The Piano Affair

The First Encounter

Leaning against the cold steel table my gaze transfixed on a slender young man. A white mask hid one side of face, casting a shadow across his lone eye. His jaw was sharp, so sharp as if one could slice their finger with one single touch. The man was clean obviously put together. A well fitted suit looked more expensive on him than it would a mannequin. I switch my gaze to the woman on the piano, realizing I was staring too long at the man. However he was very handsome that was not what made him attractive. He was mysterious and dark. Knowing I couldn't contain my curiosity much longer, I lifted my weight off the chair and made my way to the bench behind the man in the mask. Wanting to know more I listen closely, but I don't draw any attention to myself. The man ordered another drink at the bar, an accent was all I heard. It was loud and powerful. Sounded African in a sense.

I feel like I've met him before. Maybe when I was a young girl at an amusement park or carnival? I'm not entirely sure. "Here you go Mr.Marumba" the bartender said in a soft wistful voice. "Oh please, call me Orion." He said with a small and short smile as his sentence trailed off. Thinking deeply to myself I try to put together a profile.Orion Marumba, 6'0 feet tall, rich, from overseas...I need more. A conversation would even be great.

Grabbing the bartender's attention, I asked for another drink, thinking about how Orion would react. "I would like a martini, shaken not stirred." With a sly smile and nod from the bartender, she continued to make my drink. Hearing an echoed laugh from the mysterious man, he turned to face me completely. My plan had worked. Raising his one eyebrow he began to speak, "Classic James Bond I see..." He doesn't hold his glare for long before turning away. All I could see was the white mask. I had to ask him the obvious. " Why the mask?" The man turned to me once more with an even louder chuckle, absentmindedly escaping his lips. "Have you not noticed the masquerade party on the bottom floor?" I felt myself blush as I lifted the cold glass to my lips, " No I haven't noticed. To be fair I'm on the top floor. I'm also taking a guess you are escaping that event." Smiling all teeth I give him a quick glance. Returning the killer smile he scooted back in his chair, obviously relaxing his strict posture. "I guess you've figured me out already..." He trailed off once more, looking into the center of his empty glass, loudly placing it onto the counter. "Is that a bad thing?" I mumble as I stare at his empty glass. Turning my gaze to his hand, still resting on the rim.There was a wrap on his wrist. Out of natural curiosity I had to ask.

"What happened to the wrist there?" He gave me an icy glare before showing compassion in his voice. " Just a small fight, nothing bad..." Looking away I made an attempt to lighten the mood. "What happened to an apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Looking back at him I see him nervously rubbing his wrist but sheepishly smiling like a fool. " I wish that applied to this" he replied with a smirk. Taking in a deep breathe I realize he smells like fresh sassafras. As if any subtle movement in his chair would oxidize his scent. I also seemed to realize how I have been twirling my hair for a good moment or two. I stop abruptly refocusing on him. "Is there anything else you need?" He snapped towards me. Looking puzzled I decided to snap back, "Excuse me, last time I checked, you initiated this conversation." To my surprise Orion brung a palm up to his forehead, "I'm sorry...I'm not used to people who engage themselves into conversations with me..." I snap my fingers softly, but loud enough to catch his attention " It's fine, I'm not necessarily used to this either..." I trail off my sentence into the awkward silence. "I'll be going now." I say as I begin to step away, feeling in the wrong. Before I could get far, I could feel Orion grasp my arm. "Please don't go..."

Looking down at the man once more I scowled in my response, "Why should I after...after that!" I ripped my arm away and strutted back to the seat I sat at before. Looking through the corner of my eye I could feel his glare on me. Knowing so I moved to the vacant piano bench. My fingers began to vastly stream across the keys. Looking over at Orion again, I saw him stride towards me. Pointing to the seat, he sat down without permission. As soon as he was seated he found the following note at exactly the right time, taking me by surprise once more. Not wanting him there anymore, I had to fight the urge to leave. I glanced over at him, there was a shadow that was cast underneath the mask. He was torn. Peaceful yet so dangerous.

Finishing the song, I got up immediately, leaving the man behind. Was I really so stupid to think that for a sly moment I could get engaged in a real conversation with him?

Feeling his arm on me, I twisted around. "Come with me." he said sternly, dragging me behind him.

We reached the front of the hotel before I saw him exchange a look with someone across the alleyway. A midnight black car pulled up to the curb, all the windows were awfully tinted. Orion laid his hand in front of me, and on it was a mask. " Do you trust me?" He whispered softly. My mind was swimming, I barely had any stamina on the feet below me. "Yes..." That one word, the only word I could muster out of my throat.