by Anna Lewis
“Oh, Nina. Stop looking away,” he teased.
“I can't help it,” she admitted.
“I love looking at your face. Your beauty captures my attention,” he said.
“You flatter me, Robin,” she said while holding up her glass.
“It's my job,” he said with a shrug. “I don't know how else to be around someone I like.”
“You like me?” she asked timidly.
“Well, yes,” he replied.
She blushed while sipping her champagne, her eyes wandering around the restaurant. It felt like all eyes were on her, yet no one was looking, at least not conspicuously. She set her glass down and smoothed her blouse nervously.
“What's the matter, dear Nina?” asked the prince.
Before she could respond, the waiter returned with their order of food and Nina smiled while inhaling the intoxicating scent of freshly cooked food. She dug in immediately and the prince followed. They ate in silence for a bit until they were both mostly full. As Nina dabbed at her lips, the prince repeated his question. Nina looked at him with a polite smile and then rolled her eyes down to the cloth table, feeling overwhelmed.
“It's just a little much for me,” she whispered.
“What is?” he asked.
“This place,” she replied.
“Oh, my dear,” he whispered. “If you were uncomfortable, why didn't you say so? We can always go somewhere else.”
“I mean, we don't have to...” she whispered timidly.
But the prince was already waving over the waiter. He asked for a doggy bag and the waiter happily collected their plates to be placed in containers. He returned with them wrapped in foil and the prince paid for their meal immediately, leaving a handsome tip on the table.
Nina admired how he did this with ease, how every motion was deliberate and filled with confidence. She smiled when he winked at her and accepted his hand when he stood to help her up.
“You didn't have to do that,” she whispered as they exited the restaurant.
“I know I didn't, but I would hate for you to feel uncomfortable,” he said.
“That's very kind of you,” she said.
Robin stopped and turned to Nina as his chauffeur opened the door to the car. He rested his hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes while she teetered over a bit from the sheer authenticity in his touch.
“Nina, I would never put you in a position where you feel uncomfortable. It would break my heart to do such a thing. As long as you don't lie to me or use me, I am at your service,” he said softly. “I genuinely like you and I want to know more about you.”
Nina smiled, her lower lip quivering as she fought back the urge to whimper. It was disheartening to hear those words.
“Do you promise?” she asked.
“I promise.”
***
Allyah chuckled.
“So, I'm your sister?” she asked while setting a basket full of apples on the counter.
Nina was cradling her head in her hands at the bar with Maxie at her feet. She looked down at the sweet Corgi who was pushing a ball around with her snout. A sigh escaped her lips.
“For now, yes,” she said.
“Does that mean I get free range of your apartment?” Allyah asked with a grin.
Nina shot her a hard look and rolled her eyes, grabbing one of the apples from the basket and running her nail over the smooth skin.
“I mean, I lied about you living here,” she replied.
“You're really starting to dig yourself a hole with all these lies,” Allyah pointed out.
“I know,” Nina said.
“Why don't you just tell him the truth?” Allyah asked.
“I'm afraid he'll leave if I do,” Nina admitted.
“I guess that's a possibility,” Allyah said. “But what if you just tried?”
Nina sighed.
“I don't really want to think about that right now,” she said.
“Here,” Allyah said while carefully handing Nina a knife. “At least help me cut these up for tonight.”
“Where are we catering again?” Nina asked.
“A garden show in the uptown district,” Allyah replied.
“That should be nice,” Nina commented.
“I hate being outside. It always makes my hair frizz up,” Allyah said.
“Hairspray?” Nina asked.
“It makes it worse,” Allyah replied.
“Not with that attitude,” Nina joked.
Allyah tossed an apple slice at her and Nina giggled, picking the piece up off the floor before Maxie could gobble it up. She put it in the trash can. Allyah went back to peeling apples and setting them on the cutting board for Nina to slice. They did this in silence for a few minutes, Nina looking over at Allyah occasionally and trying to think of something to say.
“So, are you going to see him again?” Allyah asked, her eyes focused on the apples in the basket.
“We're supposed to go to the Museum of Natural History tomorrow night,” Nina replied.
“Oh, really? That sounds like it could be fun,” Allyah commented.
“If I hadn't already gone there about a million times,” Nina scoffed.
“You've got an attitude about everything today,” Allyah said.
“I'm sorry. It just has me relatively worried at this point,” Nina said.
“You're already deep in the hole. What could be worse?” Allyah asked.
“I have nothing to wear,” Nina admitted.
“You have plenty to wear!” Allyah said.
“I don't have anything remotely appropriate for the company of a prince,” Nina pointed out.
Allyah frowned, looking between the apples and Nina. She offered a polite smile and set the apples in her hands back in the basket.
“Well, then, we'll just have to get you something,” she said.
“What?” Nina asked.
“Put your shoes on. We're going shopping,” Allyah commanded.
“But what about the apples?” Nina asked.
“Set them in the fridge. We'll do them later. You live right up the road from a few shops that have plenty of rich looking clothes,” Allyah replied.
Nina smiled and hopped down from the chair to help Allyah wrap up the sliced apples and set them in the fridge. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her purse before turning to pat Maxie on the head.
“We'll walk you when we get back, okay?” she said.
Maxie yapped and licked her face, causing her to giggle. After she locked the door, she followed Allyah down the hall and out into the sunny afternoon. She procured sunglasses from her purse and held her head up high as they briskly walked down the street towards the shopping strip.
“You know, you're really lucky,” Allyah commented.
“Why's that?” Nina asked, stifling a chuckle.
“Because you get to gallivant around town with a prince and I have to go home to a snoring husband,” Allyah replied.
“We both know you love Terrance more than you let on,” Nina teased.
Allyah scoffed.
“Sure! Whenever he pays the bills and gives me what I need,” Allyah joked.
Nina laughed.
“Don't be silly. You two have something special. This prince is just doting on me, you know?” she said.
“We've been over this, Nina. He really likes you,” Allyah said.
“I mean, I guess he does,” Nina said. She pointed to a shop. “Let's drop in here. I like their dresses.”
“I feel like every time I bring up the prince you avoid the impending conversation,” Allyah said.
Nina walked over a clearance rack and started digging through the vibrantly colored dresses, wiggling her nose at a few. She pulled off her sunglasses and set them in her blouse, then returned her attention to the task at hand.
“I don't think so,” Nina replied.
“I think you do,” Allyah said, taking the spot next to her to sift through dresses.
“It's just...” Nina trailed off, the sound of the hangers squeaking against the metal rail replacing her words.
“You're nervous. I know,” Allyah said softly. “I would be, too.”
“You sure he really likes me? Maybe this is just the aristocratic way of dating,” Nina said.
“Have you had sex?” Allyah asked.
“What?! Allyah—we're in public. Hush!” Nina whispered heatedly.
“Seriously,” Allyah whispered while leaning in close. “Have you?”
Nina shot her a hard look and then shook her head, looking down at a bright blue maxi dress.
“Well, that means he's waiting for the right time. It means he's serious,” Allyah said.
“How would you know that?” Nina asked.
“Because men are men even when they have money,” Allyah replied. “Even though he's rich, he could still use you if he wanted to.”
“That worries me even more,” Nina admitted.
“I don't think that's the case. Like I said, he's being a gentleman. I don't think he's using you, Nina,” Allyah said.
Nina smiled, pulling a warm green dress from the rack and holding it up to her chest. It looked beautiful with yellow swirls and red flowers decorating the length of it.
“That looks great. Get that one,” Allyah said. “He'll like it. I'm sure.”
“I think so, too.”
***
The city was abuzz with noise. As Nina stepped from the black vehicle, her silver heels clicked against the dull concrete and a gentle breeze caused her dress to sway sideways a bit. Robin stood at the steps of the museum and hummed when he saw her approaching.
“My dear Nina, you look absolutely stunning,” he said while leaning in to kiss her cheek.
Nina smiled and bowed her head.
“Thank you, Robin,” she said.
He bowed his head and held her hand in his, looking her over with a smile.
“Shall we?” he asked, motioning towards the museum.
“Absolutely,” she replied.
He led her up the steps and walked her inside, walking through the small line and handing the man their tickets. They made their way through some of the exhibits in the front, stopping to admire the Neanderthal exhibit that had just arrived. Many of the props looked realistic and had Nina in awe.
“And here I thought I would be bored,” she commented while leaning over to study a figure.
“Why would you think that?” Robin asked.
“I've been here so many times that I grew bored of it in my youth. I haven't been back since,” she replied.
“Museums are constantly in flux,” the prince commented.
Nina blushed and continued walking through, bending to read one of the explanations about prehistoric animals.
A hand slithered down her arm and interlocked with hers, causing her to sit up quickly and bump Robin's shoulder.
“Oh, I'm sorry,” she whispered.
“It's just me,” he whispered jokingly. “I hadn't meant to surprise you. At least, not yet.”
Nina eyed him carefully with a smirk.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“You'll see,” he replied.
Excitement bubbled in her gut. She held his hand firmly as they walked through, passing the great paintings of their time and then strolling through the hall filled with music. Everything captured her attention. The abstract art was a bit intense to look at, but the music eased her as she went through the rock and roll history exhibit and admired the concert photography from the 70's.
When they were finished, they ended up in the same hallway and a security guard approached with a set of keys.
“Your highness,” the guard said with a slight bow. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, we're ready,” Robin replied.
“Ready for what?” Nina asked.
Robin smiled, but remained silent, pulling her towards a side door that the guard unlocked. They climbed a few flights of stairs, Nina's heart racing with every step she took. She gripped the hand of the sweet prince who reassuringly gripped her hand in return. A smile crossed her lips. When they reached the top, she held her breath.
The guard bowed deeply and then opened the door to the roof where the sweet smell of fresh food greeted her nose. She could hear a solo violin playing a soft tune, the keys rising and falling as they stepped forward. It was gorgeous outside. She hadn't realized the sun was beginning to set and admired the view from her position on the roof.
“This way,” Robin said while tugging her hand.
Nina gasped at the sight before her. Just around the corner from the door stood a waiter with a white napkin resting over his arm and a musician playing the violin from a chair. A table was set with a simple white cloth and candles, a bottle of champagne next to it chilling in a bucket. As she gawked, the prince pulled her closer and gently helped her sit, her legs seeming to freeze up beneath her at the sweet gesture.
“Is this all for me?” she asked.
“Who else would be here?” he replied with a playful grin.
Nina looked down and blushed, listening to Robin pour her a glass of champagne. She accepted in gratefully and sat back in her chair while the waiter approached.
“Are you ready, sir?” the waiter asked.
Robin eyed Nina who nodded apprehensively.
“Fantastic! I will tell the chef to bring your meals,” the waiter said.
“Thank you,” Robin said.
Nina admired him from across the table, the champagne bubbling in her stomach as she raised her fingers to her red lips to cover the smile forming. She couldn't stop. It was beginning to hurt her face to smile so hard.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It's just...” she trailed off, tears welling in her eyes.
Robin gave her a sympathetic look and reached across the table to take her hand as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
“It's just so beautiful,” she whispered.
Her lower lip quivered. It was all she could muster at the moment, the appreciation she felt rolling in wave after wave of joy and confusion.
“Nina, why are you crying?” he asked.
She shrugged and gave a laugh, squeezing his hand.
“This is the happiest I've been in such a long time. It's just wonderful and I fear...” she trailed off again, biting her lower lip. “I fear I haven't been completely honest with you.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
She bit harder into her lip, looking down at the cloth table while running her thumb over his fingers.
“Well, about me,” she replied.
His eyes implored her to continue. Nervously, she looked between him and the city, trying to find a distraction from the mess she was starting to create. She laughed again and shook her head.
“It's silly, really,” she said. “I'm just not sure how to tell you.”
“Do you have a lover?” he asked solemnly.
“No!” she replied quickly. “Oh, no, Robin. I would never do that to you.”
He sighed with relief.
“I'm sorry—my worries can get the best of me sometimes,” he admitted.
“I couldn't ever do that to anyone,” she said.
“Good. As long as you're honest,” he said.
She offered a polite smile and looked back down at the table.
“I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel like we really click. I'm enjoying it,” she said.
“I am as well, Nina. I feel like I can truly trust you,” he added.
“Already?” she asked.
“Absolutely. You are so genuine, kind, open, and lively. I love your personality. I love how nothing is static for you, that you are willing to change your view on things. That's beautiful,” he went on.
“Oh, Robin...” she whispered.
Before she could continue, a plate of steaming lobster appeared in front of her and she smiled at the waiter who bowed deeply. The waiter walked away and Robin wa
ved to the musician sitting next to them to leave as well. It became quiet save for the sound of motors below them, the city still buzzing even after the sun had set.
“Bon appétit,” Robin said with a wink.
Nina smiled and dug into her food, nodding as she chewed the savory pieces of lobster.
“This is delightful,” she commented between bites.
The prince nodded with glee.
“I'm glad you like it, darling,” he said.
When she was finished chewing, she dabbed her lips with a cloth napkin and sat back in her chair, one hand resting over her full stomach. She looked out over the city. Lights were sparkling as far as her eyes could see, washing over the bridge and towards Town Square.
“It's so beautiful,” she whispered.
“Yes, you are,” he added.
Nina blushed, looking over at the prince who was wiping his mouth clean.
“Shall we get a closer look?” he asked.
“Yes, please,” she replied.
Nina laced her arm around Robin's and leaned into him. They stood near the edge of the roof, admiring the city in all its glory. She sighed contentedly as they stood in perfectly comfortable silence, inhaling the greatness all around them. It was as if the universe bent to their will to accommodate for the energy building between them. Electricity crackled between their touching skin. A warm tingle grew in her pelvis and began to radiate outwards as Robin traced her bare shoulder with a finger.
“How long do we have up here?” she asked.
“As long as you like,” he replied.
“Good,” she said.
Her lips pushed into his, causing him to teeter slightly. The hand brushing her shoulder slid down to the small of her back, warmth radiating from his touch. A tongue poked around the edge of her lips. She sucked it in, hungry for more than his kiss. His hand never left the small of her back. Though she willed him to touch elsewhere, he remained mostly still.
As her hands came up to cup his face, he pressed her gently against the concrete wall separating them from the dangerous fall down. It was exhilarating. She could feel him pulsing, the bulge in his slacks evident as it pressed against her pelvis. She released a shaky sigh and then guided his hand to her breast, coaxing him to push further.
“Are you sure?” he asked in a low voice.