The Invitation
1010 Words
For the next two days, there’s no sign of Damian anywhere.
But I hear his name around the cruise, among the crew members, among rich
men.
and I can’t stop thinking about him.
I only met the man once.
I shouldn’t care.
It was just one conversation.
That’s it.
And yet, anytime I hear his name my eyes automatically search for him.
It’s pathetic.
Why am I acting like this?“Okay. I’ve had enough.
” Lisa says dramatically during breakfast on the third
morning.
“I’m concerned.
”
I glance up from my smoothie.
“About what?”
“You.
”
Chelsea nods in agreement beside me.
I frown.
“Why?”
Lisa points her fork at me,
” You’ve looked around this restaurant 5 times since
we got here.
”
“I’m taking in the scenery.
”
“Does the scenery have green eyes?” She says with a grin.
“Lisa.
”
Chelsea hides her smile behind her coffee cup.
Two slys.
I stab aggressively at my eggs.
” Both of you are so annoying.
”
“And you”
, Lisa says with a smug smile,
“have a crush.
”
“I do not have a crush.
” I say setting my fork down.
“Then why do you look disappointed every five minutes?”
My mouth opens.
Then closes again.
She got me there.
She’s right.The problem is, I can’t stop thinking about him.
Not like I’m in love with him.
I’m just curious.
There was something unusual about Damian.
Not his presence.
Not the way he looked at me like he could read my mind.
It was the calmness.
The control.
Like, all his actions were calculated.
A strange silence seemed to follow him everywhere.
The crew members spoke in hushed tones when they spoke about him.
Rich business men spoke about him with respect.
Who exactly is he?
I haven’t seen him since but everyone seems to be talking about him.
Where even is he?
“You’re doing it again.
” Chelsea says softly.
I hate how she notices everything.
“What?”
“Overthinking, Serenity stop.
”
Maybe she’s right.Maybe I’m overthinking things.
Maybe I’m making him more interesting because this is the most exciting thing
that has happened to me in years.
That has to be it.
Chelsea and Lisa suddenly gasp.
“Serenity, you’re not going to believe this.
”
“What now?” I ask nearly spilling my milkshake.
“Look back.
”
I look immediately.
Shit.
Damian is standing by the bar wearing a navy blue button up shirt that clings
to his body so beautifully.
He looks even better than the first time I saw him.
A man beside him says something, but Damian doesn’t react.
Instead, his eyes glance around the room and suddenly stop.
At me.
That same intense gaze locks unto mine and I immediately look away.
Why does he look at me like that?
Lisa whispers beside me,
“If a man looked at me like that, I’d faint.
”
“Please shut up.
”
When I turn to look back at him, he’s already gone.“You know”
, Lisa says thoughtfully.
intentional.
”
“He disappeared for two days that feels
I frown.
” Why would that be intentional Lisa, maybe he’s been busy.
”
“Or he’s trying to build tension.
” Lisa says with a grin.
I sigh.
“This is not a rom com Lisa.
”
Lisa and Chelsea exchange a look.
Then they both burst out laughing.
I can’t help but laugh with them.
……
Later that evening, I finally escape them.
Not because I’m annoyed.
My social battery just runs out quickly, and I need to be alone with my
thoughts.
The upper deck is less busy now, the evening air cool on my skin. I can here
distant chatter and music from another part of the ship.
The ocean stretches endlessly beneath the dim sky.
Beautiful.
Serene.
I exhale softly, resting my hands on the rails.
This trip was supposed to help me relax.
And maybe..
It actually is.For the first time in years, the noise in my mind feels quieter.
No catering schedules.
No recipes.
No terrible memories.
Just waves.
Then suddenly…
“I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.
”
The deep voice behind me, makes me freeze.
I turn around slowly.
Damian stands a few feet away dressed in a more casual outfit, shorts and a
loose top, looking less intimidating.
One hand tucked casually in his pocket.
He looks amazing.
God, how does this man do it?
“I wasn’t avoiding you.
” I finally manage to say.
Amusement appears on his face.
“No?”
“No.
”
His eyes drifts all over my face.
Slowly but intensely.Like he was studying me.
“Then why haven’t I seen you around?” He says quietly.
My heart drops.
“You disappeared.
” I blurt out.
Fuck.
Why did I say that?
Damian steps beside me by the railing.
Not too close.
But close enough that I see him through the corner of my eyes.
He looks at me.
’’ So you noticed?”
My face floods with embarrassment instantly.
“No… .I didn’t say that.
’’
His eyes are fixed on mine now.
’’You didn’t have to’’
.
For a moment, neither of us speak.
Then, he takes a slow step closer.
’’Have dinner with me tomorrow night.
’’
I gasp.
‘‘Why?”
”Because I’d like to know more about you.
’’
His answer makes my heart flutter.I should say no.
I barely know him.
Before I can think of a response, Damian reaches into his pocket and hands
me a black card.
Our fingers touch for a brief second.
’’What’s this?’’ I ask.
’’You’ll see.
’’ He says with a coy smile.
‘’Show this to the hostess.
’’
Before I can respond, he’s already walking away.
He looks back at me and winks.
‘‘I can’t wait to see you.
’’
- Writer
