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“You look beautiful, by the way.” He whispered, as if sensing her nervousness. “Relax, it’s just a toast.”
“Wait, I thought usually it was the host who did-“
She stopped short as it hit her like a brick that this was their host for the evening.
“Thank you dear friends,” he began, over the whisper of the crowd-so much for eastern Sean Connery, “I am so grateful for the turnout. They say love available is best shown when it receives from another. While still new among you, I am quite taken by the hospitality I have enjoyed during my short stay her. Please allow me to make toast,” the hall was silent, enthralled. “To friendship and new beginnings.”
The foyer chorused it reply, and slowly came back to life. The podium was all of a sudden flooded with people who wanted to socialize and Gloria quickly found herself elbowed to the edges. To her surprise however, and much to his credit, the host quickly turned, pushed through the crowd and grabbed her by the hand in that same puzzling manner.
“I hope I get to see you again Miss…”
“Patton, Gloria Patton; private investigator for the rich and paranoid; here is my card; call me sometime if you need anything checked out.” She passed him a card from her mini-purse in one smooth movement which had even her surprised. For one thing, business was the last thing on her mind, and she was usually less sure of her movements in crowds; she was aware of the pounding feeling within her chest once more and her ears felt hot.
“Wow a business woman! Viktor Belerin Konoplyanka; I will call you if I require any enquiries then.” He answered as he smoothly passed her card into his suit pocket. His eyes possessing a curious demeanor, never left her face, and for a heart wrenching second of pained hope, Gloria thought she could see the same fascination for herself as she had for him-just a second. After that the crowd swamped her out again and she quickly departed. She wanted to go home; her heart was no longer in the endeavor. Where was Gladys when you needed her?
On cue, Gladys appeared alongside her, “Hey!” her eyes amused as she stared into her twins face. “Wow, here I am working hard to sell us to this pampered crowd and you land yourself a hot date!”
“Yeah you were really hard at work.”
“I handed out all my cards-it’s a start! So you mind telling me your new boyfriend’s name? Let me guess-Vlad Dracula”
“He’s not my boyfriend! I need a drink.” Gloria announced as she made a beeline towards a passing waiter with a tray.
“Hey don’t bite my head off!” Gladys joked, taking a glass for herself. “He is something though- I never knew men came so…perfect.”
“I know! We just met at one of the freakiest art displays in the world and next thing I knew, I was on stage with him.”
Gladys’ eyes showed their skepticism “Hmmh hmmh; I think I’ll google him- give me a name.”
“What no way! Viktor? I think with a ‘T’ the way he pronounced it.”
“You are gonna have to give much more than that baby girl.” Gladys persisted. They were at a corner of the room now speaking in hushed tones by default. They did not really have to because there was nobody around.
“Oh that’s all I remember. It was all so foreign. At least I know now that he really is from Russia or someplace like that. We don’t have to do this.”
“Oh yes we do! There is just something about him-something off. I don’t know he seems to perfect. The best criminals always are.”
“Hey, hey don’t get carried away! In fact I forbid you from doing anything.”
“Nothing you can do to stop me dearie. Besides I know you are probably even more curious about him than I am. What with all the ladies, including grandmas, swooning at his gaze, and yet he remains still, very much a mystery, aloof from it all-except from you.”
“What?! What are you talking about?!” Gloria’s head snapped at her sister’s direction. She had been determined to ignore Gladys’ comments but not anymore, “You think he likes me?!”
“Wow, slow down! I think you he could like you. I mean he certainly looked at you like you were the only one in the room; mesmerizing; which is strange because normally it is I who gets such treatment. Yeah I should definitely check this out.”
