Page 66 of Until You Came Along
When I hung up, I was smiling like a fool. I hoped things would go well because, with each passing second, that man was getting more under my skin.
???
It was fifteen minutes before seven in the evening, so I turned off the computer and went to the bathroom to freshen up and touch up my makeup. That day I was wearing a beige suit with a jacket and pencil skirt with a side slit, very feminine and elegant, and I paired it with a white blouse and black stilettos. After applying perfume, I grabbed my purse and left the office. At seven I was exiting the building where my office was located, and Hermes was already waiting for me, parked at the entrance. As soon as he saw me, he got out of the car and approached. His eyes never left mine.
“Hello, darling,” he greeted, giving me a soft kiss on the lips.
“Hello,” I greeted, a bit shy. I was still getting used to the idea that I was dating him.
“Shall we go?” he asked, placing his hand on my waist and guiding me toward the car.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“We’re going to dinner and then to my place.”
We got into the car and during the journey we told each other about our day while listening to music. At that moment, “You and Me” by Lifehouse was playing. Hermes seemed relaxed and asked a lot about my work. When we arrived at the restaurant, I wasn’t surprised that it was one of the most elegant in the city, and I was even less surprised that they knew him and treated him specially, as if he were their best customer.
“We’ve reserved the best table for you, Mr. Darwich, from there you have a beautiful view. Please follow me,” said an elegantly dressed gentleman who I assumed was the restaurant’s host.
“Thank you,” he responded, but he leaned close to my ear and whispered, “the only view I’m interested in is right beside me, and it’s the most beautiful of all,” and he continued walking, holding my hand without being disturbed, while I was left completely dazed by him.
Upon reaching the table, I could see that we were in a privileged spot. The restaurant had two floors and they seated us on the terrace, at a table decorated with elegant dinnerware and crystal, candles, and an ice bucket with champagne. Hermes pulled out the chair for me to sit down and then took his place. For dinner, we both ordered the night’s suggestion, “Grilled veal fillet accompanied by pureed spiced baby carrots and glazed onions.” The food was delicious, and the ambiance and music gave the place a romantic aura that, being accompanied by that man, was making my heart beat in a strange way. At that moment, “Open the door” by Blues Cousins was playing softly.
“Do you like Blues?” he asked, looking at me intensely.
“Yes, of course. I think it’s a very intense and sensual musical genre, and often sad.”
“It has a lot of that, which is why its name means melancholy or sadness. It’s good that you like it because today we’re going to listen to that type of music. This restaurant is known for having days dedicated to certain types of music, today it’s Blues and Jazz.”
“Let’s enjoy it, then.”
For a few moments we remained in a comfortable silence enjoying the company, the music, and the exquisite food.
“On Friday we’re going to a business dinner,” he announced, with his characteristic authoritarian tone.
At that moment I was bringing my fork to my mouth, I left it in the air and my gaze fixed on him. I lowered the fork and observed that he followed each of my movements with a scrutinizing air.
“The correct thing would be for you to first ask me if I can or want to go to that place,” I stated, and I suppose my tone of reproach didn’t go unnoticed.
“I told you that I have unavoidable commitments and that, if the relationship was exclusive, you should accompany me,” he indicated, with great tranquility, although I don’t think he missed my look of censure.
“Hermes, you’re not the only one who has unavoidablecommitments, I remind you that I also have responsibilities that I cannot avoid or postpone and, as it happens, that Friday I also have a business dinner that I committed to attend. On the other hand, I don’t like you throwing the exclusivity in my face, if it bothers or complicates you so much, we can end this relationship. Surely, one of your friends would be more than willing to accompany you,” I concluded, and I noticed that my cheeks were burning.
“Are you finished?” he asked, very calmly.
“It depends.”
“May I speak?” he asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.
I nodded.
“I’m not throwing the exclusivity in our relationship in your face, I myself told you that with you I wouldn’t accept it any other way, so you’ll understand that’s how I want it to be. Regarding the dinner, it’s true, I forget that you’re also awoman with many commitments, for that you’ll have to excuse me because it’s the first time I’m dating someone who has as many or more than I do,” he stated, while I looked at him with narrowed eyes.
“I understand, but I ask you to try to control your dominant character because I don’t like you informing me of your plans as something I have no option about.”
“I’ll try.”
“I’m sorry I can’t accompany you,” I said, as I brought the wine glass to my lips.
