Chapter 81 - Left In Disbelief

"So let's start," Marek Marczak smiled charmingly, causing Nowicki to feel like knocking out all his white teeth.

Marczak went outside the house. During the time he was inside more journalists managed to gather. Andrzej felt sick at the fact that he had been one of them so recently.

"I'd like to make a statement first," they heard Marczak quite clearly. "A month ago, Dominik Śliwiński gave an interview in which he asked journalists to let him live peacefully. It is true that he is a public figure, but there are certain limits of decency that a journalist, and above all a human being, should not exceed. Meanwhile, one rumor was enough for you to start writing out crazy stories. I believe there are honest people among you. I know many people personally and I appreciate this relationship. I ask all of you to be professional and work not on a base of gossip."

"So you deny that Śliwiński received letters with threats?"

"Of course."

"What about the macabre package?"

"If your 'reliable source' cannot tell a dead cat from a film prop, it means that we have very good special effects specialists in Poland ... or unreliable sources."

"So how do you explain the ambulance in front of this house? Maybe it came from a movie set?"

"The ambulance was real, and so were the medical staff. Dominik Śliwiński actually felt bad, but it was a temporary faintness caused by overwork. Mr. Śliwiński recently started preparing for a new film and, as always, lost himself at work."

"Is it not true that he is no longer a member of your agency at this point?"

"Yes, it is true, although I hope it is a temporary solution. After seven years, we were almost like an old marriage, so Dominik Śliwiński decided to try something new for his career."

"It is said that the reason for the separation was the Polish-French production of Baptiste."

"Exactly. Despite advanced preparations, Dominik did not want to get involved in this project. I didn't want to listen to him, it's a very interesting movie after all, so he decided to leave. I have a lesson now."

"So how did it happen that you provide information instead of Śliwiński?"

"Let me refer to my own analogy - the divorce is pending."

"However, do you follow the projects of your former actor on an ongoing basis?"

"Of course, after all, I'm also a fan of his talent. However, I am not going to interfere with anything and I am very curious about the results. I hope that thanks to his new experiences, Dominik Śliwiński will become an even more mature actor."

"So you don't hold a grudge against him?"

"No way. As I said, it was my fault and I assume all the responsibilities. In the future, I will try to choose roles that suit my pupils more. After all, the actor is not an automaton, but a sensitive man, and it is this sensitivity that allows them to play so fantastically. You will be able to find out about it in two weeks, when "A Memory of Spring" with a young and very talented ..."

"And I think he actually managed" Andrzej admitted, retreating to the kitchen. The taste was bitter in his mouth after these words.

Dominik slipped in behind him.

"I wish you would hug me now," he said, "but when these hyenas looking ..."

"They'll probably be gone soon. Don't worry about them. I mean," he corrected quickly, "I'm not saying that you embrace me now ..."

Śliwiński laughed softly.

"Thank you that you are here. If it weren't for you, I'd be huddled in the corner now."

"Not true. You are very brave."

"Just because I have your backup. Could… could we go somewhere for a few days? Free yourself from all these ..."

Andrzej's heart beat faster. The closeness of Dominik and his proposal for a joint trip could not remain without effect. Even when he acted innocently, this boy was dripping with sex, and when he really wanted to be seductive, there was no way to resist him. And recently Dominik has released his irresistible charm to Andrzej more and more…

Being close to Dominik was just dangerous.

"It's all over" they heard Marczak's voice coming from the living room. Dominik immediately withdrew towards it. "They're starting to run out. They should be gone in an hour at the latest. I don't want to impose my presence on you, but it would be bad if I left right away."

"Then I'll turn on the water," said Nowicki gloomily. "Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

"Coffee" the answer, as Andrzej had predicted, sounded arrogant.

"Dominik, I will keep the guest company" Nowicki informed Dominik, trying to sound natural, but with difficulty suppressing his irritation. "You can go to bed if you like. It was a tiring morning."

"I'll stay. Thank you for taking care of this, Marek. And… I heard your kind words. I am grateful for them too."

"When I threatened you with sanctions for breaking your contract, I didn't know that it was really all my fault. I can admit when I am wrong. And I sincerely hope" he added "that you will consider returning to my agency. You didn't feel bad in it, did you? At least… professionally."

"This is true. Before Baptiste showed up, it was fine."

"I really saw a chance for you in this film. You could go out into the world. This role could give you a Golden Palm. This movie will be a sure favorite for an Oscar.

Śliwiński blushed and looked down.

"But I don't have such ambitions. Maybe not yet, and maybe I'll never have them."

"Now I know that," Marczak smiled sadly. "How could I forget for a moment your wonderful sensitivity and modesty?"

With a loud click, Andrzej set a mug of hot coffee in front of Marczak. In response, he received the manager's charming smile, dripping with falsehood.

'This guy has the nerve,' Andrzej thought. 'Like nothing, he changes tactics and tries to approach Dominik again. The degenerate turns into a charmer and an understanding guardian. Reptile changes its skin like a chameleon of color.'

"By the way, Mr. Nowicki, I saw some of your works. And I don't mean those made from behind the bush. They are very good."

"Thank you," he grunted. Compliments from such lips did not sound pleasant at all.

"You will certainly take excellent photos of Dominik, if you have time for it."

"Don't worry about it" Śliwiński entered between them, probably sensing the growing tension. "Andrzej takes his job seriously."

"Then I should hire you at my agency. I have many celebrities who would like to be seen by another photographer's eye, and you, as far as I can tell, are unemployed."

"No thanks."

"But why?"

"I don't like you. Reason enough for me."

"And I am satisfied with such an answer. This coffee is good, although a little bitter."

"Sugar has gone up recently, and I'm unemployed."

Marczak smiled at him, but differently than before. Andrzej had the impression that the smile was sincere. Chills ran down his spine.

"My proposal is opened," announced the manager.

"I'll bring you sugar ..." Dominik was already getting up.

"You don't have to! Without it, coffee tastes more intense" he took another sip from the rim of the mug, staring at Nowicki.

'What's his point?' the photographer was irritated.

Suddenly came understanding - this was what Marczak wanted to, cause him to be agitated, to throw him off balance and perhaps to ridicule him in Dominik's eyes. So since he is playing this way, Andrzej will play his game. He formed his lips into the broadest, most sincere smile he could afford at the moment.

"You are very flexible, Mr. Marczak."

"My teacher was necessity. But you, Mr. Nowicki, seem to be a man of honor and principles. Actually, I should thank you for holding me back then. I don't know if I could bear it if I actually did something terrible to Dominik."

"And yet he has to live with the awareness of how close it was."

"I don't know if I will ever be able to make it up to you," Marczak said to the actor, "in any way to make it up ... That's why I beg you, don't hesitate to ask me anything. You know I can really do a lot."

"I know, but ... So far it is fine, as it is. I didn't want to fight you, so if you sincerely give me my freedom, that's enough."

"With heartache, but honestly. I know how devoted and faithful you have always been to me despite all my adventures. I guess I have to accept your right to your own." He looked at Andrzej again. His gaze passed over his entire figure a little longer, lingering on his crotch. "I hope you enjoy it. Your new partner looks interesting."

Nowicki's lips parted in surprise. Is he just imagining thinks, or has he just been assessed by Marczak as a sexual object? How dare he?!

"Forgive me, Marek, but whatever connects me or will connect me with Andrzej on a non-professional basis is not your business" said Śliwiński firmly. "As you may remember, I do not discuss my private life with third parties."

"Well, this is I who should apologize. It's time for me," he said, standing up. "Thanks for the coffee."

He left. However, the blush on Andrzej's face and his lips parted in disbelief remained after Marczak.

This guy really had unimaginable audacity and an ego the size of Mount Kilimanjaro.