CHAPTER 7 – Idiot

DAVID

I couldn’t believe my luck on Monday morning. I was eating breakfast at the hotel’s dining hall, which was situated near its entrance. A wide smirk formed on my lips the moment my nostrils caught her scent. She was here, and I was delighted because it was the last place, I expected to bump into her.

I left my food and followed her. She was entering the elevator, and I shouted at her to hold it and she did. She smiled when I got in.

“Good morning.” She greeted me.

“Hey,” I replied, beaming at her. I caught her sniffing me. Did she like my scent? I just hoped I didn’t smell horrible because I was a little sweaty from my morning run, and I decided to eat straight after my workout, so I haven’t showered yet. Eventually, her posture didn’t change. At least she didn’t seem disgusted, and I was more than relieved. She was watching me intently like she was waiting for something, but when she saw I wasn’t moving, she pressed the button number “3”. That’s my floor. And at that moment, without even thinking, I did daresay the worst thing I could.

“So eager to get into my bed, huh?” I used my raspy voice and approached her.

“Come again?” she uttered, surprised, pushing me back.

“Third floor. That’s my room’s floor, you’re heading to. And as far as I know, it’s the only one there.” I stated.

“So, you´re occupying the VIP suite, huh? Of course. Because your wallet is as big as your ego! Sorry to burst your bubble, Mr. David, but I’m heading to the owner’s office. Almost hidden door to the end of the hallway.” Her voice was a tint higher; she showed me her wedding ring and was shaking in anger.

It was at that instant that it dawned on me what I had done. I had offended her. Severely.

I was stupid. An idiot. A dumbass. An asshole. I know I deserved all the nasty expletives I could think of at that moment.

The lift stopped, and she ran out. I went after her, apologizing.

A lady appeared at the end of the hallway, and I abruptly halted on my spot. She seemed to know me. I didn’t. She asked me about my stay, referring to me as Mr. Williams.

Thank the Goddess she didn’t say the complete name.

When I traveled abroad, I used a fake passport and identity card for safety reasons. So, for her, I was Daniel Williams. But I introduced myself as David to Ariadne, and I didn’t want to provoke any confusion that would cause more problems.

Ariadne went into the lady’s office, and I returned to my room to shower and change clothes. I made my way down to the hotel’s entrance, sniffing around, hoping she hadn’t left. I ordered coffee and managed to learn from the barista her preference. I left a large tip at the guy who prepared the coffee and moved right outside of the hotel’s exit to wait for her.

I tried to apologize again and asked for a chance to talk to her. Instead, she called me a stranger, threw the cup of coffee I gave her away, and told me not to bother her again.

Then drove away. She left me there, staring at her departure, looking dumbfounded and unable to do anything.

Heartbroken.

I was inwardly cursing myself for the words I blundered at her. That mindless remark I made came like a wrecking ball and crushed everything good I managed to build in our brief encounters, together with my heart.

I gathered my broken pieces and decided to think first and act later. It was better to watch her from afar and give her the space she needed.

In the mornings, she went to her office, while in the afternoons, she was mostly at home. On Monday afternoon, she was playing with her children in their yard. I followed her the next day, pretending I was running. She was heading home from the gym. I waved to her from afar, but she didn’t even notice me. I was just observing her the following couple of days without engaging with her.

On Friday afternoon, I decided to speak to her. She was at the supermarket again. I noticed that she visited it almost daily. I entered to buy an energy drink just to have an excuse to talk to her. When she went to the cashier, I moved there, too. She was avoiding me at all costs, and I could understand from her body language that she wanted to be alone. However, today I wanted to push my luck. When she went out, she increased her pace, so I paid fast and followed her.

“Ariadne, please. Are you going to avoid me much longer?”

She stopped and turned, facing me.

“What do you want, Mr. Williams?” She asked, annoyed, rolling her eyes at me.

I didn’t like that she was calling me Mr. Williams now. She was putting even more distance between us, and it really bugged me.

“It’s David. Please. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. The last thing I wanted was to offend you. Accept my apology, please.” I was begging her. And I would fall on her knees if she wanted me to.

“Sorry is just a word.” She mumbled. “Is there anything else you wanted? My kids are waiting for me.” She continued emphasizing the word “kids”.

“I don’t just say I’m sorry. I really mean it.” I softly told her.

“Ok. Goodnight then.”

“No. Please wait. I need to talk to you. Give me a chance to explain myself. Explain the situation, please?”

“Ok, then talk.”

“What? Here? No, not here. There are people around who might hear. I can’t tell you here.”

“So, what is it that you want to tell me? Is it confidential? Do you want to share the nation’s secret files with me? Are you from the CIA or something?” She said it ironically. She was mocking me.

“What I have to say is serious. Please. I just need an opportunity to talk with you in private.”

“Then talk. It’s now or never.” She said watching impatiently at her watch.

“I… I can’t here. Perhaps I could come to your office or wherever you want, but we need some privacy.” I pleaded.

“Never, it is…You had your chance. I need to go.” She left without saying anything else.

“Goodnight…” I said, defeated. What else could I say to her? I pushed my luck once by talking to her, and I didn’t want to push it further. I felt her irritation and her nervousness.

I tried. I really tried. But I couldn’t start talking in the middle of a supermarket’s parking lot - where people are coming and going all the time - that I was a werewolf, and she was my mate. So, I let her go, hoping that one of the next days I could persuade her to hear me out.

~~~

Saturday dawned, and I opted to go for a swim rather than stalking her again. What is more, it was the weekend, and I was sure she would spend it with her family, and the last thing I wanted was to torture myself by watching her enjoying her perfect life, playing with her children, or worse, kissing her husband.

I returned to the hotel at six p.m. There was hustle and bustle at the reception and in the exterior space where the pool was.

“So, what is this fuss about?” I asked the receptionist.

“Good evening, Mr. Williams. Well, tonight a special celebration will take place on the outside patio by the pool.” He politely answered.

That moment was when I smelled Ariadne, and I snapped my head in her direction. I wasn’t ready for the sight in front of me. Even if she was not too close for me to catch all the details of her appearance, she was a vision. She was wearing a black over-the-knee dress, which accentuated her slim but curved body. Her hair was styled perfectly, and she had natural makeup.

She was delightful. A sight for sore eyes!

I felt myself salivating just by looking at her. ‘Yummy…’ Zeus stated inside my head. And indeed, she was. If only she were mine. How I wish I could flaunt her in one of our gatherings back home. How I wish I could introduce her as my mate to everyone.

I took my time observing her. She was giving instructions to the people working in such a polite manner. Even at times, she showed herself what she wanted them to do. She was leading by example, and I knew instantly that she would be an amazing Luna. If only I could make her mine.

If only…

The receptionist caught me staring at Ariadne and stated.

“That lady over there is Mrs. Ariadne Riga. She’s an event planner. Actually, she is the best on our island. She’s in charge of the event tonight.”

I turned to him, thankful for the information, but I was trying not to show my interest and asked: “So will the bar by the pool be available for clients tonight?”

“As long as you sit by the bar. Yes. Sitting at the guests’ tables and mingling with them is not advisable.”

“I get it. What time does that event start?”

“The guests are expected to arrive in a couple of hours.”

“Ok. Thank you for the information.” I uttered and turned towards the elevator.

“It was a pleasure. Good evening, Mr. Williams.” I heard him saying while leaving.

~~~

I showered and dressed up. Fortunately, I had a suit with me. I decided to skip the jacket, considering I didn’t want to be that formal since I didn’t have a clue what that event was about. At eight-thirty, I descended and sat by the bar. The entire space was fully decorated in silver with many flowers. It was quite a pleasant atmosphere. There was an enormous poster with the number 70 and some words in Greek I didn’t understand. I then noticed the guests. The average age of them must be over 60 years old. Was it a reunion or something?

My question was answered a few minutes later when an old couple entered the area. A vast number of flying lanterns were released into the sky, and a video started playing on a white wall showing pictures of the couple from a youthful age until now. I saw Ariadne talking to someone. She had done an exceptional job, and I was sure that the night was not over yet. At some point, she came and sat on the other side of the bar. I approached her.

“Hey.” I greeted.

“Hi.” She said, not even raising her head to see me.

“Is that whole event your doing?” I asked.

“U, huh.” She nodded.

“Then congratulations. I’m amazed. I’ve attended lots of galas and such events back home, but nothing compares to this one.” I sincerely told her.

“Really?” She raised her look and our eyes locked. Her black eyeliner emphasized her turquoise eyes, making her gaze look even more piercing than it was. She was making my heart skip a beat at how pretty she was today.

“Yeah, fantastic job. Well done. I would be giving you a tremendous bonus if you were working for me.” I said, and I immediately regretted it remembering her words “Huge wallet – huge ego.” I had to be really careful from now on. But hopefully, she didn’t take it wrong. Instead, she sighed.

“I really hope Mrs. Pappa will consider it. I might as well need it.” She said sadly. And from her words, I understood that they might be having financial problems with her husband.

“So, what is the occasion? An anniversary? Did I get it right?”

“Yes. Those old cute fellows over there.” She said, pointing to the old couple who had entered last. “They are celebrating their platinum anniversary. Can you imagine it? 70 years of marriage.” She explained dreamily.

“Wow, that is quite a time, huh?” I countered and thought to myself that if we could be together soon enough and with a little bit of luck, we could reach the same milestone, too.

“Yeah, it is…” she plainly said.

“So, may I offer you a drink? It’s on me.”

“Sorry. No. I don’t drink while working.”

At that point, a waitress came rushing toward us. “Mrs. Ariadne, please come fast. We need you in the kitchen.”

She glanced at me with an apologetic look and left with the girl.

I went to the bartender and ordered another drink. When he brought me my whiskey, I asked him.

“So, you do know the fine lady who organized that event?”

“Of course, I do. Ariadne. She has worked in that hotel on many occasions.”

“Do you know what she drinks?”

“She’s an apple martini, girl, but she never drinks while working.”

“Ok, can you prepare something non-alcoholic for her?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll bring it in a moment.”

“No wait. Give it to her when she comes.” I said, leaving a €100 banknote on the counter. I didn’t want to be splashed with the drink this time. It was enough seeing her throw away the cup of coffee I offered her previously that week. I didn’t want to push her limits today. Moreover, she was working, and I didn’t want to distract her. She seemed to need her job. That’s why I kept the conversation easy and didn’t even say a word about talking to her in private.