Money Trees

23 ✮ do you know who i am

"So? What do you think?"

  Mai spun around for the camera, showing off the navy gold-sequin flapper dress she had bought for the charity gala. She had spotted it in some old model in the background of one of Marilyn Monroe's photos and knew she had to own it. The dress had to be hunted down by Oliver's personal stylist, who eventually found the one-of-a-kind Chanel piece in the arsenal of some old widow in California. She was more than happy to give them the dress for a small (extortionately high) fee (which Oliver paid of course). But, it was all worth the trouble because Mai fell in love with it instantly. As did the little girl on the call.

That little girl had quickly become a part of Mai's life. Aside from the fact that Apollo called her almost hourly, after meeting Mai, Gaia had asked Apollo for her number (which he reluctantly gave her after asking Mai). She liked to call Mai and chat to her about 'girly things' she couldn't talk to Apollo about.

"It's so sparkly, I love it!" Gaia exclaimed, moving closer to the camera. "Polly, hold the phone higher, I want to see her shoes!"

  Apollo winked from behind the phone before holding it higher. Mai did a little shuffle with her feet to show off the lace Louboutins.

  "Oh wow! I love them! Wow, I wish I was there!"

  Mai's small faltered. Gaia had been admitted to hospital a few days after their first encounter because she was running a fever. She was definitely looking better compared to how she was before admission but there was still a dark, over-looming cloud hanging low above them, full of what-ifs. They had to be prepared for anything. Nevertheless, she was recovering and that was worth a bit of relief.

Apollo flipped the camera to his own face. "What about me? How do I look?"

Apollo had decided to come to the gala after all. It took a lot of convincing but once Mai convinced him that there wouldn't be that many people they knew at the event, he reluctantly agreed. And she was so glad because he was wearing a gorgeous pair of beige corduroy trousers and a tight-fitting black shirt that showed off all the hours he spent in the gym. He was so hot. Mai was so infatuated with him.

Gaia shrugged. "You look okay."

"Thanks," He replied dryly, as she giggled through the phone. "Listen, we have to go but I'll come visit you later. Don't stay up though because the doctors will hate me."

She sighed loudly. "Fine. Will I see you soon, Mai?"

Mai nodded enthusiastically and took the phone from Apollo. "Of course! I won't be able to come later because I can't leave my brother's gala early but I'll come some time this week. I can bring nail polish."

Gaia grinned. "Yay!"

After hanging up, Apollo placed his hands on Mai's waist and gently pushed her against the wall. He planted his lips against hers in a long and deep kiss that caught Mai off guard. She smiled against his lips.

"What was that for?"

"You're just... you're so wonderful. And sexy. And perfect."

"Why don't you take a picture, it'll last longer," She joked, nodding at his camera.

"Don't tempt me. I can take photos of you all night."

"You know what else we could do all night?" Mai's phone buzzed with a text. She glanced at her phone before sighing. "Never mind. The car Oliver sent is downstairs."

Apollo groaned jokingly and plopped his forehead on her shoulder. "No... finish your sentence... what can we do all night!"

She laughed and pushed him softly. "I'll show you later."