London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 18. Alex

The morning begins with a hangover. It's been a long time since I've had that disgusting feeling. But last night was good... Except for the bet... What?! A bet!!! Liam, what the hell? Can't back out now. It's a matter of principle to rub the arrogant bastard's nose in it.

Well, I'll deal with that later on in the evening. In the meantime, I've got to tidy myself up and make the most of the rest of my holiday.

I dial the familiar number on the phone. His velvet voice answers after the second ring:

- Alexandra, my joy, is it you? - Anton asks in surprise.

- Hi, Anton, will you ever stop calling me by my full name? - I smile, - I'm in London. We can finally see each other.

- What? In London? When did you fly here? - His voice seems so happy.

- A few days ago. I fly home early the day after tomorrow,- I exhale.

- Sanya, why am I only finding out about this now? Where are you staying? Where can I catch you? I haven't seen you in so long, I've missed you, - Anton is clearly impatient.

- It's mutual. I want to go to the Potter Museum now, and then I'm free.- I have no plans for the day, and I suddenly realize how much I've missed him. It's been so long since we've seen each other!

- Who would have doubted it, eh? I'd be surprised if you didn't go there. Something in this life definitely doesn't change. I'll take you. Text me the name of the hotel. I'll pick you up in 30 minutes. Can you make it? - Anton grinned into the phone, and I'm fascinated by the sounds of my native voice.

- I'm not sure you recognize me. After last night's party (don't even ask), I look like I got kicked by a football team,- I glance at myself in the mirror, wondering how to turn myself back into a human being.

- Sanya, I've seen all kinds of you. Believe me, if you were tied up in a potato sack, I'd recognise you. Get ready already,- he hummed.

- Got it, cap,- I reply and hang up the phone. I text Anton the name of the hotel and go to the shower to wake up from last night's party.

Getting ready in half an hour is no easy task at all. I fly around the room with the speed of light. Meeting Anton after all this time and looking bad? No way. Not with him.

Anton is the only man in my life with whom we were able to maintain a warm relationship after the break-up. Probably because it was a mutual decision and an honest one. Or because it's who he is. A wonderful man. I felt really good around him, but at some point we started to drift apart, each one going our own way. And the fairest thing was to let each other go towards our dreams and grow. But he has remained a very dear person to me. Despite different countries and cities, we kept in touch the whole time and were aware of each other's events. My God, we haven't seen each other for 2 years. I missed him so much.

Anton texts me to say he's waiting downstairs. And I run to meet him. He's standing by the car near the hotel entrance and smiling hello. Anton has changed in two years. He has lost weight, seems to have pumped up and has got a short beard which makes his face look more brutal. He is very good-looking. Instead of the usual T-shirt, a thin shirt that accentuates his treaded reliefs.

Anton clutches me in his arms and I breathe in that familiar scent.

- Hi, honey, - I whisper.

- You look amazing, Alexandra, - he answers, burying his face in my hair. - It's so good to see you.

We stand there hugging for like five minutes. I feel at home again. My closest person is nearby, and it's the best support possible.

- Have you had breakfast? - Anton asks.