He is silent a long time. Maybe he’s depressed. Or is he an ax murderer, considering his next victim? I don’t actually know him, after all.
“Don’t tell me you’re a sad old cynic, Dirk? Is there nothing that brings you satisfaction? Or do you love silence?”
“Silence is underrated, Lucy.”
I almost choke on my coffee. And there I was, thinking I was cheering him up with a little conversation.
“On the contrary, communication is vital.” I lift my chin to challenge him.
“You may be right.” He holds my gaze, a slight flush on his cheek, perhaps from the strain of bringing up my groceries. When I stare back, my heart flips and stills and flaps. He is serious, this Dirk. My hot neighbor may be a deeply sincere man, and possibly just as sad. Does nothing bring him joy?
I offer him the plate of cookies and he selects the smallest one, with the least chocolate. I grab the largest and turn the thick chocolate end towards my lips, holding his gaze.
He turns to me, and as we chomp at the same time, he closes his eyes and smiles. I swallow and sigh.
“These cookies are masterpieces,” I say. “They’ve been making them the same way in Italy for hundreds of years because they got it right. Don’t you agree?”
When he nods and reaches for another, I’m as glad as if I’ve been coaxing a toddler to eat, or encouraging a stray to become my pet, or a heartbroken man to open himself up to love again. Because I know it in my bones – it is Dirk who will bring me joy.
But I don’t tell Donna. I hold the secret inside me. It’s just an idea, after all, and I’m a grown woman. I know how love can be elusive. I’ve just watched it evaporate and turn my ex-husband into a stranger.
Next night, Donna joins me for dinner. I give her a full three-course dinner, silver candlesticks and all.
“Can’t thank you enough for saving my life, Donna, for taking me in, for feeding me, and giving me the job.”
“That’s what friends are for,” says Donna as she serves herself more baked vegetables. “Although I really only did it ‘cause I like your baked dinners.”
“Ha ha...”
“So are you happy now? Apart from your relationship with Phoebe, and you know I’m working on that for you. I’m no ordinary Godmother.”
“That’s true.”
I stand up and give her a hug, then clear away the dinner plates, ready for dessert.
“Donna, my friend, you are amazing. Thank you.”
“So are you?”
“Happy? Happy to have found this place, for sure.”
“I know you, Lucy. You won’t be happy until there’s another man in your life.”
“I’m only just divorced! What I really want is security. I never want to be thrown out of my own home ever again. I need to buy my own place, Donna, like you did.”
“What kind of place?”
“A place like this. Exactly like this. I wouldn’t even have to move again. It’d be perfect.”
