Given the traffic of this weekend, I knew I had long minutes ahead of me before I arrived at the Plaza. So I decided to call Lexy to check in with her.
"Hi, Zoe," replied my friend cheerfully. "I was going to call you soon. What's new in New York?"
"Good evening, Lexy. Everything is fine except the Arctic cold. And you?"
"Stop complaining. In our part of the country it looks like the apocalypse! I won’t tell you about the heat, or even the panic with the fires of the last few days."
"The air would really have to cool down and rain to stop the flames from spreading. Are you planning on coming tomorrow night? For Victoria's birthday?"
"Don't worry, we'll all be there. Lily sent us a message. Apparently it's going to happen at William and his brother's house. Have you ever been there?"
"That's what Lily said when I called her. Yes, I know where it is. I think you'll like it. It's... How to say... Special."
"So cool. We look forward to seeing you again."
"Lucas is still the past?" I asked in a hesitant voice.
"Always! And he will remain that way. We're still very good friends, don't worry. And you, nothing to tell about this trip with Faïz?"
"No. Nothing, but it has been a while since I faced reality. I hope to finally resign myself completely."
"Never mind that simple guy! There's always William waiting for you. He seems very much in love with you."
"After wasting his time, he should rather hate me. That would make more sense. He expects something from me that I'm unable to give to him right now."
"I understand. There's no point in rushing. Things always happen for a reason."
"That is absolutely true. I have to leave you, Lexy. I've arrived at the hotel."
"See you tomorrow, Zoe. Have a good evening."
We hung up without me telling her about tonight's gala. Lexy tended to have extreme behavior in situations like this. Once parked in front of the entrance, Adan preceded me to open my car door.
"Thank you. You're coming back to pick us up later?" I asked him.
"Yes, Miss Reyes, that's what's planned."
I rushed inside the hotel to escape the cold. Before going up to my suite, I went to the reception and recognized the person who had welcomed us last night.
"How can I help you, madam?" asked the receptionist very courteously.
"Can you ask someone to bring a hair straightener to my room, please?"
"For what time?"
"As soon as possible. I have to be off again at 8:00 p.m."
"All right, the hair straightener will be up in a few minutes in your suite."
"Thank you."
I would certainly have a rather simple outfit, but I was planning to make up for it in substance.
In the elevator, I looked at the time on my watch. I had about an hour to get ready. I felt a little sudden tiredness wash over me. I had to struggle not to lie on my bed when I arrived in my room.
I met a few people in the corridor before I got to my door, including many tourists. I had to admit that New York in the middle of winter had its charm. I pushed the door of my suite, plunged into the darkness, and turned on the light. I put my things on the desk corner and took my shoes off, relieved, when something came to my attention. On my bed, a metallic, gray, Channel brand pouch was waiting for me. Next to this, I noticed a large wrapping cover. A Post-it with my first name on it was hanging on it. I recognized Faïz's writing. My pulse accelerated and I opened the large cover hurriedly. Not believing my eyes, I had to sit down so I wouldn't fall backwards. I discovered in front of me the most sumptuous dress that even in my wildest dreams, it would have been impossible for me to have. Hesitantly, I allowed myself to touch the gray, ivory-colored fabric with my fingers. It was a unique creation by Vera Wang. This long dress with a bare back and multiple diamonds glittered with a thousand lights. On each side was a transparent veil playing on the optical effect. The sleeves were covered with lace of such finesse. The outfit was simply breathtaking. Under the shock, I barely heard the knock on the door, so hypnotized was I by the details of the sparkling embroidery.
"Room service," called a woman's voice behind the door.
At the door, the hotel employee handed me a hair straightener and wished me a good evening. Before heading for the bathroom, I decided to thank Faïz by sending him a message. It took me two minutes to write best my sentence, which contained only a few words.
Thank you for this kind attention.
My fatigue had completely disappeared. Nickie Minaj filled the bathroom with her powerful voice and made me dance. After my shower, I found myself in front of the mirror where I attacked my rebellious hair, motivated more than ever to tame it for the evening.
When the last strand of my brushing was finished, I looked at myself, happy with the result. In my life, it must have been the third time I'd dressed up. Indeed, it was necessary to have rock solid motivation to embark on this formidable exercise. Then, I took out my little makeup bag to do something basic, nude, and very light. I liked the finished look a lot. Then came the turn of my dress. I took it gently and put it on without any difficulty. The lace caressed my skin. It was much more fitted than I had thought, to the millimeter, as if it had been sewn onto my skin. I impatiently headed for the large mirror in my room to admire it on me. I didn't recognize myself.
The reflection of the young woman looked almost like a model on a magazine cover with this designer dress. The silvery gray of my outfit brought out my eyes, even greener than usual. As I turned around, I caught sight of a large slit sublimating part of my legs. I went back to the bathroom to put a touch of lipstick and my mascara on that I hadn't had time to apply that morning. Once ready, I checked my phone, realizing that I had just missed a call from Faïz. It was 8:15 p.m. I was a few minutes late, so I decided to call him back immediately.
"What are you up to?" Was he getting impatient on the phone?
"I'm ready. Are you in your room?"
"No, in the lobby. Adan is here. We're waiting for you."
"I'll be right there."
I put on my black pumps, which the dress hid with its length, and replaced my handbag with my small purse, completely in accordance with my princess outfit. I walked in the corridor on the run, imagining Faïz pacing back and forth in the lobby like a caged lion. The elevator arrived quickly. Inside, all eyes were turned towards me, immediately making me uncomfortable. Once I was downstairs, I preferred to let everyone out before me, then I went to the lobby also. I immediately caught sight of Faïz, telephone to his ear. He froze when he saw me, his severe and annoyed look disappearing instantly, leaving room for the most total disarray. He then said no more than two words to his interlocutor before hanging up hastily. The further I went, the brighter the glow in his eyes shone. He was so beautiful in his black tuxedo and white shirt. Her hair was slightly back, bringing out the features of his face. He bewitched me completely with his vertiginous charm. My breath was cut off while my heart panicked.
"Good evening," I whispered.
"You...you are beautiful, Zoe," he stammered. "I don't know what else to tell you."
Embarrassed by his compliment, I bowed my head, glad to note that I also stirred him. It was obvious.
"We must not keep Adan waiting. I'm already late," I managed to say while trying to keep an equal voice.
Faïz shook his head as if to put his thoughts back in order. He took off his jacket to come and place it on my shoulders and then offered his arm to me, with a big smile that made me lose my gravitational sense. I took it immediately, with the impression of being, at that moment, the most beautiful woman in his eyes.
FAÏZ
The Range Rover rushed down Fifth Avenue. Inside, Zoe watched the New York night silently through her window. Faïz seemed more nervous, he couldn't help but take a furtive glance at this beautiful young lady sitting next to him. He restrained himself somehow from the desire to get closer to her. Deep down, he knew that Zoe wouldn't push
him away. Only, kissing her or even brushing against her frightened him. He couldn't bear the thought of desecrating this sanctuary. He had had many affairs, to tell the truth. The only serious relationship he had known before was Rachelle. At this thought, he closed his eyes and then reopened them. Poor Rachelle. The last memory he had of her was of her suffering. He had literally broken her heart. However, Faïz knew that he only had to say one word to get her back, but he couldn't silence his growing feelings for Zoe. The more he suffocated them, the more they exploded in his chest. He would have preferred that Zoe hated him, and he had done everything to make it happen, but the woman was incapable of feeling the slightest hatred. Anger, certainly, like any human being, but no malice.
"Where will the reception take place?"
She had turned to him, radiant in that dress. Her soft voice with such a clear intonation brought him out of his gloom. She examined him, trying to guess the reason for the melancholy that possessed him. It was not the dress that was splendid, he thought, admiring it, but just her. She was essential to the dress to make it remarkable. He had gone to choose it for her personally during the lunch break this afternoon, refusing to use the concierge service.
"At the Sainte Regis Palace. We will arrive in a few minutes."
He would have liked to take a less dark tone and mood when addressing her, but he felt compelled to do so, hoping to hide the crack widening in him. He had no control over how he felt, only self-control, but for how long? Now, she only had to open her arms so that he would give up fighting against a destiny already written by the heavens.
11
I literally fell under the spell of the palace when I arrived. A red carpet stretched from our car to the entrance of the Sainte Regis. From the outside, the facade was a true architectural masterpiece. Nothing was left to chance, starting with the hall, marked by fine decorations. Once inside, I felt very small in this building, with its spacious layout. Faïz seemed to know the place perfectly since he immediately headed for the elevators without asking anyone for directions. Suddenly, a voice called out to him and he turned around. A tall blond guy approached us.
"Hi, Virgil."
Faïz reached out to his interlocutor.
"Are you all right? I'm glad to see you finally," said the young man in astonishment.
"We're not staying. Tomorrow we're going back to Los Angeles. This is Zoe. Zoe, this is Virgil, a longtime friend and employee of Trac-Word for almost five years."
"Pleased to meet you," whispered Virgil man as he his eyes widened. "Faïz is a lucky man with such a beautiful young lady on his arm tonight."
I shook his hand, embarrassed by his insistent gaze, and then the three of us went into the elevator. Faïz moved closer to me, leaving his friend no chance to interact with me. I suspected him of being a smidge jealous.
"We need to find a moment to exchange a few words tonight," Virgil insisted.
After these words, Faïz's face suddenly closed.
"I know. I'll find you later."
When we left the elevator, Virgil nodded to Faïz in approval. He then turned to me and greeted me politely, then left to give us a moment of privacy.
"I think your friend likes me," I said, looking at Faïz from the corner of my eye to observe his reaction.
"Yes, a little too much," he grumbled.
I held his arm a little tighter to show him that I was there, by his side, and that I wasn't going to run away. He looked at me for a few seconds, silent, but I felt him relax immediately. That's when we bumped into a hotel clerk, who was waiting at the end of the corridor.
"Is he there to welcome the guests?"
"Almost. There is a host on each floor of this hotel to meet the slightest request of the clientele."
"Hmm."
"What? What intrigues you about what I just told you?"
"You seem pretty used to this place."
"Indeed. I've stayed here many times when I come on business."
"And in general, do you come alone, or accompanied?"
He got annoyed with my remark and gave me a forbidding look.
"I don't have to answer that! Please don't ruin it. The reception is this way."
I opened my mouth to answer him, but I pulled myself together. I didn't want to fight with him tonight.
We were on the top floor and the place hid a room with a setting of true splendor. The first thing I saw wer the vaults on the ceiling where European-style golden chandeliers were hung. Large, oversized, pale and white-pink bouquets of roses were arranged in the middle of the oval tables, which had impeccable cutlery service. The staff received us with the most careful attention, taking our jackets and coats. A large banquet was placed with a wide choice of various menus. The presentation of this blended perfectly with the decor of the room. The pink neon lights at the four corners of the room gave a felted and enchanting appearance to the space. I headed for the back, where a huge hologram was projected. I recognized the rose under its glass dome, identical to the one in Beauty and the Beast. Fascinated, I skirted the three-dimensional image that seemed suspended in the air. The rose was easily more than five meters high, and its petals fell slowly, as if to remind us of the passing time.
"Zoe?" Faïz's voice gently brought me back to reality.
"It's just captivating," I whispered, speechless.
He assented, wearing his famous, devastating smile.
"You can go to the buffet and help yourself, if you want. Chloe is sitting at the third table on your right. She's been waving at you to join her."
I moved my gaze in his direction. Indeed, Chloe was waving to tell me to come and join her. Three other people were sitting at the table with her, but Chloe didn't seem to be paying attention. I pointed at the banquet.
"You'll come and sit with me?"
He grimaced before answering me, "I have to go and greet one or two important people and take time to talk with Virgil. I'll meet you there later."
I had no desire to let him go. Unfortunately, even on an evening like this, Faïz had things to do, once again.
The expression 'having eyes bigger than your belly' took on its full meaning in front this tasty display of food. The chef and his team had not skimped on satisfying all these high society people. Not knowing what to start, I mixed a little bit of everything on my plate, which reminded me how hungry I was. Then I headed to Chloe's table.
"You are beautiful, Zoe! Let me look at you!"
I turned around before sitting beside her, proud of my outfit. Chloe burst out laughing and added,
"Hollywood stars have to behave themselves. No one can wear this dress better than you."
"Thank you. You are radiant, too," I complimented her sincerely.
Her long tight red dress with embroidered flower motifs was stunning. Her choker jewelry was completely in harmony with the style of her clothing. She had tied her hair in a bun pulled and modeled for the occasion. New York was unequivocally the world capital of style and fashion. All those present at the reception proved it.
"Where is your daughter?" I asked her.
"At home. My neighbor is taking care of her tonight. So, not too disappointed to leave tomorrow?" she changed the subject.
I served myself a small glass of champagne and then pretended to think for a moment.
"I am happy to go back to LA. I miss my friends and Faïz's family, but I was really very happy to meet all of you."
"You'll probably come back soon. You and our future CEO seem so...close."
I smothered a little snigger.
"I tell you, there's nothing going on between me and him."
"Yet, since you arrived, he's had eyes only for you, Zoe. I wouldn't call it a friendly relationship. But okay, I'm just saying."
"No, it's true, it's much more complicated and too long to explain. Have Andy and James arrived?"
"Yes, James is up there with his wife."
She pointed to a table a little further ahead of us, on the other side of the room. I saw James s
itting with other guests. Unlike our table, they all seemed to know each other.
"Why isn't he with us?"
"We are not on the same wavelength with his wife. It's better if we avoid each other. Let's say she's special," she explained in an unpleasant voice.
I preferred not to get into the subject, which seemed thorny to me, knowing that I didn't need that tonight.
"Who are these two adorable creatures?" called out a male voice behind us.
Chloe and I turned around at the same time. Andy, accompanied by his grandmother, winked at us. He seemed to be transformed in his suit. His grandmother, a small lady with short hair, pepper and salt colored, with a coquette appearance, came to greet us each in turn, complimenting us.
"My grandson is right, you are beautiful, ladies."
"Thank you, Katy," replied Chloe. "Come and sit with us, there is room for everyone."
Andy helped his grandmother settle in.
"I'll come back, I'm going to get us something to eat," he told her.
"Well, I'll be waiting for you."
As Andy was leaving for the buffet, Katy's mischievous gaze fixed upon me.
"Do you also work at Trac-World?"
"Oh, no. Please excuse me, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Zoe. I came to New York to do an article for a magazine where I do my internship. Chloe, Andy, and James gave me a presentation about the firm."
"And where are you from, Zoe?" she continued to question me.
"Originally from Paris, but for the past six months I have been living in Los Angeles."
The expression on her face suddenly saddened.
"At the moment, that region is enduring quite a few problems. Now it's the fires. Let's hope everything gets back to normal as soon as possible."
"I also hope so," I said with a deep sigh.
Andy came back after a few minutes. As he sat down with us, someone took the mic on the stage in front the audience. The music softened until it disappeared completely. The sixty-year-old, looking slender and with a pronounced charisma, began his speech.
DARK FAÏZ Book 1: Every hero has his legend Page 23