London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 62. Alex

Since Daniel decided to give me a date on my birthday, I need to get ready. So I make an appointment at the salon for hair and makeup, and while I have an hour to spare, I go shopping in search of a new outfit for tonight.

"At least give me a hint where exactly we're going. I need to pick out an outfit," I text him.

"I think the dress will be just right. Throw in a picture from the fitting room, and I'll help you to choose," he replies. He'll help, of course.

"I don't know. How about a date in a Playboy bunny costume like Bridget Jones?"

"Not on a date! But in the bedroom, yes," Daniel doesn't let up.

"I think I'll save the suspense. You'll see tonight," I decide not to show him the new look. Let him fantasize.

"Maybe you can send me photos from the fitting room without a dress? It will be more fun for me" he asks.

"Not a word more!" - I have fun sending Daniel photos of empty hangers. "Just like you wanted, pictures without dresses."

"You suck as a photographer, I'll do it myself tonight," he replies.

I go into the evening gown store. Many models are stuffed with tulle, rhinestones, sequins and other nonsense, but I don't want to be like a cake at all, I'm looking for something more concise, more strict and elegant.

I go through one section after another, feeling the fabrics, looking at the styles. Until finally I find an emerald dress with long flared sleeves. His bodice with a scent successfully emphasizes the chest and beautifully frames the relief of the body, and a pencil skirt just below the knee stretches my silhouette. I think Daniel would love it.

I look at my watch, and it turns out I've lost track of time, and I'm already starting to be late. I type the address of the salon into the navigator and start the engine. It's so nice to be able to drive in my own car. I open the glove compartment, where, in addition to the documents, there is a flash drive. I wonder what's on it? I plug it in and find that Daniel has recorded a bunch of Russian songs on it. I can't say that his choice was one hundred percent the same as mine, but I appreciate the gesture and I sing along to familiar melodies all the way to the salon.

- What are we going to do today? - The master asks me.

- To stand up, - I answer.

The master giggles and nods understandingly. I show her the dress and a couple of pictures of what I'd like to see on my face. She starts with the makeup, so I have time to think a little bit about where my life has come this year, and how I couldn't even dream of it.

When my makeup is done, I look in the mirror. Such a fresh look, bright-burning eyes accentuated by shadows and a playful gaze.

- What do we do with the hair? Curls? A bun? - The master asks again.

I choose a low bun, which will perfectly complement my look. I still have no idea where we will go, so my look gives an escape route in any institution.

When my hair is done, I pay the master and go home to get dressed. It's an hour till Daniel gets here, so I should be just in time.

- You... You... You look divine, - Daniel says, devouring me with his eyes as soon as he gets home. I smile.

- Will you tell me where we're going? - I ask.

- Let's go to the car, I'll take us, - he still doesn't give up.

We stop by the club. Daniel gets out of the car and opens the door for me.

- Let's go, - he says, giving me his hand. So the club. Dancing and stuff. No intimate atmosphere, quiet sweet conversations and frankness. Fun means fun. I sigh deeply and follow him.

- Happy Birthday! - Our friends shout in chorus as Daniel and I enter the VIP area, which is fenced off from the rest of the club. Liam, Stella, Max, and Tyler and Janine. My eyes sting treacherously. I get so sentimental sometimes. I'm sure it's the lights or something.

- Happy birthday, - Janine chirps, pulling me into a hug within her thin arms. Her belly is visibly rounded, and her cheeks are flushed. - I missed you so much.

- I'll make it official, you and Tyler had the longest honeymoon ever, - I grin.

- It was all because of the terrible morning sickness. I was literally sick of everything. Even looking at Tyler a couple of times, you know? I think I wore him out. But he's okay, he's holding on. I was so sick that we decided to stay in seclusion longer. My husband, as it sounds great, worked remotely, so we were in no hurry. What was going on here?

I'm about to answer when Daniel hands me a glass of champagne. All the guests raise their glasses.

- To the woman who turned my world upside down. You burst into my life like a tornado and it will never be the same. Everything has changed with you. You mean a lot to me, Alex. More than you can even imagine. I...

A chill runs down my spine. Just so he doesn't get down on one knee and then the classics. Not now. Oh, please.

- I love you. I love everything about you. You're the best woman, to you! - He raises his glass, and the rest of the company, including me, echoes his move.

- To Alex, - our friends say together.

- Well, old lady, - Liam's smile grows wider with each word, - you're over a kkkhh-years, - he coughs into his fist, - so I'm giving you something you can't be without.

Liam hands me a brightly colored bag, decorated with a bow. I peek inside and crouch, shaking with laughter. I can't stop laughing. Daniel looks at me questioningly as I catch my breath. In the bag are knitting needles, a roll of woolen thread, and a tonometer.

- I remembered, Liam, the next move will be mine, - I answer, hugging him.

- I can't wait; with all this going on, I haven't even time to have any fun.

- Come on, let's dance! - Janine exclaimed, pulling Stella onto the little dance floor.

- Who poured the drinks for Mommy? - Liam jokes.

- I need to talk to you, - I whisper to Daniel as everyone's attention drifts around the room.

- I'm all yours, - he says, staring at me with his green eyes.

- I saw Anton today, - I begin, Daniel's jaw clenched but silent, - He got me, I mean us, a trip to a ski resort next weekend. Can you get away?

- I don't know, I don't really like skiing on your ex's trip,- he says. I can see he's trying to speak in a calm tone.

- It's for three. And if you don't go, he wants to take your place, - I press a little. Yeah, I know it's not fair to manipulate him, but I do. Daniel sighs loudly.

- I'll go. But promise me you won't accept any more gifts from him. None, - he insists. - That's my condition. Not even for birthday or Christmas or anything. No presents.

- Dany, - his eyes narrow as he looks at me, - okay. It's a deal.

- All righty then. Where are we going? - He asks, putting his hand on my shoulder.

- To Switzerland. Ride the boards, - I reply. Daniel looks a little confused, - Do you want me to teach you?

- We'll figure it out on the spot, - he says and takes a big sip of champagne.