The Fancy Pants Club — Chapter 21 - Keeping Up With Shakespeare

~ Vincent ~

“Vincent! Hey!” Daniella exclaimed the moment she realized it was I. With her surprised reaction, it didn’t take me long to realize that she was in disbelief.

I couldn’t blame her really. Returning to the chateau this early in the middle of our mission was unexpected. Circumstances had me deciding to come back here leaving the others to finish the task, most especially Erik since this mission had something to do with Iopata’s Cloud Blue shipment - his old man’s illegal trails.

Of course, Erik didn’t like me returning here. If he could put up a tantrum, he would have done so long ago and I tell you, his definition of tantrum meant putting a bullet in a man’s head. But since we are in the same coterie and I am his friend, he couldn’t do it other than giving me a warning glare to stay away from Daniella.

I knew that something was up between these two since they returned from Rohan’s session. Unfortunately, the guru didn’t give me the juicy details so I was left pondering on my own. I am sure of one thing though, that Erik’s concrete moves on Daniella have already begun.

I guess the fire has already been lit.

Daniella beamed a smile on me just as I took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“You look stunning in green, Daniella, ” I remarked.

“Thank you for the compliment, Vincent.” She shyly looked away whilst showing the beginnings of a blush.

“Let’s go?”

“S-sure.”

Opening my elbow a bit, she looped an arm around with tense shoulders. I didn’t mind it when we started into the hallway but when she remained oddly silent, I decided to ask: “You look like you have seen a ghost, Daniella. Please relax.”

She stifled a laugh then. “I’m sorry. I am just surprised that you are here.”

“Hmm...” I released a throaty grumble. “Were you expecting someone else?” I knew that she is and who this man is particularly but I tested her by asking instead.

“Ah no, no.” She blinked rapidly, looking down on the floor. “I am not expecting anyone. Well, other than Suri and Mr. Ian, but that’s beside the point. Why are you here anyway? I thought you are in some kind of classified work in who-knows-where?”

I raised an eyebrow, amused by the straightness of her answer.

“Oh, you noticed the secretiveness of the club huh?” I said as we entered the elevator.

“I’ve noticed quite enough since I became a member, ” I heard her answer as I pushed the second floor button.

When I returned to her side, I gave her a wink. “What an observant woman you are.”

She smirked at me in response. “So I’ve been told.”

We were silent for a while just as the elevator started to descend down. Thinking about her earlier question, I suppose I needed to give her a good, reasonable answer.

“To tell you the truth, ” I started after a heavy sigh. She looked up at me and waited patiently. “My presence in my classified work, as what you’ve put it, is not needed anymore. I prefer to return in the chateau and help you guys with the activities while Prez is absent.”

Although Iopata men are better off dead, I have sworn off killing for personal reasons, so I chose not to get involved with the gory activities as much as possible.

“That’s so thoughtful of you, Vincent, ” she awarded me an understanding smile. “But hey, I know that it is restricted information but would you mind if I ask where the others are?”

Immediately my thoughts fell on Erik.

“You care that much with him huh?” This time, it was me who smirked.

“Come again?” She gave me a confused face. I don’t know if she was just acting or she was really clueless of what her words meant.

“Nothing, ” I answered quickly as I shook my head. “Bosnia. Erik and the others are in Bosnia right now, Daniella.”

The elevator dinged and opened. The whole time we managed our way towards the second-largest function room where the party was held, I didn’t hear one sound from her other than an audible gasp before we stepped outside the elevator.

“You are silent, why? That didn’t surprise you at all?” I asked genuinely curious.

“It did actually, but I don’t see the point of asking further questions when I know you won’t divulge them anyway.”

“Hmf, wise woman.” I squeezed her arm.

“So I’ve been told. Again.” She looked at me proudly.

“Why not stop this conversation about secrets and classified info, Daniella? Let’s just enjoy this party. What’s the name of the celebrant again?” I asked.

“Irisha Mitchell, ” she answered immediately. “Daughter of a politician.”

I was impressed. “Hmm... I see that you are doing your homework well.”

She gave me a pleased grin. “I have to at least show the guests that I am worthy of being called a Fancy Pants Club member, Mr. VP.”

“And you are, even if you do not try at all. You’re a natural Daniella.” I gave her another wink.

She smiled silently and drew her gaze on the double doors ahead of us. A male retainer was waiting for us to enter, preparing himself to open the doors.

Before we could proceed though, I paused and nudged at her.

“By the way, Suri can’t join us. She tells me to give you a heads up, ” I informed.

Daniella’s brows lifted and asked me directly, “Why?”

I shyly ran my fingers on my gelled slick-back hair - a style that best suited my black Armani suit and glanced at her way. “She needs to...type a report in Karl’s office, ” I replied.

Still, I had to put some degree of confidentiality. I wouldn’t want her to worry about Suri when she finds out that her pink-haired friend is having withdrawal symptoms because of Amano’s absence.

“Oh, I see.” She bent her head down as if contemplating something.

“You’re probably thinking that it is one of those secret information we have right?”

“No, I’m actually thinking that she is having a hard time coping up with Amano’s absence. But your suggestion is not far from my second reason.”

Wow, she hits right on spot.

“How about you? Are you coping up just fine?” I queried, unable to restrain myself. I had to know to what extent Erik had touched her heart.

“What is there to cope up Vincent?” But she answered just as nonchalantly as many other times. I mentally shook my head. This woman. Could it be that she hasn’t had a boyfriend before? Or maybe she is just oblivious of Erik’s specific attention on her?

“The absence of a particular someone perhaps?” I stared at her without blinking. For a moment, I saw her eyes shift uncomfortably but then recovered as if the tension wasn’t there.

“I believe it is time for us to go inside Vincent, ” she abruptly announced.

Ah, what a master subject changer. I grinned at her.

“Then, let’s enter and show our guests the fancy side of the club, ” I informed and then signaled the retainer to open the double doors.

“Yes, I believe we shall, ” I heard her whisper once the spotlights illuminated us directly from the ceiling.

***

With a champagne glass on my right hand, I was left on my own to muse about whilst Daniella stood with the other maidens in the party at the wide dance floor. Earlier, the host called all of them to do a traditional coming-of-age rite where they get to hold a white lotus candle and surround the celebrant. She was included in the group, so I am on my own as of the moment. However, a familiar elderly voice broke my focus on Daniella when he grabbed a chair and sat next to me.

“For a new member, she’s a fine woman Mr. Altair, ” Senator Mitchell remarked and when I glanced, I saw him make a thin smile. “It’s not my business to say this but you too look perfect together.”

With graying hair and reading glasses, a neat haircut, and wearing a white tuxedo, he didn’t look much of a Cupid at all but his words stung me for a split second.

“Really now?” My brow rose as my line of sight caught Daniella again who was closing her eyes and humming a song led by the host.

“I am not kissing your ass at all. What I say is true, ” he added. His gaze fell on her way and even though the lights were dim, I saw a clear pleased expression.

“Then, I believe it is my lucky night tonight, ” I commented with a happy tone. “I don’t get to escort that lady all by myself you know.”

“Because of the other members?” the senator queried.

Erik’s face popped out of my thoughts immediately.

“Hmm... I’d like to think of it that way, Senator Mitchell, ” I announced.

“You speak in riddles, Mr. Altair. You know you can always tell me the truth.”

“The truth is that your daughter is a beauty, Senator, ” I swiftly swerved. Tipping the champagne glass on my lips, I sipped its contents before saying, “My guess is she takes it from her mother?”

“Hah!” he patted on the table. “You are good with changing the subject, but yes, my daughter looks a lot like her mother. She’s your number one fan you know. If you like, I can arrange a date-”

“I’m sorry, ” I quickly butted in knowing what he was about to say, “I will have to decline your offer, Senator.”

He furrowed his brows in a way that showed amusement. “Is it because of Ms. Rosecraft?”

“Yes, it is because of her, ” without hesitating, I affirmed.

“I see, ” he shifted on his seat and then looked at the dance floor again. “Then, good luck to you Mr. Altair.”

“Thanks, Senator.” I left it at that.

While the rite went on, the rest of our talk was all about politics and my status in the club as the vice president. It was only during the last dance with the celebrant that he left my table. It was also during this time that Daniella returned.

“Is there something wrong?” was her first question when she sat.

A waiter appeared from my side and handed me a newly-filled glass. “None at all. Why do you ask?” I replied when the waiter left.

“Because you have been looking at me for quite some time Vincent, ” she looked at me, curious.

“Very perceptive of you darling.” I sampled my glass, but even though my head was slightly tilted up, my eyes were still trained on her.

“Well?” she spoke with patient breaths.

“Well, I was just wondering if you want to have a dinner date with me tomorrow evening, ” I blurted out without weighing the consequences. But with the absence of the Alpha, the consequences weren’t really considered a problem for now.

“A date? Tomorrow?” she looked taken aback of my offer.

“Yes.”

For a moment, she was silent. Her head was bent as if weighing on something my initial guess was Erik-related but she gave me an apologetic face then and answered, “Uh... well, I have a Snapchat appointment with my mother tomorrow evening.”

It was the truth. I’m sure of it because Erik doesn’t ever use Snapchat. He hated the damn thing.

“I see, then how about the next night? Would that be favorable?” I changed the schedule instead.

She beamed me a smile and nodded, “I do have a kickboxing session with Armelia during that time, but I can always cancel it.”

At that moment, I felt a warm feeling on my chest. I haven’t felt this way after so many years, but it was too juvenile, too tiny a warmth for me to say that I was in love with her. Right now, I am just happy that she accepted our dinner date. I like her company. I like spending time with her. And I also would want to know more about this woman who had saved my good friend’s life both figuratively and literally.

“Good, I will pick you up at six. Dress something that is street casual, ” was my instruction.

“I will wait then, ” she declared.

From her side of the table, I took the margarita she hadn’t touched since we came. I lifted my glass higher and eyed her a dare with her margarita in hand.

She took it with a grin and held it up in line with mine.

“Cheers to us?” I said.

“Yeah, to us.”

And we clank our glasses with smiles on our faces.

***

~ Daniella ~

At exactly six in the evening, Vincent knocked on my door. I hurried to open it with me ready overall. Since he told me to be street casual, I chose to wear faded skinny jeans, a white blazer to cover my black tee, and a four-inch sandal. Vincent, as usual, looked his dapper self in brown boots, jeans, and a beige V-neck shirt with a brown scarf and coat.

He handed me a bouquet of white roses which was very thoughtful of him. I placed it on an empty vase and poured water on it in a jiffy, leaving it in my bedside table when Vincent and I continued on our way. He used his personal sportscar, a Maclaren, to drive us to our destination.

Called as ‘The Cliff’, the restaurant really embodied its name. The two-storey building stood next to an imposing cliff that boasted a hundred-foot drop towards the rocky waters. I know I looked silly with my eyes wide and my hands clasping together against my belly when we entered the restaurant. Luckily, Vincent’s reassuring hand on the small of my back gave me an added courage.

“Just relax, you’re with me, ” he said after ghosted me a wink. “Enjoy the place and the view.”

I nodded and hauled a deep breath.

We entered the second floor wherein our reserved table was, in a balcony that overlooked the black ocean beyond. My breath hitched when Vincent guided me to the railing.

“Come and look, Daniella, ” he urged.

I did with a nervous smile.

“Wow, ” was my first expression when I saw the natural beauty that was around us. True that it made me feel nauseous just looking at the drop below, but with the overall beauty of the landscape, I forgot quickly about it.

“This place is so breathtaking Vincent, ” I exclaimed looking forward while the sea breeze kissed my face.

“It is, ” I heard him say next to me, “but you forgot to mention one thing.”

“And what is that?” I glanced at him and smiled.

“Romantic, ” was his reply, a faint curve of his lips appeared. I swallowed involuntarily because of it.

“Oh... yes, the place is romantic too, ” I agreed, diverting my attention away from him.

“The food here tastes great also, Daniella.” He backed away from the railing, disconnecting the little pull we had because of the word, and pulled a seat from our table. “I took the liberty of ordering our entree beforehand. Come, sit here.”

‘What a gentleman, ’ my thoughts commented, and then I felt myself blush.

“That’s quite thoughtful of you Vincent, ” I stated when I accepted the cushioned chair.

He sat opposite me with practiced ease and stared deep into my eyes without delay.

“Please darling, just call me Vince, ” he spoke.

I shied away and brought my eyes down the table. “I think I can’t do that, Vincent. It’s just too informal.”

“But please I insist. I like how my name leaves your mouth. It is like a soft chime played by a tender breeze.” He leaned closer and pressed his fingers on his chin.

I chuckled lightly. “You really are a Shakespearean at heart huh?”

For a moment, he blanked out, blinked a few times, and then cleared his throat. “You...you are the second woman who told that to me.”

“And who is this woman?” I lifted a brow, intrigued. “I suppose a close acquaintance of yours?”

“Hmmm... You can say it like that.” He looked away and stared into the black ocean again.

Something was bothering him, I could feel it in my gut. It doesn’t take a genius for someone to notice that though since his changing expressions were so clear to see.

I just remained silent and watched as a waitress placed our orders. When she was done, Vincent turned his attention on me again and asked, “Daniella, would you mind if I request something from you?”

I nodded without hesitation since I trusted him. “Sure, anything as long as it is reasonable.”

“Can you model for me again? I really want to paint you.”

My breath paused for a second. A model? Me? Again?

“Wow, I feel honored with your invitation, Vince.” I traced the corner of my wine glass in slow motion, thinking and weighing things down, especially the fact that Erik still owned my schedules. But with him being MIA, I think I can decide on my own. “Would that include being nude?” I thinned my eyes and gave him a suspicious look.

I heard him chuckle then. “No, but if you’re suggesting, I am always open for a new perspective.”

“Haha, very funny, ” I rolled my eyes in mock annoyance.

“So what do you think?” He grabbed my hand, the one that was playing the glass, and sandwiched it with his own. He looked genuinely waiting for my reply with high hopes.

“Yeah, I can be your class model again, ” I finally agreed, but then his brows furrowed.

“No, Daniella. Not in the class but my solo session.”

“Oh, ” my eyes widened briefly. “I...I see.” The thought of him and I in his studio alone had my heart immediately leaping for a second, but I dismissed the reaction away as just a simple womanly response. I didn’t care to think of it again.

The rest of the evening had us eating the contents of our plates while talking about the painting session tomorrow and some other related topics like his passion for music and arts and my family life. I told him about many things; about my mother being born in Monaco, France, and my father, an all naturale Londoner; about how they met and the fact that I was born in London but raised mostly in my mother’s homeland. In connection with that, I mentioned to him about my month-long admission to the hospital a year ago and the reason why I got there in the first place.

Vincent remained silent the whole time, nodding and showing that he was interested in my recollected memories. I, however, didn’t dismiss the fact that he smiled at me like he had some secret - a very important secret. With all the classified information of the club declined to me, I was used to it but somehow this kind of secretive smile he showed felt different. Really different.

Amidst this, in the end, we had a great time. Our friendship had advanced to the next level and I was happy with it and I know that he felt the same way.

***

“Thank you for spending this wonderful night with me, Daniella, ” he said whilst standing in my doorway.

“Likewise, thank you too, Vince.”

He leaned closer and kissed me in the cheek. I allowed him to without putting any meaning to it.

“Good night then.” He winked and beamed a smile while waving a hand.

I waved back, “Yeah, good night, ” and after which closed the door.

After three steps toward my receiving room, my hand found its way into the lock button of my purse. For some reason, I found myself having this unconscious habit of checking on my phone from time to time. While together with Vincent, I never thought of checking it, but now that I am left alone in my room, I am back to this routine.

Nope. There was nothing that showed on my phone except for the picture of an orchard landscape that Erik had already set up on my home screen. There were no calls or even a text message from him that would bother me.

I felt happy with it, but somehow a part of me wanted to have someone to talk to. After sauntering inside my bedroom, that’s when my silent wish came true. Ericka’s number popped out and her ‘Twerk It Like Miley’ ringtone sounded.

I smiled to myself before I pressed the accept button. Yep. I believe tonight we are going to have a long, long chat.