London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 14. Alex

I can't figure out what the switch is with Daniel. Just two hours ago he was so sweet and friendly, and now he's shut down. Is this some kind of emotional swing? I don't like this outcome at all. I decide to give Daniel a chance and see if anything changes at the bar. If not, I can leave at any time and without spoiling my evening. With that mindset, we entered the bar.

The bar is absolutely full. It's the end of the week. His friends are already sitting at a table, chattering excitedly. Janine and Stella are here, too, which surprises me, because there's Liam next to them, and not alone. He's accompanied by a pretty blonde girl. He doesn't pay much attention to her, though, so it's clear that this is a very short meeting.

The company quickly exchange greetings as we approach the table. Janine hugs me happily, which is unexpected but nice, Stella adds her cool "hi". And then I notice the guys looking at each other. What the hell is going on here? What are they up to?

- So, Alex, how was the game? - Liam breaks the silence,- We beat them badly today, didn't we?

- Yeah, I already told Daniel, you were unbelievable. If even I, who don't know anything about football, could see that, then it must have been cool,- I reply, still watching their faces. Something is clearly going on.

- What are your plans next? Are you going to continue exploring the city? - Tyler interjects. What's the catch?

- Of course! Today was very eventful, and Daniel showed me some things, but I haven't seen all the sights that every tourist should see,- I answered, - so I'm planning to walk and walk again in the next few days.

- With Danny? - Liam grinned, arching his eyebrows.

- If he behaves well,- I say, shifting my eyes to Danny. He's clearly out of sorts and seems to be hovering somewhere in his thoughts.

- I'm not sure I'll be free for the next two days,- he says and averts his eyes, - I'm sorry.

- I'll keep you company if you don't mind,- Janine interjects to which Stella demonstratively rolls her eyes.

- I'd love to! We'll start in the morning, then,- I said happily. Janine and I quickly exchange numbers and agree to meet tomorrow.

- So, is this your first time in London? - Liam asks, - and how is it? Is exploring the city your only goal?

- What? No, not the only one. I have a very important decision to make for myself these days. - I make it clear that I don't want to pursue this further.

- Have you seen Danny's movies? What do you think of him, huh? - Janine asks meaningfully. There's such a sense of sincerity and kindness about her that she's instantly relatable.

- I have, of course. Although I wouldn't say that I belong to the target audience of these films, but overall I liked it. The pictures are beautiful, the films are interesting. Dany is handsome. Did I answer your question? - Smiling, I ask in response.

- More than. Do you have a favourite scene? I'm madly in love with the scene under the rain in the second film when he promises her he'll love her for life. It's so romantic. I've had Tyler rewatch it over and over again,- Janine says dreamily, theatrically pressing her hands to her chest. Tyler grins back, nodding.

- Yeah, we've studied her up and down, including every eyebrow movement,- Tyler cheers. I like him better that way. Next to Janine, he becomes quite the charmer.

- Hmm, I love the scene where she finds out about his little lie. It's so emotional. And the scene under the rain didn't really hook me, I didn't believe her or something,- I reply, looking at Daniel. Daniel looks into my eyes with curiosity and some challenge.

- I can't believe anyone couldn't be caught up in that scene,- Janine continues.

- Why didn't you believe her? - Daniel intervenes in the conversation. Strangely enough, there's no resentment in his voice, even though we're on a very slippery slope.

- Promise you won't be offended if I tell you,- I say, looking at him with the most innocent look. He softens, the corners of his lips stretching into a charming smile, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

- Your lips, Dani. You hover over the girl, electricity runs between you. You're drawn to her, and this is the moment. But when she touches you, it's like you press your lips together, you don't let her in. And it shows,- I don't know if I should have told him the truth. Actors can be very touchy. But I'm nervous about their strange behaviour. And in general, I decide not to pretend to be anyone but to tell it like it is.

- Are you speaking from experience? - Liam throws me and then hastily adds,- Do you want to give Danny a master class in kissing?

- Careful, Liam,- I wag my finger at him, - I don't give my kisses away. It's too much of a privilege.

The boys' violent reaction to my words is interrupted by the phone ringing. It's ringing from home again. Grabbing my mobile phone, I run out of the bar to a quieter place so I can hear his voice.

When I return I think the conversation has quietened down a bit, the guys are looking at each other again. Janine and Stella have now been added to them as well.

- So, can someone explain to me what's going on here? I'm certainly not paranoid, but something has changed, and I want to figure out what exactly. Answers, please,- I can't take it anymore.

- You show up out of nowhere, we end up together the first day, you blend in with us, you say almost nothing about yourself, and then we find out that you're ten years older than us. Alex, who are you? And what the hell do you want from me? - Danny finally blurts out, shocking me a little. I didn't expect that kind of rant in the middle of nowhere.

- Come on, oldie, spill it,- Liam tried to lighten the mood, but it was in vain. The air between us was getting very heated.

What a surprise. More importantly, how did they find out my age? Um... Tyler! Of course! After the game, I reached into my bag to put my phone away, and everything was just lying there, and I always keep things in my bag a certain way. And Danny... how quickly his opinion of someone changes under the influence of others. Why do I need all this at all? I feel like I'm starting to boil inside. I want to get angry. I look at them and realise I have an advantage.

- Finding out information about a person by digging through their things isn't very pretty. Didn't your mother teach you that, Tyler? - I turn to the guy with the dreadlocks. He lowers his eyes and rubs his neck slowly. - If you wanted to know my age, you should have just asked. And why is that even a problem for anyone? Not for me, it's gorgeous, I'm totally fine with it. And now I'm answering to you, Dany. I came here on holiday. But you already know that. How much time do you think I had to do the research about you? It would have taken me one night to ruin your reputation. Besides, as you may remember, I had your phone hanging around all day. You think I wouldn't have found a way to get through your password? Now google how much information has been floating around online these days.

I've had enough! While the boys sit with their heads down, I walk out of the bar into the arms of London at night. Away from this place, away from them.