"So, welcome to my humble abode" he tells me the minute we get inside his ridiculously big house.
I'm in awe. It's not only a big house, but its style is very classic, with modern bits and pieces. It's amazing! And I'm probably only seeing one tenth of it.
"You don't get to be humble, Mister. I don't know what it is that you do, and I'm not sure I even want to, but..." I realize, as I look around, that there are a lot of balloons and boxes on this entrance "Wait! Is today your birthday?!"
"Well, not anymore. It's way past midnight, so don't worry, you are not ruining my birthday."
"Still, happy birthday! I love birthdays!" I really do! I don't know why I'm so excited about this stranger's birthday, but still, I am.
"You do? I used to, I don't know if I do anymore. Last year I threw a stupidly huge party here. This year I just was just like: eh… let me go out and when I'm done, I won't have to throw people out or hide from them, I'll just leave." I wanna interrupt and say that's just lunatic not enjoying your own birthday, but the pain hits me again "Here, have a seat." he helps me sitting down.
"My feet are gross, I don't want to get your couch dirty!"
I'm starting to feel too comfy too fast with this fellow. Maybe it's the sweetness in his eyes or maybe the low tone of his voice that is starting to get to me, but I just wanna change that idea that he probably has, that I'm such an ungrateful bitch.
"Don't worry about that. Remember? I'm Richie Rich and if it gets dirty, someone will clean it tomorrow."
"Oh, yeah. You probably have 300 employees working on this house."
"307 to be more exact."
"And where do you keep them all?"
"In the dungeon, of course. They are only allowed out during daytime."
I giggle. One minute, he's looking at me, the other, he takes his phone off his pocket trying to avoid eye contact. Awkward. Maybe he thought I was flirting. And maybe I was? Stupid Anna, stop!
"So, let me text Dr. Hess and I'll get you something to drink." he says as he turns around and starts leaving the room.
And then it hits me: I don't want him to leave. We've been next to each other for 30 minutes, maybe, tops! But still, it's been the best 30 minutes of the day. So no, I don't want him to go get me something to drink. I'm not even thirsty!
"I'm actually ok, thank you though. Can you just… stay with me, please?"
I realize I can't ask him anything else. He's already taking care of me way more than he should.
"Yeah, sure."
Yeah, he is definitely uncomfortable. I look around and notice an enormous Bosendorfer piano. I smile fondly, as it looks just like my father's. Well, my father's isn't as brand new and as shiny as his, but still... At least, my father plays. This guy must have never touched his. Probably just a decorating piece.
Here I am, judging him again without even knowing him.
"I don't think I've said this before, but thank you. Really." I try to make up for the judgments in my mind.
"Hey, don't mention. I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror knowing I left a crazy lady with her busted ankle all alone on a deserted street. Even crazy people deserve help."
"Specially when it comes to a prince charming. I think it's a job requirement, helping people, even the crazy ones, isn't it?" I smile. Am I flirting?
"You are absolutely right! I can't lose my job! How am I gonna be able to take care of my 300 employees then? They depend on me!"
"307!" call back to the silly joke he made before. Yeah. I'm flirting. Someone stop me, please?
An awkward silence falls. I play with my hands. I'm just about to comment on the piano, when I hear the doorbell.
"Here's the doctor!" he says, abruptly heading to the front door, trying to get away from the Crazy Anna whom he just met and is clearly flirting with him.