Wildfire

(04)

Kenneth Deora

I looked in the mirror one last time before leaving. I was wearing a blue suit.
Gala nights are usually fun but I've only been to one as a guest with my dad, never as a representative of our company. And you've never been to a gala date before. True.

I shake off any flashbacks of my dad before they could occur.

The lights of the gala danced across the room, casting a glow on the well-dressed crowd. As I entered, heads turned, conversations hushed – a usual reaction when Kenneth Deora stepped into a room.

My tailored suit clung to my frame, exuding confidence as I navigated the sea of people. The atmosphere was thick with the undertones of power and influence palpable. I moved through it all towards the bar.

"What can I get you started with?" The bartender approached my side of the bar.
"A scotch, please."
He slid me a crystal glass and got back to his work.
I took a few sips before a woman in a red gown sat on a stool and ordered a neat whiskey.
I knew that voice. I could never forget it after what had happened recently. The pain in my shoulder increased on hearing that voice as if responding to her.

"Miss Montanari... May I say you look ravishing" and I wasn't lying she really did look ravishing. Nobody would've guessed the bandage on my shoulder was because of her.

"Mr. Deora, I hope you're having a nice evening. Didn't think I'd see you here considering your recent injury." She glanced at my shoulder.

"I managed... I had a date I couldn't skip." If she could take a jab at her actions, so could I.

"You have a way with words, Kenneth. But remember, not every wound can be concealed beneath a well-tailored suit." She said before sipping her whiskey.

"You think my suit looks good?"

She chuckled before her phone rang, "I'll have to take this." She didn't ask. She didn't even say excuse me. I could've sworn she meant 'be glad I'm even acknowledging your existence'.

After I had conversed with enough old men and women trying to set me up with their daughters or even themselves, I slipped out the back door. My eyes fell on a silhouette I knew all too well. Mariana smoking on the wall made me wonder what that call was about.

"May I join?" I asked carefully.

Her eyes flickered towards me, assessing my presence before she nodded without uttering a word. I took a calculated step closer, seeing the dim glow of her cigarette.

"You seem to have a knack for impeccable timing." she remarked, exhaling smoke. "Or is it just a coincidence that you found me out here?"

I matched her tone, a playful smirk on my face. "Call it fate, wildfire. I happened to crave a breath of fresh air and stumbled upon the most captivating view in this gala."

"Flattery won't get you far, but I appreciate the effort. Sit if you must." I looked up at her sitting on an 8 foot wall.

"I got here in a gown and heels. I'm sure you'll manage" she said but she looked amused.

"Well, I suppose my suit has a bit more flexibility than a gown," I replied with a smirk.

She chuckled, her tone held a hint of amusement. "Flexibility is something I'd like to see. Impress me."

I took a few steps back and then dash forward. My movements were fluid, and I luckily managed to ascend effortlessly.

She watched with a raised eyebrow as I reached the top. "Impressive. I didn't think you had it in you."