Daniel was introducing you—as his girlfriend—to some of the important people of the night. But all you could focus on was the way his palm rested on your back, the heat noticeable through your dress.
When he spoke your name, you finally focused on the conversation happening in front of you. "Sorry?"
He chuckled at your confusion, "do you want to tell them the story of how we met?"
You two had a good story memorized, exactly for a moment like this, whenever someone would ask. But, you started thinking about how different your lives would be if it were true.
"We met at a café, I was just trying to enjoy my coffee but he tripped over his own feet right next to me," you spoke, making Daniel's eyes widen because that wasn't the exact version of the story you agreed upon.
He still laughed and played along, like he always does. "Some could say I tripped just to get your attention." You playfully slapped his chest, "and you say I fell first but you did, quite literally."
"You might've, but I fell harder, quite literally," he let out a boisterous laugh at his own joke and you couldn't help but join him.
For a short moment, you forgot that there were people around you. But then again, the only time Daniel was this flirty with you was around others.
"That's adorable," the person who you didn't remember the name of said. You tuned out of the conversation again as it didn't include you anymore.
Once again, Daniel nudged you but this time the other person walked away but you didn't exactly remember when. "Is everything okay?"
You nodded but he didn't believe it. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, Daniel, I think I just need a drink." He smiled, "it's an open bar, let's go get one." He didn't focus on the fact that you didn't use his nickname like you usually did.
After ordering the drinks, he stood facing you, a smile on his face but you knew him well enough to know it wasn't genuine. At least not in this fake situation.
A few other people came up to Daniel for short conversations, and as you watched him laugh, you thought of how your last year was spent with him.
Daniel followed through on his promise of becoming friends when he showed up at your apartment one day with takeout bags in his hands, because you mentioned that you were really stressed lately.
While you didn't end up getting any work done that night, Daniel kept you company and diverted your mind away from all the stress. You remember how your stomach hurt the next day with how much you laughed.
Other times, he would spoil you. Despite the fact that he paid you for the act, and that too was a lot of money, he still bought you anything you wanted.
It started with going shopping with him, and he would carefully keep an eye on your likes and dislikes. Once he was confident in his choices, he would send you gifts even if he wasn't with you.
On your birthday, you were surprised with a large bouquet of roses, with various pieces of expensive jewelry. A few weeks before your birthday, you and Daniel went shopping and while you loved each piece of jewelry, you didn't end up buying it.
Unbeknownst to you, Daniel went back a few hours later to buy every single bracelet, necklace, and anything else you showed any sort of interest in.
After all that, spending time with him, you started seeing him more as a lover than a friend. The day you acknowledged that thought, you knew it would hurt to leave.
It seemed like zoning out was a habit of yours tonight, because Daniel had to call your name twice before you heard him.
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, showing a hint of worry in his tone. You looked around the ballroom, watching a few people dance while others were huddled together in small groups to converse.
Play Along | D. Ricciardo
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