Conrad
Mia and I were still outside; the event only had an hour left. She seems more relaxed around me but still a little on edge. I had tried to convince her to remove her mask with no luck. I can’t understand why she is determined to keep her face hidden from me. It makes me wonder if we have met before, and she doesn’t want me to remember her. There is a reason, and I wish I knew what it was.
I also believe she hasn’t had an easy life. There is a brokenness in her eyes, a story behind them, which is sad because I hate knowing people have had complicated lives or are struggling. I know I have been one of the lucky ones. I have always had everything and everyone I need. I haven’t had much bad in my life. One thing I’ve never understood is why certain people have to go through so much hardship in life. It is unfair.
I jump to my feet and stand in front of her, offering her my hand.
Mia looks at me, confused.
“Dance with me? Out here, we don’t need to go inside.” I smile.
“I told you I don’t dance,” she protests.
I don’t pull my hand away, “I have decided I am not accepting your answer. So, dance with me.” I say, a little firmer than before.
Mia sighs and takes my hand. I help her to her feet and bring her close to me. I place my hand on her hips, but when I do, she jumps, almost frightful.
“Mia, are you okay?” I ask softly.
Her eyes fall to the ground, “Yes.” She whispers.
I place my finger on her chin and tilt her head back so her eyes meet mine, “Did someone hurt you, Mia?”
“No.”
I don’t believe her, but it isn’t my place to push because we only met a few hours ago. She is a guarded woman for sure, and she sure won’t tell some guy she met hours ago her life story. I need to respect it.
“Okay,” I say softly.
We could hear the music from inside. It is a slow song. Mia seems nervous, but she slips her arms around me, and we are soon slow dancing to the rhythm of the music. Mia nuzzles her face into my neck, and I truly believe it is because she doesn’t want to look me directly in the eyes or to lessen the risk of me trying to take her mask off. I would do it without permission, but she doesn’t know that.
Neither of us says a word. In the silence between us, a realization took over, a strange one. She feels a little too right in my arms and close. I won’t lie; I like her. We seem to have connected well. She is beautiful and sweet, but I wish she would tell me who she was or at least her real name.
I hear her sigh loudly.
“Mia, what is wrong?” I whisper and stroke the small of her back.
“We shouldn’t be doing this, Conrad.” She whispers.
“Why not?”
She lifts her head to look at me, “Because if you knew who I really was, you wouldn’t want to be here with me. Men like you do not pay women like me any attention.”
Mia shakes her head and takes a few steps back, but if she takes one more, she is going into the pool. I quickly grab her and pull her away from the edge. Her body comes hard against my chest.
“Easy, beautiful. One more step, and you would have been in the pool,” I chuckle.
“Thank you because falling into the water is the last thing I need,” she giggles.
I smile at the sound of it; it is cute.
I lift my hand to stroke the hair away from her face, but when I do, she flinches.
“Mia, I don’t know what you have been through, but please, you don’t need to be scared of me, angel. I would never lay my hands on you.” I say softly and move the hair away.
She closes her eyes, sighs and moves into my touch, “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
“You don’t need to be sorry, but I promise you can relax with me,” I smile and kiss her cheek.
She opens her eyes and smiles. I reflect on what she said before she nearly fell into the water and decide to ask what she meant.
“Then tell me who you are. It won’t change anything. I am not the type of man who believes because of all I have and sought after that, anyone is below me. At the end of the day, we are all human, and who a person is or what they do aren’t reasons for me to like or dislike anyone.”
I am being honest. People assume because of who I am and the family I am part of, I only associate with people who have the same lifestyle or are in the same circle. It couldn’t be further from the truth.
“No! I am broken and not worth your time, okay?” she snaps.
It would seem her walls are back up in full force.
“Well, I think you are. I think you are scared, lonely and have been through a lot. You keep everyone at arm’s length due to the fear of getting hurt.” I exclaim.
“You know nothing about me, Conrad! I need to go, and don’t follow me because I don’t want you to.” She warns.
Mia runs off, “Mia, please wait.” I call after her.
She doesn’t listen; instead, she picks up speed and disappears inside like a flash. Fuck! I rush in after her, but by the time I am inside, she is nowhere in sight.
“Conrad, what are you doing?” Mom asks and stops in front of me.
“I will explain later,” I reply and sprint out the front of the hotel to try to catch her, but it is like she has vanished.
I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. I should have kept my mouth shut. I groan in frustration and head back inside. I see my mother keeping an eye out for me. I approach her, defeated.
“What is going on? Where have you been? We have barely seen you, and then you run in her like a crazy person.” She questions.
“Sorry, mom. I met someone. We were outside just talking and having a drink. It was all too much in here for her.” I reply.
“Who? And where is she?”
“I really don’t know; it is a long story. She ran off.”
I didn’t want to mention the entire thing about Mia pretending to be Taylor because I didn’t want it to get back to Meredith and for “Mia” to get into trouble.
“What was her name? Maybe I can help find out who she is?” she suggests.
“Thanks, mom, but it doesn’t matter. She won’t want to see me again. I need a drink. I will come find you in a bit.”
I hug her and stroll towards the bar. I couldn’t wait to get out of here now. I want to see Mia again, maybe in a more casual setting, but I don’t think it will happen, which is disappointing. If I am supposed to see her again, I will; if not, I guess we were only meant to meet for one night.