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“Pretending like I’m some mystery needing to be solved. It’s not true, so you can go and see the play now.” I picked up my wine to leave, but he took it from my hands, placing it back down.
“I’m not pretending, and I could care less for your perception on that.” He looked over his shoulder, his furrowed brow creased with an olive glow, “Where is your friend? The boy?”
“He’s coming soon,” I lied, “So, you should probably leave.” I warned, but not even this bothered Alejandro.
“Then let him come.” He placed the caramel-colored liquor down on the table studying its hue. He made no attempt to hide his physique, his toned arms tight in a new leather jacket. The constricted noise caused by its creased movements felt almost sexual, as if the pressure of his large biceps could snap near my ear like a sturdy belt.
“He won’t like you.” I sneered.
“Why is that?”
“Because I don’t like you.” I stated sharply, frustrated by his persistence. Now was not the night, not with my damp hair, not with Parker letting me down. The truth was, I didn't like Alejandro, not only because he frustrated me, but because he made me feel at odds. The way his eyes coiled my insides, turned my stomach into knots, twisted below as if springs were tightening between my legs. I wanted to scream, I wanted to push him, I wanted to do a lot of things I couldn't acknowledge.
“You’re lying.” He leaned closer, his cherry scent posed like a signal.
“What?”
“You do like me, I can tell. If you didn’t, I’d see it in your eyes. Say whatever you want about that, but unless you prove me wrong, I’ll think otherwise.”
“You’re ridiculous.” I laughed, amazed at his audacity. There was nothing to see, nothing to prove, my eyes said nothing. I refused to admit anything I felt.
“And you’re being coy. What did I tell you about acting like a child?” His clear warning sent shivers down my back, the glow on my cheeks no longer from the wine, but from his words.
“And what? You want to somehow correct that?” I hissed, challenging his tempered scowl that made me sweat. He licked the corner of his lips, the collectiveness of his attitude morphed into frustration.
“I’m dying to,” he replied. “Give me another reason to, and I will.”
“You wouldn’t,” I laughed, calling his bluff, but his intended glare said different. He was serious, and I knew it. He’d carry me over his shoulders if I said another word and teach me the consequences of my actions. He’d show me what his version of a good girl was, and that alone made me cross my legs.
“I’ll ask you again, where is your friend?” He returned my wine, nodding for me to take a drink. I did, but only to quench the dryness of my tongue, not because he demanded. I wouldn’t yield to his requests. If he could see the truth in my eyes, then that scared me most of all. I hated attention, especially as spectators watched while being escorted away. I spent my life building barriers to keep people away, and if he could see beyond that, what would that mean?
“He couldn’t make it.” I confessed.
“You’ll watch it with me then.” He pointed his chin to a set of stairs, “I’ve got the best view in the house, and I don’t want it to go to waste.”
“And how would you know it’s the best view?”
“Because I’m looking at it.” His absolute conviction almost made me laugh, but only to soothe how nervous he made me. I knew I would’ve squirmed, but now I couldn’t move, almost paralyzed by the weight of his words. “I’m here, he’s not. It’s not safe to leave a butterfly unprotected, unless you’re with a wolf.” He assured, looking down at my ring. I curled my finger into a fist, hiding Parker’s gift from his sinful eyes.
“I don't need protection.” I pulled my purse towards my shoulder, finally finding the strength to rise from my seat.
“I know this, but does he?” He asked, truly playing games with my head. Parker knew this, didn’t he? Regardless of how he felt about Alejandro and about me working with him, the warnings he gave were purely with good intentions. Unless, of course, I was the little sister, needing to be saved. I couldn’t sit here any longer, I couldn’t let him look me in the eyes and see my truth.
“Enjoy your view.” I pushed him aside, making my way back through the busy lobby. The crowd shouted, their attention back on Alejandro as I pushed my way through the thick wall of people. I hoped it’d kept him away, and I wasn't sure how much more I could take. As much as I was curious to join him, I was nervous of how it’d go. It was better to leave, to find the seats Parker and I had when we were kids.
I hurried along the steps, entering the theatre encased with gold trimming and red drapes. Immediately, I noticed someone new was in Parker’s spot, that the free ticket was actually given away. It was a large man, consuming the seat with a box of sour cherry bombs. Not the man of my dreams, but someone just as lonely. He glanced at me with his pale face, adjusting the position of his glasses on the rim of his nose. I’d take anyone over Alejandro, over the risk he gave with his prying inquisition.
Tonight was already a mess, between Parker’s absence and Alejandro’s less than subtle approach. He was muddying the boundaries, challenging the border between professional and personal. I suppose we were outside of work, but that didn't mean I should have been any less frustrated. What did he expect me to do? People were taking my picture tonight, and I was certain it would end up online. I could imagine the headlines already,Gemma Harrison, celebrity stylist who fucked her way to the top.
Unbelievable.
The lights slowly dimmed, and finally I felt safe. Alone in the dark, I knew I couldn’t be seen or bothered, or so I thought. The red curtain rose, as audience members clapped, but all I could hear was the distant mumbles of a man’s voice. It persisted, sucking my attention to the neighbor on my left. I glared while my eyes adjusted to the dark figure by his side.
Alejandro.
We caught each other in observation, then back down at the man in Parker’s spot.
“How much for your seat?” Alejandro asked, his thick voice still stout enough for everyone’s ears. The pale man looked annoyed, ignoring Alejandro, but I shushed him. Alejandro pulled out a wad of money, flipping the bills in his hands. “Five thousand cash, along with my VIP seat. I won’t take no for an answer.” He warned as the man sighed, lifting from his seat. They switched as Alejandro pulled the box of sour cherry bombs from the man’s hands. “The candy stays too.” He bargained, finally allowing the man to leave. He sat by my side.
