Chapter 8

Richard drives back from work casually tugging at his tie to loosen it. He’s nervous about the date with Cassandra tonight. He has never dated in his life and getting this funny unknown feelings towards Cassandra doesn’t help his nerves. He needs to watch his mouth, his actions and maybe let her take the lead. He doesn’t know how to handle a girl who comes with the label ‘Frail. Treat with care.’

Cassandra feels no better than him though. She has dressed and undressed a couple of times, checking in the mirror and trying to decide what looks better. Dating is not her thing too, but she doesn’t know it’s the same for the man she’s going out with. Considering his confidence and easygoing attitude, she assumes he’s quite experienced, unlike her.

She finally decides on a black leather skirt that clings to her thighs and ends a little over her knees. Matching it with a black threaded sweater, which hangs low on her shoulders, exposing them a bit, she wraps a thick belt around her waist and puts on her heeled boots. The red on her lips contrasts the white of her hair and darkness of her clothes.

‘I’m at the lobby’ Richard.

Reading the text, she takes one last look at the mirror, breathes in some confidence and walks out. Richard’s eyes are fixed on his phone while he waits sprawled in one of the armchairs and doesn’t see her approach. Cassandra walks slowly towards the man who she’s never seen in a suit. She has always met this playful boy in jeans and t-shirts and never thought how the change of clothes would make him look like a totally different person. He didn’t look like the Richard who loved to make her blush. He looked intimidating and unapproachable. Insecurities started to creep inside her head, when his piercing blue eyes rose from the phone and landed on her.

Richard shot up straight and took a step forward.

“You look…different.” He immediately regretted the choice of words.

“Different good?” Cassandra found her voice and decided to push herself out of her comfort zone, taking a step closer.

“Yeah.” His eyes take in the sight, moving up and down her body. “Definitely good!”

“So do you Mister.” She smiles. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” Her hand travels slowly to his chest, fixing the lapel of his jacket.

“Sorry, I got tied up at work and didn’t have time to change.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. Let’s go.” She walks past him swaying her hips a little and his eyes immediately land on her ass. Old habits die hard.

*****

“Ok, question.” Cassandra places her wine glass on the table. They were sitting in a quiet restaurant enjoying their date and getting to know each other better.

“Of course.”

“How old are you?”

“Why? Do I look too old for you?” He winks.

“What?! No! I don’t know whether to feel bad for offending you, or feel offended at your insinuation that I’m too young.” She laughs.

“I didn’t say any of that. Your words, not mine. Anyway, to answer your question, I’m thirty.” Amusement makes his eyes spark.

“Hmm. You’re right. You might be a little old for me.”

“Are you past eighteen?” Richard asks with a smile?

“Of course I am!”

“Then we’re good.” He laughs at her dumb founded expression.

“You pig!” she jokes “I’m twenty four by the way.” He nods.

“Thought you were something like that. Your early twenties, I mean. What do you wanna do with your life Cassandra?” she takes a deep breath and ponders her answer.

“I want to make a name for myself in the Fashion world. It is nearly impossible, but I think I will be able to make it someday.”

“It’s not impossible sweets. You just need contacts and opportunities. You need to grasp every chance you get by the balls and shove yourself into the spotlight. Nothing comes handled to you the easy way.

“I know.”

“Do you have contacts? In the fashion world?”

“Some. Not very important ones, though. But I have my talent and dedication. I work very hard and take it seriously.”

“That’s important as well, but still, contacts.” Richard clicks his tongue.

“Richard, you’re not making me feel any better.”

“You can call me Richie, you know. My family and friends only call me that. And you, if you want to.”

“Richie…” the name rolled of her tongue with ease and hearing it come from her mouth made him feel all sorts of things.

“I may know a people or two, to put in a word for you. Would you like that? I’m asking for your permission, because I take work very seriously, like you, and I don’t want to overstep my boundaries.”

She looks at him speechless. Then finds the voice to finally form words.

“You should know that they have called my style bold and controversial. Better place my cards on the table for you, since I don’t know who you know and what you have in mind.”

He studies her face and his lips tug in a smile.

“I might know just the person for that, then. Do you trust me Cassandra?”

“I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

“Good then. I’ll have to look at some of your stuff though. And talk to my contact after.”

“Of course. Do you want to get back? To the hotel.”

“I was thinking we could go somewhere with music and have a drink?” he suggests shrugging.

“I would love to, I just didn’t say anything because you told me you didn’t like noise and crowds.”

“I generally don’t. That doesn’t mean I never go out.” He laughs.

“Do you like rock music?” she blushes.

“What do you have in mind?” his eyes sparkle

“Something we’re gonna have to go and change for, first. You’re not gonna be comfortable in this suit.”

*******

They ended up in a club with live rock music. Richard downed his liquor one after the other watching Cassandra sway to the music and move her head up and down, her white hair hypnotizing it.

“I never thought you were into this kind of stuff.”

“Cause you shouldn’t just assume. You can ask, you know. I’ve asked you tons of questions till now.” He laughs and reaches his hand out for her. She takes it and lets him pull her closer.

“I’ve got one that’s been on my mind since that night at the airport. Why so white?” his fingers run through her hair in a caressing motion.

“You can call it a bold statement.”

“That’s a relief. For a moment I thought you might be secretly working for the Triad!” he chuckles, messing with her.

“What the hell is that?” she laughs as well

“A Chinese criminal organization, training women as assassins. And they have hair as white as snow.” He winks.

“Oh my God! You have to be shitting me. Do I look like an assassin to you? I can barely kill a fly. And…should I be worried of why you have that information?” Richard’s chest rumbles with laughter once again.

“Maybe ’cause I’m a criminal defense lawyer?” He winks and she blushes

“That’s sexy…” she mumbles shyly and he pulls her flush to his body.

“Is it now?” he leans his head lower and their noses touch.

Cassandra takes a deep breath of courage and closes the distance, pressing a gentle kiss on his lips, which he transforms into a passionate one, pushing her lips open with his tongue and sliding it in. One of his hands goes to the back of her head grasping a fistful of hair while the other travels down her back and rest on her hip, giving it a squeeze.

“I think we should head back.” He says in between kisses.

“Not a fan of PDA?” she looks up at him and he offers a simple nod.