London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 21. Alex

Sunlight streams through the curtains, not giving me a single opportunity to lie in bed. Just one day left in London. One day in my new parallel universe. Tomorrow I will be in Moscow and everything will be different.

I lie in a light slumber without opening my eyes. The events of last night are running through my head in bright images. Daniel's hands, Daniel's lips, his smell, his words and moans. It's a beautiful night... I run my hand across the bed... It's empty. I open my eyes, and Daniel's not there.

- Dany, are you here? - I ask into the void, though I already know the answer. He's gone. Oh, shit.

I'm out of the mood. I get up and go for a shower, trying to figure out why he left. Was it just an extension of the race with Liam? Or maybe it was a desire to prove to himself that he doesn't tolerate rejection? But could a man pretend like that? Wait, Sasha, maybe he rushed off to work. No, don't make excuses for him. If he'd gone to work, he could have left a note, couldn't he? But there's nothing in the room. Nothing at all. It's like Daniel himself was just an illusion.

Sasha, when are you going to learn that you can't trust people? Why are you melting down with a guy you barely know? You saw everything at the party. But I have to admit to myself, I hadn't a chance to resist Dany. Even if the story is over before it starts. To be honest, I don't want that.

I feel so nasty on the inside. Of course, I wasn't expecting any... I wasn't expecting anything at all. Why do I feel so empty after he's gone? I get in the shower. The water washes away all the remnants of last night and disappointment. I don't know how long I stand in the water before I feel calm again. I promise myself to think about Daniel sometime later. Dispelling thoughts of him, I get out of the shower and dial Anton.

- Hey, handsome, I need your help,- I say, wiping my hair with one hand.

- Hello, Alexandra. Talk to me, - the native voice sighs in response.

- You do remember that I won the bet yesterday, right? I told you on the way back from the club. Well, now the loser has to pay. So I need to find a really ugly hooker,- I decide to have fun.

- What? Sanya, you never cease to amaze me,- laughs Anton. - Not that I'm an expert on women for hire, but I think I can help you.

- Thank you,- that's probably the funniest part of our argument.

- Today is your last day in London. What are you planning to do? - Anton asks.

- Honestly, I have no idea. I want this day to go very, very calmly, not to rush anywhere. It's like I live here and it's my day off, - I say dreamily. I really want to turn off the inner tourist and see the city through the eyes of a local. As if I know every corner, as if its streets are linked with different memories from my life, as if I don't have to leave.

- I'm coming to get you, to make your dreams come true. Besides, we won't see each other soon afterwards, so I don't want to waste any time. By the way, Olivia's coming back from her parents today. She won't forgive you, first of all, for not meeting her. I still don't understand how you two managed to become friends,- he exclaims.

- She's cool. And I'm cool. And we both love you. And I'm not her competition. Once she realized that, that's what happened. I'm glad you're getting married. I'm sure you'll be very happy, - I say.

- Thank you, Sanya, then it's done. I'm picking you up now for a lounging seal-style vacation, and I'm taking you to Olivia and me for dinner. At the same time, you will see our new flat. We haven't unpacked yet, but everything is ahead. Get ready.

I put my phone down, dry my hair and open the wardrobe. In general, I have been paying attention for a long time, that people are divided into two types: some arrive at the hotel and put their stuff on shelves and in the wardrobe, because it is really more convenient, while others leave stuff in the suitcase and pull it out during the whole holiday. As if that would make packing a suitcase any easier. I definitely belong to the first category. I love it when all the outfits are hung out and you can see what to wear at a glance. Spoiler alert - as always, nothing to wear.

I choose a cotton summer dress and a denim jacket over it. I put my hair in a messy bun and apply light make-up on my face. A pretty girl looks at me in the mirror, ready to walk and have fun with friends. No patina of worry about Who-I'm-Damn-Angry-At. None.

Heavy grey clouds cover the sky, suggesting a thunderstorm. The weather is just right for my mood. Just when I like to go for walks. I close my eyes for a moment and breathe in the fresh air. Today is definitely going to be a joyful day.

Anton's handsome as always, leaning on his car. The polo shirt and jeans make him look incredibly handsome. When he sees me, he smiles happily and opens his arms in anticipation of a hug.

- Hello again, beauty, - he says, pressing me down with his huge arms. - So, what happened to your face?

- What about it? I haven't had time to drink the blood of the sacrificial maidens this morning, am I getting old already? - I ask. Has Anton really noticed that something has happened? I don't want him to start asking me questions about Daniel. He doesn't need to know what happened last night at all.

- That's ridiculous. But still? Ahhh, I know,- he makes a thoughtful face, and I freeze in anticipation of uncomfortable questions. I tense up.

- Do you know? - I ask uncertainly.

- Yeah. I know that the only way to chase Sasha Dull in the morning is a delicious breakfast. - Whew, I'm visibly relaxing. Anton doesn't even remotely understand the reason of my workload. Good. I could use some breakfast right now.

- You got me. I'm starving. So let's go load me up with some goodness,- I try to change the subject. I don't want to tell anything.

- I suggest you combine that with your desire to be lazy. We'll pick up some takeaway on the way and go to the park. I think you'll like it. The whole of London is at your fingertips,- he points to the limitless horizon in the air.

We pick up some burgers and coffee and move on to Primrose Hill. Anton was right, I love it, have you ever seen seals lounging in the sun? That's exactly what the park looks like. Even despite the time.

We sit down, leaning against a tree, and begin our improvised breakfast. My eyes glide over the panorama of the city, making me forget everything. I switch off. Just allowing myself to be, how does it say, "here and now"? Exactly. Here and now. Besides, I have a close friend with me with whom I never get bored.