CARMELO
She walked out of a bathroom, the sage green evening gown following her steps. Designed with flower embellishments, sweetheart neckline and a cape detail. She had her hair up in a messy bun, a few loose strands on the sides, and simple evening makeup. Don't even ask me how I know all of those things because she has been talking about it nonstop while we were shopping.
My gaze followed the brown well-polished shoes, up to the slim fit trousers and slim-fit waistcoat with a cotton pocket square that I wore. A grey three-piece suit. I smiled, glad that our outfits nailed together. My heart was beating too hard. I feared it would run up my dry throat and escape through my parted lips. The woman can dress! "Shall we?" She glanced at my hand, and then back to my face and then her white pearl heels moved on their own accord.
Earlier while we were shopping, I asked her to make it fun a little. She would pick a suit for me, and I would pick her gown. At the end of the day, I was proud of my choice and hers. Sage green and grey, I added that to the list of my favorite color combinations. That gown looked like it was made for her, literally without exaggeration.
No words I'd use could be enough to describe her beauty. She looked beautiful in normal attires and then disturbingly beautiful when she dressed up. One of the reasons why I'd never stop spoiling her. I loved watching her look well.
We arrived at the venue. Another five star hotel where Willem's grandfather's birthday was held. To be honest I wasn't a big fan of his family just like him, but his grandfather… that man lived rent free in my heart and mind. I hoped he would love the gift I brought him tonight.
Unlike how everybody thought, the birthday party didn't have many guests. Just family members, business acquaintances and friends. All dressed accordingly. Talking with drinks in their hands. Such events were all about networking. And people never missed an opportunity.
"See that old man over there? That's the birthday boy." I pointed. Chiara followed my finger, where Mr. AtWood was laughing with a group of men the same age as him. "We're going to greet him, meet with Willem and then we can get the hell out of here." Honestly, I was tired. And If I was, I could only imagine how much exhausted Chiara was even though she didn't mention it. "Alright," She replied.
"Back in the days I used to score higher than any of these young folks nowadays. It's like these youngsters have no energy at all these days." Said Mr. AtWood. "Back in the days, you never played soccer, old man." I uttered, breaking him from one of his endless old times stories. This man lied with a straight face, and I never missed a chance to get him embarrassed. His laugh faltered and he shot me his signature death glare, the corner of his eyes squinting along. His hairline had receeded further.
"Excuse me," He said, shooing away other old men. "You punk, you love painting my face with mud!" he punched my stomach with his cane, causing my hold on Chiara to slip. I grunted. He might be old, but he was strong. "And you love to lie to people. What are you teaching us young folks?" I resumed my position. "Because my life is bland and people are easy to manipulate. Wait a minute," He shoved me away, I stumbled and caught myself. He took Chiara's hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Who is this young lady? Are you single, child?" he asked her. I shook my head, smiling. Chiara's timid eyes landed on me before settling back to the old man. "That depends," she uttered. I could see the mischief in her eyes. "On what?" The old man pointed at me with his cane with a look of disdain, "Him? My grandson is better than him. Walk with me child," He hooked her hand around his and started to walk around, as if I didn't exist. I slid both of my hands in my pocket and calmly followed behind them.
"Tell me seriously child, my grandson is single and in need of a woman like you." He uttered. "You just met me." She replied and I wanted to kiss her for it. Even though the old man was trying to mess with me by shipping Willem and her, I felt a tinge of jealousy. Chiara's charm was inevitable to get drawn to. She didn't need to speak. Her presence spoke for her.
"Trust me, I know you are good. I'm older than you, child."
"Old, yes, but not a fortune teller. Unless that is your new hobby." I snorted behind them.
The old man turned behind sneering, "Don't follow us you punk." I stared right back at him. "That is my woman, old man. And no, she is not interested in your perfect grandson."
"Let her decide that," he said and then face her again, "Are you truly with him? Don't be scared and answer me truthfully." I didn't know if I should laugh or cry at his words. Scared and Chiara doesn't align. The old man had no idea. "Tell me," he urged.
Chiara glanced at me. I held my breath. "I'm afraid I have to disappoint you, Mr. AtWood. I am with him." She said, not breaking eye contact with me. I grinned. How could I not? I loved it when she initiated things, because it showed me that I wasn't alone on this road. She felt what I felt, even if it wasn't much stronger like me.
The old man sighed, "What a loss. It was nice meeting you, child." Chiara smiled back at him. "Nice to meet you too. Happy birthday. And your grandson will find someone someday." He looked around. "Let's hope he does, or I'll find him one myself. Where is this punk anyway?"
"The punk is right here." We all turned back to the voice. Willem, in his signature white suit, walked to us with a wide smile and spread hands. I swear his love for white suits was unhealthy. "Brother," he said to me, and we shared a hug. "Get yourself a woman and stop worrying your grandfather so much," I said to him. "Oh, are you coming at me because you found one already?" Willem turned to Chiara, "Hey gorgeous. Remember me?" He took her hand and kissed her hand. "I think I do now" Replied Chiara.
What was these men's obsession with kissing my woman? I pulled him back and separated their hands. Both him and his grandfather laughed, "Look how whipped he is." Said Willem to his grandfather. "Oh, I see now." Replied Mr. AtWood. Looks like everybody got the news about Chiara, and all of them think I'm a goner for her. I was a psychopath for her, I admit that. And I did unthinkable things just to get a glimpse of her. Guess what? I didn't give a fuck about it.
I raised a hand, and Black came over with a big box wrapped with silver gift wrap. "I hope you never like it." I said to the old man and kissed my woman on the cheek. "I'll be back, tesoro." She nodded. "And you, I'll see you around. And don't touch my woman unless you need your hands anymore." I pointedly said to Willem before walking away. Time for networking.