And tonight it’s just going to be us. What will we talk about?
The question that’s on my mind the most is why did he choose me? I didn’t think it was likely to ever see him again, and yet here we are, going to the opera. What am I supposed to make of that?
I get out of the shower, pull on a robe, and go about my ritual of getting ready. I want to look perfect for him.
I apply my makeup with care and make sure that my lipstick matches the new dress I bought. I blow dry my hair and curl it before brushing it to one side. I put black kohl around my eyes and think that I look dramatic…perfect for the opera.
Stepping into my dress, I admire myself in the mirror. I’m not narcissistic, but even I have to admit that tonight, I look pretty damn good. There’s nothing like an opera dress to cheer a girl up.
Henry, the doorman from downstairs, calls to alert me to the fact that Finn has arrived. I go down to meet him and see his handsome face talking to Henry in the lobby.
He turns to see me and, for a second, our eyes lock. Time stands still, and there’s only us.
Henry ceases to exist, and so do the walls and the building. It’s just him and me in our fantasy world, our own moment of seduction.
I break our gaze first and look nervously towards Henry. Maybe he’ll say something to break the ice.
Instead, Finn takes command.
He approaches me and says, “You look ravishing.”
I attempt to hide my blushing cheeks though I know it’s impossible. He’s looking at me with intensity, like he’s fully aware of the sparks that are flying between us.
“Thank you, Finn. That means a lot. I see you’ve met Henry. He’s like family around here,” I say.
“Well, then it’s good to meet you, Henry. I’m Finn,” I watch him shake Henry’s hand and admire how nice he’s being to the old man for my sake.
Henry looks at him watchfully and says, “Take care of her.”
“Don’t worry, I will,” Finn says with a wink and a smile.
As we walk away, I tell him, “Henry’s very protective of me. With my brother gone, he feels the need to scrutinize all of my dates, not that there’s been very many.”
I don’t tell Finn about the death of my parents or about my drug-addicted brother. I don’t say that, sadly, Henry’s the closest thing to a grandfather I have, even though he’s just the doorman.
Finn smiles, and he looks pleased to have me take his arm. He’s wearing a suit, and he looks fucking hot in it.
I have to control the wetness that’s starting to spread between my legs. There’s no use in ruining this opera dress now. I’ve only just barely put it on.
He takes me out to the waiting limo. We get in, and I see that he has champagne and chocolate waiting for us.
“The chocolates are from your family’s business. I thought you might like to try them,” he says, offering me a piece.
He pours me a glass of champagne to complement the chocolate, and I take it.
“Thank you, but if I’m honest, I’ve had enough chocolate in my system to last a lifetime.”
We both laugh, and the limo takes off. There’s nothing like New York City at night, especially from the confines of a limousine.
I people-watch and see all the tourists and New Yorkers going about their evening. It’s like any other day, except this time I’m with a man. He has no idea how inexperienced I am in the realm of dating. And I have no intention of making it obvious.
I have no doubt he’s sampled the dating pool to a large extent. He seems like the kind of guy that would do that—a player.
We get to the opera house, and Finn himself opens the door for me. Once we get out and walk up the steps, people stare at us immediately.
“Why are people staring at us?” I ask him.
“Correction: they’re staring at you. It’s because you’re gorgeous, Aurora. You really have no idea how gorgeous you are, do you?” he asks.
I have no words to answer his question. I like to look my best, yes, but I’ve never considered myself to be gorgeous.
Finn’s changing all that already. I start to see myself through his eyes.
Under his gaze, I feel worthy…and wanted. I feel a strange amount of desire creep into my body. He makes me feel special, safe, and admired.
And most of all, he makes me feel as though I can finally let go—because he’ll take care of the details.
For once, I’m not in control. He is.
We walk into the building, and everywhere we go, people seem to know Finn, and they congratulate him on taking over his father’s business.