if she didn’t follow my advice on the shoes,” Caroline smiled, as she looked at Gilles, with an attitude.
That’s right, I didn’t.
“What do you think, Gilles?” she asked. “Which is your favorite?”
“I like all of them,” he said looking at me. “Which one do you like, Alyssa? Why don’t you choose the one you like the most? You’re the one who’s going to wear it. But please hurry. We need to go,” he said as his phone rang.
I went back to the changing room and put on the Giambattista Vali midi dress with Yves Saint Laurent shoes. I felt bad I didn’t go with Caroline’s suggestion. Well, not that bad. I loved the dress and shoes. I walked out, and Caroline smiled.
“You have good taste, seriously,” she said.
Gilles looked up from his phone at us and said nothing. He came to me and took my hands in his. He looked at me from head to toe, and then into my eyes for a few seconds.
“Ready?” he asked. “Thank you, Caroline, as always. You’re the best.”
“Anytime,” she smiled as she gave him a kiss.
“Yes, thank you, Caroline,” I said.
Do I have to give her a kiss or a hug too? That would be kind of weird.
I shook her hand. Walking in high heels has never been a problem for me but keeping up with Gilles’s fast pace while holding hands wasn’t easy. Looking back, that’s the day I became a professional high heel walker.
We left the magical store and went to another magical place, 21 Club. We quickly walked the six blocks without saying a word. We entered the restaurant where the host was waiting for us. We were following him until Gilles stopped at a round table where a bunch of guys were dining.
I was still following the host when Gilles grabbed my arm and pulled me back, and next to him. The men at the table were all dressed well, like serious business people, and they all seemed to like meat. I stood behind Gilles as a few of the guys stood up to shake Gilles’s hand. As they shook hands they’d look up and down at me with a big smile.
Well, this is kind of awkward, although I do feel fantastic in my new outfit.
After all the handshaking, I felt Gilles’s hand touch my body as he spoke to all the men at the table. He put his arm around my waist and held me close. He was serious, speaking with authority. He went around the table and introduced me to each of the men. They would nod their head, smile and say hello, or nice to meet you.
Gilles was discussing something with them that I didn’t understand. He was still holding me tight, his body close to mine. I felt his hot energy coming right through my body, into my blood and up to my face as I blushed. I felt so warm and distracted.
We finally said goodnight to the men and walked to our table. With the high heels I was almost as tall as him. We sat face to face and I silently looked at him as he looked around the room. He looked serious and tense and then, suddenly, he relaxed.
He looked the way he did yesterday, in Central Park. I continued to stare at him until our eyes locked, and we just sat there for what seemed like an eternity. Then he took a deep breath and smiled.
“OK, now I feel better,” he said.
Yesterday Gilles is back. This is the Gilles I like.
I guess some of us have different personalities. We can be nice, friendly and happy or we can be the complete opposite. But the personality we are most of the time is the one the matters. The personality that’s dominant shows who we really are. I saw another side of Gilles today. He was unfriendly and indifferent, like an arrogant businessman. I hope the Gilles I saw yesterday is dominant.
“Now we can relax and talk,” he said as he put his hand on mine. “So, how are you? Tell me, how was your day?”
I felt that hot energy from his hand. It made me blush again, which I didn’t like. I moved my hand away from his and reached for the water.
“Did you buy this outfit for me?” I asked.
Everything happened so fast. I’m not sure what’s going on.
“No,” he said. “I borrowed it and we have to take it back after dinner.”
“I see,” I said. “Well, I hope she kept my dress, the one that I left there.”
“I’m sure she did,” he said. “You look so beautiful in this dress. You chose well.”
“Thank you,” I said.
He took my hand again as we sat quietly.
“I’m just kidding, Alyssa,” he finally said. “Yes, I bought the dress for you. It’s a little gift, from me.”
“A little gift?” I laughed. “It’s very generous of you. Thank you so much.”
I stood up, walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek.
We had a good laugh over how naïve I was. It was the same, laughing-over-nothing that we had all day yesterday. Just silly happiness.
“Maybe I don’t know much about a lot of things,” I said, “but I do know about high end fashion designers and value. Thank you again for the gift.”
“I can tell you do. You even did better than Caroline. She has a great fashion sense, but I was happy you didn’t follow her advice. I like that.”
“You like what? That I didn’t follow her advice just because she said so or you like the outfit I put together?”
