Chapter 136 - Lunch

She figured it wasn't just a media invention? As soon?

"I contacted people in the USA. Such a dark legend would be great for making a movie advertisement for us, so our proposition is open, but… If it wasn't a marketing ploy, sorry to ask, but are you okay?" She came up to Śliwiński and took his hands. "This article was so cruel!"

Dominik did not pull his hands away. Andrzej saw that they were trembling. His whole body began to tremble slightly, as if the build-up of tension in him had to find an outlet.

"Thank you" Śliwiński smiled warmly, although his eyes were moist.

Tears streamed from Scarlett's eyes. She couldn't pretend them. Nobody was that good. She lunged at Dominik and hugged him tightly.

"Play our movie," she said softly, still hugging him. "Tell them that you are above their gossip. You will shine so much that no one will dare to hurt you. And then you will decide whether or not to leave the stage."

Andrzej saw how the woman's embrace made Dominik's body relax, as if her touch had brought him relief.

Why? Why do I want her to let him go, even though I know Dominik is feeling better?"

"Thank you," the actor said, releasing her grip.

"You know, people will always believe what they want to believe. But I think you just need to show them what you really are for most of them to dismiss stupid rumors."

"What am I really ...? You don't know that ..."

"I do not know? I guess you're right" she smiled. "But I'd love to know. I invite you to lunch. Today. Both of you, of course," she added.

"I don't think it was the best moment ..."

"It's perfect," she said. "Dominik Slyvinsky at lunch with Scarlett Yang. Tomorrow the newspapers will only write about this."

"But ..." Dominik looked helplessly at Andrzej as if looking for help in him.

What to do? Nowicki wondered. He didn't trust the beautiful actress for some reason, but her idea was without a doubt brilliant. Journalists will not come off their backs, but rumors about Śliwiński and Yang will be at least less toxic to the actor. In that case, however, Andrzej had to stay. He did not want to let his lover out of his sight, and especially to leave him in the company of such a beautiful woman, but it would be best for the media image of the actor.

"You should go," he said. "Let Scarlett tell you about the movie."

"And you?"

"I have some errands to do. Do not worry."

"But ..."

"You said you were tired of hiding."

"Yes but…"

"Don't act like a big child" Andrzej switched to Polish. He was smiling to give Śliwiński self-confidence. "I know it's hard, but I believe you will succeed."

"But alone ...?"

"You will not be alone. You have Scarlett, and she looks like a strong media-savvy woman."

Dominik gritted his teeth. He looked like someone who had just made a difficult decision.

"You're right," he said, and went back to English. "Thank you, Scarlett, I'd love to come to lunch with you. Please wait, I'll change into something more appropriate."

***

That hurts. Very. Why? Why, despite the fact that he was in a happy relationship with Dominik, does it irritate him so much that his lover is now eating dinner with a woman? Is it because she is so beautiful? Such a celebrity? So sexy? After all, Dominik is gay, there is no need to worry that he will jump into bed with a woman. There is absolutely nothing to be jealous of ...

Jealous?

Andrzej suddenly stopped. Is he jealous?

He has upset the balance of pedestrian traffic and someone bumps into him. He apologized and moved on. He wasn't going to any particular place, just ahead, to get lost in the crowd rushing somewhere.

It was December already and it will be Christmas soon. Christmas decorations were already visible in the streets. There wasn't even a time to think about a gift for Dominik. So many such unpleasant things happened that the Christmas atmosphere was seeped in somewhere. Not that he himself was very festive, but he always spent Christmas Eve with Paulina and Martynka. How will it be this year? Will he spend it with Dominik? Or maybe the actor will go home for Christmas? Probably not, his mother was still mad at him.

Christmas. Why am I thinking about Christmas? Is it because of themed shop displays? Is it because this will be the first Christmas with someone I love? Are we really going to spend them together?

That hurts. Very. The thought that Dominik is with the woman. Once upon a time, Andrzej would have been happy about it and would push them into his arms himself. The relationship between a man and a woman was normal and made life easier. Two guys together, it was an aberration. Quirk. Perversion. If Śliwiński was with a woman, he would not be chased by malicious gossip and perhaps even avoid all those events with Werner. He would have had a quieter life and would be happier. Without him.

After all, Andrzej strove for it once. He himself inclined him towards a relationship with a woman and even arranged a meeting for him with Marta, his friend. He knew perfectly well that Śliwiński had no sexual experiences with women, that he was seduced by a guy as a teenager, but if he could be convinced and met intimately with a representative of the opposite sex, he would become normal. Then he would have no problems with gossip or with his mother. He would be living a happy life.

So why does this thought hurt so much now?

Because I love him. Dominik is the only man I love that way, me who thought I would never love anyone. Before I met him, before he seduced me with his gaze, his grace and his sweet personality, I was empty. It was only with him that I started to live. So if I lose him now ...

Why should I lose him? I have no reason not to trust him. After all, I know that he loves me, that he is faithful and does not think about parting. I am as important to him as he is to me.

Just as important? I was there when he needed care and support. I assured him that so he fell in love with me. Out of gratitude. But eventually he won't need me anymore. Dominik will discover how big the world is and that he will find thousands of people better than me in it. And then…

"What do you not notice people?" Someone grabbed his elbow. Surprised, he turned abruptly to see a familiar face.

"Marczak? What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to lunch. The question is, what are you doing here? Something happened?"

"Was it?" He smiled briskly. "No, where did this idea come from?"

"So I invite you" Marczak did not let go of his elbow and pulled him towards him.

"What? Where?"

"We'll eat together."

"Thank you, I'm not hungry. Could you let go of my hand?"

"I could," he said without loosening his grip. "Come on. I don't like eating alone."

Andrzej was not sure why he had allowed himself to be dragged into the restaurant they had met in front of. Inside, it was quiet, warm and elegant. For a moment he thought it was too elegant for his loose work clothes, but one glance at the guests was enough to see that it was not dress that mattered here. Among their faces he recognized a singer, three rock musicians from one band, a literary critic and a handball player.

Without any further objections, he took off his jacket and handed it to the cloakroom attendant. He allowed himself to be taken to the table by Marczak and even relied on his menu selection.

"The food is pretty good here," the manager said, "but I like this place for another reason. If you want to get something done, you should search here."

"Oh."

"Don't get me wrong, it's not about dirty business. People who come here are open to new ideas. Information is exchanged here, and new opportunities are sought. Every meeting here is a business, and the man who shows up here is a potential commodity.

"You too?"

"Of course. Today I am with you, so no one will probably join us, but if there is someone in the room who would like to change manager or know someone who would like to do it, they will know that my agency is open."

"Isn't that a bit… desperate?"

"Not at all. I wouldn't be surprised if you got an offer of cooperation within a week."

"From you?" Andrzej mocked.

"This one is open all the time. Now be a good boy and tell me what's bothering you?"

"Do you really have to ask?"

Marczak stuck a fork into a piece of meat on his plate.