Evergreen Eyes

Chapter 4: Meeting The Infamous Ulbrecht

I woke up the next morning to the ringing of the hotel telephone. I wanted to smash that thing to pieces. I lied there just wishing it would stop, but I knew it wouldn't unless I answered it. So, I got up and as you can probably guess I did answer it.

"Hello?" I said after picking up the phone.

"Is this Ms. Olesia Aksan?" The lady on the other line asked.

"Yes, this is Olesia." I replied confused.

"I am Mr. Heinrich Ulbrecht's secretary, calling to cancel your dinner plans," She informed me.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a bit unimportant. This was getting frustrating. They have already cancelled twice.    

"His son though is still available," She began. "He would like to invite you to dinner at the XII Apostel around seven o'clock tonight."

"Oh," I was shocked. "Will it just be him and I?" I began to feel a little nervous.

"Yes, ma'am," She answered.

"Okay, I accept," I said.

"Good," She said. "We shall have a limo for you at six thirty."

"Thank you," I said. "Umm... is this in formal dress?" I asked because I didn’t want to be underdressed or overdressed for the occasion.

"No, casual would be most appropriate." She answered.

"Thank you," I said before hanging up. I was excited and nervous.

I brushed my hair one more time. It had to be perfect. I had to be perfect. I checked my khaki pants making sure there were no holes, wrinkles, or stains. I slid my clover green shirt over my head and shuffled it down my waist. I loved this shirt, because it brought out the colour in my eyes. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time making sure everything looked okay and then the phone rang.

RING RING. RING RING.

If there was one thing I was not going to miss in this room, it was that blasted phone. It annoyed the hell out of me.  

"Yes?" I answered.

"Your limo is ready, Miss."

"Thank you," I said hanging up.

I grabbed my scarf and gloves, and headed down to the hotel lobby. As I rode down the elevator it hit me... how is he going to know who I am?!? I had never met him, which meant he had never seen me. Maybe, it will be like where there was a reservation. I hoped and prayed that, that was it. That there was a reservation made for us, and I would just say Laiden Ulbrecht and they would take me to the table with him sitting there, and then I would blush because of how handsome he was. My nervous panic was not needed tonight. It would just ruin everything. So, I told myself everything would work itself out tonight. I would meet Laiden and he would be the most handsome and nicest man I had ever met. Once in the lobby I immediately found the limo. It was nice and roomy, with just me, but kind of lonely. The limo seemed to drive around Berlin three times before it finally arrived at XII Apostel.

I entered the restaurant amazed by the Italian appeal to it. The ceiling was painted as if it was the Sistine Chapel, and the air held heavily with the aroma of food. The lights were dimmed to create a romantic mood, and the fire place echoed off the walls. The place was packed and all I could think about was that there would be a reservation waiting for me.

"Ulbrecht, please," I said to one of the hosts.

"Your table is almost ready ma'am," He replied. "We are still cleaning it."

"Thank you," I smiled with relief and turned to go sit.

My back was aching from being so lazy. The slouching was starting to get to me. I sat straight up hoping that would help. Then I saw him sitting in the corner on his mobile. It was the airport man, the gorgeous airport man. Why did he have to be here now?!? I wanted to go over there so badly, but I could just imagine the scene it would create if Laiden saw me with him, but he didn't know what I looked like. So, a little hello would not hurt anyone. With my determination I walked over trying to seem as if I hadn't noticed him yet. I wanted him to see me. How weird would it look to him if I went over there and said hello. I mean he would probably think I was stalking him. He ended his conversation and looked up, but I quickly turned my back to him. Why did I do that?! Oh, how obvious I probably looked. I bet he saw me turn as soon as he looked over. How embarrassing is this. I always knew I sucked at these types of games, but why was I this bad?!

"Table for Ulbrecht," I heard the host call out.

Oh why now?! I hadn't even said hello to him yet. God, come on, I haven't done anything to get myself in trouble. Don't worry, I know you got my back, but this isn't anything real big. Knowing it was my last chance to have a little chit chat with my handsome stranger, I turned to say hello, but he was not there anymore. He was nowhere to be seen. I had choked... and because I choked I completely missed my chance to say hello and goodbye to him. I felt my heart crumbling. I felt as if I had lost a secret lover, forever. I was being completely senseless about this. Nothing would have ever happened between us. Ridiculous Olesia, you are being completely ridiculous.

"I am here for the Ulbrecht reservation," I walked over to the host saying.

"Ah, yes," He said. "For two?"

"Yes," I answered. "Is he here yet?"

"Yes, ma'am," He told me. "He is waiting for you. Right this way, please." He started leading the way.  

I followed him through the crowds of people, holding my breath as if that would give me luck; while walking I felt as if everyone was watching me. It was just me being silly, but the curious glances and stares I gathered from people gave me an eerie feeling. I wanted to cry and shout, and just go back home. I started sweating and my stomach felt like it was going to give way. I knew it was, because I was nervous... so I just needed to calm down. I was going to be fine.

"Laiden Ulbrecht, ma'am," The host said as he stopped at my table. Oh boy I was not expecting this.