I do hope he isn’t too disgusted by my plateful of muffins. After all the time we have spent together, I didn’t even know what his job was. We haven’t spoken much about his personal life. Not even the story of Milena, which is getting more confusing by the minute. He certainly can’t be serious with her or surely he would be with her on Christmas morning? Maybe this is my chance to learn more about him.
‘So, you’re not a chef any more?’
‘It’s a bit of a long story. With the cost of food at the moment, it’s been difficult. But I’m opening my own bar soon. Time for a bit of a change.’
‘That’s amazing. I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful success.’
For someone who is about to open a new business, he doesn’t look too thrilled when he talks about it. He quickly finishes the coffee I ordered him and downs it in one go.
‘Anyway, we’d better go. We don’t want to miss the cruise.’ For some reason, I get the feeling the bar business could be a sore subject, just like the name Milena.
‘Oh, of course. Sorry, I’ve been enjoying breakfast a bit too much this morning.’
I try to resist throwing one of the gorgeous Christmas pastries in my bag for later as we pass the buffet table on the way out. I can’t say I will have as much restraint when Tomas isn’t with me though. But then I realise that I fly home early tomorrow and there won’t be time for another breakfast here. That makes me feel incredibly sad. Never in a million years would I ever have thought that I wouldn’t want to leave Prague, and if I am honest with myself, I don’t especially want to leave Tomas either. I try to put it out of my mind and instead focus on enjoying what is left of my stay.
I take out my bright pink bobbly hat and pull it down over my ears as we walk towards the river. The temperature feels like it has dropped again. Maybe we won’t have snow on Christmas Day as I had hoped we would. So far, there has only been a sprinkling while we were at the castle, although the clouds in the sky hint that there might be something on the horizon.
Arriving at the pontoon, I think at first that we might be in the wrong place. There are big boats, which appear to be ferries transporting people around, but the boat at our mooring is much smaller and more intimate. The captain greets us in a sailor suit and tells us that we are the only ones onboard today so we can set sail immediately.
‘This is perfect,’ I say to Tomas.
‘Just wait,’ he smiles.
As we set sail, a hostess comes up to us with a glass of champagne.
‘Sorry, but I haven’t ordered any,’ I say.
‘It was pre-ordered by your friend here,’ she explains. Tomas smiles and then clinks his glass to mine, sayingHappy Christmasonce again. I take a sip of the delicious, chilled bubbles as a swan swims alongside our boat. Then we head under a little bridge decorated with a Christmas garland, glass of fizz in hand. What an experience Tomas has introduced me to. I could get used to this.
Tomas’ eyes light up as he looks at me and smiles with that beautiful grin. Then, he points out an empty building.
‘You see that there?’
I look up to see a place that used to be a restaurant, with the menu stuck on the door and chairs on top of disused tables. Even though it is looking a little neglected, it is in a beautiful spot with its riverside location.
‘This is where I’m opening my new bar next year.’
‘Oh, it’s going to be beautiful.’
‘I hope so. A new beginning.’ When he says that, I see the same look in his eyes that he has whenever Milena is mentioned. I wonder if the closure of his restaurant is to do with her. I have a feeling that something is definitely linking them both.
‘It’s good to have a new beginning sometimes,’ I say, clinking my glass to his.
‘For sure. Here’s to new beginnings, Olivia.’
I could listen to him say my name all day with that bewitching Czech accent he has when he speaks his perfect English.
I may not know much about Tomas’ background, and he doesn’t know much about mine, but sometimes perhaps it is better that way. Who needs baggage?
As we weave our way along the river and through tight tunnels, the air gets chillier. The hostess brings blankets over to us, and we huddle under them with our chilled champagne. What a way to celebrate Christmas. This is heaps better than slaving over a turkey and then realising you forgot to put the spuds on, which is what I once did, despite insisting I was organised.
I look up towards the castle, the cathedral, and all the sights I have enjoyed on my trip, and that gloomy thought that I have to leave tomorrow reoccurs.
‘I can’t believe I’m going home tomorrow. We haven’t even got through all the letters yet.’
‘There are so many. Do you have to go home? I was thinking we could start them again this evening, and tomorrow perhaps. Is there any chance you can delay your flight back?’
‘Oh, gosh. I hadn’t thought of that. I’d have to check.’
