Hours later Frida arrived at her house. After the brief encounter in the powder room the meeting with the women went easier and lighter, although it honestly costed her a super effort to keep the constant little treacherous smile very well hidden from everyone's possible questions. Throughout the lunch, Frida could perfectly feel his penetrating eyes on her, caressing her skin even if being meters away, caressing her the same way he did inside that tiny room. Benny, Benny... every encounter was a new experience, a new sensation unlocked, a new emotion discovered. What happened in that powder room was new to her, even if it was nothing special for other people it was special to her because she'd never been in that kind of situation with anyone but Benny. He made her feel like a teenager again, but with the security and sensuality of a grown up woman. Yes, security, he made her feel secure, safe, validated, those were sensations she couldn't ignore because it'd passed a considerable amount of time since the last time she felt that way. In short, it felt amazing next to him, every second, every detail, every adrenaline gram.
When she finally abandoned the restaurant, the sun had already disappeared to give place to an army of gray clouds, by then Benny was also gone. It disappointed her a bit, but as soon as she got into the car she checked on her cellphone and found a text from him. He was looking forward to seeing her as soon as possible, and she'd be damned if she said it wasn't reciprocal. However, they agreed they'd see tomorrow during the painting lesson, it filled her stomach with butterflies with only just thinking of him. A hormonal teenager!
Frida rolled her eyes at her thoughts and bit her lower lip in an attempt to contain that silly smile. The sound of her heels against the expensive floor stopped abruptly and her smile vanished when a male figure appeared on her way to the stairs. "Hey Jason."
Jason, Henry's personal assistant, looked up at her. His eyes went wide and his back straightened up quickly, yet Frida caught a glimpse of his hesitation and surprise. "Mrs Matheus." He nodded as greeting, crossing his hands on the back.
"Where are you going? Everything alright?"
"Yes, ma'am, everything good, thank you. I was sorting out a couple of issues with Mr Matheus but we're done."
"You're very hardworking, Jason. But don't let Henry exploit you." She winked at him and Jason giggled. It wasn't unusual to find him in the house at any hour of the day.
"No, no. Nothing of it. It's a pleasure for me to work with Mr Matheus. He is an excellent chief."
"Well, thanks."
Frida and Jason turned to Henry's voice. He was wearing his usual couture black pants, loafers and gray shirt, his hair perfectly combed. Frida smiled and approached him, leaving Jason standing in place. "Hello, darling." Henry stood motionless as she planted a quick kiss on his lips. When Frida backed away she was able to notice his judicious look, one that made her instantly nervous. "You good?"
"What is that on your head? What did you do?"
"A little change." Replied as she superficially ran her fingers through her now red curly hair. "Do you like it?"
"Who do you think you are, Anni-Frid? A rockstar?"
Frida chuckled embarrassingly and exchanged glances between Henry and Jason. "Henry, please." She turned to him and spoke in a low voice. "It looks good and I feel good. Because it looks good, right?"
Henry let out a long sigh, hands on his hips. He seemed exasperated and even bored, she didn't understand his attitude. "Whatever. Jason..." The boy was still standing uncomfortably behind them.
"Yes, sir?"
"I thought I told you you could leave."
"Yes, sir. Thank you. See you later."
