London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 46. Alex

As soon as I see him in the crowd of guests, time stops... Everything is in a fog, I don't see anyone else. Just Dany and his piercing green eyes. We stare at each other without looking away. The room starts to spin.

Gina picks me up gently by the elbow so I don't fall off during the ceremony. It would be a shame to ruin the guys' wedding because I couldn't handle the emotion. No way. I'm pulling myself together, but my eyes go back to him.

He's so beautiful. So close. And at the same time a stranger. It's like there's an invisible wall between us, and we can't break it down even if we want to. We're not together anymore. He decided so. And who cares how I feel about the rest of it?

The church suddenly becomes so small. There's not enough air. I need to get outside now. And away from Daniel. So as soon as the ceremony ends, I practically run to the bride's room to catch my breath.

I slam the door. I pour a glass of water. My hands are shaking so much that the glass hurts my teeth. Fucking Daniel! I wish he wouldn't show up for the rest of the tour! I want to punch him! And kiss him. And say something mean. And a hug. It's unbearable...

- Mum, everyone's getting into their cars, we're leaving. Are you OK in there? - Max asks from the back of the door.

- Yeah, yeah, I'm on my way, - I glance in the mirror, straighten my back, and open the door with a strained calm.

The manor, in which the guys decided to hold a celebration, impresses with its magnificence. It's a grand old building. I make a note to come back here in the summer and take a walk, because the October rain is not conducive to a walk.

I'm nervous. If it was sunny or just dry, I could hide in the garden and see as little of Daniel as possible, but alas, someone in heaven is clearly having fun today, because we have to spend this day under the same roof. There's nowhere to run.

I pour into myself two glasses of champagne for courage, only just entering the restaurant. A deep breath. To know my trajectory, I need to find him in the crowd. This way unexpected collisions can be prevented.

Daniel is standing in the opposite corner, with his back to me, chatting excitedly with his mother. Judging by the expression on her face, the conversation is not going well. She's clearly unhappy. Hmm, I'm not the only one having an exciting day.

- I'm a wife now, can you believe it? - Says Janine running up to me. Looking at the joy in her eyes, I can't help but smile back. I hug her.

- I am so happy for you two! You are such a beautiful couple! - I reply.

- Have you seen it yet? Daniel's here. We didn't know he was coming. He didn't say anything until the last minute. But I'm so glad for seeing him. Are you allright? - She asks with concern in her voice.

- I'm fine. I saw him, - I reply.

- And? - She asks.

- "And" what? I saw him. That's it, - I take another sip. Janine squints at my glass.

- I can see how you "don't care". Don't lie to yourself, girl, - she says. - I'm gonna go to find my husband.

Janine leaves, and I head towards the snacks. I really want to disappear from this wedding. If Daniel wasn't here, I'd probably be flirting with some hottie by now, having fun and having a great time. But no. He had to ruin the day for me and steal the good memories.

I put some fruit on my plate and turn around in search of a comfortable quiet spot. But no such luck. When I turn, I hit something soft, almost dropped my plate. Strong arms pick me up and help me keep my balance. But that only makes it worse.

- Hey, - he says uncertainly.

- Daniel, you're here, - I reply. - I didn't expect you to come after all.

- Yeah, I... didn't know... it was kind of last minute, so I'm kind of late.

Pause.

- You look great, by the way, - he says, looking me over from head to toe.

- Thanks, you look nice, too, - I reply. Could our conversation be any weirder? He grins at the corners of his lips, and his damn beautiful dimples slyly appear and begin to hypnotize me. He left you, Sanya, don't forget.

- How's it going with the tour? - Sighing heavily, I ask. - Is everything good?

- Yes, everything is going great. The support is colossal. So many fans, I'm pleasantly surprised, - he says. All I can see is his lips moving deliciously. Yummy lips. - Alex?

I think I got distracted.

- That's great. I'm happy for you. Saw your partner. She's cute...- I try to sound indifferent.

- Yeah, Julie's cool, - he adds. And these words stick a knife into my wound.

- And how is Anton? Healed his wounds? - He asks, frowning.

- Yes, all is well. Alive and well, - I shrug.

A pause. A piercing look.

- I... um... have to go... I need to help Janine with something she asked me to do... - I say and walk away from Daniel.

I pop into the ladies' room, burning like a torch in the night. My cheeks are burning and my heart is pounding so hard I can't hear any other sounds around me. I turn on the tap with cold water and wet my neck, forehead, just not to touch the makeup. I blot my face with a towel. It's starting to let go.

I put my hands on the countertop around the sink and close my eyes. Inhale. Exhale.

- You're Alex, aren't you? - I hear behind me. I look up and see Daniel's mother standing behind me in the reflection. She's exactly not what I need right now.

- Yes, hello again, Mrs. Pierce, - I said.

- I saw you next to my son. It's not in my rules to interfere, but what still binds you? Isn't your relationship over already? - I don't like her tone at all.

I'm obviously not ready for such an invasion.

- I'm sorry, but my relationship with Daniel is none of your business, - I cut off.

- Daniel is my son. Everything about him is my business. You're a mother yourself. I've seen your boy. Wouldn't you help him if you knew he is making a mistake? - She asks.

- What mistake? - I clarify.

- You, - she swipes her hand in the air, pointing down at me. - You don't fit together, it's obvious. You're from two different worlds, you have a big age difference, not to mention the fact that you have an adult child. Why do you want to put this burden on Daniel? He's a young actor, his career has taken off, he needs to think about this. And you persistently pull him down.

- What? - I can't take it anymore. This is already crossing all boundaries. - With all due respect, Mrs. Pierce, you can't tell me what to do or how to do. I hope I made myself clear.

- Are you also rude to me? No upbringing. Alex, I think you've seen his new crush, haven't you? Julie Boyle is perfect for him. They're so young, so happy. Don't stand in his way, - she won't let up.

- I'm not going to listen to this nonsense, - I growl, moving toward the exit. Mrs. Pierce grabs my elbow and, looking me straight in the eyes with her iron gaze, says quietly:

- He mistook infatuation for love. You of all people should understand this. Let him go. Especially if it's something more for you.

I snatch my hand from her grasping fingers, measure her with a contemptuous look and silently jump out into the hall. Away from her. Away from him. Away from everyone.