A/N: This chapter is a whole lot shorter than the previous one, but the next one is much much longer. I also looked at my first chapter now on the site and saw that my line breaks weren't included, so I apologize. In my eyes that's like the BIGGEST mistake ever! Anywhoo, I'm rambling, I hope you enjoy this short-ish chapter and please leave a review if you can.
P.S. – It was very late here when I posted this, so that may be why I'm a teeny tiny bit hyper. And I'm sick, so pills and all. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
"You got in late last night, did something happen?" Hailey asked with a hopeful smile when I came into the living room. I let out a sigh and her smile turned into a frown.
"No just drinks and coffee afterwards. He's leaving today and I've agreed to see him off at the airport." I said going through my purse to find my phone. I felt Hailey turn me around and pull me into a tight hug. Apparently his business here ended sooner than he had thought it would. We were halfway through coffee when his boss called with the news.
"Oh honey! I know you like him and this just absolutely blows." She said and I giggled. She released me, but grabbed my hands waiting for me to talk.
"I'm being irrational. I have only known him for two days and yet I'm completely smitten with him. I was stupid to think things would turn out differently." I said and she just hugged me again. I pulled away and walked over to see if my make-up was still alright.
"Are we still going to your parents after this?" She asked and I nodded. "I will be there around eleven." I said and she nodded, giving me my lost phone. I gave her a grateful smile and made my way downstairs to get a taxi.
"Where to miss?" the blue-eyed cabbie asked once I climbed inside. "O'Hare International please." I said and he nodded, heading off into the busy traffic. I pulled out my phone and chose to rather focus on the screen than the cars passing us, very closely I might add.
About forty minutes later I was walking into the airport and looking to find the man that has been in my life for two days and yet I feel like I'm gonna collapse with him gone. I saw him before he saw me, looking at the departure and arrival times on the big screen. He didn't even seem to notice the people around him; he was in his own little world. What I would give to know what he was thinking now. He had a slight frown covering his features, as if he was frustrated at something the board was showing him. It brought a slight smile to my face. A screen was making Demetri frustrated.
I can't stop thinking of how absolutely beautiful this man is. He is a god sent from Olympus, trapped in a human's body. Why he is interested in me is baffling. Truly.
"Demetri." I said next to him once I finally made my way through the crowd. He turned to me with a wide smile, his eyes showing how he actually felt.
Disappointed.
"You came." He simply said and I laughed. "I know, you couldn't possibly have left without at least seeing me once. You wouldn't have made it to the plane." I replied and he let out a chuckle.
This was really the last time I was gonna see him. The thought of it all seemed completely unbearable and I wanted to hug him until he decided he wouldn't leave, but I knew from experience that wouldn't happen. My dad always left, no matter what. Demetri however wasn't coming back, not like my dad always did after a business trip.
"Is it weird that I don't want you to leave? Like at all." I said with a breathless laugh and he gave me a small smile. I could feel unshed tears burning my eyes but I blinked them away.
"It's not weird at all, because I don't want to leave you." He said lifting his hand to stroke my cheek. His cold hand caught me off guard and I let out a soft gasp. He frowned again, but I grabbed his hand before he could pull it away.
"You need to go or you'll miss your flight." I whispered and he nodded. He placed a kiss on my forehead and I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing this moment could just last forever. He pulled away and grabbed his suitcase, turning away from me. I need to do something. Even if I just hug him, something spontaneous. Just like he said, even if it's just this one time.
"Demetri!" I yelped and he spun around. Doing my best to not run to him, I stopped and looked up at his questioning eyes. My stomach was doing summersaults and I'm pretty sure I was breathing as if I couldn't get enough air into my lungs.
"I'm gonna do something absolutely crazy now and you just need to go with it." I said seriously, choosing to look at his mouth and not his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but my lips on his kind of prevented it. My heart was beating a mile a minute and I could hear my blood rushing in my ears.
His lips were ice cold and yet mine felt on fire. Both his hands framed my face and I held onto his wrists for support. He nipped at my lips and I granted him the access both of us wanted. When he pulled away I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips.
"I will do everything I can to come and see you again. I give you my word." He said breathlessly and I nodded, my eyes still closed. He gave me another lingering kiss and pulled away. I finally opened my eyes and watched him leave.
I watched him leave me.
"Hi sweetie! Hailey got here a few minutes ago, she's with your father in the dining room." My mom said after kissing my cheek at the front door. I smiled and watched her go back inside. I stood still for a few seconds to gather my wayward thoughts. To be honest my thoughts are still a bit fuzzy and jumbled. I finally moved and closed the door behind me, following the laughter into the dining room.
"Finally! How did it go?" Hailey asked me as soon as I came into view. She was now standing in front of me with an unsure expression on her heart-shaped face. My dad looked at us confused and I realized the old man wasn't going to leave the room.
"He promised he would find a way to come and see me again." I said and she gave an excited little yell. "After I kissed him." I whispered and her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Oh my god! You kissed him?" she asked and squeezed my arms in a death grip. "Yeah, now let go! You're breaking my arms." I yelled and she just pulled me in for a crushing hug. This time cutting off my air supply.
"What is this about you kissing a boy Elana?" my father asked in a stern voice and I mentally stabbed Hailey 46 times. Did she have to scream it out loud?
"He is a man dad, not a boy." I said and he rolled his eyes at me. "When do we get to meet him?" he asked as I sat down opposite him.
"I don't know, he doesn't live in the States. He is on his way back home now." I said and he nodded, looking as if he's dropped it for now. And a bit relieved too, maybe even too relieved.
The rest of the day went by starting with my mom's delicious home cooked meal and me, my dad and Hailey discussing his firm. Hailey had gone to help my mom with the dishes when my dad started talking about one of his protégés that has opened a firm in Florence, Italy.
"I didn't really think his firm would've become successful, but I underestimated him. He is one of the most trusted law firms in Florence and he has a very long list of very important clients. This would be a great opportunity for you Elana. This type of experience can get you to practice almost anywhere in the world. He asked me if you would be interested in working for him. It's a chance for you to see the world and you are my daughter so you won't disappoint, I'm sure." My dad finished and I stared at him with my mouth agape. A job in Florence, Italy. I know I should be thinking about the job, but my mind traveled to a certain Greek god instead. I think you should do something impulsive, at least once. His words rang in my mind again and I didn't even try to reign in the words that left my mouth.
"Yes!" I almost screamed at my dad and clamped my hand over my mouth, eyes wide. He looked at me surprised before he let out a laugh. Me and my big mouth!
"I will let you think about it okay kiddo? You can tell me next Sunday when you and Hailey come over for lunch." He said and I dropped my hand, nodding silently. My mind felt a bit numb after this new development. A few minutes after our conversation Hailey and I left for the bar. Even though it wasn't open for the public on Sundays, our entire group met there for a drink. Ryan was the owner after all.
"What the hell happened here?" Hailey asked as soon as we came into the bar. The reason she asked that, was because Ryan and Katherine were standing behind the bar, making out. Vigorously.
I shall take that brain bleach now if you please.
"Well. Ryan came by our apartment, asked Kat why she was being so stubborn and then he kissed her." Kayla said as soon as we sat down next to her in one of the booths across the bar. "The only time they haven't been kissing is from the time it took us to get here and through the door. The resumed their activities as soon as I got my beer." She said looking a bit traumatized, for lack of a better word.
"Maybe we should just send them home." I asked without looking to see what Hailey thought. The only thing I saw next was Hailey getting up and walking over to them. She tapped on the counter and they turned to look at her. I was already out my seat to try and keep the peace between the two of them.
"We're all very glad that Ryan over here has grown some and finally just kissed you, but your sister is gonna be scarred for life if you don't take this dry-humping elsewhere." Hailey said with her arms crossed. Katherine was about to retaliate when I thought it best I intervened.
"Just give me the keys and I'll be here tomorrow morning to open up. I know I have the lunch shift, but I need to work tomorrow." I said now standing next to Hailey. "Preferably the entire day if possible." I added as an afterthought more to myself than them. Katherine gave me a grateful smile and pulled Ryan out the door. After a few seconds of silence he ran back inside and gave me the keys and a kiss on the cheek. He was in and out in five seconds max. I guess after four years he just can't wait another minute.
"Glad to see they finally hit it off. I was starting to feel depressed." Hailey said and I laughed. I went to grab three more beers and sat down across from them.
"So, my dad offered me a job today." I said, finding the label of the bottle very interesting right now. Who knew beer was bad for you?
"That's great news! But why do you look so sad then?" Kayla asked and grabbed my hand. My attention switched to her face and I felt like crying all over again.
"Because the job is in Italy." I whispered and her face fell before she just put on a smile again. "It's still great news, you could come visit us and we could go visit you. I know you've always wanted to see the world and this is your opportunity." She said squeezing my hand. Although she was smiling her eyes shone bright with unshed tears. This girl always thought about other people before thinking about herself.
"I know that, but I don't want to leave you guys." I said and a few tears escaped. I smiled and looked at them both. Hailey grabbed my other hand and I could see a few tears making their way down her face as well.
"We don't want you to leave us either, but I also know that you have already made your decision." She said with a gentle voice and sad smile. My smile vanished and the first sob escaped me. Both of them came to sit next to me and crushed me in a hug. Hailey whispered soothing words and Kayla went to get tissues.
"Hush, don't cry. I would've come with you, but I already have a contract at your dads firm. Do you know why your dad offered you a job in another country?" Hailey asked after she used her thumbs to wipe away some of my tears.
"He said he knew I wanted to explore the world and that this was my chance. I also think that he wants me to work with his protégé because of the success at his company. Apparently he is the best in Florence and it's not a small city." I said and she nodded.
Kayla then came with the tissue box and all of us tried to clean the make-up as best we could. We sat in silence for a few moments when Hailey got up and turned the jukebox on to Great balls of fire and started singing along, using her hand as a microphone.
For the next few minutes we laughed as she danced and sang along to the music. She was the greatest friend anybody could ask for. For some reason I started thinking about that and the fact that I haven't even told her yet. I was afraid of how she might react and forbade myself, yet again, to never think about it again.
The rest of the evening went by with a lot of bad singing and even worse dancing. For the few hours we were there Hailey and Kayla managed to get completely hammered. I, of course, stayed sober for all of our sakes. I had to get the two of them into bed and I also had work tomorrow. About a year ago I helped Ryan out at the bar and he asked me if I wanted to work for him full-time. I get paid and I can say when I want to work and when I don't. It's a good arrangement and I'm definitely going to miss it.
"Hailey, are you sure I can sleep in your bed? I know you don't usually like anybody else in your bed that isn't male. If you know what I mean." Kayla said with a giggle. It's almost ten and I'm trying to get them to bed. Kayla was now looking at the bed very skeptical, but Hailey shushed her. Almost falling on her ass just by the simple gesture.
"Of course Kayla-Wayla. I love you and you're the only non male I accept into my bed. Now come, I'm tired." Katherine slurred, holding out her hand for Kayla to take. After about fifteen minutes both of them finally made it into Katherine's bed.
Sighing I removed their shoes and covered them with a blanket. I returned with a glass of water for each of them and some aspirin. Hailey is probably going to be fine, but there's a first time for everything I guess. I was about to leave the room when Kayla grabbed my hand. She was almost asleep, but she still managed to give me a smile.
"Explore the world. Just don't forget about us." She whispered and closed her eyes, falling asleep instantly. She has always been so sweet and considerate of others. I am going to miss her advice in difficult times. She always says the right things, gives the best advice. I squeezed her hand before turning to leave.
I know that's part of the reason I want to accept my dad's offer is because I might be able to see Demetri again. I don't know what it is, but I just need to see him again. If it doesn't go as planned, I can still continue working in Florence. It's not like I'm gonna see him everyday, he would be in Volterra and I in Florence.
Even if I do accept the job, I wouldn't know where to start looking for him. I guess calling him would be my best option, but I will do it when I'm settled in. If things don't work out or I simply don't like it there, I could always come back to the US. I would've seen a great city and then I would return and maybe later visit another wonderful place, like Paris.
Tomorrow at work I can think things through and then tell my father my decision. Maybe I shouldn't even go at all, my dad has a great company and I would definitely get work there. It'll be easier and much less painful then going to Florence.
I think you should do something impulsive, at least once.
Yeah, tomorrow seems like a good day to think things through. Now, I am going to fall face first on my bed and pass out. God knows I need it.
The next day went by slowly. Around lunch business began picking up and Ryan then decided to show up also. He came in with the biggest smile on his face and I couldn't help but feel happy for him. Finally he made his move on the girl he was hopelessly in love with.
"Nice of you to finally show up. How was your night?" I asked, cleaning a few glasses that stood in front of me. I stood up straight after a split-second. "Wait, don't answer that." I almost yelled when he opened his mouth to speak.
"I'm sorry I just came in now, Kat can be very… persuasive. I hope you weren't too swamped without me." He asked coming to stand next to me behind the counter. He also grabbed a rag and began cleaning the counter.
"No, it wasn't all that busy really. Jesse called and said she can't work tonight because of some family emergency. I told her it was fine and that I'd fill in for her." I said and put away the glasses.
"Yeah, her mom is in the hospital and thank you." He said turning to face me. "You better pay me extra for this." I said pointing a finger at him and he smiled. "You know I don't like working at night. It's busy and people get drunk and do stupid things." I said with a huff and he laughed.
"What happened to that guy from this weekend?" he asked as I hopped up on the counter. He leaned on the counter next to me, waiting for an answer with that concerned frown of his. Stupid Ryan and his older brother protection radar.
"He went back to Italy where he has a job to do and I am here, unsure if I should accept my dad's offer to go work for a firm in Italy." I said with a loud sigh. "You raised your eyebrows in that weird way, that's never a good sign." I said and he glared at me.
"I was going to say that you should go. Not only is it a good career opportunity, but you also want to see the world. This could be your chance." He said and I rolled my eyes.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I asked more out of frustration, but Ryan took it upon himself to answer anyway.
"You already know what you're going to do; we're just supporting your decision. I don't know why you have decided to go, but even if it is because of this guy… it's still a good reason to go. It's your life Elana and you can do with it whatever you want. Sure we will miss you, but you will come visit. And I mean you, because I'm afraid of flying." He said with his trademark boyish grin and I couldn't help but smile in return. He pulled me off the counter and into a bruising hug.
"Just don't forget about us." He said and kissed the top of my head. "I find it fascinating that you like Katherine and not Kayla. She said he exact same thing to me yesterday." I said with a laugh and leaned against the bar.
"What can I say? Opposites attract I guess." He said with a smirk and went into the kitchen. I shook my head with a smile as I watched him leave.
Obviously nobody is gong to try and change my mind about leaving, so why should I try to do it? Doing this will be good for me, a chance to prove myself not only at the company, but also to my father. I will make him proud.
"Thanks again for filling in for Jesse, you really saved my ass. Again." Ryan said as he cleaned up behind the bar. We closed about half an hour ago and he insisted on cleaning while I had a glass of wine.
"Like I said, pay me and all will be well." I said and he laughed. "Remember I'm doing your paperwork tomorrow, so you need someone if you can't work." I said and took the last sip of my wine before getting up to go wash the glass.
"Yeah I know. Maybe you shouldn't leave; my business is going to wither away without you." He said grabbing his keys and jacket.
"Keep talking like that and I might just change my mind." I said shrugging into my coat at the door. He let out a chuckle and opened the door for me. I stood behind him and waited as he locked the door. For a few seconds all that could be heard was the jingle of keys and traffic in the distance. I'm gonna miss this city so much, even if Florence is a big city, it's not gonna be the same.
"Well I'm off to Kat's, thanks again for letting Kayla sleep over. Again." He said and I shook my head smiling. "It's no problem, really. I'm just rescuing my friend anyway." I said opening the cab door that Ryan flagged down.
"Hey, it's her problem if she can't handle all this." He said gesturing to himself and I laughed, Ryan joining in a few seconds later. "I'll see you tomorrow." He said and I nodded, closing the door behind me and blocking out the cold.
Everybody seems to know what I want, even when I'm still unsure. I know I want to see him again, but this could also be good. For me. If things don't work out, I will do this for me.
Distracted I muttered my address to the cab driver and we took off.
If I do this I will mostly be doing it to ease my curiosity of why I'm so interested in a man I barely even know. I know next to nothing about him, he wouldn't tell me about his past and not even about exactly what it is he does for a living. He is like an enigma inside an enigma.
The job is in Florence and he is in Volterra, the chances of seeing him is almost zero. I will be busy all the time and I don't think I will get vacation time if I've only worked there a week. Maybe I'll wait a few months before I go and see him. Just to get settled in first. I mean I have his number, so when I'm ready I can just call him and arrange for a meeting.
I know my father said I could tell him my decision on Sunday, but if I haven't decided yet I could always work at his law firm for a while. I could decide later on if I want to take the job in Florence. I will think on it for the week and tell my father if I have, or haven't, decided yet.
There is still time.