More than a memory

Chapter 4

Something new

Roxanne

We heard shouting from behind the bushes and walked there to check out what was going on. Damon walked in front of me, when he stepped aside, he started clapping his hands. I saw a paparazzi running away and a familiar figure brushing off the dust of his hands. He turned to us for the sound of Damon's applause.

- Really nice job! - Damon complimented him and extended his hand for a handshake. I tried to catch a glimpse of my saviours eyes, but he moved his face in a way that he always avoided my eyes. Is he doing it on purpose or is it just a coincidence?

- What's your name? - Damon asked and I remembered about how we met thia morning for the first time with Jerry.

- Have you found your horse? - I asked with a laughter I couldn't hold back and I saw his charming smile getting wider. Jerry hung his head down and sighed dramatically while he answered.

- Unfortunately, I haven't. - Damon got confused.

- Do you know this gentleman Roxanne? - he asked me and I couldn't take my eyes off of Jerry. This morning I was in such a hurry that I didn't notice how handsome he was. Tall and really fit figure, sun-kissed skin and dirty blonde hair. I really liked his jawline and wondered how he would look without a t-shirt when Damon's voice arrived to my ears. I was still so amazed that I nodded before I answered.

- Yeah, his name is Jerry and he is a knight looking for his horse. - Jerry was looking at Damon and guffawed. I took a look at him and laughter bumped out of me. He looked totally lost and even a little annoyed. I felt a tear running down on my cheek and I couldn't remember when was the last time I laughed so freely.

- I've met the lady this morning while someone tried to steal her purse. That's the story for short. - Jerry explained and all I did was listening to his voice. His whole presence was so calming and natural.

- Oh, in this case I owe you another thanks. May we invite you for a drink? - Damon asked and my heart skipped a beat. I stared at Jerry and mentally begged to him to join us. I was way too interested in him.

- That is unnecessary, I still have to find that horse we mentioned before. - Jerry said and I felt a little emptiness. I tried to change his mind without being too obvious and hurt Damon's feelings. He invited me for a date and he also kissed me not so long ago... But Jerry was interesting. Damon was someone who I had to talk to before I could decide if he worthy of my time.

- Are you sure? It would be nice to have you there. - I said without too much hesitation and Jerry smiled still avoiding my glance.

- Definitely. Maybe another time. Have a lovely evening Mr. Butler and... My lady. - we watched him walk away and I had to giggle. Jerry put his hands in his pocket and his camera was swinging in his neck as he walked. I mumbled in front of myself.

-Who said knights don't exist anymore?

- What did you say? - Damon asked and I shook my head.

- Nothing important. - Damon smiled at me and offered his arm.

-In this case, shall we continue our date? - I turned to him and smiled pulling my arm away.

- I'm sorry Damon, but to be honest, this was too much of an excitement for one day. Would it be possible to enjoy a dinner together another day? - his smile faded and glanced behind me to the direction Jerry just left.

- Is there something between you and him? - he asked and there was something in Damon's eyes that made me alert and I took a step further.

- Not at all! I met him today. - I said and realized that I was afraid. I didn't like to be alone with Damon and I thought it would be better to go along with his wish just this once.

- Since we already came so far, I'll just try to relax. - I said linking my arm to his and Damon grinned at me.

-In this case, please follow me. - the dinner we spent together was actually really nice. Damon acted like a gentleman during the whole dinner and offered to give me a ride home.

- That isn't necessary at all. I'll catch a cab. - I said and looked around the street for a taxi. Damon held my waist and asked.

- Wouldn't it be more comfortable? Come on Roxanne. - he said and I gently removed his hand of my waist. He drank a little too much wine as I could judge.

- I don't think, but I really enjoyed the dinner. Thank you for inviting me. - Damon kissed the top of my hand and he waved to a taxi. It stopped and I got in. I waved goodbye to Damon and sighed loudly once the car pulled away

. - You didn't seem to like that guy. - the driver said and only then I noticed that someone was sitting at the seat next to him.

- Oh, sorry! I didn't notice this car was occupied! - suddenly the other passenger turned around and grinned at me.

- Is this how we have to meet you now?! Picking you up from the street? - I squeaked when I noticed the passenger was Clarissa.

- Oh, my God! What the hell are you doing here?! - I shouted and the driver glanced back.

- Roxy turn the volume down! There are some people here with sensitive hearing!

- No f*****g way! You are here too Rico! - I kept screaming in happiness.

- How did you know I was here? - I asked and they got a little silence.

- You told us you live here dummy! - Rico said and I shook my head.

- No, I mean that I was at that restaurant. - another short silence came before Clarissa answered.

- We came to surprise you but you weren't at home, so we checked the theater and there a dancer said that you left with New York's most handsome man. We had to see him! - Clarissa said giggling and I saw the disgusted expression on Rico's face. Clarissa caressed his cheek and gave him a peck.

- It was a waste of time anyway. Rico looks way better!

- That's right! - Rico drove me home and we all walked into my apartment. Luckily I rented one with a guest room just in case my grandma or Clarissa visits.

- Make yourself home, I'll shower quickly! - I said and hurried to the bathroom. After the refreshing shower I was standing in my PJs in my living room. I gave some soft drink to my friends and we chatted about every day things. It bothered me that I didn't remember well how they met. But after almost three years it was embarrassing to ask them.

- Is there someone special to you Roxy? - Rico suddenly asked. I shook my head.

- I'm focusing on my job.- Clarissa frowned.

- Job? This was your dream Roxy, what changed? - I sighed and looked out of the window for a moment.

- I don't know. Sometimes I feel so empty and like something is missing. I don't know how to describe this feeling to you guys. It is...so lonely. Maybe this is why I gave a chance to Damon. Because I don't want to feel this emptiness. - both of their eyes widened and I giggled.

- Sorry! I don't want to be a party wrecker! - Clarissa hugged me and she almost broke my bones. "When did she got so strong?!" Rico smiled at me sweetly and caressed my back.

- We know that feeling better than you think. If you take a friendly advice, walk with your eyes open wide. - Clarissa nodded at her boyfriend's words.

- Exactly! Maybe the missing piece is someone you would never imagine! - when she said that I remembered Jerry's smile and voice. How he avoided the paparazzi to ruin my reputation. I blushed and Clarissa chuckled.

- Maybe you already found that one.

- I don't think so, but I definitely met a really interesting man today. He is like a knight in a shining armor but without a horse. Down to earth but heroic the same time.- Clarissa looked at me with dreamy eyes.

- Who is him?

- His name is Jerry. Probably a photographer or something similar. He is tall, blonde and really handsome. - Rico put a hand on my shoulder and asked.

- What about his eyes? - I blushed again.

- That's something I'm also curious about. It feels like he avoids my glance.