by C. M. Carpi
There was a big sign of Route 66 on the wall in front of the door. On the corner, a jukebox played ‘Suspicious mind’.
There were a lot of clients, most of them tourists. Two girls laughed while drinking milkshakes and using their smartphones, there were also parents with kids, and couples sharing big hamburgers and French fries.
A waitress with roller skates, a platinum wig, and a pink uniform pointed us to a table beside the window.
After we sat she served us some water and said she’d be back soon to take our orders.
“Are you sure you’ll eat here?” — I looked at him over the menu and answered his question by calling the waitress.
“I want a double hamburger with an extra portion of fried bacon, French fries and a chocolate milkshake.”
I put the menu on the table and looked at him with an ironic smile.
“What about you?” — The waiter asked with the pencil in her mouth while looking at him.
“Nothing, thanks.” — He had his eyes fixed on me.
“Won’t you eat anything?” — I asked after she left.
“Not hungry”
“Not hungry or not hungry for poison?” — He was very serious and that made me laugh again. — “You need to relax, Daniel.” — He didn’t smile and was still very serious and pressing the sugar pot as if it were responsible for starting the Third World War. This can’t be just because of a hamburger. — “You don’t like to be contradicted, do you?” — I took the sugar pot off his hand and put it on the other side of the table.
“It’s not that.”
“Of course it is” — He looked at me impassible, taking the sugar pot again. Better leave it.
The waitress came back with my order and the smell of fried bacon invaded the room. He looked at me with pout when I bit the hamburger.
“Are you sure you don’t want? It’s delicious!” — I said with full mouth.
“You have an awful eating habit” — He said drinking his water.
“And you have an awful sense of humor” — I said seriously, without looking at him. I heard his heavy breath before talking again.
“Sorry, Elena, I worked all day, I’m just a little…”
“Boring.”
“Boring?” — He asked with hiseyes half-closed.
I nodded before biting the hamburger again. He stared at me and, for the first time today, he smiled.
“I knew Daniel was somewhere around!” — I said while sitting beside him. He seemed surprised by my attitude, but he didn’t say anything, and for my surprise he started eating my fries. — “I thought you didn’t eat that.” — I tried to look ironic.
“I don’t” — He had another one. — “But you…” — He stopped, closing his eyes a minute before continuing. — “You have the gift of making me lose my mind.” — I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. I didn’t know I was able to do this. His eyes were fixed on mine and I had the impression he wasn’t just talking about French fries.
“Are you upset just because of work?”
He looked away to the street and had another fry. He looked at me again.
“Guess I’m a little anxious.”
“Due to the meeting?”
“And other things” — He looked away again.
“Will you talk about it?” — I touched his arm, trying to get his attention.
“No” — He changed the subject. — “I’ll be away the entire day tomorrow.”
“Will the meeting take place during the whole day?” — I couldn’t hide my disappointment for spending another day on my own.
“Probably” — He drank my milkshake. He must be really out of control, I thought. — “We’ll have dinner after the meeting and maybe enjoy Milan’s night at a bar” — I nodded. — “I wish you were there with us”
“Really?” — I was surprised with the invitation.
“Really.”
“But, isn’t it a business dinner? Won’t I get in the way?”
“You are never in my way, Elena.” — I couldn’t find words after that. — “Tomorrow I’ll send you a message explaining where we’ll meet. Now let’s go before I order a burger too” — He threw the Money on the table and dragged me out of the restaurant.
Elena
Next morning I woke up with knocks on my bedroom door. Daniel! I smiled, sitting on the bed and trying to do something with my hair, more rebel than usual, before opening the door.
“Good morning” — I put my head outside the door.
God! I couldn’t think of a word to describe him now. Perfect wasn’t enough. He wore a light gray suit that fit him perfectly, well-polished black shoes and a white shirt which had the first button opened, no tie, a little disheveled, but incredibly sexy.
“Did I wake you up?” — I nodded and yawned. — “Will you have breakfast with me?”
“Yes” — I smiled and opened the door. — “I’ll just need one minute.” — I went to the small dresser and got the first dress I could find. He was sitting in the small couch in front of the window and had his eyes fixed at me, only then did I realize that I wore my tiny summer pajamas. I blushed and ran to the restroom.
I did what I could to control my hair, but the only thing that made me presentable was a braid. I put on some mascara and that was it.
Inside the elevator, I stared at our reflection in the mirror, side by side. We’re such a beautiful couple. Oh, Elena! Your imagination is full recovered, isn’t it?
“What?” — He raised an eyebrow.
“Nothing. Why?”
“You’re smiling while looking at the mirror” — I didn’t notice that. Better not telling him what I’m thinking of.
“You’re very elegant wearing these clothes” — I changed the subject. I closed my eyes when I realize what I had said. Did I really say that aloud? He didn’t say anything, just gave me his half-smile and came closer.
“You’re very elegant wearing those pajamas.” — He whispered in my ear. — “You should’ve used it in Sirmione.
What did he mean by that?
I felt my face blushing again and a sudden heat invaded my body. It must be the elevator, yes. People do strange things inside the elevator, cams can prove it, I though while looking for one.
I looked again at his reflection and he was smiling. The opposite of yesterday. How could he change his mood like that? As soon as the doors opened he held my arm and led me to the restaurant. While he left his things on the table, I went to the buffet and served myself a cup of coffee and a croissant.
“You should eat something else” — He stood by my side and I put another croissant on my plate, just to mess with him. I was sure he’d give me another sermon about eating habits. — “What are you gonna do today?” — He asked and sat beside me. No sermon? He must be in a really good mood.
“Don’t know yet” — I answered having a swig of my coffee.
“I’ll leave my credit card with you, than you can buy something to wear tonight.”
“And why would you leave your credit card?” — I was serious. He opened his mouth to answer, but stayed silent. — “I don’t need your credit card, Daniel.”
“I didn’t mean to… I just thought you didn’t have something more sophisticated to wear tonight.”
I knew how glamourous nights in Milan were, even during the day men and women dressed nattily.
“I can take care of that, don’t worry” — I remembered the black dress my grandma made me put in my bag. You never know when you’re going to need one, she said while putting it in my things against my will. Thanks grandma!
“Ok” — He got up a little embarrassed. — “I have to go” — He grabbed his suitcase and bended over me, gently kissing my cheek.
“Good luck”
“See you tonight”
“Sure”
He walked to the door when he turned to me again.
“Elena” — I raised to see him and he frowned, with an embarrassing smile. — “You know you can’t wear those awful sneakers all the time, don’t you?”
So that was the problem! He was afraid I wouldn’t dress properly. Why did he hate my sneakers so much?
“Yes, I know” — henodded and started walking again, but I wouldn’t forget this. — “I’ll wear golden sneakers!” — He stopped and when he looked at me he had the most serious expression. I laughed and he seemed relaxed. — “Go, Daniel!” — He smiled and left. I need to buy some shoes! I have nothing to wear with that dress.
I spent the entire morning walking the streets of Milan window shopping, trying to find something that would really call people’s attention. But I was at the wrong place. Everything was very similar, black or red shoes, nothing special. I found what I was looking for at Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. Tangerine shoes, unfortunately they were high heels. I need to practice before really wearing them at dinner, I though while looking for some place to eat.
It was past three when I sat at a restaurant terrace with a magnificent view to the Turns of Duomo. Did Daniel know that place? It’s incredible how I’ve been thinking about him all the time.
I had a lot of fun trying to speak Italian with the waiter while I ordered. I was completely entertained by the view and taking pictures when my cell phone rang. I felt butterflies when his name appeared on the screen.
“I thought you’d send me a message.”
“We’re in a break.”
“Is everything working?”
“It looks like.”
“Great, Daniel. You won’t believe where I am now!”
“Where?” — He laughed at the excitement in my voice.
“I found a great restaurant with an amazing view to the Duomo, you’d love it.”
“I’m sure I would. Are you having fun?”
“Yes, but… want to know something?” — He was silent waiting for me to continue. — “I miss spending the day with you.”
“Me too, love.” — His low voice made me silent. — “I’ll send you a message with the address. Be there at 8:30.”
“All right”
“See you later” — He said before hanging up.
He called me love! He’d already called me that in Florence, but I was feeling so sick that I didn’t care much. But he also called Isabella love. That doesn’t mean anything, Elena. Right? The way he said... ah! Forget it.
I took the subway back to the hotel and when I walked in my bedroom and looked in the mirror I realized how bad my hair was.
I asked the receptionist and she pointed me a nearby Saloon. She just forgot to tell me it was extremely sophisticated and I needed a reservation. I almost cried to find one where I didn’t have to book previously. My crying was enough to soft the heart of Mr. Charles, an English man with a beautiful accent.
While they washed and brushed my hair he told me stories about his childhood and what made him leave everything, including family, job and his country, for love in Italy. Unfortunately, it wasn’t eternal.
“Liked, dear?”
“I loved it, Charles! You saved my night!”
“I sure did.” — He kissed both my cheeks and when I turned back he said. — “He is a very lucky man.”
I laughed and looked at him.
“It’s not that, it´s just…”
“Oh, dear, I know that look. You wouldn’t beg me to help you if it weren’t a man.” — He blinked at me. — “Go get him.” — He was almost conspiring.
I tried to answer, but I realized he was right.
After a long bath, I put on some make up and asked the receptionist to call me a taxi. Last look at the mirror. Perfect.
Yes, I’d get him.
Daniel
I stood outside the restaurant waiting for her, and she was late. I tried her cell phone but she didn’t answer. Someone should tell her that’s what cell phones are made for. It was very cold, the temperature fell since sunset even though we’re still in summer, I wasn’t prepared for it. I smiled, remembering how we talked about it yesterday. I decided to join the group. I’d keep my attention at the door.
Everyone sat in front of the counter while we waited for a table, talking aloud and drinking whisky. I joined them and served myself a dose.
We talked about business. Enrico was very excited about the success of our meeting and how much the companies would gain. My brother will be really satisfied, I thought.
Suddenly Enrico looked at the door and lost the words. Although Antonella, his wife, was sitting beside him, Carlos did the same. I followed them and was astonished by the girl standing by the restaurant door.
Elena!
She took off her coat and handed it to the maître. My God! She wore a black dress with a very discreet cleavage, fully showing her arms. The lace covering the top of the dress ended in her perfectly shaped hips and her legs were more beautiful than usual because of her tangerine high heels. Her hair fell along her neck like a waterfall and her green eyes were highlighted by the makeup she wore.
She was completely glamorous. Not just that, but also incredibly sexy.
“Excuse me” — I said with eyes fixed at her. I walked in her direction and when our eyes met I realized I wasn’t breathing. Her shy smile made her even more attractive, and her fleshy lips were more evident due to the red lipstick.
“Hi” — I kissed her forehead and inspired her perfume.
“Sorry I’m late, I got confused talking to the driver.”
“Don’t worry”
“I’m glad you came to me” — She whispered — “I wouldn’t make it across the bar in these high heels.”
“Let’s go” — I touched her back to lead her through the bar. When I did that I was surprised by the open back of her dress, stopping in her hips.
“Is it too much?” — She asked as if she were apologizing.
“Not at all” — I was trying to keep calm. — “But don’t leave my side” — She raised an eyebrow and I shrugged. — “Those Italians may be too excited.” — She really didn’t know what her looks would do to a man.
“Is this your little sister?” — Paola asked with a malicious smile while greeting Elena with two kisses on her cheek. Suddenly I remembered I hadn´t made anything up to cover the excuse from the other meeting.
Dinner was very calm. Happily, they stopped talking about business and talked about places they’d like to go. Elena was very excited while talking to Paola and Antonella during the dinner. They seemed long-term friends. I couldn’t understand how she was capable of making friends so easily. Perhaps her smile was too charming. Or it was the way she looked at people. I remember that her big and expressive eyes called my attention when we first met.
I couldn’t get my eyes off of her. She was like a magnet, I felt hypnotized. When our eyes met, I felt a heat wave all over my body.
Maybe what I feel is… no, it can’t be! When I looked at her again and our eyes met once more, I had the confirmation I needed, and it came like an avalanche, making my heartbeat faster. That’s it! She is the answer I’ve been seeking for a long time, even unconsciously. She was the reason I got in that train in Verona. It must be she.
I was really in love with her.
Elena
The bar was just a few blocks away from the restaurant, so we walked there. I needed to hold Daniel’s arm not to fall over the stone street. There was a huge line at the door, but as soon as we arrived the security let us pass and an Italian girl with a gentle face conducted us to the reserved cabin.
The place was amazing. Black leather armchairs were all over the cabin and m
irrored pillars went all the way to the top. A huge tree stood in the middle of the dance floor and a lot of people sat around it. Lights of different colors and shapes shone and a frenzied crowd of very different people danced “Hey Brother”. Behind the stage, the decoration was completed by a water mirrored wall.
The barmen were showing their skill throwing bottles, jiggers and glasses in the bar beside the dance floor while preparing incredibly tasty and colorful fruit decorated cocktails. The waiter brought us a bucket of ice with champagne and some bottles of mineral water. Milan nights were certainly very glamorous.
“Are you enjoying?” — He said in my ear. The music was very loud.
“A lot.”
“You and Paola talked a lot” — I noticed he was concerned. He was rolling his whisky nonstop, I couldn’t help but laugh. — “What?”
“You two had a fair.”
“What?” — He seemed surprised, looking at both sides.
“She told me” — He nodded and looked away a little embarrassed.
“It was a long time ago when I worked here” — He said and looked at me.
“You don’t need to explain, Daniel” — But I can’t deny I felt jealous. He nodded again and looked at the dance floor. — “Will you introduce me to another ex-affair the next time we meet one of you friends?” — He looked at me and I laughed.
* * *
They played a calmer music and some couples were dancing together on the dance floor Daniel got up and stood before me. He offered me his hand and had that smile. Since we arrived here I didn’t see him laughing like that.
“What?”
“I want to dance with you.”
“No! Not while I’m wearing these high heels? No way!”
“Please?” — He pouted and pretended to beg.
Damn! How could he do that?
Before I realized I was holding his hand and getting up. He smiled in satisfaction while leading me to the dance floor.