Page 46 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

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We arrive at Franz Josef Strauss International Airport in Munich on time and without complications. As we deplane, Eric chats with the pilot, and I see Norbert has come to pick us up. Flyn runs toward him when he sees him and gives him a hug. I love seeing how Norbert blushes with happiness over the boy’s attentions.

As soon as Flyn’s in the car with Graciela and Dexter, I hug Norbert too. As always, he’s stiff as a board, but I don’t care and hug him anyway.

“How wonderful to have you back home again, missus,” he says, betraying his emotions.

I’ve gone from Miss Judith to missus.

“Norbert, didn’t we agree you would call me by my name?”

He nods and shakes Eric’s hand heartily.

“It’s my wife’s idea, missus. She’s so looking forward to having you home again.”

Norbert stuffs the luggage in the trunk while Eric hugs me and gives me a kiss.

“You’re on my turf again, sweetheart.”

“Sorry to tell you, handsome, but this is my turf now too.”

We climb in the car and head home. Our home. On the way, Graciela looks out the window, and the men joke around with Flyn. I tell her about some of the things she’s seeing.

Eric looks happy to see how much I know about Munich, and I wink at him.

When we get back, Norbert opens the gate. As soon as we cross the beautiful garden, I see Simona with Susto and Calamar at the front door. She smiles radiantly and runs toward the car with the dogs chasing behind her.

I jump out of the car before it’s come to a full stop, and Susto and Calamar leap all over me. I kiss them as they bark up a storm. Then I see Simona—my Simona!—and I give her a very warm hug.

Suddenly, I realize Eric is pulling on my arm, his brow wrinkled. What’s wrong with him?

“Are you out of your mind?”

I’m surprised by his solemnness and his tone of voice. Why? What’s happened?

“Aunt Jude, you can’t open the door of a car until it’s come to a full stop,” says Flyn, who’s now hugging Simona. “It’s dangerous.”

I realize what he’s saying is true. My impulsiveness got the better of me. I’m not being the best role model for Flyn. My German is mad at me.

“I’m so sorry, Eric,” I say as Susto leaps about, wanting me to play with him. “It’s just that I saw Simona and...”

Eric’s face relaxes, and he touches my face. “I know, love, but, please, be more careful, OK?”

I hold on to him and sigh.

“I promise, but please smile.”

He does. His expression is completely transformed, and he gives me a kiss on the lips.

“You’re still gonna pay for it as soon as we’re alone.”

“Wow...this suddenly got interesting,” I say, feeling naughty.

Eric laughs and plays with Susto and Calamar.

When I see Eric and Flyn squat to hug them, I feel like my heart is going to burst. Neither one of them would have believed this scene a year ago. But, there they are, uncle and nephew, showering our two pets with cascades of love. Flyn runs off to a side yard, and the dogs chase after him. Norbert pulls our luggage from the car, and Eric gets Dexter’s wheelchair.

“Judith, I’m so happy to see you,” says Simona.

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