I had to quicken my step. There were only three more blocks until 73rd. Or else, Lumi, that usually got up around 7:30, would be up and use it against me to her heart's content. It was 7 in the morning and I was just getting home. Eli lived on West 56th, which meant something like a 20 to 30 minutes walk.
Yes, I was doing the walk of shame.
Yes, I was doing the walk of shame.
I unlocked the door very slowly and pushed the door. No lights on, not a living soul on sight. I sighed relieved and locked the door back. I tip-toed to the kitchen, got a glass of water and was turning to leave when Lumi hit the kitchen lights on.
"Are you trying to kill me?!"
"Me?! I woke up listening to steps and since I didn't know if you had returned, I thought that maybe you were a burglar. I nearly hit you in the head with your American Constitutional Interpretation." she said reading the cover of the big book on her hands.
"Sorry."
"And... hmm, quite a walk of shame, huh, young lady? What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I'm innocent and now I'd like to shower, crawl into bed and sleep until it's dark again."
"Hmmm, you haven't slept yet?" I gave her my best Lumi stare and gulped down the water I'd been holding. I passed by her into the bathroom and after I was free of my clothes, stepped under the hot water.
"Okay, I have to be at the gym in 30 minutes. Spill."
His apartment was on the sixth floor and the elevator seemed to love to take its time to get where he was ordered. By the time the bell rang, Eli had his hands all over me and seemed oblivious to the fact that the elevator had a camera. Actually, we both did. When the doors opened he fumbled with his keys trying to find the right one while I pushed my blouse back to its place and started breathing again. Inside, he told he'd be right back and went into his bedroom. I took off my coat and wandered to the windows. I loved the windows of his apartment. They were nearly as tall as the ceiling and gave a great view of the other buildings. If stretched a little, you could see part of the park. On the ride there I had been thinking of Noah. My God, he was handsome. Which brought me to the fact that I was going to another man's apartment. A man that I had been interested in for nearly a year and that had driven me crazy for months. I was feeling bad. But only a little. Does that make me a bad person? While looking out the cab's window, Eli seemed to have read my mind perfectly. He let go of my hand and touched my hair.
"Are you wishing you were back in the restaurant?"
"What?" Busted. "Of course not. I was just thinking about my day in the park today. I want to introduce you to Lilah one of these days. You'll have a lot to talk about."
"Yeah? Why?"
"She's the smartest woman I've ever met. She's had dozens of books published and her husband used be a Doctor Without Borders. He lived in most parts of Africa and now he works on a NGO doing research and gathering funds. It's really amazing."
"I would love to meet them." That made me smile. It had been sincere and I loved that about Eli. He wasn't the kind of man that spent time trying to make an impression and hid behind excuses, if he didn't like or didn't want something, he'd tell you. As if on cue, he slipped arms around my waist and held me for a few seconds before turning me to him. When his lips touched mine, my heart was surprisingly calm. I wasn't going to think of another man anymore. I put my arms around his neck and surrendered.
"Eli?" I asked while watching the ceiling of his living room.
"Hmm?" He was lying beside me on the floor and pulled me closer, kissing my forehead. "I'm still getting the blood back up. Are you okay?"
"Better than. And very thirsty but I don't want any of us to get up now."
"Give me five minutes."
"Five minutes?"
"I'll get up and get you something to drink."
"Ah, don't be silly." I said sitting up. I guessed there wasn't reason to be ashamed of walking around naked. The windows had been curtained sometime before we ended up on the floor and Eli had already seen everything. I stepped over him on purpose and went into his kitchen. The fridge was nearly empty again but there were three cans of coke. I caught two and went back to living room. He was lying on his side, resting his head on his hand watching me with sober eyes.
"What?"
"You're beautiful."
"You're not so bad yourself."
"Thanks." he said flashing me one of those mile-wide grins. He sat up and accepted the can I offered. "You found this on the fridge? My fridge?"
"Is there another one?"
"Nope. But I don't remember buying coke. I usually make a point of avoiding sugar."
"Why?"
"My parents are both diabetic. As were my grandparents. I have no intention of becoming one."
"My parents are diabetic too. I can resist most things. Sugar isn't one of them. Fortunately, my blood sugar is unusually low."
"Seriously? Lucky you. I rarely eat it and it's right at the limit." I put the can next to his on the coffee table and offered my hand to him.
"How about a shower?"
"You'll take it with me?"
"Was thinking about it."
After the shower I was so relaxed that all I wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep. But... I had to get home in order to do that. I was not going to spend the night this soon. I turned in the direction of the light that Eli had just switched on and watched him get dressed in his closet. There was something about watching someone get dressed that, somehow, seemed more intimate than getting undressed. I leaned back on my elbows and just enjoyed seeing his body moving as he covered it with clothes, his pendant moved as he did. First underwear, then jeans and at last, a simple navy blue T-shirt. He had a swimmer's body all right. Broad strong shoulders and a strong back. Maybe I wasn't going home just yet.
"What is it?"
"Hmm? Nothing. Just watching you." I said and was enchanted by his shy smile. "I like your bedroom. You know? You can learn a lot by someone's bedroom."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"The color of the walls can say a lot about what one finds necessary to relax. Some people choose warm colors, others cold ones. Or what kind of things you leave over the surfaces, the smells, the pictures. A bedroom is like a sanctuary."
"What can you tell from my bedroom, then?"
"You don't spend much time here. And to sleep, you prefer to do it in the dark. Your curtains are thicker than in the living room and taller. There're only a few books and they're covered in dust, which means you brought them here to read, but never did. There are only two photographs on your nightstand, one of your family and this other of this woman. I think you don't have many important people in your life, but the ones you do, are vital to you. I guess that'a all."
"You are very observant. Aren't you curious to know who that woman is?"
"I could lie and say no, but I do. Who's she?"
"Andrea. We used to be engaged."
"Engaged? What happened?"
"She died. We were together for three years but we had been friends since school. I was studying in London and she stayed in order to finish her masters. Her family never approved of me so they didn't even bother to let my parents know. I only found out when I came back."
"Eli... I'm so sorry..."
"It's okay. That was a long time ago. She sent me that picture while I was in London... I put it there when I came back and never put it away. Does it bother you?"
"No." I got up, put my arms around his waist and rested my cheek on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry."
"I know. Don't be sad." he said in a low voice holding me back. "Come, I think I have some corn... I've been dreaming about your popcorn candy since you mentioned it. We could watch something on TV, maybe a movie. I'll take you home afterwards. What do you think?"
"I think it's a great idea."
"And?!"
"And what?"
"You're arriving home in the morning. What did you do after the movie?" Lumi asked as I got dressed in my bedroom. She was alredy sprawled on my bed.
"He fell asleep on my lap. I didn't have the heart to wake him up."
"Aww..."
"When he woke up I was the one sleeping. We just slept in the couch."
"Hmm... And how was he?"
"He was silent."
"Silent?"
"Yes, he doesn't snore."
"Pfft... you know what I mean."
"I do. I'll tell you later. Don't you have to go to the gym?"
"Yeah, yeah... but I'll want all the details later." Lumi shouted from the door. I went under the covers and slept remembering the night before.
***
Lumi always felt better after a good session in the gym. She shouldered her bag, waved goodbye to the clerk that was on the phone and left stretching her arms. She nearly hit Victor in the face.
"Sor... you..."
"Lumi! You go to this gym?" Victor asked with a smile.
"Ah..." Lumi was torn. She didn't want to tell him she did, but she had just left.
"I just saw you come out."
"Yeah... But you live very far from here. What are you doing here?"
"Public space. And this gym is close to Juilliard. It's easier than one close to home for me."
"Ah." she looked away and pulled her bag strap closer to her body, obviously uncomfortable. "Well, I'd better get going."
"No, wait. Now you're exaggerating. It was weeks ago. And I've already apologized enough. It was a misunderstanding."
"Fine. You're forgiven. Now I have to go."
"Why are you so sttuborn?"
"Why are you such a pain in the ass?"
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Lumi?"
Lumi and Victor turned at the voice at the same time. A tall man was coming up the street and seemed a little annoyed to find some man's hands touching Lumi.
"Matt?" but he was looking at Victor. Lumi sighed and stepped away from both. "Matt Mueller, Victor Allen. Matt's a ballet student at Juilliard."
"Ballet?"
"Why? Do you have a problem with men practicing ballet? Juilliard's one of the best schools in the country."
"I happen to agree."
What the hell was happening there, Lumi wondered looking from one to the other. They seemed annoyed with each other and they hadn't spoken less than two minutes. "Matt... Victor is a music student at Juilliard."
"Ah, impressive. What instrument?"
"Saxophone." At this, Matt started laughing. Victor looked at Lumi and saw her dropping her head. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing. Lumi, we're going to be late."
"Ah, yes. See you, Victor." Lumi said and Matt put his left arm over her shoulder.
"See ya..." Victor said watching them leave.
"Ah, by the way," Matt said turning his head to Victor with a smile. "Lumi hates saxophones!"
"Matt!" Lumi glanced back at Victor and saw him raise his brows. Well, it was true, she hated them. She just didn't know it was the sax he played.Weird.She turned back and kept walking with Matt.
***
"Who was that?"
"Victor? Brother of a friend."
"Hmm. And to you?"
"To me? Nothing."
"Nothing? Hmm."
"What?" Lumi asked pushing his arm off her shoulder. And what was Matt thinking he was? They had met in a common class last semester and he asked her out. After the date she decided they were better off being friends. But the night before, when she went out for a late dinner with Madeline and Meg, Matt had been there. After a few drinks, she had agreed on a brunch with him this morning. He wasn't really the type she would date but he was nice to talk to and had the most amazing body. She glanced at him while he ordered their drinks and considered dating him again. His problem was that he was a little too possessive to her taste. The little male dispute with Victor had been proof of that. But harmless either way. Maybe she'd give it another chance. When Matt reached his hand to put her hair behind her ear, she nearly moved her head away and changed her mind.
"So, let's eat? I'm starving." she said with a smile a little too brightly. Matt didn't notice.
"Let's."
***
"Is Lumi dating a tall ballet guy?" Victor asked Kit as she sat in front of him on the dinner table.
"What? Are you still after her? And how do you know that?"
"Is it true?"
"She dated a ballet dancer a few months back but I think it never went anywhere. Why?"
"I saw her with a ballet guy today."
"Oh, Vic... that's getting really pathetic. I've never seen you do this kind of thing before."
"What kind of thing?"
"Stalk women after being rejected."
"I did not! She goes to the same gym as I do. I was talking to her when the guy showed up."
"Ah. Have to say that I'm relieved. Didn't you say you had a date tonight?"
"Yeah. I thought about canceling, but I'm going."
"Hmm."
"It's Nadja. Do you remember her?"
"The architect?"
"Yeah. She was doing the renovation of the pub and I was doing sound checking. She recognized me and one thing led to another."
"Good for you. I happen to have a date too." Kit said stretching out and getting up. "So I'm going to go get ready... Harry will be here in an hour. You can stay untill then."
"Nah... I'm going home. Thanks for dinner."
"Have a nice night."
"You have a not too nice one."
***
When Lumi entered the apartment I was sprawled on the couch with Eli. He was reading a book for his research and I was reading another for my paper. My head was on his lap and we both had glasses on. Lumi absorbed the scene and then, closed the door behind her.
"Hey, Eli."
"Oh hi. How're you?"
"Great. Anne, I got a date tonight so I'll be out of your hair."
"What? No." Eli said before I could answer. "Please don't leave on my account. If it's okay with you, that is." Lumi smiled to Eli and felt a little pang of jealousy.
"Really? I didn't really want to go anyway. I'd love to stay with you guys. What do you think of ordering a pizza?" When Lumi noticed Eli had believed her and was actually okay with spending his night with them both, she laughed. "I'm kidding. But we could really order a pizza sometime. I'll tell you embarassing stories of Anne."
"Let's go get ready to your date. I'll be right back." I said pushing Lumi out of the room. Inside her bedroom she was selecting what she'd be wearing and told me about Matt. I remembered when she first dated him and had been furious when he complained that she had male friends.
"And you're still going out with him? Why?"
"Nothing better to do. And his body."
"Ah. Ballet dancers have exquisite bodies."
"He has a butt that makes you want to get down on your knees."
"Really? Take a picture."
"Better. Go to that blog that I showed to you the other day and look at the videos. He has a solo that is fantastic. You and Eli were very cute there in the sofa. I felt like looking at the future. Really sweet."
"Isn't it? I like him very much. To think that I was wondering about Noah last night."
"Noah? Who's Noah?"
"Green eyes."
"Green... How do you know his name's Noah?"
"He told me last night."
"He... What?! You saw him last night? Weren't you on a date with Eli?"
"He was at the same restaurant. He and his girlfriend."
"Tampon girl! Is she pretty?"
"Ex-girlfriend."
"Ex? Why was she there?"
"They broke up last night at the restaurant."
"No... Damn it. I want to go to this date less and less each second."
"If you don't want to go, then why are you going? You hated your first date with Matt."
"He's better. He just poked a little at Victor today. It was funny actually."
"Victor?"
"He goes to the same gym." And she told me the story.
"Hmm... what is going on with us?"
"Right?! Victor was really hot today as well..."
"Hmm... why aren't you going out with Victor instead?"
"The bastard. He's got a date tonight with an architect."
"He's... how do you know that?"
"Kit called me a few minutes ago. She was telling me about her hot French date and said that Victor had just left because he had a date."
"Hmm... is that why you're going out with Matt anyway?"
"No. Yes. I don't know. I don't want to stay home tonight. So, I'm going to let Matt take me to a fancy restaurant and I'm going to eat like a queen."
"Hmm."
"No hmm. Go back to your man. He's all alone in the living room."
"My man..."
I went back to the living room and Eli had fallen asleep while reading his book. He looked so cute... I went to my bedroom to get a blanket. Under it with him, I let my thoughts slip away too.
Two hours later Lumi was back. Eli and I were in kitchen while I taught him how to make a simple rosemary chicken when Lumi came in looking disoriented. She sat at the kitchen table and stared at the sink.
"Lumi? What's wrong?"
"Ah... nothing. It was a really good date."
"That's great. Why are you looking like that, then?"
"Victor was at the same restaurant."
"Where have I seen this before?" Eli asked in a low voice. When I looked at him he continued to watch the chicken in the pan.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I'm going to bed. You two have fun." Lumi said standing and leaving the kitchen. I don't think I'd ever seen her quite like that. Since she looked like she really needed some time alone, I finished dinner and enjoyed it with Eli.
Later that night when Eli had left, I went into Lumi's bedroom and lied down next to her. She had her eyes closed but having slept next to her for many years, I could tell that she was wide awake.
"What happened?"
"Nothing. Really. I like Matt. I actually had fun."
"Hmm."
"Okay... There were some friends of Matt in the restaurant and he went to their table for a few minutes. Victor came by my table then. He sat and asked why the hell didn't I like saxophones."
"He..."
"Yeah. Matt told him this morning that I hated them. Why didn't you tell me he played the sax?"
"I thought you should find out for yourself. It'd be more fun that way."
"Hmm. He said that he was sorry about the night at the pub and that he hadn't stopped thinking about me..."
"Hmmm... and?"
"That he was on a date... but so was I. And that.. if I agreed, he'd like to take me on one next Tuesday."
"And?"
"I was going to answer.. and Matt came back. He got all angry, paid the bill and we left. I saw Victor looking at me through the window... he seemed... I don't know... I don't even know why I let Matt drag me out."
"Hmm... Lumi... you'll never change, will you?"
"Huh? Why?"
"Nothing... You burn your brain cells thinking about it... you'll do it anyway..."
"Yeah..."
"What is it?"
"Hmm? Nothing. Just watching you." I said and was enchanted by his shy smile. "I like your bedroom. You know? You can learn a lot by someone's bedroom."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"The color of the walls can say a lot about what one finds necessary to relax. Some people choose warm colors, others cold ones. Or what kind of things you leave over the surfaces, the smells, the pictures. A bedroom is like a sanctuary."
"What can you tell from my bedroom, then?"
"You don't spend much time here. And to sleep, you prefer to do it in the dark. Your curtains are thicker than in the living room and taller. There're only a few books and they're covered in dust, which means you brought them here to read, but never did. There are only two photographs on your nightstand, one of your family and this other of this woman. I think you don't have many important people in your life, but the ones you do, are vital to you. I guess that'a all."
"You are very observant. Aren't you curious to know who that woman is?"
"I could lie and say no, but I do. Who's she?"
"Andrea. We used to be engaged."
"Engaged? What happened?"
"She died. We were together for three years but we had been friends since school. I was studying in London and she stayed in order to finish her masters. Her family never approved of me so they didn't even bother to let my parents know. I only found out when I came back."
"Eli... I'm so sorry..."
"It's okay. That was a long time ago. She sent me that picture while I was in London... I put it there when I came back and never put it away. Does it bother you?"
"No." I got up, put my arms around his waist and rested my cheek on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry."
"I know. Don't be sad." he said in a low voice holding me back. "Come, I think I have some corn... I've been dreaming about your popcorn candy since you mentioned it. We could watch something on TV, maybe a movie. I'll take you home afterwards. What do you think?"
"I think it's a great idea."
"And?!"
"And what?"
"You're arriving home in the morning. What did you do after the movie?" Lumi asked as I got dressed in my bedroom. She was alredy sprawled on my bed.
"He fell asleep on my lap. I didn't have the heart to wake him up."
"Aww..."
"When he woke up I was the one sleeping. We just slept in the couch."
"Hmm... And how was he?"
"He was silent."
"Silent?"
"Yes, he doesn't snore."
"Pfft... you know what I mean."
"I do. I'll tell you later. Don't you have to go to the gym?"
"Yeah, yeah... but I'll want all the details later." Lumi shouted from the door. I went under the covers and slept remembering the night before.
***
Lumi always felt better after a good session in the gym. She shouldered her bag, waved goodbye to the clerk that was on the phone and left stretching her arms. She nearly hit Victor in the face.
"Sor... you..."
"Lumi! You go to this gym?" Victor asked with a smile.
"Ah..." Lumi was torn. She didn't want to tell him she did, but she had just left.
"I just saw you come out."
"Yeah... But you live very far from here. What are you doing here?"
"Public space. And this gym is close to Juilliard. It's easier than one close to home for me."
"Ah." she looked away and pulled her bag strap closer to her body, obviously uncomfortable. "Well, I'd better get going."
"No, wait. Now you're exaggerating. It was weeks ago. And I've already apologized enough. It was a misunderstanding."
"Fine. You're forgiven. Now I have to go."
"Why are you so sttuborn?"
"Why are you such a pain in the ass?"
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Lumi?"
Lumi and Victor turned at the voice at the same time. A tall man was coming up the street and seemed a little annoyed to find some man's hands touching Lumi.
"Matt?" but he was looking at Victor. Lumi sighed and stepped away from both. "Matt Mueller, Victor Allen. Matt's a ballet student at Juilliard."
"Ballet?"
"Why? Do you have a problem with men practicing ballet? Juilliard's one of the best schools in the country."
"I happen to agree."
What the hell was happening there, Lumi wondered looking from one to the other. They seemed annoyed with each other and they hadn't spoken less than two minutes. "Matt... Victor is a music student at Juilliard."
"Ah, impressive. What instrument?"
"Saxophone." At this, Matt started laughing. Victor looked at Lumi and saw her dropping her head. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing. Lumi, we're going to be late."
"Ah, yes. See you, Victor." Lumi said and Matt put his left arm over her shoulder.
"See ya..." Victor said watching them leave.
"Ah, by the way," Matt said turning his head to Victor with a smile. "Lumi hates saxophones!"
"Matt!" Lumi glanced back at Victor and saw him raise his brows. Well, it was true, she hated them. She just didn't know it was the sax he played.Weird.She turned back and kept walking with Matt.
***
"Who was that?"
"Victor? Brother of a friend."
"Hmm. And to you?"
"To me? Nothing."
"Nothing? Hmm."
"What?" Lumi asked pushing his arm off her shoulder. And what was Matt thinking he was? They had met in a common class last semester and he asked her out. After the date she decided they were better off being friends. But the night before, when she went out for a late dinner with Madeline and Meg, Matt had been there. After a few drinks, she had agreed on a brunch with him this morning. He wasn't really the type she would date but he was nice to talk to and had the most amazing body. She glanced at him while he ordered their drinks and considered dating him again. His problem was that he was a little too possessive to her taste. The little male dispute with Victor had been proof of that. But harmless either way. Maybe she'd give it another chance. When Matt reached his hand to put her hair behind her ear, she nearly moved her head away and changed her mind.
"So, let's eat? I'm starving." she said with a smile a little too brightly. Matt didn't notice.
"Let's."
***
"Is Lumi dating a tall ballet guy?" Victor asked Kit as she sat in front of him on the dinner table.
"What? Are you still after her? And how do you know that?"
"Is it true?"
"She dated a ballet dancer a few months back but I think it never went anywhere. Why?"
"I saw her with a ballet guy today."
"Oh, Vic... that's getting really pathetic. I've never seen you do this kind of thing before."
"What kind of thing?"
"Stalk women after being rejected."
"I did not! She goes to the same gym as I do. I was talking to her when the guy showed up."
"Ah. Have to say that I'm relieved. Didn't you say you had a date tonight?"
"Yeah. I thought about canceling, but I'm going."
"Hmm."
"It's Nadja. Do you remember her?"
"The architect?"
"Yeah. She was doing the renovation of the pub and I was doing sound checking. She recognized me and one thing led to another."
"Good for you. I happen to have a date too." Kit said stretching out and getting up. "So I'm going to go get ready... Harry will be here in an hour. You can stay untill then."
"Nah... I'm going home. Thanks for dinner."
"Have a nice night."
"You have a not too nice one."
***
When Lumi entered the apartment I was sprawled on the couch with Eli. He was reading a book for his research and I was reading another for my paper. My head was on his lap and we both had glasses on. Lumi absorbed the scene and then, closed the door behind her.
"Hey, Eli."
"Oh hi. How're you?"
"Great. Anne, I got a date tonight so I'll be out of your hair."
"What? No." Eli said before I could answer. "Please don't leave on my account. If it's okay with you, that is." Lumi smiled to Eli and felt a little pang of jealousy.
"Really? I didn't really want to go anyway. I'd love to stay with you guys. What do you think of ordering a pizza?" When Lumi noticed Eli had believed her and was actually okay with spending his night with them both, she laughed. "I'm kidding. But we could really order a pizza sometime. I'll tell you embarassing stories of Anne."
"Let's go get ready to your date. I'll be right back." I said pushing Lumi out of the room. Inside her bedroom she was selecting what she'd be wearing and told me about Matt. I remembered when she first dated him and had been furious when he complained that she had male friends.
"And you're still going out with him? Why?"
"Nothing better to do. And his body."
"Ah. Ballet dancers have exquisite bodies."
"He has a butt that makes you want to get down on your knees."
"Really? Take a picture."
"Better. Go to that blog that I showed to you the other day and look at the videos. He has a solo that is fantastic. You and Eli were very cute there in the sofa. I felt like looking at the future. Really sweet."
"Isn't it? I like him very much. To think that I was wondering about Noah last night."
"Noah? Who's Noah?"
"Green eyes."
"Green... How do you know his name's Noah?"
"He told me last night."
"He... What?! You saw him last night? Weren't you on a date with Eli?"
"He was at the same restaurant. He and his girlfriend."
"Tampon girl! Is she pretty?"
"Ex-girlfriend."
"Ex? Why was she there?"
"They broke up last night at the restaurant."
"No... Damn it. I want to go to this date less and less each second."
"If you don't want to go, then why are you going? You hated your first date with Matt."
"He's better. He just poked a little at Victor today. It was funny actually."
"Victor?"
"He goes to the same gym." And she told me the story.
"Hmm... what is going on with us?"
"Right?! Victor was really hot today as well..."
"Hmm... why aren't you going out with Victor instead?"
"The bastard. He's got a date tonight with an architect."
"He's... how do you know that?"
"Kit called me a few minutes ago. She was telling me about her hot French date and said that Victor had just left because he had a date."
"Hmm... is that why you're going out with Matt anyway?"
"No. Yes. I don't know. I don't want to stay home tonight. So, I'm going to let Matt take me to a fancy restaurant and I'm going to eat like a queen."
"Hmm."
"No hmm. Go back to your man. He's all alone in the living room."
"My man..."
I went back to the living room and Eli had fallen asleep while reading his book. He looked so cute... I went to my bedroom to get a blanket. Under it with him, I let my thoughts slip away too.
Two hours later Lumi was back. Eli and I were in kitchen while I taught him how to make a simple rosemary chicken when Lumi came in looking disoriented. She sat at the kitchen table and stared at the sink.
"Lumi? What's wrong?"
"Ah... nothing. It was a really good date."
"That's great. Why are you looking like that, then?"
"Victor was at the same restaurant."
"Where have I seen this before?" Eli asked in a low voice. When I looked at him he continued to watch the chicken in the pan.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I'm going to bed. You two have fun." Lumi said standing and leaving the kitchen. I don't think I'd ever seen her quite like that. Since she looked like she really needed some time alone, I finished dinner and enjoyed it with Eli.
Later that night when Eli had left, I went into Lumi's bedroom and lied down next to her. She had her eyes closed but having slept next to her for many years, I could tell that she was wide awake.
"What happened?"
"Nothing. Really. I like Matt. I actually had fun."
"Hmm."
"Okay... There were some friends of Matt in the restaurant and he went to their table for a few minutes. Victor came by my table then. He sat and asked why the hell didn't I like saxophones."
"He..."
"Yeah. Matt told him this morning that I hated them. Why didn't you tell me he played the sax?"
"I thought you should find out for yourself. It'd be more fun that way."
"Hmm. He said that he was sorry about the night at the pub and that he hadn't stopped thinking about me..."
"Hmmm... and?"
"That he was on a date... but so was I. And that.. if I agreed, he'd like to take me on one next Tuesday."
"And?"
"I was going to answer.. and Matt came back. He got all angry, paid the bill and we left. I saw Victor looking at me through the window... he seemed... I don't know... I don't even know why I let Matt drag me out."
"Hmm... Lumi... you'll never change, will you?"
"Huh? Why?"
"Nothing... You burn your brain cells thinking about it... you'll do it anyway..."
"Yeah..."
