Too Close, Too Fast

Just That One Moment

William

It’s here, finally! Tonight is Kristie’s big night. I am probably just as excited as her. Maybe even a little bit more because I know it is going to be a great success and she isn’t sure about that – she’s nervous. When I got up from bed in the morning, she was already awake and just staring into the wall. “Good morning, my little celebrity! Did you sleep well?” I asked, although I could easily guess the answer – she probably didn’t sleep at all. I have never seen her so agitated before, even though in London she had few fashion shows before. It’s probably because now she’s working with her idol. I won’t say anything to her, but is just obvious; she’s trying too hard and has a lot of stuff on her mind.

I came to her and gave her a little kiss on her head. Then I wrapped my hand around her and she finally relaxed a little. “Will, can I have a wish?” she asked and grabbed my hands and held them somehow strongly – it seemed she was scared and wanted me to be near her. “Anything, sweetie. You know I’d do anything for you.” She let out a sigh.

She told me that she felt she had been neglecting me lately because of her work. “It’s not that I am not looking forward to the show itself, but I think they won’t miss me there much during the after party. Can we spend the rest of night together then, just the two of us? And you can hold me close again, just like you are doing now. I’ll need that tonight.” Of course I agreed, without hesitation. I was exceedingly happy that she said something like that. I understand completely she had other things to care about these days and I wasn’t upset about it, but it is truth, I missed hanging out together as hell. Also, Kirstie still didn’t want to talk about our departure from New York. She begged me to get the plane tickets only after the fashion show and not before, because she was too worried I would jinx it, something would go wrong and she would have to stay longer. I never knew that she was superstitious like that, but I agreed. This turn of events was surprising for me, I honestly thought she would love to bask in the glory after the show. Never mind, I won’t complain, if she wants spend time with me and only with me.

We had quick breakfast in our room (poor Kirstie barely ate anything, she was too stressed) and even though the waiters were fussing over us and we ate the best food on the most luxury plates you could imagine, I realized I miss home already. “I can’t wait till we eat breakfast at our home! This is great, but it’s just not the same,” I pointed out. She didn’t say anything and just gave me a weird smile.”I am sorry; I have to go the studio. I have my dress already there, so I will change there. Can we meet at the banquet at six? Or slightly after six? I probably will be swamped anyway.”

I said okay and she basically ran out of the door. “No kiss for good luck?” I called after her and only heard her voice: “Sorry, I forgot! I will make it up for you toniiight!” I heard the door and she was gone. And then I was left there, to begin probably the longest day of my life. I didn’t need to do anything for work, I had no errands for Kirstie left, I had no friends in the city to hang out with. I could just wait till the evening… I watched some TV, then I went for a walk and called my brother to talk, then I had lunch…

Now I am back at the hotel room and I have still a lot of time to kill - I have my dinner jacket ready, so I will be dressed in a jiffy. I guess I could lie down for a while, just relax and try to regain some energy, which I will need for later tonight. Oh, my eyes are closing… okay, maybe a short nap. That surely can’t do any harm.

***

Oh, no, no, no! I don’t like to swear, but now it would be the time to do it! I overslept. I have twenty minutes to get ready and get to Madison Avenue! God, help me!

***

Vanessa

October 25

Ok, shave my legs – done. Wash hair – done. Now I could dry them and then do my make-up. I should be happy that Nick and I will be spending the evening together and we are even going to a big and important event with a bunch of rich and successful people, almost like if I am a princess going to a big ball. But I feel more like a Cinderella or worse – her stepsister, who had to watch Cinderella steal the prince for herself. I really didn’t want to go to this fashion show… but I can only blame myself for being so stupid that I kept the invitation at all. I should have just thrown it in the trash right after I found it in my mail. But no, I was such a cow, that I kept in my purse and didn’t even get rid of it, before coming to Nick’s apartment for the night. I didn’t expect him to find it, that’ for sure, but I guess I left my purse on the edge of the couch or something, without realizing it. In the morning Nick found it lying on the floor and because he is a perfect gentleman, he tried to help me and pick it up.

And he was interested instantly. Shoot, I didn’t want that! I know him, so it’s clear to me that he doesn’t care about fashion. Normally he would be pretty pissed, if a woman tried to drag him to an event like this. But this time he is suddenly interested? “Hey, that could be fun. Let’s go…as a couple.” His words! It was nice to hear him say we are couple, but I still could see through that – he wanted to see Kirstie again. How lame! So, I tried to back out as soon as possible, I lied and I made excuses, but I wasn’t prepared and I couldn’t think of anything good. And if I didn’t want to show him all my cards at once and admit that I know about his fling with Kirstie, I must have say yes in the end.

I am afraid I could lose him. What if that cunning shrew gets to talk to him and seduces him again?! No, I cannot let that happen. She doesn’t really know, who she has for enemy right now. I will not let her have Nick! I will fight for him with all my might! That’s why I have to look absolutely perfect and stunning tonight. I have already picked out perfect clothes, so I will now put them on - red satin midi low-cut dress with spaghetti straps and a sexy slit on the right side. I am going to be the queen of the night, for sure. I will be cold probably, but I’ll survive. Luckily, I have a really great coat for the time we will spend outside. Oh, I almost forgot my ruby earrings – let’s put them on.

I think I am ready. A little extra perfume and now wait for Nick to show up. He’s texting me: “In 5 m.” Really romantic message, right? Nope. Never mind. I guess I will come down to wait in front of the building for him. He’s always late, but now he’s on time? S**t, he must be excited then. I feel like I am reliving the prom again. No, I will not think about that now…

Nick left his car in front of the house and ordered a taxi for us. “Just in case we drink there,” he explained, while we were in that cab. “Yeah, a drink would be nice, that’s true,” I answered without even thinking. He looked at me, clearly puzzled, why I sound so desperate. “Oh, don’t mind me, I just had a bad day at work. Plus, it’s like I told you – I have never liked the people from the model agency, so that’s why I didn’t want to go in the first place.” I looked at him for a sign, if he believes that crap. And he did! He even seemed a little ashamed. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I just thought it could be nice and I didn’t see it as a big deal, that’s all.” And he held my hand! Could you believe that?! Maybe this night won’t be a disaster after all.

We left the taxi and he acted like a perfect gentleman, offering me his hand and everything. For a moment there I felt like a queen. Nick looked amazing in his tux, I looked great too (and he even said it himself! finally…) and we were heading to the red carpet. What more can a girl want? It feels like a dream.

The fashion show was held in a big modern hotel and right in front of the entrance there were hostesses who welcomed the guests and asked them for their names to cross them of the list. I said my name and they let us in. I am actually starting to look forward to this evening.

But I can’t let my guards down at any moment - the most important thing for me to do tonight is to never leave Nick’s side, not even for a second. I can’t let him talk to Kirsite alone. That would be too risky! I just hope he will be bored soon enough and we will leave and enjoy the night in other and more pleasant way.

***

Nick

Oh my god, how I hate wearing a tuxedo. I feel like a complete i***t and totally out of place. And why did I ever want to go to such a pretentious and pompous event? Did I really think this was a good idea? And for what? For a girl who is not single and probably doesn’t even remember me or care at all. Have I hit my head recently? I guess so, otherwise I wouldn’t do such crazy stunts…

I wonder why Natalia didn’t want to come here. Also, it is a little suspicious that she hasn’t even told me she used to work in the model industry. When I was asking her why, she explained that it was just a short-lived gig, which she ended up hating. “And the people there were just awful… I was relieved when I found my waitressing job and I could quit.” Ok, plausible. Maybe if it wasn’t the very firm where Kirstie is working, I wouldn’t even think about it. But I still find it a little weird that Natalia is so vague about her past – and obviously even the recent one. When I met her, she told me about working in the diner right away (although I failed to remember it the first time) and it sounded like she’s there for I don’t know how long. In reality, she was just starting there… There is something fishy about all of this.

All right, I am not in the position to judge anyone right now, I know. I’ve done some pretty questionable things too and now I am here – using Natalia to get closer to another woman. Not pretty, I know! Ok, but let’s make sure it wasn’t all for nothing. I need to start looking around for any trace of Kirstie...

We are in a big hall, with crystal clear white floor (that’s a really bad idea for a party, if you ask me – or rich guy don’t spill food and drinks at all?) which was made to look like made of ice. There were big windows at the other side of the room, partly covered by big silver drapes with shiny little beads on them (at least I think it wasn’t diamonds but who knows…). The room was already filled up with a bunch of people, everybody was dressed up like us, probably even better. But I don’t understand fashion at all. I had to google the dress code requirements, just to be sure, I won’t look like a jerk here.

Everybody seems to have a good time, people are talking in groups, and in the right corner there is even a piano, softly playing a boring tune to create atmosphere. Everybody has a glass of champagne. A waiter in tailcoat just gave them to me and Natalia. So, we click the glasses and I have a sip. But where is Kirstie??

I was actually starting to doubt, if we are in the right place, when I heard a really annoying high pitched voice behind me: “Excuse meeee, the artists coming through!” I turned my head and something big, fluffy and pink was coming my way, so I quickly stepped aside. Then I realized it must be the other designer, because everyone was looking at her with toadying admiration. That woman draw all the attention to herself, so I didn’t notice right away… but there was somebody next to her – Kirstie, of course. Beautiful and sexy , as I remember, maybe even more. She looked like some hot version of ice queen – she was wearing amazing long white dress (and not every girl can pull out white color) with little cut outs in the waist area. Her hair was up in a twisted bun, so I could easily admire her long neck. I couldn’t help, but to stare at her. After a while she looked at me too and I could see she was really surprised to see me there. But unfortunately it wasn’t clear, if it was a pleasant surprise or not.

Natalia leaned over and closer to me. “Sweetie, I feel like my dress is loose in the back, maybe a button undone… Could you check, please?” I agreed and checked it for her. “I think it’s fine.” She thanked me and gave me a little kiss on my cheek. ‘Not now, I thought.’ But of course I couldn’t say it out loud. Now Kirstie surely saw me and Natalia together… well, maybe that’s not so bad. She could get jealous.

But when I looked up again, there was no trace of her – again! Come does she do it? She vanished in a second! She would be an excellent burglar :). Ok, stop messing around. She obviously doesn’t want to have anything to do with me, if she disappeared like that. I shouldn’t have come here, now I probably ruined her big night. Ok, let’s get drunk with Natalia, since we’re already here.

***

We were getting something to drink when suddenly Kirstie showed up again and now it seemed like she was approaching me… ok, no, I was wrong. She came to say hi to Natalia, her ex-coworker. I guess that makes more sense. They greeted (very coldly in my opinion) and Kirstie said: “I am so glad you’ve decided to come after all, we thought you forgot about us, when we haven’t heard from you…” Truth is, she didn’t look ‘glad’. Even Natalia put on big fake smile now. “I was really taken by surprise that you even invited me – I mean, I worked in the studio for a very short time after all. I didn’t even make to the end of the first month.”

I was starting to sweat from the tension in the air. I really don’t understand women – why they are pretending everything is okay, if they clearly can’t stand one another?! I just wonder what happened between them… or could it be… that I was the problem? A catfight over Nicholas Parker, yeaaah, that sounds great – go, girls!

“It was Carrie’s idea to invite you since you are her great fan – she thought it would make your day to be here,” said Kirstie, bravely ignoring me in the process. “Yes, that was very nice of her,” Natalia answered politely and Kirstie added quickly: “Yes, it was. Especially, after you’ve quit only few weeks before the show.” That sounded a little vicious. Even Natalia didn’t know what to say at first. Then she remembered me and tried to change subject by introducing me. “Have you met my BOYFRIEND Nick?” Oh my god, my ears almost exploded after hearing that awful word. But I had to remain calm because it was actually almost partially truth. I’ve been seeing Natalia for a while now, so it’s only logical, she thinks I am her boyfriend. Kirstie looked at me and I felt like a schoolchild in front of a strict teacher. Her face didn’t move at all as she tried to pretend it’s the first time we see each other. “Hello, nice to meet you,… Nick. I am Kirstie Stone.” She was somehow hesitant to shake my hand, but then she did. Trust me, if we were in an animated movie, they would be sparks flying all around as we touched.

I don’t even remember what I said to her, probably something very lame. I just wished I could be alone with her, for just one moment… even though I had a feeling Natalia won’t give us that chance. Then the universe spoke, if you trust in these things – or better, I had an incredible strike of good luck. Or was it a bad luck for Natalia? I guess she was holding her glass too firmly, or it was a damaged glass, but it broke in her hands and she cut her hand a little. It was bleeding and a waiter noticed it and practically dragged Natalia away, to treat her wound. “I’ll wait here!” I called after her.

“You should go with her! Your girlfriend gets hurt and you will just stand here?” Kirstie asked, with an irony in her voice. “She’s not my girlfriend. I came here to see you… I want to talk to you, just for a bit, ok?” I had to take this chance, because I knew there won’t be any other one. This one moment, or none at all. I took Kirstie gently by her shoulder and try to get her somewhere quieter with her. “Hey, where are you taking me? You wanted to talk – so, talk!” Kirstie was a little pissed, so I looked right into her eyes (oh yeah, they are somewhere between green and blue, I remember now…) and told her everything. I don’t actually remember any of it, because I didn’t even think about it – I just blurted it out… Will she feel the same way as I do?

***

Kirstie

Oh my god! This was supposed to be the night of my life, I was supposed to just sit back and enjoy the fashion show and hope our new models will be successful. I was prepared to set aside my romantic life for a while and then enjoy the rest of the night with William. I wanted to make it work between us, so, so, so much. But then? Everything got weird and complicated in a second. Nick showed up at the reception tonight! How is that even possible? Oh yeah, he came with that weird assistant Natalia, who was all sweet and nice to me one day and back-stabbing the next. Not only did she quit right before the show, but she also told Carrie that I was the reason! She said something about me being to bossy, too critical and impossible to please. Carrie told me herself, even thought she mentioned that Natalia had begged her not to tell me anything specific. Poor Natalia didn’t know that Carrie couldn’t keep a secret, even if her life was at stake.

I thought Natalia will have at least some decency in her and decline our courtesy invitation but no… she came and brought… Nick?! Apparently her boyfriend that she has never mentioned! She spent all of her working hours gossiping and asking me about my personal life, but she never even imply that she was seeing somebody. And not just anybody – but the one guy I’ve been trying to forget ever since I’ve had met him. Now… he’s here… and looking at me! And I have a feeling that Natalia noticed. Now, he’s touching her and she’s kissing him… I can’t look at it! I can’t breathe. I hate to go to the bathroom, right now.

***

Ok, ok, I am calm now. Well, that’s not entirely true, but I’m better. My head stopped spinning for a while and now I am realizing how happy I am that William is late. I already texted him, asking what has been holding him – but now I am so glad he didn’t come on time and didn’t see me freaking out over another guy. That would be really hard to explain to him…

So, here they are – together. Getting drinks! He’s helping her and she is probably telling him something funny because he is smiling. Ok, I have to go over there! I can’t stand this anymore! Who does she think she is?

I am trying really hard to just focus on Natalia as we speak. I hardly even listen what she’ saying anyway. She’s so arrogant tonight, didn’t even understand my point, when I was trying to imply that her leaving the studio on such a short notice wasn’t really decent thing to do.

I can see with my peripheral vision that Nick is staring at me. Why does he have such a stupid grin on his face? Does he find this situation funny? Yeah, comedy gold for him, a horror movie for me.

Natalia finally didn’t have any comebacks, so I was ready to leave this couple. But she decided to brag about her love with Nick, so she introduced him and even stroked him on his arm. A little possessively, if you ask me. He barely even acknowledged her and just kept staring at me. Finally his smirk disappeared, but he gave me a look that I could never ignore. All the emotions were coming back to me, even though I tried to remain calm and not to show that I already know him. I mean it, would be great to get back at Natalia, but I don’t want to hurt her, so I don’t ‘want her to know I’ve spent a magical night with her man.

I was doing barely okay, but then we shook hands with Nick and it got even worse. I had goose bumps all over my body instantly. I have never met anyone with the same effect on me. And even he seemed a little nervous now… His voice was softly higher than usual, when he said: “Nice to meet you too, Kirstie, I am happy to be here tonight, I am looking forward to see your work.”

Natalia, on the other hand, wasn’t very happy with the way he was talking to me. She even squeezed her glass too much and got hurt. And before I knew how, we were alone with Nick and he was suddenly acting very differently and more decisively. He dragged me further away and claimed that Natalia isn’t in fact his girlfriend. “I mean, I am seeing her but it doesn’t mean anything to me. I would dump her long ago, if I didn’t need her to get here for this show,” he started his little speech.

I opened my mouth to say something, but before I got to it, he was talking again: “I know it sounds horrible, but you know already, I am not truly a good guy. It was crazy of me to come here, especially if we are both seeing other people, but I just had to see you again and tell you this – I like you… A LOT.  I usually don’t care too much about love and stuff. I didn’t even think it was possible for me to feel like this again – but here I am, babbling i***t, just as if I was seventeen again. So, I thought you should know. I don’t expect you to do anything about it, heck, I don’t even expect you to feel the same way about me. I just wanted to be honest and say this: I like you, Kirstie. You are amazing and I have to say - thank you…”

I blinked a few times, trying to understand it all. “Thank me… for what?” I heard myself asking. “Thank you that you exist. You’ve showed me I am not dead inside after all.” And then he grabbed my hand and kissed it. It was exactly like some lame romantic movie scene. I was speechless. I honestly didn’t know what to respond to something like this. I stood there for what seemed to be years, although it was probably just seconds. Then I heard a familiar voice, calling me. It took me a moment to realize, it’s actually William!

He was quickly approaching me from across the room. He was waving at me and I managed only to smile back. In the next moment, he was beside me and giving me a quick kiss on my cheek. “I am so sorry, my love! I didn’t want to be late…” I cut a glance at Nick and saw his disappointment, even though hidden behind the mask of a show off guy. “It’s okay, Will, I am just glad you didn’t miss the show. Maybe we should find you your seat?” I suggested. He was probably expecting me to introduce him to Nick and was a little confused. But I didn’t wait for an answer. “Excuse us,” I said to Nick and I left with Nick. I wish he understood I was trying to really apologize and imply that I don’t have a response to his declaration. I am about to get married to someone else and I need to make it work. Although the chemistry with Nick made mess in my head every time.  Even now – it was just one moment and somehow it was more interesting than the rest of my life.

“Who was it?” William asked, when we left the room and went to the hall with the stage and bunch of chairs. Some people were already in their places. “Who? Oh yeah, you mean Nick… he came with Natalia, do you remember her? You’ve met her in our studio.” I tried to play it cool. Truth is, I was sweating like crazy and my palms were cold as ice, as I was nervous. “Yes, yes, the assistant. She was really kind.” Yeah, Natalia and kind – bite me. Will is so naïve. She was flirting with him then, now she’s dating Nick, it’s like she’s everywhere lately. But I should focus on something else today – my work. Ok, breathe in, breathe out… Calm down…