57 Like a Pet in a Zoo

Śliwiński usually did not watch movies or series, at least not new ones with the participation of people he knew professionally. It was strange for him to see them transform into more and more new characters. Before he came to this party, however, he watched several dozen hours of domestic productions, so that he would have something to talk about in the company.

Armed with such knowledge, he approached the first person. Bruno Kwieciński was his greatest rival - tall, dark-haired, masculine and talented only a little less than Dominik, according to many, was more deserving of the worship that Śliwiński received. He was more open to the media and was given more ambitious roles. He also played more often, so he had more achievements on his account.

It was not easy for Dominik to start a conversation, fortunately he did not have to do it, because in the group he approached was the son of a famous director studying acting. The boy played a supporting role in the film, where Śliwiński was the star. Surprised and delighted, he was the first to come up to him and greeted him happily, drawing general attention to him. After a few polite sentences, Dominik found an opportunity to address Kwieciński directly.

„Bruno, I wanted to congratulate you on your last role. I was especially taken by the scene at the train station, but not the breakup itself, but the moment you get on the train."

"Thank you, Dominik," he replied with a studied smile. "You were brilliant as always in your movie."

"You are to kind. I'm looking forward to your latest production."

"You won't be waiting long. This winter starts shooting for 'Maria Walewska'".

Śliwiński did not show that this news had made any negative impression on him. On the contrary, he smiled as sincerely as he could.

"In that case, I sincerely wish you good luck. Could I know which character you will play?"

"Captain Żurawski" Kwieciński replied nonchalantly. 

„I am sure that thanks to you this character will flourish. Congratulations again."

Żurawki was the role that was offered to him. The young captain, in love with Maria Walewska, was a passionate character and gave the actor a chance for a daring performance. Dominik, however, was unable to convince him. There was something crazy about this hero in his eyes that seemed completely antipathic to him. Śliwiński did not like his ethos and some kind of circus. Żurawski was, to some extent, an exaggerated clown of love.

The role had great potential. It was almost certain that at least seventy percent of viewers would love the character. Dominik, however, was among the thirty who were unable to have positive feelings for him. Maybe he was prejudiced, but he really didn't like Żurawski.

"That was supposed to be your role, right?"

"Exactly. An intriguing figure, but I couldn't see myself in it."

"You probably know, but it is rumored that you did not quite give up this film of your own free will."

"Rumors are rumors, you know it well" Śliwiński shrugged his shoulders slightly. "There may be a lot of truth to them, but I didn't wait for a production decision. It is just difficult for people to understand that someone can give up such a chance, so rumors are probably inevitable. "

"Then why did you do it, give up such a chance? Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

"No problem. As I said, I didn't see myself in that role. Perhaps it was too much of a challenge for me. There are aspects to this character that I couldn't capture. I'm not that good actor. "

"False modesty. I've seen you in so many different incarnations, and you've always been credible. "

"That's because each of these roles was within my reach. However, I am sure that Żurwaski will not be a challenge for you. "

Dominik had the impression that his every word, every gesture was followed by people gathered at the party. Nobody was staring at him directly, but he could feel their eyes and it felt like he was that kangaroo in the zoo that existed for people to look at and point to with their fingers. It was a very disturbing feeling.

Even more disturbing was the presence of Marek Marczak in the crowd. Dominik was unable to take his mind off his former lover. Not only did he feel as if he could feel his eyes on him, but by accident he had met his gaze on several occasions.

It wasn't the look of a man who threatened to destroy him professionally. Nor was it the gaze of the brute who had attacked him, nor the gaze of a calculated businessman making a deal on him. Mark's gaze was not cruel or hostile. Marczak's gray eyes looked at him with passionate longing, under the influence of which Śliwiński's heart began to beat again like mad. His mind and body remembered the good time he had spent with Marek, and a subtle trembling of uncertainty overwhelmed him.

However, Śliwiński was too popular a person, and his presence was quite surprising for everybody. The actor attracted general attention, and as he approached Kwieciński a few minutes earlier, now he enjoyed the attention of others. People started coming up to say hello to him and pay their respects. The zoo viewers not only looked from a distance, but also came closer to, if possible, pet the kangaroo, or at least smile at it kindly and say a few flattering words. Dominik didn't even realize when his companion was taken by some playboy and he was forced to answer hundreds of silly social questions.

Minor actors and directors, producers and people who made their fortune in all sorts of ways spoke to him. He collected compliments and congratulations, but there was only one, not very encouraging, professional offer.

Dominik was doing quite well, which he judged by how he had overwhelmed his initial temptation to flee this place. The only thing that really bothered him was knowing that he was constantly being watched by his former lover. He felt his gaze so intensely that he wondered if he was falling into some paranoia.

"You didn't even come over to say hello," he jumped when he heard this jokingly sounding voice next to him. "What will people say?"

They were not alone. There were ears everywhere, catching every rumor wanting to turn it into a sensation.

"I did not want to disturb. You looked busy," Dominik replied quite calmly, though he felt a cold sweat on his back. Theoretically, he should expect Marczak at this party, but the sight of him and now the sound of his voice made him feel very strange.

"I will always find time for my star. But you know. You've been the one who seemed completely elusive lately."

"The decisions I had to make were not easy. There were a lot of things to think about."

"You know, if you want to, Baptiste's role could still be yours."

"No thanks," he replied firmly, feeling very unpleasant. His heart seemed to explode in a moment.

"I'd like to discuss a few things with you… in a more secluded place. Shell we?"

"I don't think this was the right time ..."

"I insist. Unless you prefer us to talk here?"

No! In Dominik, every cell opposed this solution. No, absolutely not, it was unthinkable to bring up any topics between them in such a public place.

"If that's what you want, let's go."

Already at this point, Dominik regretted that he had agreed. He was safe here among the people, but what happens when they get out of sight? Could he trust Marek not to try anything wrong?

No, he couldn't. Marek was now completely beyond his trust. After he brutally knocked him to the ground, tried to r**e him, and sold him to the French right after apologizing, Dominik was unable to give him even the slightest credit of trust.