Sweet Carolina
Maybe it was because my heart was pounding out of my chest…or maybe it was because the second the doors to the I.V.C. swung open, it felt as though all the heads turned to face us. Eisuke's hand tightened on my waist, sensing my apprehension. I looked up at him, undoubtedly the uncertainty written all over my face. As I regarded him, we walked down the stairs, he only spared a second to look at me, offering me what for a second appeared to be a reassuring smile. I honestly felt like I was reliving a scene out of a Disney movie, perhaps even the scene in Beauty and the Beast, where Bell walks down the staircase in her gorgeous golden gown.
I nervously laughed at the idea causing him to only look at me briefly again, tightening his grasp on my waist. The crowds appeared to separate as we walked through them. In my previous life, I day dreamed of this moment. I would listen to soundtracks, over and over again, evoking emotions and desires, of being escorted through a crowd by one of the most entitled and enigmatic bachelors. Now the moment had come, and I was feeling less than confident.
We made our way over to the bar, the bartender placing Eisuke's preferred drink in front of him as we reached the counter.
"And for the beautiful lady?" He asked, regarding me.
"I'll have a DiSaronno on the rocks, please." Turning to Eisuke, "What are you drinking?" I asked.
"Bourbon." He offered.
"Your drink, my lady." The bartender interrupted, as he placed the drink on the counter top in front of me.
Taking the crystal in my hand, I eyed Eisuke mischievously. Turning my back to the bar to get a better view of Eisuke, I raised my glass to him.
"Here's to a successful night." I toasted.
I admired the liquid that swirled around in the glass, before bringing the rim to my lips, and taking a sip. I savored the flavor. DiSaronno was my favorite liqueur. The Italian liqueur was amber in color, much like the bourbon in Eisuke's glass. The fragrant and delicate aroma was a perfect blend of bitters and sweets. It's warm woody notes blended perfectly with hints of cherry, kissing my nose as I savored the flavor. Personally, it reminded me of Eisuke, bitter and sweet, and absolutely delicious.
I continued drinking, a new-found confidence washing over me, as I turned to face the rest of the I.V.C. Although the main attraction at yesterday's function was the colossal fish tank, this evening we were graced with a fire and ice show. Performers were scattered around the room, entertaining the guests, flipping, twisting, and dancing with rings of fire. You could hear the "Oohs" and "Aahs" echo through the crowd as performers carried through with their act. Amused I started to venture from the bar.
"Where are you going?" I felt Eisuke grab my arm, bringing me back to the reality that I faced.
"I was going to enjoy the show?" I offered, disappointed in my inability to hold my liqueur.
I frowned at him, frustrated he wouldn't allow me to indulge in the evening's festivities. Why host a party, if you can't enjoy even a little of it? I thought to myself. I watched as he finished his drink, with a single swig. He forcefully left the glass on the countertop as he got up wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Am I really that intolerable?" I said indignantly.
"Don't think so highly of yourself."
"I don't." I whispered to myself.
Eisuke pulled me out from the bar, into the crowd, his hand that was once around my waist, now grasping my own. Admittedly, I hadn't handled the liqueur the way I had intended. My face felt flush, my mouth feeling a subtle numbness I hadn't felt since college. I followed his lithe figure through the crowd. He directed me out to an opening where the entertainers were set to perform. Behind the entertainers there was a row of tables. As we neared, it became apparent that these weren't just for anyone at the party.
Naturally, Eisuke led me to the middle table, guiding me to my seat. As if it were second nature, he pulled my seat out for me with one hand, the other gently holding mine, ushering me into my seat. It's all for show, I thought sourly, as he gently pushed in my seat. Much to my surprise he didn't take the seat across from me, but sat down gracefully in the seat immediately to the left of me. I watched him curiously. Perhaps he did want to view the show, his seat would be the best in the house.
It felt as though we just sat when a waitress strolled over to us. For a waitress, she was incredibly beautiful. Her hair was longer than my own and flowed behind her as she walked. She had incredibly long legs, that were exposed due to the scandalous short black dresses all the waitresses wore. I surveyed her as she approached us. She was so focused on Eisuke, that I doubt she was even aware I was next to him. She straightened, pushing out her chest as she got closer, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I glanced over at Eisuke. One arm was in his lap, his fingers typing vigorously on his phone, with one calf resting on the other knee acting as support. His other hand rested on the table. He was completely oblivious to the waitress, to me, to the world.
I sighed, turning my attention to the fire and ice performers who were gathering before us.
"Good Evening," the waitress interrupted, "Eisuke."
My fingers twitched in my lap, but despite hearing her speak so commonly to Eisuke, I attempted to ignore her.
"What can I get for you tonight?" She continued.
I closed my eyes briefly, waiting for some womanizing comment to come from Eisuke. Thinking about it, I could feel anger rising inside me. How could he flirt with another woman after asking me to play the part of his girlfriend? As the thoughts coursed through my mind, I became aware that Eisuke hadn't even acknowledged the waitress yet. I drew my eyes away from the performers for a brief moment to look at Eisuke.
I was surprised to see that he was no longer looking at his phone, but rather his eyes were staring at me, a smug look on his face. Had he sensed my jealousy? Without looking at the waitress, he dismissed her.
"My girlfriend and I are just fine." His eyes burned as he held on to my gaze.
The waitress stood in a temporary shocked state. Her eyes darting between the two of us, before she came to her senses and stormed off.
I scoffed. "Is that one of your many girlfriends?"
"Don't ask a question you don't really want to know the answer to." He said apathetically, returning his attention to his phone.
A pang of rejection streamed through my body. Soberly, I looked away, attempting to focus my attention on the performers. I couldn't help fiddling with my fingers. This wasn't going how I had anticipated, but then again, these were the scenes that the game didn't show. I ignorantly thought it would be different, that I would somehow be different from the naïve main character. I bit my lip realizing, that despite my opposition to the main character, I shared more in common than I had thought.
"Please excuse me." I said, standing abruptly, feeling the tears swell in my eyes.
"Why?" He questioned, looking up at me.
"I need to use the powder room." I uttered meekly.
"Make it quick, he will be here soon." He said returning his attention to his phone.
"Who?" I probed.
"His name is Antonio Bucci." He said, "I want to engage in a business deal with him, but his daughter is impossible. Which is why you're here. I will be able to pursue the deal, without insulting his daughter with rejection."
"Ahh." I said, "Is there anything I should know?"
"You won't be speaking."
"But what if he asks…" I started.
"You won't be speaking." Eisuke interrupted.
"Crystal clear." I said, slipping behind his chair and the chairs of the other tables.
With the tears still fresh in my eyes, I hurriedly made my way to the restroom where I would be able to regain my senses. The bathroom was tucked in a dark corner of the room. As I approached I could hear voices from the lady's room, hushed but agitated.
"How could he just toss me aside for some disgusting, pathetic excuse of a woman like that?" One voice questioned.
"She's probably nothing to him. You're a ten compared to her!" Another voice reassured.
"How can she be nothing when he introduced her as his girlfriend." She spat.
"He's clearly trying to make you jealous!" Another girl offered.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door to the lady's room, blinking back whatever tears I had. I straightened my stance, as I pretended to ignore the women at crowded in the corner of the restroom. All three were waitresses, one was familiar. I turned to the vanity, where there was a plush bench. I sat, pulling out my make up from the clutch. The bathroom was eerily silent, for having such a calamity just a few seconds prior.
I stared at my reflection, putting another coat of lipstick on my lips. I puckered them together obnoxiously and smacked them, distributing the lipstick together. I barely recognized myself. I had been transformed by Eisuke's sycophants into a completely different woman. I grabbed a tissue that was offered at the vanity, and dabbed the corners of my eyes where it was still slightly moist. If I wasn't worthy of the great Mr. Ichinomiya looking like this, then how on earth would I be able to live up to his standard without the glamour and expense? I wouldn't.
Before I had a second to somber, the waitresses were behind me.
"So is this her?" One of them said, glaring at me through the mirror.
"What makes her so special to Mr. Ichinomiya. I don't see anyone special here." Another girl commented.
I briefly made eye contact with each of them in between putting my makeup back in my clutch. All through my childhood I was bullied, I wasn't about ready to entertain the idea now. Although it had greatly affected me, on the inside, on the outside, I had developed a shell to combat the bulling.
"Who do you even think you are?" Finally the waitress who had been so informal with Eisuke earlier spoke up.
I looked at her through the mirror, smirking, before turning around and standing to confront her.
"What kind of question is that?" I asked, standing tall against them.
She took a step toward me, attempting to intimidate me, the other two following suit and closing the distance between us.
"Do you think that you can intimidate me?" I chuckled.
"You think you're funny stealing Eisuke from me!" The girl shouted.
"Honey," I said calmly, "I didn't steal him," I paused. "He lost interest in you."
Her face was growing red with every word I spoke to her. She was an easy target. She thought that I would crumble just like any other weak girl. Oh, how wrong she was! Her fists clenched at her sides, tension filling the room.
"Are you going to punch me?" I asked amused. When she didn't respond I continued, getting bored. This is too easy. "What do you think will happen to you if you punched me?"
When she didn't respond, I pushed past them disinterested in continuing this any further.
"Watch your back." She said, as I grabbed the handle to the door.
Without turning to look at her, I sniggered as I continued through the door. The performance was in full swing as I made my way through the crowds back to the tables where I had left Eisuke. Music resonated through the room, dramatic and intense. As I walked, confidence began to grow inside me as I strutted to the music. Much to my relief Eisuke had still been sitting at the table when I returned, without any additional guests.
I slid behind him back into my seat, still engulfed in the music, swaying in my seat.
"You made it just in time." He said. "They're headed this direction."
I heard him, I just wasn't interested in what he had to say. I remained focused on the performers, swaying in time to the music. Maybe a taste of his own medicine will force him to put things in perspective. Then again, challenging him could also pose as a larger problem. Let's face it, you have four other bidders you could always turn to.
"Eisuke! My love!" A female voice echoed, sending shivers through my body.
Turning around, I saw the color briefly drain from Eisuke's face before morphing into a face I hadn't encountered yet. His eyes were soft, but I could see how empty they were. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but despite how he looked happy, he looked as if he was gritting his teeth. As he stood, I rose from my seat.
"Carolina," He greeted her, "How wonderful it is to see you again."
I watched as a much larger, blonde female bounced up to Eisuke, embracing him in a suffocating hug. She was scantily dressed. Her dress rode up her thighs, the neckline of her dress exposing the top of her breasts and pieces of her bra. She looked like a mess. As a larger girl myself, I could understand the struggle, but until most recently, I always found comfort in the clothing that concealed most of my body. I found myself pitying her, although I knew very well she didn't need it.
"Daddy!" She exclaimed, as an older man approached the table behind her. "Look who I found!"
"Eisuke Ichinomiya," His voice bellowing. "It's good to see you, son." He said shaking Eisuke's extended hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Bucci. I hope you found Très Spades well?" Eisuke continued. "Let me introduce you to my beautiful girlfriend, Harumi Yutari."
He casually wrapped an arm around my waist as I extended my hand.
"Hello." I said politely, as Mr. Bucci took my hand in his.
"Ciao bella!" Mr. Bucci exclaimed as he kissed the top of my hand.
I blushed as he let go of my hand, returning my hand to my side. I could feel Carolina glaring at me silently.
"Please have a seat." Eisuke gestured to the seats across from us.
As Mr. Bucci was about to sit in the seat next to Eisuke, Carolina lunged forward.
"I want to sit next to Eisuke, daddy!" Carolina scolded.
"Fine, dear." Mr. Bucci relented.
"I imagine you're both hungry from your travels, please feel free to indulge in the finest cuisines Très Spades has to offer." He gestured as a familiar face appears behind the Bucci's offering them a menu.
"Eisuke!" Carolina wined. "I'm so hungry! What do you suggest I choose?" She blinked behind her lashes admiringly at him.
"Mmmmm," Mr. Bucci pipped up, "Polo piccata! Magnifico!"
"I find the Polo piccata is delightful, Mr. Bucci." I piped up, glancing up from my menu, to look at Mr. Bucci. "Such an incredibly Italian delicacy. I love how the capers and the wine in the lemon sauce gives a refreshing flavor to the dish."
Although my eyes were focused on Mr. Bucci, I could see Eisuke stiffen next to me, and not because of the unwanted petting he was receiving from Carolina.
"My dear, you perfectly captured the nature of Polo Piccata!" Mr. Bucci chuckled. "Tell me, mysterious woman, have you tried any other Italian delicacies?"
"I have, Mr. Bucci," I answered. "I've had the pleasure of tasting Tiramisu." I smiled sweetly. "It's truly the perfect dessert!"
"You have refined tastes!" Mr. Bucci laughed.
"I do have an unwavering love for food!" I exclaimed.
"Tell me, have you had the pleasure of visiting Italy?" He asked.
"I have not," I frowned, "I've always been infatuated with the Roman ruins of Pompeii, Rome, and Herculaneum. I can only imagine the magnificence and beauty that fills Venice and Tuscany."
I suddenly feel vulnerable, getting caught romanticizing about Italy in front of Mr. Bucci and divert my eyes back to the menu. I don't look up again, until I hear him address Eisuke.
"My dear boy, you have quite the woman!"
"I know," Eisuke says softly.
I glance sideways to catch the charming Eisuke gazing adoringly at me. Maybe it was all in my head, but I could have sworn there was some sincerity in there. Maybe it's because I said something right.