In the rhythm of silence

"Do you know her or something?" Daniel asked, nudging me lightly in the ribs as he leaned forward with an obvious smile. "Because if not, my friend, I think you should introduce yourself." You were looking at her like she had just figured out the meaning of life or something.

"I wasn't looking at her," I replied without conviction, looking back at my glass half full of frappuccino. The caffeine wasn't helping with the tiredness of this day. Daniel, however, did not seem willing to let go of the subject.

"Oh, no? Because I would swear that you pointed at his soul with your eyes at least three times. What's going on? An ex? A bride-to-be? Give me something, Sack, don't leave me hanging.

"It's nothing," I growled, shrugging my shoulders. But in my head, the image of the girl, Lindsay, was still alive. Sure, I'd seen her in the store before, but I didn't think I'd come across her again so soon.

I rolled my eyes and looked back at the door by which she had left. That's when I noticed something I hadn't registered before. On the floor, near the place where she was sitting, was a small jar. It looked like one of those vitamin or supplement containers, something like that.

"What's wrong?" Daniel asked, following my gaze.

I pointed to the jar.

"I think it's hers." He must have dropped it when he came out.

Daniel leaned over to get a closer look at him, then laughed.

"Iron supplements!" Is she anemic?

I ignored it and stood up, walking towards the jar. I picked it up and turned it in my hands. The name on the label confirmed what he already suspected: it was hers. Lindsay.

"Are you going to give it back to him or what?" Daniel asked.

I stared at the bottle for a second longer before stuffing it into my jacket pocket.

"Maybe.

"That's a yes!" Daniel declared, dramatizing as if he had just witnessed a declaration of love. "Dude, I need to be present when this happens. I want to see it all: the awkward moment, the grateful look, the beginning of their love story.

I shook my head, trying to ignore him as I returned to my seat. But the truth was, I had no idea what I would do.

--------------------------------

Several days passed and the bottle was still in my jacket pocket. Not that I cared too much, but every time I reached for my keys or something else, the jar would pop up there, like a constant reminder. "Give it back," a voice in my head was saying. "Or just throw it away," suggested another. I couldn't make up my mind, so I left it there.

Today, however, I couldn't think too much about it. My father had other plans for me.

"Dress formally, Sack. We have to go to a major party tonight. His voice echoed from the living room as I tried to enjoy a quick lunch. I looked at my half-eaten sandwich and sighed.

"What party?" I asked, even though I knew I had no choice. When my father said "we have to go", what he really meant was "you have to go, whether you like it or not".

"The Grove family hosts a reception at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. They own Sapphire Grove Hospital, sound familiar? He said in a tone that clearly suggested that he should impress me.

Of course he had heard of the hospital. He was famous, almost legendary. But that didn't make the idea of going to the party any more appealing.

"And what have I to do with that?" I growled.

"They are planning to expand the hospital and need property. They want to talk business, and it would be nice if you were there. You know? To make contacts. His tone was direct and curt, as always.

"Great," I murmured, sinking into my chair. There was nothing that excited me less than spending a night surrounded by important strangers feigning interest in subjects I didn't understand.

"Oh, and wear something decent." None of your usual sweatshirts, got it? He added before leaving the room.

I stared at my sandwich, now completely out of appetite, and sighed again. This was going to be a disaster.