XXXI.
- Trish -
The sun was just about to set and I peeked through my loft's window with the anticipation that it might rain tonight. I glance at the rusty mirror installed just above the sink in this sage green tiled bathroom, trying to craft the perfect appearance for tonight. I felt a rush of panic seeping through my skin — it all still feels unreal, everything that has happened these past few days has been quite flawless, and pretty sure that it would only be a matter of time before something ticks off.
I gasp heavily and just as before I sank into my horrific thoughts, my phone chimed followed by constant vibrations. I picked it up from my purse and Cate's name along with the message appeared on the screen:
"Darling, I'm outside. No pressure, I'll wait for you here"
The thought of Cate having such patience immediately replaced the rumination with pure excitement. I proceeded to collect the rest of my things and stood in front of the full-length mirror examining myself. "Goodness, love looks pretty on you Trisha", I uttered, almost in a whisper as I took pride in how I looked tonight and smiled.
"Wow, remind me again of how did I get so lucky? My darling girl, you look marvelous, and gosh, too sexy"
"Please, this head might burst instantly because you flatter me so much, baby"
Truly taken aback by Cate's comment, I felt the amount of adrenaline scrambling through my veins causing my heart racing. "Darling, look at me" She lifts my chin with gentle hands seeking for both our eyes to meet. Damn, those oceanic eyes, it's pulling me and I don't even want to be pulled back. "Oh God, you're blushing, it's adorable" I tried catching my breath, collecting all the air that I possibly can but it was only a matter of time before Cate leaned in and gave me the softest kiss; such warm lips omitting a palpable sense of pureness. "Well, what can I say? I am too pleased to get to spend this lovely evening with you and I'm bursting with excitement. Shall we go now?" Cate grinned and nodded, taking bits of my sweet response causing an almost audible laugh.
The trip to the restaurant only took a couple of minutes. There are people queued up in the other brick-walled store right next to where we're headed. "Good evening ladies, My name's Jeoffry, and I believe Ms. Perry right here has reservations tonight? Please follow me". I caught Cate's delicate hand as the elevator doors closed, slowly climbing up to the fifth floor. Cate and I instinctively followed Jeoffry and glorious God, we were welcomed by a candle-lit dinner set-up that gives a detectable view of the cityscape. I can still feel the airy yet classy atmosphere the same way it used to calm me before. The tables were perfectly tailored all seemed ready for our arrival. "I hope the place suits both of your moods tonight ladies", he uttered extending his hands, ushering us to our seats. I nodded and mouthed an inaudible "thank you" but just as he was about to exit the scene, his eyes squinted, glittered with enthusiasm "Miss Perry, this place misses you. Welcome home" and he genuinely smiled at me, "I am delighted to be back too Jeoffry. More so that I have with me here a special someone, this is Cate".
Cate extended her hand and introduced herself beamingly, "Hi, Jeoffry, glad to meet you".
"Oh, uhm-ah. It's our pleasure to have you here Miss Cate Blanchett, please enjoy the night" I can only imagine how spine-chilling this is for Jeoffry, but not the bad kind of such feeling. It's just that from the looks of it, he knows Cate well enough as his hands trembled from their contact. Of course, who wouldn't know her — she's famous after all. I thought to myself. "Darling, I'll be happier if I can point out why such a smile has been plastered all over your face for a while now". I covered my mouth instantly "Sorry, I was just caught up on something. Don't worry you always keep my sanity in check. But now, I'm pretty hungry that I could eat a horse" She chuckles, and much to our delight, the waiter was already walking towards our table. "Good evening ladies, can I take your orders?"
"I'll have what she's having" the waiter whose name badge was 'Tyler' shifted his gaze to me instead, waiting for a response. "Babe, are you sure? any particular food in mind?" Cate only nodded, reaching across the table squeezing my resting right hand. "Mmh, okay then we'll ha-" I paused mid-sentence as he spoke "Will that be your usual Miss Perry?", I smiled at him "Yes please" and he walked away gracefully bringing with him his little notepad and pen.
We patiently waited for our food when Cate spoke out of curiosity "I didn't know you're such a VVIP here darling. I remember last year, Justin - you remember him right? His charms weren't helpful enough for a table here at Vrōchi. But you, I'm impressed." Her lips curved up, eyes sparkling with intimacy. "And mind you, everybody here seems to address you with your last name", she continued. I thought I've readied myself for this. She might not be throwing me proper questions but I'm guessing this series of fascinations needs to be answered somehow. "Well, Vrōchi seems to sustain its peculiarity".
"Do you mean it's both exclusive and inclusive to its customers? but how?" Cate carries on with her amusement. "As lavish as it is, this place doesn't cater easily even to prominent people. But believe me or not, a minimum wage earner can dine here anytime" her eyes were quite puzzled by my last statement "What I mean is, Vrōchi doesn't just operate for mere earnings in this buzzing city. Every inch of this place has a heart for people who ache for solitude" I steadied my breathing for seconds, trying to commemorate all the memories that I happen to share. It's been a long time since I've come to peace with secrecy —as it appears to be the one thing that I feel intimate with, this place, and Cate was among them. So, sharing this one good portion of my life with her is valuable just as disclosing the chunks of cruelty that I've been through.
Heart rapidly pounding,
Now, I just have to wait for her to ask me.
