Charity Night (english)

25

It feels like time just doesn't pass. Nobody says a word anymore, but I can feel Zac's eyes on me. What feels like an eternity later, the call for boarding occurs and I know that I should actually get up and get on a plane, but I don't move. He also just stays there and takes my hand in his.

The warmth emanating from him immediately flows through me and I only now notice that I am cold. In my haste, I packed my jacket in my suitcase and am now sitting here in the air-conditioned airport hall, wearing only an airy dress that is far too thin. Zac seems to notice that I'm shivering and takes off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. I smile gratefully at him. I should probably say something, but I just can't manage to form my racing thoughts into a sentence.

The last travelers are just passing through the barrier and this would be my last chance to get on the plane, but everything in me is reluctant to even begin to stand up. So we sit here, holding hands and in silence and yet my behavior says it all. I don't want to leave here. By him. Although I am aware that sooner or later I will have to talk to him. It is not fair. Neither to him nor to myself and I know that all too well.

The plane is already in the air when Zac stands up and pulls me with him. "Come on. Let's go." I just let it go and follow him out of the airport, to his car and back to Manhattan.

My first words come out of me in a slightly desperate tone. "Oh no. My luggage... it's now on its way to London. And I don't have a hotel anymore... Where should I go now? What do I do now? I don't have anything to wear to the office!" I nervously knead my hands and look at Zac with a hint of desperation. He just laughs and takes my hand reassuringly in his. "Stay calm. We'll be able to sort out the clothing thing somehow and you can just come with me. I have a guest room." "And that would really be okay with you?" I ask hesitantly and look over at him unsettled.

Doesn't this mean even more drama is inevitable?

An hour later we are driving to an area I could never have imagined before. The apartment buildings on the streets have wonderful staircases and trees or bushes are planted on the left and right. Everything looks expensive and there are even carpets in front of some buildings that make the path to the entrance look super luxurious. I can't help but be amazed when Zac stops in front of one of these buildings. "We're here." He gets out and walks around the car. "Come on, or do you want to put down roots here?" he says as he opens the car door for me and holds out his hand. I'm still staring up at the white showpiece as if spellbound and wondering what this life costs. Mine is against that Residential area shabby. I take his hand and walk reverently towards the big black door. The entrance area is impressive and there is a doorman at a counter who warmly greets Zac and me. "Mr. Hyde, nice to see you. Mrs...." "Carter. I'm happy to see her too. This is Mrs Love. She will stay with me for a few days. "Could you arrange for her to have easy access to my apartment?" Zac gives him a few instructions. "Naturally. Do not worry."

The elevator takes you straight up to his apartment, which is a stark contrast to the otherwise classic, romantic style of the house. Everything is super modern and bright. The open style stands in stark contrast to the rather old-fashioned staircase, but not in a negative sense. I don't even know where to look first. The art hanging on the walls is colorful but not overwhelming and makes everything seem much friendlier.

"Wow." I say and shyly look at Zac, who is looking at me with a smile. "I knew you weren't exactly starving, but THIS is crazy." I make a sweeping movement with my arms. And I turn in circles.

"Well, I don't define myself by my money and I don't like to brag about it. It allows me to have such a lifestyle, but it says nothing about me as a person. Plus, I didn't even have to work out most of it myself. My family has always been very rich and I was raised in a kind of "Gossip Girl" environment. Including all these intrigues and power games."

Only now do I realize that I actually know nothing about him. We never talked much. Unless it was business related.

"Have you ever noticed that we don't actually know each other?" I express my thoughts. "Well... I was able to find out a little about you from staying with your parents, but it's true. We never get to really get to know each other. Either we argue, work or we end up in bed." He tries to make a little bit of a joke about it with the last sentence, but I can tell he's bothered by my statement.

His look remains thoughtful as he shows me the way to the guest room. "What do you think if we freshen up for a moment and then go shopping? And we'll use the time to tell each other a little more about each other." I like his suggestion and nod my head in agreement. "OK. Then I would say we meet in the living room in 30 minutes." I emphasize my gesture.

The guest room is also modernly furnished and the large window lets in the light beautifully. The view goes into an inner courtyard that is decorated with trees and many plants and a small terrace with a wrought iron table and matching chairs completes the picture of a romantic garden.

I never dreamed that I would ever see something like that.

There are towels and a few washing utensils ready in the adjoining bathroom and I freshen up with a cat wash to get back into my airy room Dress to slip on. I'm ready. At least externally. There's a storm inside me and I'm suddenly not sure whether it was a good idea to accompany Zac here. Here I can't escape him so easily and it's clear to me that sooner or later I'll have to face his questions and thus my past and feelings. I just have to get involved before it's too late.

"Are you ready?" Zac comes out of his bedroom as I step out my door. "Yes I think so. "Unfortunately I don't have a jacket and I'm afraid that the wind in the urban canyons will make it a bit chilly," I admit my concerns. "Wait... Just take one of my jackets while we haven't found one for you yet." He hands me one of his jackets and looks at me with sparkling eyes. "I could get used to this sight."

Immediately the alarm bells ring in my head again, but this time I don't run away again, I just stand there and look up at him questioningly. "What do you mean?" "You, in my apartment, with my clothes on. It just feels good." His answer makes me calm down a little, even though I'm actually afraid of exactly those kinds of statements. Too much closeness makes me vulnerable and that triggers panic in me.

But this time it's different. It doesn't feel strange and I don't feel the need to flee immediately.

Maybe I can get involved with a man again and just be happy.