Chapter Seven
Hans readied his fist to knock on Dr. Weselton's door, but it was already propped open. He didn't book an appointment with her, which she always required. He decided he'd take his chances.
"Yes?" Dr. Weselton swiveled in her tall, desk chair to face him. Her round, glasses balancing on the very edge of her nose. Hans slowly walked inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He took out the ring box from his pocket and placed it on her desk gently.
"I can't do this," he confessed.
"Hans, wait. What's wrong? Take that ring back."
"This whole fake proposal idea is... It's too far. I almost lost the ring today," he admitted. He didn't want to mention that he almost lost the ring to Elsa. Elsa, of all people. That would just cause Dr. Weselton to go into a rage. He stood straight, refusing to sit.
Hans began, "You want me to be engaged to Elsa. I just can't-"
"Not engaged! Simply... Simply just propose! There's a difference. Well, at least not really engaged," she interjected.
"What happens after that then? Do I have to get married to her!? How long before that investor figures out this is all fake?"
"No, you don't have to marry her! You're missing the point! I couldn't care less, if you two really want to get married or not. All you have to do is publically propose to Elsa. To keep the façade, she simply wears the ring every day. It's easy. There are no holes in this plan. You're being irrational. Now, take this thing back off my desk." He didn't make a move towards the ring.
"There are no holes!? There are plenty of holes!" He argued.
"Ten million dollars will not be lost over this. Keep in mind, your job is on the line over this. Even though Elsa doesn't know it yet, so is hers." Before Hans could say anymore, the petite secretary walked in and told Dr. Weselton her next appointment arrived. The moment the secretary left, an extremely tall man in his late 30's entered. He easily appeared to be 7 feet tall. The strange man wore patterns of Nordic swirls and stripes, which looked very odd in the office setting. Hans tried to study his unfamiliar face. He a read beard, and wore a squared, tiny, green hat.
"Yoo Hoo! There's my sex goddess," the man purred in a Norwegian accent. He marched over to where Dr. Weselton perched. He ignored Hans' presence completely.
Dr. Weselton controlled her sensual gusting in front of her employee, "Hans, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to go. Don't forget to take the ring with you." Hans quickly swiped the ring and left her office, desperate to avoid that disgusting display. He wished he didn't take the ring, because that meant the plan was still on. He worked so hard for a chance this easy to climb to the top, but now that he had it, he realized how much lying drained him. He originally wanted to sabotage Elsa, making himself look like the hero who fixed everything, as she famously screwed everything up. But ever since that ball, he had a hard time ever bringing himself to do it. He never had someone have such a hold on him, and he hated it. The more he got to know her, the more he abandoned his original plan. Despite having been at work all day, he hadn't actually done anything except for argue between Dr. Weselton and Elsa. He decided actually working would take his mind off of it all. He swarmed over Elsa's desk to get paper work from her.
"Do you still have those forms from yesterday?" Hans piped up. His phone vibrated with another text from his blackmailer.
"Of course!" She opened her drawer and gave him the papers. "So who keeps texting you?"
"I don't know. It's probably nothing important," he dismissed, straightening the stack by tapping it on her desk.
"How could you not know? You've answered all of the messages you've been bombarded with. Who is it?"
"Nobody," he reported peacefully. Elsa closed her black drawer, she squinted at him. She placed her elbows on her desk, propping her chin on her hands.
"Why do you keep hiding who it is?" Elsa restated.
"I'm not hiding anything!" Hans pushed her questions away.
"Then tell me who it is."
"My brothers?"
"They talk to you?" Elsa lifted her face off her hands, considering the odds his family feuding ended.
He lied, "Sometimes." His fingers nervously drummed on the pages. It bothered her that he wouldn't tell her the truth. Whenever Hans hid something, it was never something small. It always would be something tremendously important. He avoided her quizzing and took the forms away with him. As closing time came, Dr. Weselton approached Hans' desk with the same tall, red-bearded man. She gave Hans a one hundred-dollar bill, laughing as it he exchanged confused looks with Elsa across the room.
"Elsa dear, come here. Hans and I talked about how you two didn't know each other too well, so why don't you two go out tonight? On me." She patted Hans' shoulder twice and walked out of the room with her new male friend. Hans toyed with the crisp dollar, and Elsa scurried over towards his desk.
"She's been using company money on a lot of weird things lately. This definitely is on the list." Hans examined the portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the green bill.
Elsa interrupted, "You've been talking about me in your meetings with her?"
"Not... the whole time," Hans sheepishly digressed. Why did Dr. Weselton have to mention that? This forced company date was a ploy tied to the future wedding proposal.
Hans continued, "Where do you want to go?" Not being one to explore the city, Elsa let Hans pick. He ended up driving her to an Italian restaurant straight after work that night. They stayed in their business suits. It was the first time the hung out outside of something work related. They were seated at a candle lit table with ivory table-cloth. The restaurant had a few other guests scattered here-and-there. She grinned excitedly, reading the menu's elaborate dishes.
Hans laughed, "Why are you smiling? Does the food really look that good?"
"No, I... it's nothing," she sheepishly dismissed.
"What is it?" He playfully asked. "I'm dying to know what put you in such a good mood."
"Well, I've just never been on a date before. It's just... never mind. I'm sorry," Elsa embarrassedly mumbled.
"Elsa, it's fine. You don't have to be perfect all the time. It's okay to be excited over something. You know that, right?" Elsa bit her lip, quietly nodding that she understood. Her fingers traced the glossy menu, bouncing from gourmet meals to exquisite desserts.
Hans continued, "I'll walk you through your first date. Well, first you have to sit here, and tell me how handsome I look. Then I get to talk about great I am the whole time, and you just agree and nod the entire time." Elsa dropped the menu faintly to cover her grin from giggling. Her big eyes sparkled with laughter for the first time in years.
She happily sighed, "So this is what a date is like." After they ordered the strangest things they could find on the menu, Elsa cracked another giggle again. She pushed her fork into her Escargots de Bourgogne. The slimy snails stuck to her silverware.
Elsa cheerfully spoke again, "It's nice that one of your brothers is talking to you again."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Hans found himself regretting ordering the Tête de Veau, even if it was for a joke. The head of a calf proved to be his least favorite dish.
"I thought that was your brother you were texting?"
"Oh, right! It was. He's great. We talk about..." He tried to imagine what his brothers would say to him. What did normal brothers talk about? Was it the same conversation two friends would have? Was it supposed to be overly sentimental topics of family love like in the movies?
He took a while before answering, "We were just talking about my horse, Sitron. Did you know my family owns race horses?" Elsa shook her head.
Elsa tamely grinned in excitement. "Wow, I've never seen a horse in person before. They look so beautiful in pictures, though. I'm sure yours is lovely."
"What!? Now you have to meet Sitron! You'll love him! He's really friendly."
"I'd like that," Elsa quietly gushed. She bit her lip, thrilled.
"Let's go right now," Hans insisted. He waved in the air, signaling he was ready for the bill. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head.
"Now? No, I-"
"Why not? Dr. Weselton said we had to get to know each other." Before she could refuse, his cellphone rang. The caller ID showed a private caller. He forgot he was supposed to meet his blackmailer tonight. He silenced his phone. It could wait. Besides, whatever information this blackmailer wanted him to collect could ruined, if she kept interrupting his bonding with Elsa.
"Brothers again," Hans smiled sheepishly. After he paid the bill, Hans drove her to his family's massive horse ranch. There wasn't much lighting except for the moon and a few light posts, and Elsa felt timid that she didn't know the area too well. From what she could see, the lush, green grass was well taken care off. Mosquitos bounced from the blades of grass, and owls hooted in the oak trees. Afraid, Elsa made sure to stay close to his side. They walked over to a long line of clean, wooden stables that only had one horse inside of all 13 slots.
"Is this where you live?" Elsa squeaked, afraid of the giant horse that stood before them. Hans swung open the wide, wooden door that blocked the horse from leaving. Its head hovered much higher than Elsa's, and its body looked fit and strong. She imagined how easily it would be for the creature to murder someone just by stomping on them. Its thick hoof scratched into the ground.
"No, this is just my family's ranch. It's just one of the many pieces of land we own. I know your family is pretty wealthy, too. Don't you have a ranch?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't leave home very often," Elsa shyly admitted. With her parent's passed away, it would be difficult for her to find out. Her aunt helped her with the finance details, since the burden became too much for the young woman to tackle solo. Hans' colossal horse stomped out of the stable. It had the equipment already on it, which she imagined couldn't be very comfortable for the horse. Perhaps, someone rode it not long ago. The horse's loud whinny made Elsa back away in fear. Horses weren't the docile ponies she'd seen in innocent, fairytale paintings as a child. Its huge eyes met hers, and Elsa hid behind Hans' tall back.
"Meet Sitron. He's friendly. He won't hurt you," Hans promised. He took one of her hands delicately, bringing it in front of him. Her body pressed into Hans' back, hiding from the beast. She closed her eyes in trepidation, as he brought her reluctant hand to touch the soft coat of the horse. Her palm pressed into the heat of Sitron's back, and his hand rested on top of hers. His touch comforted her, reminding her that he wasn't leaving her alone. Lifted her hand off of the horse, and tenderly placed it back down at his side.
"See? He's not a bad guy," Hans reasoned.
Elsa's voice shook, "It's just that it's so... big. It's very beautiful, though."
"Let's go for a ride." Before Elsa could decline, he pulled her in front of him. He lifted her in the air, causing a small gasp to escape her. He placed her on the saddle, making her panic that she sat on top of a horse. He placed his foot in the stirrup, lifting himself up. He sat in front of her, and she let out a quivering breath.
"Hans, I-I don't know. I've never ridden before," she rasped, heart pounding in her chest. She felt the horse's hips shift under her, making her eyes widen at the unsteady sensation. Sitron began trotting, and she immediately wrapped her arms around his chest in horror. She clasped her hands together in front of him and buried her face into his should blade. Elsa didn't want to see how high they were off of the ground. She could feel the horse shifting its weight on each leg, making her sick to her stomach. Hans could tell Elsa was afraid, so he pulled the reins until the horse slowed its pace. Sitron languidly walked them around the land, passing oak trees and clovers. The ranch's scattered lights lit the way. Sitron stepped near a lake that reflected the moon's beams.
Resting her head on his shoulder, she could feel his words as they vibrated through his back when he spoke: "Elsa, it's okay. I won't let you fall." She inhaled his scent of his faded cologne, his familiar qualities calming her. She guiltily felt his back muscles flex and tense to keep balance as the horse shift its weight. He wasn't her real boyfriend for her to press against him like this. In fact, Elsa suspected he might belong to someone else based off of the time she found a pink lipstick mark on his neck.
Elsa timidly answered, digging her hands into his abs, "I trust you. I just don't think your horse likes me very much." Sitron grunted, as if it were confirming its dislike for Elsa. Quietly hugging Hans' back, she closed her eyes relishing his aroma. Then unexpectedly, Sitron jerked its head, so Hans lost hold of the reins. Hans pet the horse, but he only made it more thrash more. Elsa screamed, almost slipping off the saddle. The horse started to buck, causing them both to panic. On Sitron's last buck, Hans and Elsa were separated and catapulted in the air. They traveled a short distance, and fell into the nearby lake with a splash. Sitron took off running, but couldn't escape since the entire ranch was gated. Elsa opened her eyes under the green lake water and could see the moon glowing above the surface. She glimpsed around her, finding it too dark to see what swam near her. When Hans came up for air, he saw Elsa coughing water next to him. Before he could ask her if she was okay, she swam away in search of land. He followed her, swimming towards the shore. Hans crawled into the shallow part of the lake, accidently swallowing the murky water. Elsa weakly stood, her eye makeup, smeared from its place in a black halo effect.
"I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?" Hans coughed, standing next to her. Each footstep out of the lake made sloshing splashes. They walked onto the grass, clothes dripping wet.
"It's fine. I'm okay," she winced as she limped. Putting pressure on her weak ankle, Elsa collapsed onto all fours. Her ankle throbbed, making her consider taking off her damp, ruined, high-heels. Elsa moaned in pain, "Maybe we should just sit here for a second." He knelt next to her, placing his hand on her wet shoulder. Feeling like he failed her, his face bore a worried expression.
"You're hurt. I should take you to a hospital. This was all my fault. I-"
"Hans, I'm fine. It's not that bad of an injury. I think it's just a sprained ankle. It just hurts to walk a little."
"I ruined everything," Hans regretted. "I shouldn't have brought you here. I should take you home."
"Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm okay. I actually kind of had fun tonight," Elsa murmured with pain still in her voice. While crouching down with her, he scooped her up in his arms, unexpectedly. Standing tall, he carried her bridal style. Another whine escaped her throat, since the whole lifting process caused her ankle to shift. Elsa wrapped her arms around his shoulders and neck in fear he could drop her. She felt self-conscious, worrying she could be too heavy to carry. Without a struggle, Hans began walking the long distance back to their car. Her wet braid bobbed against her back with his every step. He carried her the way she had read about in fairytales. She wished she wasn't wearing a soaking, ruined business suit. Her ball gown would be preferred in her ideal fantasy. She blushed lightly, savoring the moment of him being her knight in shining armor. Riding a man proved to be much more enjoyable than riding a horse. He quickly found his way to his car to Elsa's disappointment. It wasn't as silent of a ride as she thought it'd be. Hans spent the entire ride apologizing and checking on her comfort. After she assured she didn't want to go to a hospital, he gave up. It was pitch black outside because it late, so Hans drove her to her home. He helped her limp to her front door. Her arms draped around his neck once more. She hoped, if she limped enough that he'd carry her again, but he never did.
"Are you sure you don't want me to take you to a hospital?"
"No, it's fine. I promise," Elsa dismissed. They stood in front of her mansion's front door. She released her hold on him, no longer needed him to balance.
"Worst first date ever, huh?"
Elsa quickly answered, "No! I had a fun time! I mean it. I never ate at that restaurant before. Is it new?"
"No, it's been up for a while. Actually, I've had a lot of dates there." There was an awkward pause. Why did it feel weird telling Elsa that? He remedied, "...But, only that one mattered." Elsa bit her lip, not noticing the sound of her wet braid still dripping. Hans cleared his throat to reduce the romantic tension. Elsa promptly reached out her hand for a goodbye handshake.
"Goodnight, Hans." He stared at her with a confused expression. He hesitantly took her hand, shaking it awkwardly.
"Oh, uh, goodnight, Elsa."
"Is that not how most people say goodbye after a date?" Elsa slipped her hand out of his with uncertainty based off of his reaction.
Hans smiled at the floor, trying not to mock her, "No, but it's fine."
Elsa declared, "Well, I want to learn. How is it normally done?"
"I guess it depends on the guy," He shrugged.
"Okay, then what would you do?"
"Well, if it was me on a date with you, I'd take your hand and come closer to you," He then leisurely took a step closer to Elsa and took her soft hand. She started feeling butterflies in her stomach at the contact. Clearing her throat, she waited eagerly for his next instruction.
He continued, "I'd then tell you how beautiful you looked." She blushed, and her free hand balled into a fist out of nervousness. He let go of her and instead placed his hand under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "I'd tilt your face towards me, and I'd lean in." He slowly leaned in, and Elsa batted her long eyelashes shut. She held her breath, and her heart vigorously beat through her chest. He stopped right before her lips, tormenting her. The wait only built more anticipation. His hooded eyes glossed over her, taking in the sight of the impatient, young woman before him.
"And then what?" Elsa whispered. She felt his grasp on her chin tighten when she spoke. With her eyes still closed, she swallowed.
He in a low, hushed tone, he finished, "Then I'd kiss you." He removed his hand off of her chin. Still breathless, she opened her eyes in perplexity. He took a step back from her to her disappointment. Internally sulking, reached behind her for the door knob.
"Goodnight, Elsa."
"Goodnight, Hans."
