Daniella's POV
Manuel Karro, Vortex's biggest soccer star, was arrogant, flashy, and full of himself. He led the team to the top, so maybe he earned it.
I studied his interests on Instagram, Facebook, and other media. Raphael would never do it himself, and I couldn't stand watching him struggle anymore. Maybe I wanted to prove I was useful, or to see him succeed. If I could help, it would mean that our messy lives still had space for me to make a difference. Two weeks in, I knew enough to have a conversation and beg. As if on cue, the phone rang. Lara's voice came through.
"Daniela, he just walked in. If you come now, he will be in a good mood. "Adios," Lara said over the phone.
"Raphael!" I shouted. "Where are you?"
I ran down the stairs, almost bumping into him. "Let's go, he's out, and this is your chance," I said.
"Stay home. I will go alone," he told me.
"No," his mom interfered, "take her with you." He wanted to protest, but nothing came out; he didn't see that I wanted to help him. I think he saw me as a burden. Or maybe I was too pushy? That ache in my chest twisted tighter as I watched him look away, pretending he hadn't heard me.
Maybe he'd be better off if I just left him alone; maybe he would finally succeed without me there, always trying to fix things. But I couldn't shake the feeling that if I stepped back now, I would disappear from his life even more. Was I helping him, or just making things harder? The thought stuck to me, heavy and cold, but I pushed it aside the way I always did and forced myself to follow.
I got dressed fast and waited. He came out of the bathroom and laughed at my outfit. "Really? Are you going to see the queen?" he teased.
He opened the closet and picked out a short black dress I wore long ago, when we were happy, and he took me out.
I put it on, let my hair down, and added lipstick and heels. Now I looked like a working girl?
His reaction changed. That's what I'm talking about, he cheered up. He drove to the club. Lara walked us into the VIP area. She pulled me to the side.
You look hot, girl, Lara said, touching my hair.
Stop it, this is what? I pointed out that the dress looks bad on my image...
Bad? How many times did I tell you, natural beauty...Lara did tell me many times. She is gay and wanted something more to be between us, but she also knew nothing would come of it, and we remained friends.
Manuel was surrounded by six women but looked bored. Raphael made his move, and I stood to the side, watching.
He talked to Manuel, whose eyes stayed on me. Manuel stood up and walked toward me. I stepped back, ready to bolt.
Wait, he shouted. Can I buy you a drink?
Uhh, no, sorry.
"Yes, of course," Raphael said from behind him. "This is my wife."
He laughed. Yeah, right... Oh, you're serious? Fine, sit. I was bored.
We sat. I found myself stretching my dress, which barely covered half my thigh. He ordered drinks and turned to me.
Are you an agent too?
"No, I work in the media department." I hesitated before adding, "I saw your commercial for the perfume." My cheeks burned with embarrassment as an unexpected laugh slipped out. "Sorry," I said quickly, "I didn't mean to do that." For a second, I wondered if I'd just blown the whole thing. Why couldn't I keep it together when it actually mattered?
"Oh, I've got to hear this. Please elaborate," Manuel said, turning toward me.
"It's cheesy. Should've been more romantic, it is a good perfume after all," I admitted.
"Cheesy? How would you have done it?" Manuel asked.
"I would show you flying away, your girlfriend in bed, missing you. She sprays your perfume and..." I said, imagining aloud.
Both Manuel and Raphael stared at me, mouths open.
Don't stop now, I do want to know the ending,
"She gets excited, you come home early, she opens her eyes, and you're there next to her," I finished.
He clapped. I couldn't tell if he was sarcastic or sincere.
"Now, because of this, Raphael, I will listen to your proposition. I like your wife, I wish she were my agent," Manuel said, grinning.
Raphael smiled, but I knew it must have hurt. He began his pitch, but by the end, it was weak.
"But, honey," I said, "you forgot to tell him about the two contracts with the top products."
He finally got into the game. "Thank you, Daniela, yes." He talked about that, and Manuel said he would think about it.
"Are you going to design my commercials, Daniela?" Manuel asked.
Raphael kept nodding his head.
"No, Manuel, I will not lie to you, but my boss values my opinion. So maybe?" I replied honestly.
"I will talk to your boss, and you will do them for me. This is my clause, Raphael. You are a lucky man," Manuel said as he put his hand out.
Raphael couldn't believe it. We will stay in touch, he said.
Manuel turned to me and kissed my hand. "I hardly wait to see my new commercials," he said.
"Good night, Manuel," I said. Then we left. In the car was silence; Raphael pulled over.
"What do you think you're doing? I can handle myself..." he said, slamming his hands on the steering wheel. "I got the biggest player."
My chest thudded with a rush of hurt, frustration, and guilt all at once. I pressed my palm over my heart, silently willing the storm to pass. I stayed quiet, wondering if I'd ever be enough.
He didn't even thank me, kiss me, or anything.
We went upstairs. He undressed and went to bed. I lay in the dark, wondering if he still loved me.
I shouldn't have gone with him. From now on, he needs to figure things out on his own. Who am I kidding?
