Layers(30)

“I’m glad you’re here,” he says, taking my hand in his.

“Why is that?” I look at him and sigh, pulling my hand slowly back. His mouth twists and he lets go.

“Because I wanted to see you, because I would like to talk to you,” he answers, his genuine gaze locked on mine.

“Daniel, I can’t do that right now, please,” I request. I look at him facing me and I want to hug him tight, have him close to me just like we were in his house. I’m surprised at how difficult it is to hold on my fa?ade. I think he senses he has this effect on me and is taking unfair advantage.

“Can we go somewhere private to talk?”

Hazel steady on uncertain brown. Hell no.

“Not now. I’ve just arrived and I promised Natasha I’d stay with her.”

“She seems to be doing just fine without you,” he says dryly, evidently less than content with my reply, sarcastically gesturing to where Tasha stands surrounded by several men, laughing happily.

“Mr. Stark, I’m sorry, but may I disturb you?” Daniel’s PA is by our side looking more stressed than ever, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her presence. Daniel’s eyes turn from gentle to darker and irate; his features gain an edge.

“What is it now, for god’s sake,” he says in a low, clipped voice. “Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something here, Anne?”

How can he change so quickly from talking softly and gently to me to … that? How glad I am that I don’t work for him, psycho.

“Umm, the hospital representatives would like to talk to you, and then there are the two documents you requested earlier that you look at before you sign … You mentioned they were urgent.” She flushes, biting her lips, waiting for his response. He inhales heavily, frowning at her, and then turns my way, his eyes soft again.

“I’ll look for you later. Don’t run away.”

Is it just me or does he really look almost pleading? “I left the red sneakers at home like you suggested so even if I try, I can’t run. Not in these.” I nod toward my stilettos. His lips pull up crookedly. And then, to my shock, as well as to the surprise of the group of people beside us and of Miss Anne Bally, he frames my face with both hands and kisses me at the corner of my mouth, lingering for a few seconds. I’m left flushed and flustered, looking at him walk away in long strides while Miss Bally follows him, awkward but fast on her high heels, making an immense effort to catch up with him.

“What was that all about?” Tasha asks, handing me another glass of champagne.

“I’m not so sure, Tash. He wants to talk. I have no idea what he really wants.”




“Well, with that little show, I guess it’s quite obvious that what he wants is you!” She nods in determination, clinking her glass with mine.

We join Tasha’s team again for a long, vivid discussion about the current presidential election campaigns.

“Ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention please,” the host of the evening announces, to which the overall buzz gradually subsides as the crowd turns to face the center stage in groups.

“Good evening, everyone. I would like to welcome you all to the Stark Software and Benioff Children’s Hospital fundraising event.” A fake smile full of bleached teeth radiates from his orange faux-tanned face as he pauses to look over the audience. He runs his hand over the side of his slick tux and continues, “Today’s fundraising is for the oncological research laboratories at Benioff Children’s Hospital. The Benioff Children’s Hospital has been supported by Stark Software for many years now.” He stares at the audience with a stern fa?ade and adds, “Now, let me invite Mr. Harrison, Stark Software’s spokesperson, to tell you a little bit more about Stark Software’s tireless effort.” With catlike, quick paces he steps to the center of the stage as he declares, “Let’s all welcome Mr. Harrison, ladies and gentleman.”

As the applause erupts from the crowd a russet haired, lean, tall, impressive-looking man in a grey tux makes his way to where the host is awaiting him, microphone tilted forward.

“I thought Stark himself would be the one speaking on behalf of his company,” a lady behind us says with a sarcastic bite.

Tasha, in response, leans toward me. “I thought so, too.”

“He prefers not to be the center of attention,” I whisper back, recalling what he told me during our conversation a few days ago, and smile, thinking how I liked learning that.

“Good evening everyone, and thank you for being here this evening,” Mr. Harrison says. “It is an honor for me to be speaking on behalf of Stark Software at this charity event tonight about this significant cause.” He continues articulating in a highly-polished manner about the ongoing contribution of Stark Software to the children’s hospital, about donations and volunteering programs that were held over the past year. On the grand screen behind the stage there’s a slideshow of moments taken from the volunteer activities, of the hospital, and of its patients.

“Though I believe the person we should be thanking is Mr. Stark, who initiated our partnership with the Benioff Children’s Hospital,” he says at the end of his speech. Above the applause he adds, “Mr. Stark, can you join me here on the stage for a few words?”

I turn my head to where Mr. Harrison’s stare is directed to notice a mix of discomfort and compliance on Daniel’s face. I follow him as he walks confidently and gracefully toward the gentleman awaiting him. At the stage it only takes him a few short steps till he reaches his place beside his spokesman.