Kapitel 31
When Anakin arrived, Rex and Cody were already standing in front of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse. Ben arrived not even two minutes later, and they entered. Like any lawyer employed by a renowned legal firm, Ben wore expensive, stylish clothing. The twins were dressed in the newest styles, so it was clear who had much money. Anakin was class by himself, not just rich like twins, he was also well off...and beautiful.
The restaurant was full even though it was Monday. High society in New York looks for amusement every day and doesn't simply go out on the weekends. Ben was the only one who truly lived a typical working-class life, a well-paid working-class, mind you. Rex and Cody worked not longer than from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, but they still had to put in a lot of effort to earn their millions, only Anakin was financially independent at the time.
Everyone chose Prime Porterhouse since eating steak is the finest thing to do in a steakhouse, of course after some appetizers. Pinot Noir was a must since it was good wine. They didn't have much of it and wanted to go to the Broadway Lounge for a drink.
The $1,200 bill was one that Cody insisted on paying.
"Is there a reason for this?"
"I'm back in the game."
"Against Patriots on September 12th ? Padmé and I will be there."
"I mean in another game." Cody winked.
"Brother, this is definitely a special occasion. We're heading to the Broadway Lounge right now. Ben, are you sure you can stay?"
"Rex, you are such an asshole."
"I just want to ask..."
They were given a place to sit in the lounge. Their drinks reflected the color of the night as they sat in the front area by the window. Since their college days, they have been drinking Whiskey on the rocks.
Although there were people of different ages in the lounge, the most were in their 30s or somewhat younger. The men were mainly well-known or the offspring of famous and rich parents, generally considered a good catch.
It didn't take long for some young girls to identify the football stars and make an effort to stand out. Even Anakin, who hadn't played in six years, was recognized because he was a player by Jets, a team whose members were still well-known in New York long after they left.
"Oh Ben, no one recognizes you, but trust me, it's better that way."
"I never reached Padmé's level of fame."
"It's over for her, she is no longer interested in it."
"Does she want to stay at home and change diapers right now?"
"Whether you agree with me or not, she plans to do it."
A pushy young woman wanted to ask Cody a question for the third time. He was kind but reserved.
"What is this, brother, no interest?"
"No, I'm fine. I have everything I need."
"Since last night?"
"You want to know exactly Skywalker, huh?
"Well, we used to talk about our conquests..."
"Yes, you have occasionally bragged about your conquests, but they have all have been beyond campus."
"…..and yours were on campus, but only one you have intentionally kept silent. What did you do last night?"
"I can tell you that he wasn't at home last night even though we are here with our parents and we have our own room from before. Did you stay a hotel with Dormé, my brother? Why do you keep it such a secret?
"Should I take legal action?"
"That's the attorney talking," Cody spoke out for himself. " OK. She's not some conquest, a woman for one night, she's just…. Dormé."
"...an attractive, rich young lawyer with a Yale degree, assistant of New York State Senator Charles Ellis Schumer, someone you've always had just a little more than a crush on."
"What a perfect description, Skywalker, but rich?"
"She's a millionaire, but the one thing she isn't, is, she is not a virgin."
"WOW, millionaire...and for protocol, I do not need a virgin... who doesn't know how to give me a blowjob?"
"If you're into it..."
"...and you are not?
"OK. we still don't have a clear answer." Anakin laughed. "I'll ask Padmé, perhaps Dormé was willing to share a little more."
Cody grinned blissfully as he sat back in the chair. "Well, we spent the last night together and ...she set something on fire in me."
Silence.
"Cody, I'm glad to hear that and it would be nice if this turned into something serious."
The thema was finished since they had received their desired information. Ben was the next to talk about his work. The others were curious about what he works and then about his daughter but none of them had studied law or knew their way around.
They were approached by a lovely young woman who no one immediately recognized. It was Pat.
"You might believe that you are on the campus of Columbia University."
"Pat?" Rex wondered but refrained from standing up to say hello.
"Exactly, that is. Hello Skywalker, how have you been since your accident?" she said as she approached his chair. Anakin extended his arms.
"Just stay away from me."
"What's the matter with you Skywalker, no hugs for old friends?"
"Keep your distance, please. Your last hug cost me seven years of my life."
Ben got up.
"Pat, stop playing ignorant, you are well aware of the details of the incident from seven years ago, and you have always pursued provok avenues. You have never been the object of Anakin's interest. You must ultimately realize that for him, only Padmé exists."
"Then, good luck Anakin, with your pipe dream Padmé."
"I have to disappoint you, Padmé is not a pipe dream, in a few days we will be married."
"Heartfelt congrats."
"Impossible, you have no heart."
"Pat, will you kindly leave us alone?" said Ben.
Pet displayed a furious expression but went away. They saw her walking out of the lounge.
"We didn't need all this excitement."
"So screw Pat, she's not worth the hassle. But I have to leave you guys, my family is waiting and I have to go to work tomorrow, I'm not a multimillionaire."
"We'll see each other this week, huh, Ben? OK?"
"Thursday," said Ben.
"Okay, Satine deserves virtual kiss even if I only saw her this afternoon."
All of them stood up and gave Ben a typical back pat before he left. The conversation later turned to football and NFL, which was entertaining because it was something they had in common for a long time. For Rex and Cody it was a tough job now, Anakin was out of business but he knew his stuff, knew what it was like to be a professional. They ordered another round of Whiskey on the rocks and discussed about Draft 2021, players, coaches, brand new rumors concerning tradings and free agents and much more.
"Oh, midnight has already passed."
"Someone is waiting, brother?"
"Of course, you asshole."
"Get moving or you won't get anything."
"How are you such a shithole? Do you need a brother, Skywalker? If so, I'll give you mine."
"I have a stepbrother, that's not true either."
Rex took care of the bill, they said goodbye until tomorrow evening. Anakin wanted to meet with them.
"I want to see you every evening, we go back to Boston on Sunday."
"OK. Skywalker, where should we meet tomorrow?"
"Per Se first, and then Ascent Lounge?"
"The main thing is that it's expensive, what?" Cody wailed.
"You are a millionaire."
"Cody, you're a stingy, I'll take care of that bill. I ask Padmé if Dormé is that stingy too, maybe you guys are a great match." Rex joked… "Well, let's go now, otherwise my brother will be in real trouble."
Everyone hailed a taxi to get home or somewhere else.
When Anakin arrived home, Padmé was asleep and all the lights were off. He took off his clothes, changed into his pajamas, slipped carefully beneath the blankets, and positioned himself behind her. Padmé stirred and then she woke up.
"Ani? What time is it?"
"One."
"Oh? Was it nice?"
"Yes, but not as nice as when I'm with you..." …and started kissing her neck and stroking her hips and thighs with her hand. He kissed the hair, the ear, the cheek and then the mouth.
"Anakin, you smell like alcohol, ugh, you're drunk."
"I just drank some wine and a few Whiskeys on the rock."
"Then, since you're drunk, roll over and get some sleep."
"Angel, I want you."
"Tomorrow, when you're sober."
He thought, damn, is he really drunk, OK, not exactly drunk, but slightly drunk...he'll let her sleep better. Tomorrow is also a day.
Around 7:00 a.m., Padmé awoke, dressed, and made the eight-block trip around Lexington Avenue solely to buy fresh croissants for her Anakin. She made everything ready for a leisurely breakfast when she arrived back. He opened his eyes as the scent of coffee reached his nose.
"Angel, I'm sober now."
"I hope you are, but breakfast comes first. Look what I purchased."
Anakin changed into his robe and entered the dining room, where a set table for two, filled with delicious foods, was waiting for him.
"The croissans, mmmm !"
He kissed het temple, sat down and immediately took one.
"It's from the Paris Baguette."
"You walk eight blocks down Lexington Avenue only to get my favorite croissants? What did I do to deserve this, Padme?"
"I'm just glad to have you back. I'd do anything to keep it that way, including walking down eight blocks in the morning to buy croissants for you." She smiled.
Anakin got up, knelt in front of her chair and buried his face in her lap. "You are not only the most beautiful, you are also the best woman in this galaxy, I love you so much. Padme, do you want to be my wife?"
She started laughing..."I already said yes...and I'm already yours."
"...and I am yours. May I have all this croissants?" he got up.
"You can leave me one, I won't eat more. I meet the girls at La Grande Boucherie at 12:30pm, after that I go to my parent's office to see old colleagues. I don't know when I'll be home, so..."
"I know what you mean and gladly...once for each croissant?"
"Once is good, otherwise I can't run."
They entered the bedroom after she took another sip of her espresso. As usual, he made love to her gently and long.
"Only you are able to love me this way." She spoke softly in his ear.
They buried their faces in one other's necks and cried after the bliss, as they almost always do.
"Because I love you."
They stood up and took a shower once the tears stopped.
"Ani, no more sex, otherwise I'll be late."
"There is still plenty of time." He laughed.
"Of course. Where are you meeting today?
"Per Se for dinner, and Ascent Lounge afterward."
"Oh, this will be an expensive evening, and Ascent...well, I've heard they have a distinct lady audience...but I trust you." She laughed.
"Speaking about trust, you won't believe whom we met at the Broadway Lounge last night..."
"Whom?" "
"Pat."
Padmé's face lost its grin and began to show pain.
"And did you say hello?"
"Of course not, Padmé. I told her to keep away from me when Ban got up to reprimand her. She left the lounge after a few ugly things were said. Angel, you must trust me since I love only you."
"Yes, Ani, I trust you."
In order to meet her friends, Padmé dressed and went to La Grande Boucheri. She wasn't sure if she would tell them about Pat, whom the men had met at the Broadway club. One or the other will probably already be aware. The thought of that person had already made her unable to enjoy the meeting and lunch, she was supposed to be looking forward to.
Best regards from Germany