"So are you coming?" She tugs at his arm. Surely, she notices that his thoughts are already elsewhere.
I clench my fists. He can't seriously think that just because Sophia is small, she wouldn't understand what's happening here.
To make matters worse, he additionally withdraws his hand. "I can't today. But definitely another time."
Does he think his daughter is stupid? As if anyone would believe him that it would ever happen. Perhaps it's not my place, but I can't help myself. I storm up to my boss, grab his upper arm, and pull him into one of the adjoining rooms. It's a bedroom with an oversized canopy bed and ugly old paintings on the wall. I shut the door behind me a bit too forcefully so that no one can hear us.
"What's wrong with you, hm?" I stare at him angrily.
A deep wrinkle forms between his eyebrows. "I can't do anything about it. This is not a vacation for me. I'm here to work. Tomorrow, I play the final rehearsal, and the day after tomorrow, the concert." Panic resonates in his voice. His look tells of a conflict that I cannot understand.
"Of course, you're here to advance your career."Involuntarily, I move a bit closer to him and can smell the scent of his skin. A delicate, woody note that makes warmth rise within me. I wish for nothing else but to show Josh that life has more to offer than just work.
I want to see his green eyes glow and hear his laughter. I want to dance with him out of his everyday life and find out what touches his heart.
My god, what am I thinking? I must be going crazy.
"B-b-but your career won't go down the drain because you spend a few hours with Sophia," I stutter confusedly.
He breathes out, pressed. "I can't. Understand that."
"One day, you will realize what you have missed. Then it will be too late," I reply urgently.
He doesn't react. Just looks at me with a desperate facial expression. Several times, he opens his mouth, but he does not speak.
I nod encouragingly at him. "Time can't be turned back."
Again, silence spreads between us. "You're probably right," he finally says to my surprise. "We'll do something together. After the concert."
"Good. Sophia and I will plan an excursion." I should be satisfied, but I only feel how his scent clouds my thoughts.
It can't go on like this. I hastily turn away. What's wrong with me?
"And no matter what it is. You will participate, understood?" I add for safety. I interpret his dreamy smile as agreement, maybe even anticipation. "Thank you." I do my best not to look him in the eye. Then I quickly make my way to Sophia. At least there, I am safe from myself.
