I hope everything is fine with you. Night at the ball

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I could not even imagine that everything could end like this...

Let's talk.

I can't discuss this with you now. I don't want to discuss this in principle. I close my laptop and go to the shower.

I'm at work. Time has almost stopped: every time I check the time on my watch, I watch the minute hand, which is apparently stuck in one place and does not move. The work phone is also silent, there is no work. Even Mrs. Virgin started to look sexier, she usually looks terrible. Out of boredom, I start digging around on the Internet again, deciding to take a test to determine psychopathic tendencies.

About 121,000,000 results in less than 0.24 seconds.

Signs of irrational thinking: OK

Nervousness or neurotic illness: OK

Unreliability: OK

No remorse or shame: OK

Covert antisocial behavior: OK

Shortsightedness and lack of ability to learn from one's mistakes: OK

Pathological egocentrism and inability to empathize: OK

Aggressive and inappropriate behavior: OK

What a coincidence!

This is the right time to finally answer him.

"Daniel,

I'm sure you didn't plan anything like this. Same as me. However, this doesn't change anything.

I don't think we have anything else to discuss. You made it clear to me what was on your mind. I understand everything. I think we are too different.

Don't worry about it, Dee. It was nice to meet you.

Hayley"

I send the message right away so I don't change my mind and rewrite it. After another cup of coffee I get the answer.

"Dear Hayley,

I'm glad to know that you are safe and sound.

Stop acting like a child, let's talk.

Daniel"

Annoyed, I stuff my phone into my back pocket.

I'm glad Tasha came home this evening. In principle, I am grateful to her for the fact that in this house there is a vest in which I can cry. Tasha is my partner in crime, my soul mate.

Darling, I'm home. Hide your lover,” her voice immediately lifts my mood.

“I’m here,” I answer as she pokes her head into the room, grinning all over her face.

Come to my kitchen.

I quickly put aside all my business and follow her into the kitchen.

Guilt? - she asks.

Certainly. No one will force me to give it up,” Tasha rewards me with a charming smile.

How was your first day of kindergarten? - I ask, watching her pour wine into two tall glasses.

Better than I expected,” she replies, taking a sip of chardonnay and handing me the glass while kicking off her stilettos.

Congratulations, darling. Here’s to your awesome new work,” I raise my glass and clink it with her.

Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The department in which I will work is very good. The people there are very attentive and responsive. So I was lucky,” she says, sitting down opposite me at the counter.

So what happened, Hales? - Her facial expression changes, and her lips compress into a thin line. She examines me with narrowed eyes.

What do you mean? - I feel uncomfortable knowing that I have to tell her everything.

What I mean? - she repeats my words, disdainfully tapping her fingers on the tabletop. “It’s better if you tell me,” she snorts. - Give me at least one reason why Daniel bothered to visit me on the first day of work, finding out if my girlfriend was okay? And why did the whole office get scared and suddenly become interested in me?

I take a long sip of wine, feeling a mixture of joy and anger flow through me.

Well, Missy, would you like to share? - She looks at me searchingly from under her glasses.

I sigh.

Is there even a chance that you will allow me to keep something quiet for once? I really don't want to talk about it right now.

She frowns at me.

Not after the first glass,” I shrug.

If you feel like it. “I just hope you’re okay,” there’s genuine concern in her voice.

Okay, I can explain everything that's happening this way: I'm not immune to him like I am to others, so I can't see him anymore.

This is something new. So fast? Have you already fallen in love? - we both know that this is a rhetorical question.

I should find a man who is emotionally unstable - I purse my lips - he is a prince on a white horse and King Henry VIII in one incredibly hot body.

Hey, is it that bad?

“Worse,” I answer with despair.

Definitely not. “We’re going out and I’m going to get drunk,” I grin at her.

Should we stay home and get drunk here? It’s unlikely that I’ll have the strength left to carry you home after a very long day. Besides, Ian will probably pick up another idiot who will break his heart in the morning - we both laugh.

Well, then we’ll get drunk at home,” I nod.

It's almost midnight. Exhausted from drinking wine, I lie in bed, thinking about him. His worried look, when he looked at me in the hospital, persistently flickers before my eyes. I take my laptop and type “Daniel Stark” and “dating” into the search engine. I was taken aback by the number of photographs given to me. All the photos were from different parties: none were the same or taken on the same day. In all the pictures, Daniel looks stunning in sharp suits. The women next to him are gorgeous, as if they came off the covers of glossy magazines: perfect bodies, perfect hair and perfect plastic smiles. My heart groans as I look through these photos.

I never stood a chance. I'm sure I'm far from his ideal. I'm not the one he's looking for. Are these all call girls? Did he pay these women to accompany him to events or for other work? I push this thought away. But who am I trying to fool?..

It's too difficult, it bothers me too much. I close the screen, cover myself with the blanket and close my eyes in an attempt to get all these images out of my head.

Chapter 11

Will you come with me to the reception tonight? - Tasha asks hesitantly over morning coffee. Her eyes wander over my sleepy face, waiting for an answer.

Don't know. “I’m not sure what I want,” I answer just as hesitantly.

On the one hand, I don’t want to go - I’ll probably run into Daniel there. On the other hand, the masochistic part of me craves it. Focusing my thoughts on the coffee mug, I touch the edge of its rim with my finger.

Please, Hales. This is important to me,” she says, cupping her mug in her hands.

I'm not sure I want to see him again.

Maybe I should be a more diligent friend and not think about meeting him. I take a sip of coffee, looking at Tasha.

You don't have to date him. There will be several hundred people there. One hundred percent, you can avoid meeting him,” she insists. - And besides, everyone says that it will be cool there. Please…

Let's see how the day goes, okay? And, Tasha, begging is not your style,” I answer, hoping that my answer will satisfy her at least for a while.

So what will you wear for the evening? - she changes the subject.

I think, as always. As far as I know, there is no strict dress code at my new job. So I think my usual outfit will come in handy.

Your usual outfit is quite on topic. I would even call it ideal,” Tasha looks at me cheerfully.

I smile and blow her a kiss.

The YOU office is located in the Bay Area, not far from the notorious Stark Software. Now everything around will remind me of him? This thought irritates me.

“Hello,” a young secretary with pink hair and a lot of eyebrow piercings greets me.

Hi, I'm Hayley Grace. To Mr. Wild,” I smile, but my smile remains unanswered.

“Josh’s office is the last one on the left,” she points, nodding toward the sunlit hall with panoramic windows and a mosaic floor, which is divided into fifteen compartments.

Realizing that she is not going to accompany me to the office, I walk myself towards the dark green door. This hall is designed in the style of the 60s - retro. I am fascinated by looking through the walls covered with framed advertisements. There is no one in the office, although it is already noon. My phone starts to vibrate and I quickly pull it out of my dark purple Chanel style bag. A new message pops up on the screen and I click on the icon to see who it's from. Daniel. Exactly what I need now.

Daniel: Will you come today?

What are you thinking about, genius? I frown at the phone. For such a young, successful prodigy, he behaves very strangely. I put my phone in my bag, deciding to ignore it for now. He still hasn't given up on his attempts - it's nice.

“Hi, I’m Haley Grace,” I greet the man sitting behind the wide monitor.

Hello, Haley,” he gets up and walks towards me with a snow-white smile on his face. T This smile should be accompanied by a warning sign: “use lead glasses in case of direct exposure.” He extends his hand to greet me. An athlete and a beautiful Ken doll in one body. My best friend Barbie - Natasha - would already be drooling. Ken looks at me, and I defend myself with a helpless grin. Not very professional, Mr. Ken.

Take a seat, Miss Grace,” he gestures to an empty chair. I sit down and start looking around the room. The walls are painted a soft green; Behind Josh's desk hangs a large framed poster from the movie American Beauty. Red rose petals are scattered against an olive wall. To my right is a colorful collage of YOU magazine covers.

Do you like what you see? - I'm a little distracted by Ken's question. “Covers,” he points to the wall.

Yes, I like the style of this room, and the office as a whole, - I look at the wall again.

Me too. So, Haley, you want to work as my assistant. I am aware that we have already received you. But I thought that first we could just meet before we started working together.

"My assistant"...

Yes, I’m interested in the position of assistant and development specialist,” I answer matter-of-factly. The corners of his lips turn up as he scans my resume.

As far as I see, you have no experience in journalism. What makes you think you're right for me? - I see a smile on his face, as if he was amused by some joke unknown to me.

I have some experience in journalism. “I worked on the university newspaper and I think I can bring something new to the magazine,” I answer, straightening my shoulders.

Josh tilts his head to the side and grins at me. His smile widens in anticipation of continuing.

I like YOU. I believe that this is a fresh magazine, unlike others in its genre, with valuable and highly spiritual content.

Explain,” says Josh, intrigued. His grin has finally disappeared from his face, which means that he is now listening to me, and not just looking at me. He changes his position before I continue.

I believe that the language of a magazine should be rich and rich,” I continue with a sigh. - That is, it is better to give readers reliable and well-vetted news, and not the gossip for empty-headed teenagers that the yellow press is replete with.

I play with the metal watch band, twisting it around my wrist.

There’s only one way to test it,” he replies, thinking, and then his lips curl into a satisfied smirk. - How do you feel about doing boring secretarial work?

Are you trying to scare me, Ken?

Only if this work is accompanied by equally interesting creative tasks. In that case, I don’t mind,” I put a stupid smile on my face again.

“I see,” he answers thoughtfully. - How many hours a week are you willing to work, Hayley? And how soon can you start?

He was pleased.

I can start with seven hours a day for the next few months and then go full time,” I answer, trying to see from his face how acceptable that is for them. - I have a temporary contract with an insurance company.

So, can you start work tomorrow at ten? - Ken asks me with a promising smile.

Of course, I’m all for it,” I nod.

Then let’s now move on to the most boring part: discussing job responsibilities, salary expectations, and so on,” he says and takes some papers from the desk drawer.

Would you like something to drink before we get into the details?

Soda?..

What? - He grins and opens the minibar, filled with various cans of soda.

I already love this place.

He smiles.

As I leave YOU, I text Tasha.

I: The meeting went well, so I'll go with you today.

Tasha: I love you to distraction.

On the way home, I debate whether I should wear this gorgeous Donna Karan dress or just return it. Maybe I shouldn't wear it, because Daniel gave it to me so that I would have to accompany him to the party, and not Tasha.

Escort as an art.

I: Daniel, I'm not sure if it would be right for me to go with you. Hope for understanding. Perhaps we'll cross paths tonight.

I click the "Submit" button.

Daniel: Very bad... Will you still come today?

I: Yes, I'm going with Tasha.

Daniel: Happy Natasha Taylor. I hope that I will have the opportunity to talk to you in person - our form of communication irritates me.

Why am I doing this? And why am I so nervous about meeting him? Why do I smile like an idiot every time I receive a message from him?

Hales, don't you understand that you need to stay away from him?

So, let’s get ready,” Tasha playfully spanks my behind, lying next to me on my bed.

Will you wear your new dress? - she asks with a cheerful expression on her face.

I think yes. Don't throw it away. This may be the only time I can afford to wear a dress like this,” I smile at her. - Do you think maybe we can return it?

She looks at me for a minute:

Three, two, one... ready? - she asks. - I'm the first to shower!

Anything for you, Missy. Will you do my makeup?

Yes, she shouts on the way to the bathroom. Just like when we just entered university.

In admiration, I look at my reflection in the mirror. The dress fits me perfectly. It has a simple but elegant neckline that accentuates the chest, which I really like.

Tasha, maybe you can put some makeup on me now?

Wow, look at you. Cool dress, Hales,” she says admiringly.

I like it too.

Great job, Missy, - I thank Tasha for the bright silver shadow on the eyes and red gloss on the lips.

Turn around,” she commands, and I obey. My wavy hair dances around my back.

Hales, seriously! You look stunning! I think that a certain Mr. Stark will be knocked out when he sees you.

I can't stop grinning. Deep in my heart I sincerely hope that this will happen.

Chapter 12

Night at the ball

The event takes place at the Hilton Hotel. The main hall is decorated in the style of an enchanted forest. We walk in and immediately find ourselves in one of the scenes from the magical world of Disney fairy tales: tall trees with large canopies, a pale blue blanket hanging from the ceiling with many tiny blinking lights. Waiters dressed in tuxedos and masks of fairy-tale animals treat everyone to pink champagne. The floor is carpeted in the shape of a green lawn with pebbles on both sides of the paths. I am simply amazed by the beauty of this place and the atmosphere that reigns here.

Let’s have a drink,” Tasha suggests, noticing my condition.

Hurray, - we clink glasses of sweet champagne.

Tasha leads me to a group of people at a flower stand. Putting on the mask of a mega-sociable girl, she introduces me to everyone. We have a nice conversation and Tasha's manager distracts me from my anxious thoughts, but I keep looking over my shoulder.

I feel a sharp pain in my chest when I find him standing at the bar. The whole ballroom is between us. He is dressed in a black suit with a snow-white shirt, his hair is tousled, his sad, but such a sinful look is magnificent. He's talking to someone, and the conversation doesn't seem to be going well. Daniel is annoyed. It's strange, why doesn't this surprise me? I notice his personal assistant, Miss Bailey, looking nervous as always.

Daniel looks around the room and I quickly turn away, my heart speeding up a little, I don't want him to catch me peeking at him.

I smile at Tasha's boss, Rob, as if I had actually been listening to him the whole time and not staring at the most handsome man in the room. And I’m relieved to understand that he didn’t notice it.

“Hey, Rob,” Tasha sends him one of her charming smiles. He also answers her with a smile, too generous, in my opinion. He definitely feels something for her. They continue to discuss something related to the children's hospital that the foundation will sponsor. Lost in thoughts about Daniel, even though I was really trying to avoid it, I can't carry on a conversation.

Hello, Haley,” I feel a firm, warm hand on my shoulder. Trembling with my whole body at the sound of a familiar voice, I turn to him.

Hello Daniel.

Daniel's proximity makes your heart leap to your throat. He is tanned: his handsome face is now shaded by a honey tan. His gaze lazily wanders over me, causing my insides to spasm.

“You look breathtaking,” he whispers in my ear.

I tremble slightly from his touch, breath and closeness. Oh, not this.

I like this dress on you,” he adds.

“Thank you, me too,” I say and try to look calm.

“I’m glad,” he smiles at me, but this time his arrogant grin is replaced by an alluring, sincere smile. Some people start looking at us with curiosity.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he says, taking my hand.

Why? - I look at him and sigh, slowly taking my hand back. His lips curl into a half-smile and he lets go of me.

Because I wanted to see you, because I wanted to talk to you,” he replies, his gaze fixed on me.

Daniel, not now, please, I ask.

I look at him, and I want to hug him tightly, so that he is close, close to me, the way I remember it. I'm amazed at myself - I just can't keep him at a distance. It seems that he himself already understood this, so he continued to advance.

Maybe we can talk somewhere alone?

The almond-hazel eyes suddenly darkened. Hell no.

Not now. I just came and promised Natasha that I would be with her.

“She seems to be coping just fine without you,” he says dryly, gesturing mockingly towards Tasha, who is standing surrounded by several men and laughing cheerfully.

Mr. Stark, I'm very sorry, but may I disturb you? - Miss Bailey looks even more worried. Thanks to her for interrupting us. I see Daniel's eyes turn from gentle to dark and angry; he likes to control everything.

For God's sake, what is it this time? - he says in a quiet, abrupt voice. -Can't you see that I'm busy, Anne?

How can he be so different? I'm so glad I don't work with him. Psycho!

Uh, the hospital would like to speak with you, and then there are two documents to review before you sign... You said it was urgent,” she swallows, biting her lips as she waits for his response. He sighs heavily, frowning at her, and then turns his head in my direction - he's nice again.

I'll see you later. Do not run away.

Is it just me or does he actually look almost pleading?

You know, I left my red Snickers at home, so even if I tried this, I probably wouldn't succeed. “Not in them,” I nod towards my stilettos. He smiles, and then, in full view of everyone standing around and Miss Anne Bailey, he cups my face with his hands and kisses the corner of my mouth, lingering for a few seconds. I blush and melt in his arms. I watch in shock as he walks away, with Miss Bailey following behind him in her high heels, trying to catch up to him.

What was it? - Tasha asks, handing me another glass of champagne.

I don't know, Tash. He wants to talk. But actually I have no idea what he wants.

Well, the little show you put on speaks for itself. It's clear what he wants. I would even say who he wants. It's definitely you! - she nods, clinking glasses with me.

We once again join Tasha's colleagues as they have a long and lively discussion about the presidential election campaign.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention,” announces the evening’s host. The general roar gradually subsides, and the crowd turns to the center of the hall.

I'd like to welcome you all to the charity fundraiser hosted by Stark Software and Benioff Children's Hospital.

His incredibly tanned orange face has a fake smile with whitened teeth. He pauses to look around the audience. Then he runs his hand along his pressed tuxedo and continues:

This evening is dedicated to raising funds for the needs of oncology research laboratories. Stark Software has sponsored Benioff for many years.

He looks at the audience with a serious expression on his face:

Now let me invite Mr. Garrison from Stark Development to the stage to tell you more about Stark Software's contributions.

With quick cat steps he moves to the center of the stage and says:

Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome Mr. Harrison.

A tall, dark-haired man in a gray tuxedo emerges from the crowd to applause.

“I thought Mr. Stark would speak on behalf of the company,” the lady behind us says sarcastically.

In response, Tasha leans towards me:

I thought so too.

“He doesn’t like to be the center of attention,” I whisper, remembering what he told me during our conversation a few days ago. I smile thinking about how glad I was to know this.

Good evening. Thank you all for being with us today,” says Mr. Garrison. - It is a great honor for me to speak here on behalf of Stark Software.

A huge screen behind the stage shows a slideshow of volunteerism at the hospital and its patients. Garrison lists Stark Software's contributions and contributions to the children's hospital, and talks about donations and volunteer programs that have been implemented over the past year.

“I think we should thank Mr. Stark, who initiated our partnership with Benioff Children's Hospital,” he says at the end. To the applause of the entire audience, he adds:

Mr. Stark, can you join me on stage?

I turn my head in the direction Mr. Garrison is looking and notice the discomfort and reluctance on Daniel's face. Despite this, he confidently and gracefully walks towards the gentleman waiting for him. Daniel only needs a few short steps to reach the stage with his assistant.

“Good evening,” he greets everyone in the hall in a low, hoarse voice, and the audience falls silent. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on the completion of the hard work we have put into launching this wonderful fundraising project, as well as all of our management, our dedicated staff, who have selflessly given their all to this cause.”

Daniel gestures to the large screen behind him.

On the screen you can see the faces of children hospitalized at Benioff who need our help. The money we raise today will be used to purchase modern medical research equipment. This will give children a chance to live a full life.

He runs his hand through his hair and squints his eyes, looking around at everyone in the room.

Once again I would like to thank everyone who supported this initiative. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your participation in the program: volunteering and donating. Events like this are priceless.

He looks ahead, his face expresses concern. Watching him, I feel like I'm under hypnosis. Confident, sophisticated, radiating strength and power with his entire appearance. And yet there is in his words this faint hint of modesty and timidity - it is irresistible.

Daniel goes on to explain that the money raised from this evening must be agreed upon by Stark Software. As he speaks, his gaze wanders around the room until it lands on me. For a long time he does not break this connection, and my breathing suddenly becomes difficult.

Most of all, these children need our mutual assistance and support. Together we can fulfill our duty to protect these little ones. I would like to once again thank all of you, our staff and donors for your support. Let us together create a union of friendship and goodness through cooperation and mutual assistance.

Daniel puts his hand in his pocket and glances around the entire audience.

Thank you on behalf of Stark Software,” he finishes his speech and shakes Garrison’s hand.

Mr. Stark, you forgot to mention one point,” Mr. Garrison says into the microphone. - Your personal contribution to this matter just today amounted to a million dollars.

Daniel nods sheepishly. He gives me a quick glance, and at that moment my heart sank from what I heard.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” says the compere, taking control of the microphone again, “everyone is invited to the dance floor.” We have a surprise for you a little later, but for now enjoy the evening.

What a fake smile.

I watch as Daniel continues his conversation with Mr. Garisson. For a split second he turns his head and his eyes find mine. I flinch sharply from the tension that has arisen between us. I urgently need armor that will protect me from all emotions, especially when he is nearby...

Jazz music is playing in the hall. I'm standing next to Tasha when Rob asks her to dance. I roll my eyes. Why am I not surprised?

Don't you want to dance? - a broad-shouldered, blue-eyed guy in a dark suit touches my shoulder. I tilt my head to look into his friendly eyes.

Of course, why not,” I answer with a slight smile. He places his hand on my lower back and leads me to the dance floor. Not far away, I can see Daniel talking and watching us intently.

“My name is Paul,” the guy says, smiling and gently holding my waist.

I'm Hayley. “Nice to meet you,” I answer, imitating the expression on his face.

“I know,” he grins. “I already asked about you,” he answers mysteriously.

Paul tries to engage me in conversation, but I just nod absentmindedly and smile, trying to keep my eyes on Daniel. I see him approach the DJ and exchange a few words with him. The DJ nods in agreement to a pleased Daniel, who immediately turns on his heel and walks off stage. He heads in our direction, without looking away. He doesn't even seem to blink. Paul keeps saying something, but I'm completely engrossed in Daniel.

A new song is playing; a pleasant shiver runs through my body when I hear the first notes. A touching, dreamy melody, something I love so much.

May I interrupt you? - Daniel asks in a quiet, firm voice; he doesn't take his eyes off me.

A little shocked, Paul mutters incoherent words of agreement as he spots Daniel, then turns to me and raises an apologetic eyebrow. Do not apologize; I have never been so happy about a change of partner.

I look into hazel eyes and they look at me. He is happy, and I feel like thousands of butterflies in my stomach are desperately flying in circles and swaying from side to side. Daniel wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him, and we begin to move to the beat of an amazing melody. The warmth of his hands sends impulses through my insides.

“Haley, I didn’t mean to upset you or hurt you, ever, ever,” Daniel says, hugging me tighter.

I'm confused by the feelings I feel around him. My hands rest on his shoulders.

“I love the way I feel when I’m with you,” he continues, and I swallow hard.

Daniel pulls me even closer to him. I move my hand to the back of his head, my fingertips lightly touching the skin. Pleasant music is playing, and these touching notes that I like so much. We look into each other's eyes, there is a barely noticeable smile on his lips - I just need to take a deep breath, I'm suffocating.

“You remembered,” I exhale.

“Good song,” he whispers back, and his gaze falls on my lips, which are trembling just at the thought that he can kiss me again. I'm afraid of what I might see in his eyes, so I just lean my head against his chest and close my eyes. To the sounds of my favorite melody, I inhale his scent, completely opening up to him now.

Hayley, look at me,” Daniel asks, his voice low and gentle.

I lift my head to meet his gaze again. He leans towards me, without taking his eyes off me, and hesitantly brings his lips to mine. There is a silent question in my eyes, I also silently agree, and he slowly leans even closer. I open my lips to meet his lips - the long-awaited warmth of his lips gently envelops me.

The stomach shrinks and the lungs refuse to function at the first touch. His lips leave mine for a brief moment to look into my eyes, and then they attack again with even greater determination. His tongue meets mine, exploring new territory. I go crazy from these short gentle touches. Our tongues intertwine in a single dance, tasting each other, trying to get as much as possible.

We are so absorbed in each other that we don't notice anything around us. Daniel cups my face with his hands, pulling me deeper into the kiss. Reaching up, I run my fingers through his soft hair. He runs his fingers over my cheek, deepening the kiss. Then he pulls back to look at me and kisses me again, small, gentle, but sensual kisses. From the touch of his lips, the rhythm of my heart accelerates, and my body burns from the inside. I pull Daniel closer to me. Now that I know what it's like to kiss Daniel, I want to go on and on and on. I don't want to stop.

Hayley, I think the music is over,” Daniel grins between kisses.

I blush and smile back. As soon as I come to my senses a little, I discover that we are the only ones left near the stage. At the same time, some very curious people watching us quickly and awkwardly turn away as soon as we notice them.

Mr.. - Miss Bailey appears next to us, trying to attract Daniel's attention. She clears her throat and tries to bother her boss again.

Mr. Stark,” she tries this time more clearly and loudly.

Daniel turns to look her way, I can't see the expression on his face but I can imagine seeing the horror reflected on Miss Bailey's poor face.

Someone died, Anne? Damn it, what else? - Daniel speaks slowly, with cold disdain.

Well...” she mutters, clenching her fingers, “the hotel manager wants to talk to you.”

Wow, is she suitable for this?

My heart certainly goes out to the poor girl. But this is not a matter of life and death. Definitely, the hotel manager is not dying, and talking to the person I don’t want to let go is not his dying wish. Daniel's jaw clenches. And I notice how the color spreads across Miss Bailey's face. If looks really can kill, we'd be buried by now.

Please tell him we can't talk right now. And don’t come to me with this nonsense anymore,” he says in an icy, frightening voice.

Mr. Stark, I'm sorry, but he said it was important.

Feeling sorry for the poor girl who clearly has tact issues, I grab Daniel's hand. He turns to look at me.

I'll go check on Tasha. “I’ll wait until you finish your business,” I tell him calmly, and then, rising on tiptoe, I kiss him on the cheek. He looks at me for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons, then, running his hand through my hair, he cups my neck, leans in and kisses me. He hesitates for several long seconds and I float. To my complete disappointment, he pulls away from me and says he will be back as soon as possible. I nod and look at Miss Bailey, who is still next to us, looking at anything but us, her face a bright crimson. I'm afraid that she will tear off her curl from the intensity with which she twirls it around her finger. I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling even wider.

As soon as they leave, I start looking for Tasha and find her with Rob and the company we met earlier. They seem to be deep in conversation, and almost no one notices my intrusion.

Well, here she is - the star of the evening,” Tasha teases.

I smile at her shyly.

You put on such a show, Miss Grace,” Tasha laughs, and Rob joins her.

Are you sure you want to laugh at this, Rob? I wonder if he would laugh if Daniel were here?

Where is your boyfriend? - she asks, looking around.

Leave me alone,” I snap at her, although not with malice.

What's the plan for the rest of the evening? - she asks, fortunately, without cynicism.

Tell me, I'm your companion.

Oh, Hales, there are so many choices that it’s hard for me to decide,” I laugh, knowing exactly what she’s talking about. We both laugh as soon as our eyes meet.

Miss Taylor, please behave properly, we are in a public place,” I nudge her hand with my elbow.

“You know I can’t,” she says, defiantly covering her mouth.

I giggle, waiting to see what else she'll say.

I think that you are no longer my companion. Therefore, all I can do is run around looking for the first guy I come across who would agree to caress me in public places.

Is this what you were doing, Hayley? And you call yourself my friend?

I turn and smile at Daniel as he comes to stand next to me. He slides his arm around my waist. Tasha watches him cheerfully and says:

Look, even Mr. Stark agrees with me.

Rob freezes next to her. He looks at Daniel and nods in greeting.

Mr. Stark,” he says too seriously.

Why aren't you laughing now?

I hope that in my absence you didn’t find anyone,” Daniel whispers in my ear and winks.

“I was waiting for you to do this,” I grin at him.

He hugs me tighter around the waist, turning me around and pulling me close to his face, very close. Out of the corner of my eye I see that Tasha and Rob are moving aside.

Where are we staying, Hey?

“You just read my mind,” I say, looking up at him. He leans down so his mouth finds mine and we kiss too passionately for public viewing. Current pulses travel throughout my body right down to my toes.

We stop and Daniel says,

Today we'll look at how to say "Glad you're okay" in English when someone has shared good news with you:

- entered college,
- the party went off with a bang,
- he is going to visit Russia,
- passed the exam with flying colors,
- bought a new house,
- he recovered, etc..

How to write to a foreigner in English that you are happy for his success, health, studies, etc.? And also, I’ll tell you a few phrases on how to say that you are glad to see/hear a person, you are glad to see him.

“I'm glad for you” - examples in English

I'm happy for you.
Glad for you.

Glad you did it.
Glad you've done that.

Glad your birthday party was great.
I’m glad your birthday party was great!

I'm glad your son got married.
I’m glad your son got married.
I'm so glad to hear that.

I'm glad you recovered and recovered from the flu.
I’m glad you got over the flu!

Great, great, glad to hear you went to New York for spring break.
It was great to hear that you went to NY city during your spring holidays.

I'm glad you're going to Russia.
I’m glad you’re going to visit Russia.

Glad you passed all your exams.
I’m glad you passed all your exams.
I’m glad you did well at your exams!

Glad to hear you have a new home.
It’s great to hear about your new house.

I'm glad you liked the book I sent you.
I’m glad you liked the book I sent you.

Glad you like your new job.
I’m really glad you like your new job.

Glad you are doing well at your new school.
I’m glad you have no problems at new school.

It was nice to hear your news.
It was great to hear your news.

How to say in English

“I'm glad to see you” - examples in English

Glad to see you.
I'm very happy to see you.
So good to see you.

Glad I met you.
I’m so glad I met you.

Glad you came.
Glad you came.

Glad I found you.
I'm so glad I found you.
You make me happy.

Glad you're back.
I'm glad you're back.

Glad you're happy.
I'm glad you're happy.

I was very glad to receive a letter from you.
I was glad to receive your message.

It's good that you liked it.
Good to hear you enjoyed it.

Glad to hear you liked it.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this place /cafe/.

How to say: “I’m glad you’re doing well” - “I hope you’re doing well”

Glad you're doing well.
I'm glad you're OK.
I'm glad you are fine.

Glad you're okay.
I am glad you are doing well.
I'm happy you are doing well.

*happy and glad- 90% are interchangeable and have the meaning “rad/rad/rady”
happy is a more formal word and can be heard/seen in formal places.
For example, in a hotel: We are happy to welcome you in our hotel.
There is no need to literally translate: “we are happy.”
Of course, they are glad that you chose their hotel, but not so happy as to be happy in our Russian sense.

I'm very glad to hear that everything is fine with you.
Very happy to know you well.

If you want to express hope

Add the word hope to the above phrases.

Encouraging news, glad you seem to be on the mend.
That’s encouraging news, and I’m glad you seem to be/are coping so well.

Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thank you for that
that you are discovering this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and goosebumps.
Join us on Facebook And In contact with

We are in website We are sure that good deeds do not require great expense and effort. Doing good is much easier than it seems. These 11 “overheard” stories are the best proof of this. Carefully! After reading this, you may have an overwhelming desire to do something good.

• A long time ago, when the trees were big, the ice cream tasted better, and half of the diploma was taken up by the “decision of the 27th Congress of the CPSU,” I was 18, my future husband a little older. He invited me to a restaurant. To be honest, this was the first restaurant for me. In Soviet times, there were cafes where you buy something, carry it yourself and sit at a table. And there are waitresses and a live orchestra. In general, I was delighted, we ate, but I didn’t want to leave. And then, as if by magic, the waiter comes up to us and brings ice cream, cake and coffee. I am a student, my husband is a student. We are shocked. The waiter, seeing our confusion, said that everything had already been paid for by the couple at that table over there. A man and a woman slightly over 40 were sitting there. They came up to us and said that we were a very beautiful couple, and it was immediately obvious that we loved each other, and they just wanted to extend our romantic dinner a little.

  We will soon have grandchildren. But since then, if we see a young couple in love in a restaurant, we also make sure to send them something. In general, we decided to continue the relay of goodness.

• The wife is pregnant. We decided to cook fish for dinner with her and bought carp. At home they took him out of the bag, and he was still alive, his mouth was open. His wife went to the bathroom and released him into the water. He sits, watches him swim, and has already come up with a name for him - “Karl.” I prepared the breading, came for the fish, and my wife was in tears. Sorry for the fish! As a result, at twelve o'clock in the morning, with a bucket, we walked two kilometers to the river and released the stupid carp into the river. Hope you're doing well, Carl.
• My friend went to the cinema with her son. On the way, the kid collects all the leaflets that the girl promoters hand out. Moreover, he approaches them as if it is vitally important to him. She asks him: “Son, why do you need these leaves? What will you do with them then? To which the child said: “I won’t do anything, mommy. It’s just that these girls always stand so sad, no one takes these leaves. And this way I make them a LITTLE HAPPIER.”
• The grandmother happily talked about how she received a happy birthday greeting from her former place of work (she is a labor veteran, long since retired).
  “They still remember me,” he says. Mom responded by saying that this program sends messages through a database. Under the pretext of treating her to a tangerine, he approached his mother and asked her never to speak like that again. She immediately understood everything and said that she was mistaken. Together we praised the workers and listened to grandmothers' stories. It's not always a good idea to tell people the truth.
• I am 18 years old. Winter. Evening. It is dark outside. I was in a hurry to get home, so I walked up to a parked taxi. When I sat down in front, two more guys sat behind me. They asked where I was going, and they said they should go there too. There was little money, and I was happy about such luck. When we got to the place, I got ready to go out. Guys too. Suddenly the taxi driver grabs my hand. The guys get out, and we hit the gas. I was scared. But we made a circle and came back. The guys were no longer there; the driver didn’t like their faces.

• I go to work every day in the morning and always get takeaway coffee from the cafe next to the metro. Recently I chose a new route for myself and began to meet my grandfather in the orders, who plays the button accordion and sings military songs. Now I don’t drink coffee, but I give this amount to him, in return he always gives me a sucking candy, of which he has a whole bag. And recently, when I approached, he stopped playing, put a chocolate candy in his palm and said: “This is magic, think well about what to wish for.”
  I made a wish. I am waiting. I know it will come true.
• I was in a taxi late at night. Suddenly, in the middle of the road, the taxi driver stopped and got out of the car. I had already gotten scared when I suddenly saw two hedgehogs in front of us. He got out of the car to run them off the road! So my soul immediately felt warm.
• I love it when people are happy to do their job, no matter what it is. Sometimes you’re walking and it’s cold, and you come up to a coffee stand on the street. And the girl there will sincerely smile, generously pour in ground chocolate, and say: “Careful, the coffee is hot! Have a nice day!" Or you buy water at a gas station, and the cashier shouts to the gas station attendant: “Run here quickly, take the heavy bottles to the girl in the car!” And he helps with a smile and wants to get there well. And so your soul immediately becomes warm.

• I went to the store to buy bread. While standing in line at the cash register, a boy with a broken nose ran in and began to ask for help. As it turned out, several people attacked him, took his phone and began beating him. He hid in the store.
  I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of the workers: all the men immediately left the warehouse and work in the hall, gathered at the entrance, security stood at the door. The women called the police, washed the boy, gave him water and a phone to call his parents. And several buyers immediately volunteered to be witnesses.
• We have a whole entrance of pensioners. Everyone worked at the factory and received apartments in the 60s and were about the same age - 80 and older. The grandson of one granny grew up and at the age of 35 made a decent fortune. Once a month he comes with an assistant, goes around the apartments, calls and shouts: “Grandmas! Timur and his team have arrived!” This means that all grannies write grocery lists or men's to-do lists. And everything is bought and repaired. No, they are not alone, and their children have not forgotten them. Yura just wants to help. And it helps.
• The other day I was riding on a trolleybus. A young man, about 20–25 years old, came in. I sat down and suffered for the whole stop, unwinding my headphones with a broken arm. 2 minutes before my stop, when the trolleybus stopped at a traffic light, I walked up to it and unwound them. While she was unwinding, the young man sat and smiled. When I came out, my knees were still shaking. The first time I was not afraid to do good.

• Once I got into a minibus, and there my grandmother was sitting, barely alive, rolling off her chair. They began to ask what was wrong with her. But she can’t even put two words together. So everyone who was sitting in the minibus immediately began to get out of it, the driver and I immediately decided to take her to the hospital, I began to find out the phone numbers of her relatives, and she said that there was no one, her husband was at home after a stroke. While we were driving, I held her so that she wouldn’t fall, and she, poor thing, didn’t let go of her wallet. They brought me to the hospital, it turned out to be a stroke. This is how the driver and I saved our lives.
• I once saved two lives. I was driving to school and looking out the window. It was +1 outside, and yesterday it was −9. In the middle of a frozen lake, two men were preparing to go fishing. Knowing the temperature, I figured out how it was all melting and called a friend who worked in the rescue service with a request to send a team to the specified place. The next morning, a 14-year-old girl and her mother stood on my doorstep and thanked me for saving my father and his brother. It turned out that a friend and his crew arrived when the fishermen were already going under the ice.