‘Oh wow, this is something else.’ I smile at Tomas, who is watching my expression.
‘You see, I bet this wasn’t even on your itinerary, was it?’
‘No, I’ll be having words with Dewi. I’d say his itinerary is lacking a few crucial things.’
‘Fancy a drink while we’re here? Or are you ready to go back down in the lift?’
‘No, I think a drink sounds like a good idea before I go back in there.’
Tomas is grinning at me, and I notice his kind smile as we go to a pop-up rooftop bar that looks just perfect. That smile will get women everywhere falling at his feet, thinks the cynic in me.
‘Now, are you going to try some local drinks while you’re here?’ Tomas asks.
‘Oh, I don’t know. Might be a bit strong if I have to time it right to jump back into that lift.’ Besides, if I had something too strong, I might not be able to resist his charms.
Tomas orders a beer, and I choose a small glass of wine. I quickly begin to realise how nice it is to have company for a drink.
‘So, what time shall we go over and read the letters?’ I ask as we wait for our drinks. Although Tomas said it would be sometime this evening, I would still like to do Letná Park quickly if possible.
Tomas doesn’t reply and appears to be thinking. Then I realise that he has a life and the woman on the phone that he probably needs to be with.
‘I’m just thinking of somewhere I should be next. But, you know what, it’s fine. I can change my plans.’
‘Oh no, please don’t do that on my account.’
‘It’s okay. I just have to go and buy a carp for Christmas, that’s all.’
‘Carp? Like the fish?’
‘Yes, that’s what my family eat for Christmas. We don’t have turkey like you do.’
I picture Tomas sitting down with his angry partner and, I assume, children for a family Christmas meal with a huge carp. At least I won’t be having beans on toast alone this year. Maybe I can get something at the hotel.
‘But, no, it’s fine. It can wait. Let’s start on the letters as early as we can. I just need to do a few things first.’
When we have finished our drinks and I manage to get back down in the lift again, Tomas drops me off near Letná Park where I wander around until he is ready to collect me again. It overlooks the Vltava River, and the bridges of the city are clearly in view. I use my camera on the phone for the first time to take the most incredible shot of Prague. It is a lovely way to spend the remainder of the afternoon, but I am happy to have the company of Tomas again when he picks me up.
When we walk into Albert’s apartment, it has been transformed since my last visit. Candles have been lit, and the smell of food is coming from the kitchen.
‘What’s all this?’ I ask Tomas.
‘I thought I’d make us all a meal, and we can relax a little before we start opening the letters. I got in a nice bottle of Moravian wine. I hope you like it.’
I think back to the wine I had in the local restaurant. I am sure it will be very nice, but it feels a little strange to have dinner with Tomas when he has upset the lady in his life. Surely, he should be wining and dining her?
I look over to Albert, who is smiling. He has a naughty grin, and I get the impression that there is much more to this man than it might seem. He is up to something, and I can’t work out what.
Tomas opens the wine for me while I wait for him to plate everything up. I offer to help in the kitchen, but he insists I relax. It feels nice to be waited on, but I can’t help thinking this should all be done for someone else.
‘So, Albert… How are you doing?’
‘Yes, very good, dear. Did you have a nice time with Tomas today?’
‘Oh, he told you what we did today ?’
‘Yes, I suggested it.’
‘You suggested it?’
