Behind The Mask

Chapter 9

Anouk’s POV

I need to talk to Manny and get my plan together. If Michael really wants something serious, he will do something about me and Manny acting…lovingly. It’s gonna be hard, like I said, Manny is like my brother. But I kinda start to like Michael and I need to know what he’s about and if he’s serious or he plays a game with me. I don’t want to break my vow about not seeing any man just to realize that I was taken for a ride. An expensive ride…but still…I am not putting my heart on the line just because he’s funny, and cute and looks good and…And no more adjectives concerning Michael till I know what he’s about.

“Morning, Manny!”

“Morning, maatje! What’s up? I heard you have a very special guest staying at the hotel. Your mom told me to talk to you for full details.”

I groan. Mooom!!! You should be on my side, not Michael’s!

“Well, I don’t know how special he is…It’s just a guy I met when I was in the US to sort out the mess with my identity…Anyway, he only came here to corner me.”

“That’s absolutely romantic!” gushes Manny, pushing his thick curls from his face.

“Manny! Anyway…I need a favor. You know…I don’t know if I can trust this guy…”

“Uh-huh. And?”

“And I need your help. Act like you’re interested in me…you know, as a guy…”

Many looks at me, blinks a few times and explodes in loud peals of laughter.

“Maatje, are you serious? Come on…I can’t do it…Really, ugh…”

“So, I’m not in the least attractive to you. Fantastic!”

“No, no, Nooki! You’re the bomb. But honestly…you’re like my sister…You know about my accident…You know I’m a total failure in everything I tried…No way!”

“Please, Manny! Pretty, pretty please. I want to know if he wants to play games or he’s for real.”

“That’s not how you find that out. If he wants game, then I’m just a challenge…like….let’s see if I get the chick from this guy….”

“Damn, Manny…you’re not helping me here!”

“Anyway, who’s the guy? When do I meet him? You know I have a good instinct about people. I could try and guess what he’s about.”

Here goes….the hard part of the story. Okay, Anouk….calm the fuck down.

“Ummm…you kinda know him.”

“No way! I don’t know any American.”

“Yes you do.”

I point to his Discman, still having the Thriller CD inside it.

“You’re listening to his songs.”

Manny frowns.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that the guy singing on that CD and the guy chasing me are one and the same person.”

Manny’s eyes grow perfectly round. His mouth also opens in a perfect O. He shakes his head a few times. However, proof comes to him in flesh, red shirt, black slacks and penny loafers, so to say.

Before I can say a word, Michael is approaching us at a fast pace.

“Hi, Nooki! I’ve been looking for you all over the place!”

I raise my eyebrows at Manny in a “told-you-so” manner. Manny blinks and moves his eyes rapidly from Michael to me and back to Michael.

“Is he for real?” whispers Manny.