Imperfect Truth(63)

I quickly walked over to the hallway mirror and retouched my lip gloss. My face was made up simply as if I were wearing no makeup. Usually I went for a more sultry look, but Alexandre was very sophisticated, and there was no need to scare him off. I wore slim, tight black pants, black stiletto heels to make me appear taller, and a black shirt that hung a tiny bit off my right shoulder. The bare minimum of skin showed just enough to seem sexy without being over the top.

I have to admit I looked beautiful. My brown hair was freshly blown out at the local blow bar right after work and hung past my shoulders with a soft bounce. I grabbed a red clutch for a touch of color, and as I was reaching for my coat, he knocked. I opened the door with a giant smile that didn't really touch my eyes. Alexandre wasn't the typical man I went out with, but Jules said he was nice, and I promised her.

He was dressed in a burgundy button-down and perfectly fitted black pants. I thought to myself ‘good Lord this is going to be bad.’ He was way too good looking, too perfect. His brown hair was cut short; he looked like he walked straight from a GQ Magazine shoot. Yep way too perfect for me. I wondered if he would have taken the date if he knew just last week I was dancing on a table in a dress that could have been a shirt it was so short. I felt self-conscious with the tiny bit of skin showing now. I smiled again, and he smiled back. I bit my lip and waited for a greeting. He seemed a bit shy, maybe reserved. So I decided to take the first step.

“Hi, you must be Alexandre?”

“Yes, a pleasure to meet you, Ava, are you ready to go?” He smiled at me, his greens eyes sparkling at me like two perfect emeralds. I felt my world warm up.

“Oh yeah, of course, let me just put on my coat.”

“Here let me help you,” his warm fingers grazed my neck as he helped me put my coat on. Electric currents ran down my spine. He placed his hand on the small of my back as he escorted me out of my apartment and towards the elevator. We waited patiently, neither of us speaking. The elevator finally arrived. The descent to the lobby was just as quiet. We walked out of the elevator and made our way onto the street. It was a beautiful Thursday night in October. The air was crisp and refreshing, and the temperature was splendid.

“We are going to walk a few blocks and try out the new steak house down the block.”

I smiled brightly at him. “Sounds amazing, can’t wait. So Alexandre, or should I call you Alex?”

“Whichever you prefer.”

“Jules tells me you work for JSG Investments.”

“I do.”

“What do you do there?”

“I work for my family. We run a hedge fund.”

“Wow, that must be nice working with your family.”

“It’s okay, pays the bills.” His voice sounded off when he spoke.

The rest of the walk to the restaurant was comfortably silent. We walked into the dimly lit restaurant. It smelled fantastic and my mouth watered at the idea of having a glass of champagne to relax after the long day I had.

We approached the hostess, and Alexandre turned to her.

“Reservation for Harrison.”

“Yes, please Mr. Harrison, follow me.”

We made our way to a beautiful table illuminated by only candlelight. I had to give him credit, the restaurant had great ambience, and it looked to be rather expensive. I could get used to this. I smiled to myself. The hostess left us and again we sat in silence. I played with my fingers under the table trying to figure out a way to make conversation.

Luckily for me, in that very moment, a perky blond came over to the table introducing herself as our waitress, and we ordered a round of cocktails. When she returned I was never so happy to see anyone in my life.

As I sipped my champagne I mustered the energy to give this date a go. “So tell me Alexandre, what do you do for fun?” I smiled at him.

“I work a lot, but when I’m not working I play basketball with a men’s league and tennis.” While speaking of basketball, he blossomed. Excitement radiated off him, it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

“Oh wow, I would love to watch you sometime”

“Okay.” He smiled at me, his face beaming with pride.

I picked up my glass and couldn’t help but beam, as well.



I remember the day as though it was yesterday. How withdrawn he was when we first met, but as the night progressed how much he blossomed. I remember thinking I needed to know him. I needed to spend time with a man who with my words of encouragement, his confidence grew wings and took flight.

I shake myself out of my haze and continue to purge myself of emotions while Dr. Singer jots downs notes in a tiny notebook.

“That was great, Ava, really great. You should be proud of yourself. This is a monumental step.” She encourages me as she speaks, her excitement making me believe, too. “Okay, so our time is up. I think that we should see each other a minimum of twice a week for now, how does that sound to you?”