A man of talents
Dominic I light a cigarette and go to the back garden. I lean against one of the columns and look at the place. It’s nicely decorated, even though we’ll be inside. Those things are very important to Olivia, something my mother never did. We are supposed to attend an official dinner later and I am not sure if Max will show up. I hear footsteps a few moments later and smile without turning. “Thanks. “I say and Max comes to stand next to me. He is dressed in a suit and even has a tie on. “Nothing to thank me for, “ he says. “You were right- I should be more careful. “I nod. “I’ve done a lot of stupid shit on my end too, but at least no one found out. ““Great advice, “ he laughs. “It is, isn’t it?”We chat a bit more and Max lights a cigarette too. “I am leaving in a few days. “ he says. ‘Are you ready?” “Were you when you left for the US?”“No. But that's not always a bad thing. “ I tap the ash from my cigarette and push my hands in the pocket of my trousers to avoid lightin
Evie “What happened?” Lilian asks when she comes back to the dorm. She places her bag on her bed and comes to sit next to me. I can’t stop crying. I am sitting on the edge of my bed, with my elbows on my knees. I am hiding my face in my palms because I don’t want her to see me like this. I feel her palm on my back. “What is it?” she asks, quietly. I told her about the call. “I am sure there's a …”“What?”“I don’t know…” she admits, "Maybe he was busy. ““I called him in the evening. He wasn't working or anything. ““Yes, but…What if… he was with someone else?”I look at her, my vision blurred by the non-stop falling tears. “What do you mean?” I wipe my tears and she frowns. “I just hope it wasn't another… you know…”“What?” I ask, the sobs growing. “Nothing, “ Lilian says and waves a hand, “I am sure everything is okay. This is a misunderstanding, maybe. Ask him tomorrow, or whenever. ““Okay, “ I nod eventually, “You're right, maybe I'm just making stuff up.”We decided to g
Tyson “Let’s have lunch over there, “ Nicole points at the nice small restaurant at the corner everybody loves and I totally hate. “Do you think pets are allowed?” she goes on, “ Or we can sit outside?”Nicole says something else but I don’t hear her. I find myself walking after her as she is choosing a table, then smiles at the waiter. “I’ve learned some French, I told you I would, “she says and places her palms on the white cover proudly. The truth is she wants to prove she learns faster than I do. The waiter brings the menu and I stare at it blindly. Why was she there, in the fucking park of all places possible. I close my hand around the menu, crumpling the paper but Nicole doesn’t notice. Flynn comes over and places his head on my tight. “Hey, buddy, “I tell him quietly. I sometimes feel like he knows that something's wrong and he does this. “What should I get?” she asks and I look at her above the rim of the menu, “Whatever you want, ““But I don’t know what most things
Tyson “She causes only trouble for you, “ Quinn says. “What if she tells Nicole? “ “Evie would never do something like this. “ “How do you know?” my friend asks me, doubtful. “I know her well enough. And why are you so against the whole thing?” “Because you’ve been my friend for years and what I think now is- you are wasting your time with this girl. And I am worried because this has been going on for too long. ” I open my mouth to argue, and he lifts his hand. “She is very talented and pretty. I understand. But that's not what I am talking about.. “ He eyes me. “Tyson, I hate to say it, but you can’t eat your cake, and have the cake. You have to decide. And the wisest is to end this.“ I gulp my drink down. I don’t want to listen to more critique, especially when it is from a friend of mine. “I will see you around. “ I get up to leave and Quinn doesn’t try to stop me. He just folds his arms and says. “Think with your head. The best would be if you just finished you
Evie The first time you see your words in a magazine is something you remember forever. In my case, it’s for several reasons. I am walking out of the university, Lillian is next to me, as I flip the pages of the journal and check where my piece is. We stand in the middle of the stairs. “There it is!” Lilian exclaims because she sees the page before me. “I can’t. “ I say and shut the journal. “I can’t read it. I don't want to look at my picture either. ““Evie!” she exclaims, “Come on! ““Fine. “ I open the magazine again and once we are done cackling and being excited, we continue walking. A few of my colleagues mutter when they see us. “Forge them, “ she says, “They are only looking for stuff to talk about. Besides, they are jealous. “ “I should thank him, “ I say and she looks at me pointedly. “No. “ Lilian says, “I thought you were done talking to him. “ I don’t answer her because she doesn’t know about the last time with Tyson. I told her we broke up and not that w
Evie “Bonfire night?” I look at Lilian and George, flatly, “You have to be kidding me. ““Why?”“Because it’s damn cold and no one does this here. ““So?” they say simultaneously. “On top of it, “ I go on, determined to make them change their minds, “The nearest forest is not an actual forest. It’s not far and it’s … I don't know, like a big park, but with more stones on the way and a barbecue spot. ““And?”“Just no. “ I say, still not getting why they want to do this. “Why not?” They both ask me and I puff my cheeks. “Fine, do whatever you want. But if no one wants their ass to freeze to death and they don’t come, remember me and come tell me “Thank you, Evie. You were right. ““It’s gonna be pretty lit, I think. “ Geoge says smugly and I shake my head, but laugh at how sure he is. I still have no response from Tyler but I check Nicole's social media. She's posted a picture of her in a pretty creamy-coloured dress, during the opening of this stupid gallery. Tyson is right nex
Evie Lilian rests her head on Max’s shoulder lightly and laughs, then pulls away. He glances at her surprised and they exchange a few words I don’t hear. I gulp my vodka and immediately grab another one. The girl is still speaking to me, and I force myself not to look at Max and Lilian. I keep drinking and at some point, I realize Max and Lilian are speaking to each other. He is saying something and she places her palm on his knee and continues laughing. Girls always do those things- searching for ways to touch the guy they like. And my roommate is doing exactly this. She keeps placing her hand on his shoulder, or on his elbow. I want everything to burn in this stupid fire. I want everyone to go to hell, me included. I hate this place, all my colleagues. I hate the stupid Nicole with her perfect life and Tyson, who is a fucking liar, and I know he is a liar, but I’m also really dumb to believe he might dump Nicole for me. When I think about it now- about Tyson leaving the perfect
Evie “How is your leg?” Max drives, keeping his eyes on the road. “Does it hurt when you sit like this?”I cross my arms and stare at the road. I don’t answer. “Are we playing the glaring game?”He asks.“I thought you were too cool for playing games. “ Max laughs. “You’ve been weird since we met here. ““I was weird before that, remember?”“Not like this. What’s going on?” I press myself against the seat. I want to tell him everything because Max is the only one who knows everything about Tyson and won’t judge me like Lilian and my sister. At the same time, he most likely doesn’t care, not anymore. “Nothing. “I say. “You act like a spoiled little girl and if I didn't know you better, I would have thought you’ve always been like this. ““Maybe I was. And if you want it ask me about Lilian, you can do it, no need to ask me how I am first, and…”“Why would I ask about Lilian?”His eyes flicker to me and I clench my teeth. “Nevermind, “ I am not jealous. I am not. I don't care.
Dominic “You will be a grandfather, “ I tell the man, sitting opposite me in the small cafeteria. We arranged to meet during my lunch break today. Violet called me earlier but I told her I would be having lunch with a business partner. In a way that’s true. Frederick’s eyes filled with tears at the news I shared. “Thank you. “ he says,” For being here and telling me.” “I thought you deserved to know. “He nods and looks down at his hands, folded in front of him. “I hope you will find the strength in you to forgive me. ““I have nothing to forgive you for. “ I tell him. “No, “he shakes his head. “You do. I am not the father I was supposed to be. ““I have a father, “I argue. “And I will never argue that. But I would like you to listen to me. “I lean back in the chair and he takes this as a sign to continue. “When I met your mother, I fell in love with her at first sight. I swear. There is love at first sight. ”“I believe you, “ And I do. I fell in love with Violet the mo
Five years later Violet “Mom! I don’t want the red one!” I take a very deep breath. “Charlotte, please, “ I tell her for the tenth time, “Choose whatever you want. Just choose now. Please. “ The maid is looking at me, smiling. “I can help, miss. And you can prepare. I will let you know once we are ready.“ “It’s fine. Thank you, Marta. I’ve got this. “ I always refused to have a nanny to help me, even when Charlotte was a baby, but recently Marta’s been trying to help, seeing how busy we all are. Charlotte finally chooses the dress she will be wearing and we start preparing. Half an hour later Marta announces the driver is downstairs. “Coming!” I call out as I put on my earrings. “Mommy, you look pretty. “ Charlotte beams at me. “Thank you, sweetheart, “I kiss the top of her head, “Let’s go. Are you eager to see Aunt Evie and Uncle Max? ““Yes!” She claps and we head downstairs. “Where is Daddy?” She asks as I take her hand and we descend the stairs. “He is…”
Violet “They look suspicious, “ I watch Evie and Max as they try not to look at each other or at least not to be too obvious about it. “She went out to talk over the phone and he went right after her. And for some reason, they look really close after they come back home. Do you think it’s because of the accident and because they spent some time together?...” I look at Dominic. He looks… amused.“What are you hiding from me again? “I ask him, squinting my eyes suspiciously and he shrugs casually. If he does that, it means I am right. He is hiding something. “Dominic, “ I tell him and he eventually says. “I think they are together. And it's been going on for a while.” “What?” I exclaim, but…. Then I turn to look at them again. Among the sea of well-dressed, rich people with great manners they look so… different. As if they are in their own private world. “Yes, “ I mutter, “They are. Why didn’t they tell us?” Dominic gives me a pointed look. “Okay, you are right. We did
Evie I exit the dining hall and head down the corridor. This place is huge and I’ve always thought so, but right now it feels enormous.I pass by a library and a large door. I assume it’s a study and after I make a turn I am in front of the guest bathroom.Where is he? I keep walking and reach a darker corner of the corridor when I take another turn and bump into Max.“Woah,” I take a step back, startled. “You scared me.”As if I wasn’t the one who followed him out.“I did?” He lifts an eyebrow and folds his arms. Then Max leans against the wall next to him, observing me.“Are you following me?” “Why are you acting like this?” I hiss and glance around to see if anyone is coming.“This is what you wanted, right?”“Hmph,” I scoff and he unfolds his arms.Max leans towards me, his breath is on my neck.“I would kiss you,” he whispers and the words send a shiver down my back, “But I can’t remember.”My eyes flutter closed as he traces slow kisses down my neck. I bite my lip and lift my
Evie A few weeks later we are ready to go home. “I will arrive in the evening. “ I explain, “And you on the next day. ““I honestly don’t see why we arrive separately, “ Max admits for the tenth time today. “Because I don’t want to show up and tell them we are…”“What?”“That we are…” “See, “ he says, “You can’t even admit we are together. ““It’s not that, '' I protest, “Let’s just tell them when we are all together, or having a nice time, okay?”“I am not embarrassed to tell them. Are you ashamed of me?““What, no!” I exclaim, “I just didn't want to explain to Violet over the phone. And imagine Olivia’s reaction when…”“Fuck Olivia. “Max shrugs. “I can’t believe I'm going to say this, “ I declare, “But that's too rude. “He scoffs but eventually agrees. Max takes me to the airport and I almost miss my flight because I am reluctant to separate from him. “You chose this, “he reminds me, “We could be travelling together now? ““Don’t hold this against me. “ I point a finger a
Violet I take a sip of coffee when Dominic moves behind me, wrapping his arms around me. “Good morning, “ he kisses the top of my head and proceeds to the coffee machine. “I made some for you, too. “ I smile at him and he pours himself a cup. “What are you doing today?” He asks, and I take the cup to my lips when I suddenly get sick to the stomach. I swallow the bile and Domnic’s eyes flutter to me. “Val?”“Yes, yes. I am here, “ I put the cup back on the counter, “I have a meeting with the investors from Japan. “My stomach turns and I smile awkwardly at Dominic. “Excuse me. “I rush to the bathroom before he says anything and empty my stomach. I feel better right after. When I get back to the room Dominic is waiting for me to say something. “What is it?” he asks, approaching me “I just have been feeling sick these days, maybe it’s a stomach virus or something. ““Or it’s not. “Dominic sips his coffee, casually. “What are you talking about?” I frown and he looks at me po
Evie Max is taking my dress off, not breaking the kiss.“Are you okay?”I mutter against his lips as I see how restless and impatient he is. He unbuttons the last piece from my back, holding the upper part together.“Yes. You?”Max pauses only to say this and continues kissing me. We didn’t say anything to each other, not even hi when he got back. I didn't mind in the slightest but had to ask. “Of course.” I breathe out the words. He smiles and leans in, his lips on mine. Max trails kisses down my neck, then to my chest. He takes my bra off, and I am struggling with opening his tie. Max laughs against my lips against my frustration and helps me untie the knot. He slips the tie off and I can’t stop looking at him, at the way his pupils have dilated, making his eyes impossibly dark in the lights in the kitchen. “What?” He asks, cupping my face.“Nothing.” I smile,” Kiss me.”And he does, brushing his lips against mine, pushing me slightly and guiding me towards his bedroom. I have
Evie I get up before my alarm goes off and get dressed quickly. My classes start later today but I am still prepared to leave. I go to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee. Max is already there, smoking. I flinch, surprised when I see him. I was sure he was still sleeping. He is leaning back in his chair, dressed in an expensive suit and a watch, and his stubble has started to grow. The blue smoke curls around him in the cold morning light, almost the same blue as the one of his eyes. Max looks like those guys in the perfume commercials. As soon as I show up he sits up. “I will put this off, “ he says, scattering the smoke with his hand and exhaling. “No, no. It’s okay. Your place, after all. ““No, sorry. ““I don’t actually mind it. “I smile and proceed to the coffee maker. “Another coffee?“ I offer. “Yeah, thank you. “I pour some for him and myself. “I hope I won’t spill it this time, “ I joke and he smiles. “If you do, I'll do a better job at cleaning it. “As soon as
Evie I get back to Max’s place and wait for him to come back. Today sucked on all possible levels. I stared into the wall for a good hour, trying to accept that I was never seeing Tyson again, no one told me he was gone, someone was going to prison because of me, and I had money - MY money - that might change things for me. Because I know the family has money, but it’s not my money. And now- I will eventually be able to have something thanks to me, however small it is. At some point, I begin pacing around and I am unable to focus on anything. On top of it- Max comes back after eleven. We exchange a greeting and he heads directly to his room. I stop him.“I got a call from the lawyer. “ I say without any ado. “And?” He asks, pausing. Max looks like he is not here. Then I realize something’s off. “Are you drunk?” I ask. “What difference does it make?”“No, just… I thought you said you had to work. ““What’s with the interrogation? ““And what’s with the way you’ve been acting recen