Bad Blood (6Questions)

Day 37

Can I ask you out tonight? Marianne's text lights up my phone.

And just then lights up a slightly amused smile on my face. Despite my beyond-lousy mood in the last few days. This right here is a message I would have never guessed receiving from Marianne Gill. Or anyone, as a matter of fact. I always imagined it'd feel awkward, lame, ridiculous. Unwanted indeed.

But not so much today, I don't mind. In fact, I wish nothing more than to get out, and (hopefully) wasted tonight. Or laid - that would probably work too. It's just that I'm tired of hunting alone - there'll be dozens of opportunities to practise that later, abroad. Weirdly, tonight I want to go out with someone. And frankly, who else do I have left apart from my assistant? The loyal witch who turned her back on me as the first one. Now the last one by my side. How ironic.

If you bring your A class, I text back.
And get drunk so you're funny again...
Yes.

She takes time with her answer. Great. I picked a place.

Oh?

You'll like it...

Well then, surprise me!

If she had asked me two years ago, I would have never trusted her taste. Hell, year ago, I probably wouldn't have gone out at all, if she initiated. But times change. People change. I'm still not convinced about her choosing a restaurant, but I'll go to hell tonight if that's what it takes.

It's my last night in Vienna. And if something, I hate sentimental lasts. So in fact, the worse tonight goes, the more peacefully I'll set off tomorrow. And I'll smile to myself, knowing I leave nothing perfect behind. Shitty goodbye is the best thing people should ever ask for, really.

...
It's six pm. I find Marianne stretched and relaxed in a leathery armchair down in my new hotel's lobby, dressed to kill. What an unexpected sight.

"I believe it's meant to be the other way wrong," I aim towards her with a smirk.

"Uh, you know where I live. Finding you is so much more fun these days. And I promised to surprise you," she reminds gamesomely and lifts herself up, glossy dress dancing around her hips.

I give her a look of appreciation before offering my arm.

"Wrong look," she reproaches by the way, as we cross the hallway side by side.

You don't say. I pull her closer, hand on her lower back. "How wrong? Not surprised enough?"

"Maybe surprised. But surely scanning through my dress again."

I glance at her and bottle up a chuckle. "I like the touch of it too... Your friend has a fine taste, can I meet her at least?"

"It's not my friend's. And no."

"She helped you choosing, that still counts," I take advantage of her open mind and bear her scowl with a calm smile. "You know, you should appreciate I appreciate when you try for me..."

"And once again, I didn't try for you."

"You did your hair."

"Yes, to feel good to myself."

To herself. Nobody dresses up just for himself, they aim to impress. "Oh, I see," I pout, "still on your boyfriend hunt... I'm not sure, dear, I'll let you tonight, though."

She spares me a glance and smirks. "Then thank god you're off tomorrow..."

"And that's the last time you mentioned my departure," I warn right at the beginning, leading her towards the parking. But she stops me.