Finals came around it was incredibly stressful. During my study times Enrique sent coffee and snacks. Most times it came with a note that said study hard, I believe in you. Every time I wanted something deeper and I wait for it. We talked on the phone once but it really was just about each other’s day. That changed when he asked me, “Why did you quit dancing?”
I paused long, trying to find a lie but it felt wrong. “Because it made me think of you.” I said to him through the phone.
I heard him hiss. “How long, Mercedes?” He said. I knew what he meant.
“Enrique I’m not done with things yet, maybe after my finals then we can talk.” I said to him.
“I thought we were guaranteed.” He said.
I teased him, “You didn’t think I would make you work for it.”
I hear him laugh at the other end. “I need to go, I have finals tomorrow and I need the sleep. Bye, Enrique.” And hung up the phone.
The next morning I got ready and restudied some more. I had my facts and semantics together. Then there was a ring at the door. I found flowers delivered. They were my favorite, tulips. There was a note this time it had a different message that brought tears to my eyes: Mi ángel, mi amor, mi querida, mi tesoro. My angel, my love, my dearest, my treasure. Enrique was making himself irresistible. I felt like going to him but I need more than to concentrate on this final and I could find him. I texted him after I put the flowers down.
*it’s so hard to resist you now… :P :D
He texted back: *I know.
I felt confidence going into my final exam. I finished early. I went outside and breathe hard and it was refreshing. I went along the building and saw Enrique with Tom. I waited and watched him for a while. I start him talking on the phone and he starts to smile. Then I see him looking at me. I walked toward the vehicle. He gets out and hugs me. Instead of getting in the car he says, “Let’s walk to this restaurant that I know around here.” He hold me and we walked together. I was happy that I dressed up before class.
As we got to the restaurant I stopped him and looked at him, “I got your flowers, and the message. And I have to say, te amo, para siempre.”
Enrique squeezed my hand when I said that to him. He still led me to the place and when we got there it was empty but a waiter led us to the table.
“It so nice here.” I said looking around the place.
“I came here to tell you that the Bailando music video will premiere here. I would like you to come.” I nodded my head but was disappointed to hear he didn’t ask to be my date. “Come alone.” He then said.
The waiter filled our wine glasses. “Where is everybody?” I asked him.
He smiled noting my nervousness at being alone with him. It felt like the first time when we were in his car. “I rented the entire place for us tonight.”
I couldn’t hold it in, “Why?”
“To celebrate after all the studying you did.”
I changed the subject, “Did you see the final product of the music video?”
“Yeah it was what I wanted it to be.” He said. “Mercedes, this dinner is about you, we’re gonna talk about us tonight.”
“Okay.” I drank some wine to hide my relief.
I saw him bring out a red envelope. He gives it to me. I opened it and it was an invitation. It was for the premiere. It was beautiful with black lace the invitation.
“Your name is already on the list so you only need to show up.” I could hear his desperation in his voice.
I touched his hand, “I will, Enrique.” It calmed him and our plates had been delivered. Enrique already ordered before we came to the restaurant. We ate in silence.
“I’m sorry I left you alone all that time in Spain, but I wanted to be with you. I tried to hurry my work but still things kept popping up. Then when we were together, we slept. I did try when I came home that time you went out. I was disappointed I didn’t get to you first. You still owe me my romantic date in Spain.”
My eyes lit up knowing that he wants to take me there again.
“I was selfish, Enrique. Sometimes I forget that you have a job. I just wanted you all to myself. I’m sorry.” I said to him.
“Don’t feel sorry that you feel that way. I just wish I had more time to oblige you.” My heart leapt when he said that. Now that we had that cleared up I could feel another part of me want to ask about us and the future. Enrique looked at his watch.
“I’m sorry to cut this short Mercedes, but thing for tomorrow’s premiere need to be looked at.” We get up together. Then I already see Tom waiting for us.
“Her apartment, Tom.” He says to him.
AT my apartment, Enrique walks me to the door. “This feels just like that time you took me home, remember?” I said to him.
“I know I was a nervous wreck being along with you. When I kissed your hand I got in the car and started singing in front of Tom.” I laughed.
He was leaving. “Enrique wait.” I said and walked to him. I kissed him with all my passion. He returned the heat in our kiss. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said and immediately went inside my apartment. I fell against my wall and heard a knock at my door. I figured it was Enrique. I opened it with a bright smile but my eyes landed on: Estelle.
“What do you want? IS there press here hiding around the corner because if there is I will call Enrique.” I said to her.
“No, I’m not here for him. I just wanted to apologize sincerely for my actions. I was only doing what my father wanted me to do. My father kept pushing me to become Enrique’s girlfriend. You know they work together. Him and my father.” I could see she wanted some kind of reaction out of me.
“I’m not worried about anything, Estelle. I’m just wondering what your motives on coming to see me are. Last time you tried to befriend me things ended badly.” I remind myself of her deception also.
“Look Mercedes even though I did all those things I still genuinely care for you. I know you have always wanted the best for me. But you haven’t met my father. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. In fact, I’m moving.” She said to me.
“Moving where?” I was shocked.
“The east coast. To see my mother.” That was far and I feel like I needed someone who actually knew me. I tried to hide my loss.
“So that’s why you’re here to tell me you’re moving away. For how long, Estelle?”
“I don’t know, Mercedes. I just need to see my mother. And I was hoping to clear the air before I left.”
I knew she was leaving soon. Possibly by tomorrow. So in forgiveness I hugged her and she just said, “Enrique better take care of you.” Then left without another word.