Our eyes meet, her gaze shifts to the blonde next to me.
A pang of guilt runs through me.I almost call after her, my hand twitches as if trying to reach her.
But she looks away and walks off.
Apparently, I am not worth the fight.
That wakes me up.I´m done trying, done chasing the shadow of Hintertux.
***
Katharina
I should’ve worn different shoes.
My flats squeak against the parquet like mice.My little black dress doesn’t look little enough in this room full of diamonds and sparkling makeup.
I didn´t make time for a make-up.
I’ve been coordinating since dawn.My phone has 28% battery and 14 unread messages.
I was hoping, stupidly, for one moment with him.
To tell him, I stopped breathing when he took off over the Seidelalmsprung.To tell him he looked superhuman when he landed.To say I was proud.That I cared.
That I stilldo.
But he’s surrounded.Laughing.Louder now.Touching arms, tossing back champagne, letting glittery girls toss themselves at his shadow.
And I?
I’m not there.
He glances my way.
And does not say a word.
***
Thomas
I see her leave.
Not overtly.Not dramatically.Just a shadow passing the edge of the bar, the press badge slipping sideways against her dress, the flats tapping too quietly.
For half a breath, I feel it.
That pull.
The desire to get up, chase her to that door, and tell her I did it for her.
But I drown it.Fast.Champagne helps.So does the perfect curve of the model’s ass in front of me.
She leans in.Laughs.Doesn’t ask for anything but attention.
So I give it.
Let Katharina play her game.
