Designing Hearts Amidst Broken Walls
I walk around the pool area included in the newly acquired 1,400 square meters by X, who is standing still at the moment, admiring the facade designed in the style of British palaces. He looks at me, smiling, and then approaches, saying:
"I thought you wouldn't come."
"Why wouldn't I? - I ask, seriously, adjusting my sunglasses.
"I tried to reach you on your phone, but it went straight to voicemail," X explains, putting his hands in the pockets of his beige slim-cut trousers.
Today, he's quite casual, wearing brown shoes without socks and a plain white shirt rolled up to his elbows, his hair still wet. The latter indicates that he had either just arrived or had already moved into the house. In any case, I'm the opposite, wearing my black suit and pants, a burgundy blouse, and my highest Louboutin heels from my closet, which at least bring me close to X's neck height. I adjust my hair tied in a low ponytail, masking my discomfort, and then respond:
"I'm without a phone because it hit the wall."
"It hit the wall? What do you mean?" X questions, not understanding.
"That's what happens when you angrily throw it against the wall," I answer, not going into details.
The truth is, as soon as I heard Duny's voice on the other end, I automatically threw my phone against the wall. It was so obvious... How could I not have realized that Carlos's little show was just to fall into Duny's arms without guilt? What's worse, he didn't even try to call home... Not once over the weekend did he attempt to call and explain. So, since he had made his decision, I decided to make mine.
"I'm sorry," X apologizes, standing by my side.
"I'll buy another one," I say, stepping to the side and opening my briefcase to retrieve the ideas I had come up with over the weekend to present to X.
"I'm sorry about your marriage," X says, touching my arm. "I know you must be suffering a lot from your breakup. In a way, I feel responsible for what happened..."
"Oh, no. You had nothing to do with this. You have nothing to do with my marriage," I deny, shaking my head. "And just to make it clear, I'm not here to discuss my personal life, give marital advice, or offer words of comfort. I was hired to assist you with the decoration, and that's what I'll do."
I walk towards one of the huge glass tables that make up the pool area and spread my sheets with various ideas for each of the thirty rooms, including the eight-car garage. I'm leaning over the table, finishing organizing the concepts when I feel X's face approaching mine. The scent of his aftershave fills my nostrils, forcing me to make an immense effort to stay composed. His hand glides over my arm, stopping on top of it.
"I liked the clean concept you proposed for the master suite," he says, his lips practically touching my ear. "However, I want the red couch to remain in the room. You know, it has become a valuable and cherished object for me."
"If that's what you desire," I reply while disentangling myself from his touch. However, he turns me, trapping my body between the table and his arms.
"What I desire is to make love to you on this table," X says, his lips nearing mine.
"The three million gave you the right to sleep with me only once," I say, turning my face away.
"But we didn't sleep together... You left, remember?" X asks.
"However, I did my part, didn't I?" I retort, serious, still not looking at him.
"Unforgettable," X affirms, smelling my hair. "You smell so good..."
"X, either you take seriously what I came here to do, or I will leave and pass you to another broker who undoubtedly would be more than willing to satisfy you," I say, looking into his eyes coldly. "I have nothing left to lose."
"Alright," X says, stepping back with his arms raised. "I apologize if I overstepped with you. Dalia, it's very difficult to be this close to you, especially feeling everything I'm feeling."
"I know, I got it," I say, adjusting my clothing. "All those mixed and unique feelings from before, right?"
"Dalia, I'm madly in love with you. In fact, I am and always have been in love with you, Sweet. You've always been special to me, and no matter what happens, you always will be," X declares, briefly pointing his finger toward me. Then he raises his arms and continues, "There you have it, my mixed and unique feelings for you, summarized."
"X..." I start to say, taking a deep breath.
"I imagine it's still very early for you, but I want to make you happy. I hope you'll allow me to make you happy," X continues, approaching. "I want a chance for you to get to know me better and for real. Will you give me that chance?"
I've waited for those words for years. I've been anxiously waiting for them since we spoke virtually when we met in Africa when we worked together at MAMA and the airport. Now I've heard everything I wanted from him, and I feel nothing. He was right; maybe it's too soon, and I'm still processing everything that happened between me and Carlos.
"It's still very, very early for anything," I say, swallowing hard.
"I just hope that by confessing my feelings, I won't make you give up on me... Give up on the house," X says, looking downcast.
"As I've told you before: I'm here on business," I say in a husky voice. I clear my throat and then turn toward the table. "Come on, we have a lot of work to do."
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