“Um, yeah. I didn’t really do anything, but this is amazing. I’m really glad. Now, we can get supplies and...” I was trying to show my excitement.
He continued for me, “Expand to include more students, maybe add a sports program.” His head was buzzing with ideas as he imagined all the money could afford them.
Me on the other hand, I felt like I was going to pass out. What did KP want from me? Surely he didn’t need to try this hard to get laid.
“It’s really thrilling,” was all I could add.
“Have you two been friends a long time?” he asked casually.
Bile surged into my throat, but I swallowed it back. “I hardly know him.”
“Well, he’s on his way over. I thought it would be nice if he met the kids and then we could thank you both.” His face flashed a kindhearted smile.
I died. He was on his way? From New York? Oh my god. Before I had time to pick myself up off the floor, I heard the tap of expensive shoes on the linoleum. My heart exploded. I tried to stabilize my breathing but couldn’t. Was it him? A few short moments later, the answer came walking into the office with the front desk attendant. I was breathless.
“Ah, Mr. Preston,” the director stood and shook KP’s hand, “it is an honor.”
The man of my dreams and nightmares extended his hand and accepted the handshake.
“Please call me KP,” he said coolly, then eyed me.
I smiled nervously. I wanted my smile to look cool and “piss-off-you-ogreish” but I just felt like I’d shit myself.
“Mr. Preston.” I nodded.
He smiled. His eyes met mine with the same intensity we always shared. It was if we had found each other over the millenia of time. While he angered me, his eyes were always comforting. When he regarded me, I knew there was something more in there, something no one else could see. I just doubted it. I was in no position to have any power over those observations though, I was too nervous.
“You too, please just call me KP. I prefer it,” he said kindly, without any note of lecherousness.
“Of course. Well, we are so happy to have you here…” the director went on to gush and guffaw, allowing me to step back and watch KP.
I think he knew that I was looking at him. He was tall and strong and always looked so well put together in his expensive suits. He oozed power and control. I tried to see past the plastic facade of a movie mogul who made people tremble, into a deeper place within him. A human place. I saw a glimpse, a tiny glimmer as he genuinely engaged with some of the younger kids. One boy in particular had a very visible burn scar on his face. KP seemed drawn to that boy and there it was, that tiny glint of humanity I was searching for. It was gone, though, after the boy darted off with some other children. Plastic-face-man returned.
The program director gave him a mini speech about what he was planning to do with the generous amount of money KP donated. As we walked around the buildings, he showed us what the students were learning. KP must have been bored out of his mind, but he never showed it, keeping a plastic expression of interest firmly planted on his face.
When we got to my class, there was a roar of excitement as the students greeted me. They all clamored around me, trying to show their work. A big assignment was due that day and most were eager to show me what they had been working on. I responded to them the way I always had, with enthusiasm and encouragement. To me, this was like every other day. A lot of the students showed tremendous potential. In fact, some were extremely gifted. I, luckily, was able to lose myself in my students, which helped me forget that KP was watching me.
When we were done with the students, the program director offered to take us to lunch but KP declined the offer politely and said that he’d already made plans. I felt both relieved and disappointed when KP kindly excused himself from our meeting. I was left unsure of what my next move might be.
I looked at the director and smiled. “I should probably get to the hospital to see Gran. I only had the one class today.”
“Sure thing, give her my best. And Cait, thank you again.” He smiled kindly.
“No problem.”
As I was leaving, I got a text message: Meet me outside – KP
On shaky legs, I walked out the front door to find him standing next to his Bentley, his driver at the wheel.
“Hello.”
I had to look away from those eyes and what they did to me. “How did you get my phone number?”
“I have my ways,” he said in a playfully sinister tone.
A smile played at my lips. “Oh.”
I was ready to surrender, only because I was tired of fighting him. I had been wrestling with my attraction to him for so long, I felt like giving him a chance to speak his mind was a fair thing to consider.
“Nothing too scandalous. Your business cards are at the City Gallery.”
Right, I had forgotten about those, stupid publicity and marketing department.
I decided to be honest but not unkind. “What do you want from me?”
“I want a chance to get to know you, that’s all.” He seemed equally as honest.
“Why?” I needed to know, once and for all.
“You fascinate me. And truthfully, outside of the fact that you’re gorgeous, I really don’t know why. I’ve been trying to figure that out.”
His attempt at sincerity might have been working.
“What do you want to know?” I sounded abrasive, even though I hadn’t meant to.
“First, will you have lunch with me?”
“I thought you had lunch plans.” Again, with the abrasive bitchiness.
I had to get some control over my feelings. He looked at me, deeply.
“With you. I made lunch plans hoping you’d join me,” he confessed.
“You didn’t need to spend five million dollars just to get me to go to lunch with you,” I scolded.
He seemed so nervous, it was endearing. “So, will you join me for lunch?”
My stomach twisted as all the emotions I was feeling churned around. “Yes.”
He blew out a breath. “Then apparently I did.”
I frowned and got my panties in a wad. With only a few words, I was ready to throw a verbal punch.
I laid into him. “I can’t be bought—”
He held up his hands, interrupting me. “It was a joke… just a joke. I spent it on the kids. It’s a good cause. I’m, um… I…”
Oh good, he was flustered.
“It was very generous. Where do you want to go for lunch?” I was nervous too, but ready to do this.
“I know a great place,” he said with a gorgeous smile that made his eyes sparkle.
The short car ride to the seafood restaurant was awkward at best. He offered me some water and juice from his mini fridge. I decided to make light of the amenity, rolling my eyes while I refused his offer.
“Why do you need a refrigerator?”
“I spend a lot of time in the car,” he answered as he braced himself for my attack.
“Why?” I asked again.
“I like snacks,” he playfully confessed.
I laughed despite myself.