He kept his hand against my lower back as he led me up the stairs, it was about two flights of wide and long steps until they reached the very top of the venue, we stepped through a set of open doors displaying the roof of the venue which was open and circular in shape. You could smell the exotic flowers that were displayed for this birthday party as there was bouquets all over the place and even hung up along arches with tons and tons of balloons, everywhere you looked were white gold and blue balloons, full of helium and floating from thin and clear strings.
The colors of red briar roses, babies breath, eucalyptus and lilac popped and yet combined perfectly. The smell was so fresh in the open air and set the mood for calmness.
"Are you sure we're not invading or anything?" I asked as I looked up at him.
"What?! No of course not. I mean it is my venue... Well.... Families venue technically but.... Meh, they can't refuse my presence when I did all~ this for them."he said gesturing to the venues decor as he leads me to a table towards the fenced off edge of the venue and pulls out a chair for me to sit.
As I sat and relaxed myself I took notice of the ocean and its stretch across my view, despite my travels with or without Leon's company, I had never tired of seeing it. Although I much preferred forested and wooded areas, the almost endless water stretching across the horizon was always a treasured view. By now it was getting darker and the water would look a dark blue that faded into black through the distance.
The air was sweet with the mixture of salt and flowers. And most importantly the food that was brought for the birthday party.
I turned my attention towards the small crowd and gathering. The blended hush of speech and the light echoing of laughter definitely brought me peace here after the incidents of the evening.
Hmm?
Leon was staring at me... No... . At my neck. But why?
"Where did you get those bruises?" his voice was low and quiet as his eyes stared at my neck unblinking.
Shit... My makeup... Was I not careful dressing myself.... Fuck.
"oh? Probably just from the dogs. They're big an all." I said with a shrug as I looked back to the crowd.
"Dogs?... Really Lil? Well trained dogs left bruises on members of the family?" he asked as he narrowed his eyes at me.
"Sometimes I play with them with sticks from the woods and sometimes I get whacked... It's no big deal. Hideous to look at I'm sure. Don't pay it any attention." I said as I covered the spot and sat quietly.
It didn't make me feel better as he sat up and sighed.
"Regardless of the situation I'm gonna get some food. Fancy any?" he asked standing up.
"sure. Nothing too heavy though please. Maybe some wine too? I noticed a waited carrying a bottle when we came up here." I said and he nodded before walking off into the crowd.
I sat in silence as I thought about the bruises that had become visible. What if other ones were now visible? I can't keep up with lies there's not enough reasons I could use.
I didn't have much to say as I sat quietly.
I began to feel shivers but it wasn't from the cold. There's was an odd feeling like down in the auction area. That I was being watched again, but by who? Is that masked person here? I mean there's a photographer there by the arch but no.... That's not it.
As I sat still and waited for Leon I took a moment to check through my phone. Check in with my family and see what they were up to. My brother seems to have posted more nonsense on his social media. Enjoying himself amongst women who flock him for his wealth and position in the family. I couldn't help but shake my head with a sigh in disappointment. As reckless as I had let my life become I never necessarily displayed it for the world to see, though it didn't bother me too much as the thought of my father reprimanding him brought me a sense of comfort.
When Leon returned he had come back with food and drink for us to have and he returned with his bubbly smile.
He was quick to tell me of some drama he overheard while gathering our food.
Apparently the sister of the songstress who's birthday it was. Was caught for having an affair with one of the body guards who the songstress was also hooking up with. He happily explained how he thought a fight was going to break loose. My precious little drama king who's eyes were ablaze with excitement told me every last detail about the entire conflict he overheard as we drank and dined together.
Our conversations were long as we discussed the next idea for another trip. One glass of wine after another, one hour into two. A small buzz began to catch my head as I set my final glass aside and leaned back in my chair.
"Hey Leon?"
"hmm?"
"You remember when I did that.... Favor for you in Miami?"
"Oh jeez... Haha. Of course. Why?"
"Well...You still owe me a favor in return. I want you to repay it now." I said as I stared at his face.
"Oh.... I'm.....Not gonna like this am I?" he said as he sat a bit straighter in his chair.
"I certainly hope so." Is all I replied with a confident smile.