Page 81 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

He opens the package, sees the watch, looks at me, takes it out of the box, and puts it on.

“How did you know I like this watch?”

“I have eyes to see, my love, and I saw how you admired it every time you got your monthly catalog from that jewelry store. Also, you should know the owners opened an account for me even though I said no.”

“Of course; you’re my wife. Whenever you want something pretty and original, Sven, the jeweler, can make it for you.”

I smile. I’m more the flea market and costume jewelry type.

Graciela comes back with the bandage and sits on Dexter’s lap.

“C’mon, Judith. Let me wrap your wrist.”

Suddenly, I realize I haven’t seen Flyn.

“Where’s Flyn?”

“Marta picked him up a while ago,” Eric responds. “We’ll see him at dinner.”

“Oh, you’re not having dinner here?” Laila asks.

“No, not tonight. I’ve invited everyone to dinner for my birthday,” Eric replies, watching what Graciela’s doing.

“Oh...then I guess I’ll have dinner alone,” Laila murmurs.

I look at her. I see her sad expression, and I feel sorry for her.

My eyes meet Eric’s. We communicate in silence, and, when he agrees, I turn to Laila.

“Do you want to come with us?”

The young woman blinks. “I’d love to,” she responds.

Everyone’s happy to include her, and I go looking for Norbert. He’s in the garage with my Ducati. When I lay eyes on it, I get an adrenaline rush.

“Need any help?” I ask.

“No, ma’am, don’t worry. The bike is perfect, all ready for the race. You’ll see. Do you want to give it a spin?”

Without hesitation, I climb on.

How could I resist my Ducati?

I ride off, screaming along to its powerful roar.

Norbert grins as I whoosh past him.

Without pads or helmet, I take a little blitz around our property. Susto and Calamar sprint behind me. The bike is amazing, as always! What a piece of machinery my father bought me!

When I pass one of the living room windows, I see Eric watching. I do a wheelie, but seeing his tense expression, I laugh and drop. When I come down, my wrist hurts.

Ten minutes later, I’m back in the garage, where Norbert’s waiting for me, and I drop off the motorcycle.

“What do you think, ma’am? Everything in order?”

I nod and touch my wrist. It hurts, but I’m not worried. I’m sure in a week it’ll be better.

Eric takes us to dinner at a wonderful restaurant. His mother, his cousin Jurgen, Marta, her boyfriend, and Flyn are there, waiting. We bring Dexter, Graciela, and Laila with us. Flyn rushes to hug us as soon as he catches sight of us, and Eric goes up to his mother, who kisses him.

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