Yup, you’re right. It’s just one of those days when I need an earlynight. A lot on my mind. Can I pick you up in the morning to finish theletters? Around 10?
Yeah, sure.
Perfect. See you then, Olivia.
I return to watching the belly dancer, who is now in a different costume, and finish off my wine. I wish I knew what was going on in Tomas’ mind. Maybe I should call that magician back and ask him if he can mind-read in return for my participation.
By the time I get back to the hotel, all I can think about is Tomas. I was never looking for love or any relationship with anyone and had isolated myself to make sure I would never get hurt again. Yet, he has managed to work his way into a part of my brain – or maybe my heart – and he stays there no matter how hard I try to blank him out. Maybe it is because he is unattainable in a way. If you can’t have someone, then nothing can happen, and they can’t hurt you. Although something tells me that isn’t true. Whatever is between him and Milena needs to be sorted out. I expect that if Albert got his way, he would make sure Milena never contacted Tomas again. Albert is a nice man; he is not the type to detest someone unless he has good reason. But I guess managing to destroy your nephew’s dream business counts as having good reason not to like someone.
As I lie down in bed, I struggle to sleep. I begin to wonder if Tomas has managed to sleep yet, or if he is tossing and turning in his bed too. But, if he is, it is probably his relationship with Milena that is troubling him and certainly has nothing to do with me. So why do I feel that the attraction between us is so strong?
We have something between us that I never thought I would feel again, and I sense it coming from him too. Aunt Grace and Marek had a similar connection after a short time, despite such different backgrounds, and now we do too. I rest my head on my pillow and fall asleep, wishing that things were different. If only Milena was not in the picture.
Chapter Twenty
I switched my phone off early so that I would resist the temptation of sending any drunken messages to Tomas. That certainly wouldn’t look good, plus Milena would probably strangle me and sit on me with her strong muscular thighs. So, when I finally get around to looking at my phone, I find a message that Tomas had sent shortly after he said goodnight. Perhaps he didn’t sleep well after all.
Hope it’s okay if I pick you up at nine-thirty instead? I have tovisit the bar later, so will be busy in the afternoon.
It is already 9 a.m.! Yikes. I find myself panicking as I look around the room for something to wear. I am in such a rush to get ready that I throw on some jeans with my Christmas jumper. I would prefer to look my best for Tomas, but I don’t have time to iron any of the stuff that got crumpled in the suitcase. Besides, my Christmas jumper might help cool down the passion between us.
I rush downstairs to meet him and only just catch my breath when I see him. I immediately see that look again. His eyes light up, the smile he gives me seems to radiate from the heart, and he greets me happily by kissing my left cheek. I kiss him back. Every time I see him, it gets harder to ignore all these signs.
‘So, how was last night?’ asks Tomas.
I could ask him the same, but I am not sure that I want to hear what he says. So, I tell him all about the dinner and the performers who kept me entertained whilst I sat there alone. Of course, I don’t admit that I banged my head on the table and made a right fool of myself with the magician. I would prefer him to think I am a bit cooler than that.
Back at Albert’s apartment, Tomas holds the entrance door open for me like the true gentleman he is. ‘Lift or stairs?’
I hate that claustrophobic lift, but it is also my one chance of being close to Tomas. I tell myself to take the stairs, but it just doesn’t come out like that.
‘Lift,’ I smile.
Since we can only just about stand side by side in it, our hands brush each other’s as the lift jerks upwards. I wish my body would stop automatically wanting to press closer into him. The lift moves slowly, and my hand smacks Tomas on the bottom as he shuffles around. Oh my gosh. I swear that was not on purpose. I stand there sweating. What do I do? Do you ignore something like that or come clean and apologise? My mind is in overdrive as I think about what to do. It is not like I can blame someone else in here for the terrible mistake. Do I acknowledge it? Or is it better to hope he doesn’t notice? Oh no. I am horrified. Of course, he noticed.
‘Sorry,’ I say.
‘Sorry for what?’ asks Tomas.
I knew I should have pretended nothing had happened. I can’t say out loud that I have just touched him accidentally and inappropriately.
‘Oh, just sorry I banged into you. It’s a bit cramped in here, isn’t it.’
Tomas smiles politely, and I begin to wonder if he has any feeling in his bum. Perhaps he didn’t notice after all.
When I see Albert, all thoughts of Tomas and his numb bum are soon banished.
‘Good to see you,’ he says. Albert seems to be in a very good mood today, and I become curious about last night. What if Tomas had some kind of final row with Milena and she is never coming back and now it is allsortedas he says? I imagine that would certainly please Albert.
‘I hope Tomas has told you about his New Year’s Eve party. Please tell me that you’ll still be here for it?’ says Albert.
‘Yes, I’ll be coming. Maybe I won’t be able to stay too late though. I’m normally in bed early on New Year’s Eve.’
‘Nonsense. You’ll have to stay until the early hours with me in case nobody wants to talk to the old man.’
‘Of course, they’ll want to talk to you.’
Albert shrugs his shoulders and smiles.
