Page 52 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

“What?” he says, a little too loudly.

“Since you don’t want to do anything with me, I’ve had to find my own way,” says Graciela.

Nobody moves.

No one knows what to do until Eric gets up and takes control of the situation.

“It’s late,” he says, “and it’s probably best if we all go home.”

We all get up. I stand near Graciela and see that Dexter is the first to move away from the table.

“What are you doing, crazy girl?”

She shrugs.

“I just wanted to tell him the truth once and for all. I think the beers helped me.”

“I’ll let you know later if they helped you. Just go home now,” I say.

Once outside the restaurant, Dexter settles into the car, and Eric folds his wheelchair.

Frida and Andrés go home. Agneta, who’s quite a diva, climbs into Björn’s sports car without saying goodbye. She’s so rude.

Björn waits for Eric to finish his task, then looks over at me and grins, well aware that Dexter can hear him. Like my father says, he’s more clever than a red rat.

“It’s been a pleasure,” he says directly to Graciela, “and that dinner invitation is still on. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

What a scoundrel! We didn’t even ask for his help, but he’s already joined the team to push Dexter along. He kisses Graciela and me good night and runs off to his car. We get in Eric’s car, and the four of us drive home in silence.

Once home, an angry Dexter hurries to the first-floor room where he’s staying, and Graciela goes to hers.

“Why are you such a troublemaker, sweetheart?” asks Eric.

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Why are you saying that?”

“What’s all this about Graciela playing and that you know Dexter’s attracted to her?”

“First of all, she told me everything without my even asking,” I say, enjoying myself now.

“So many secrets all at once,” he says, kissing my neck.

“And second of all: it’s obvious! All you have to do is look at Dexter whenever another man is anywhere near Graciela to realize that it bothers him when other men notice her.”

“What do you think if you and I play for a little while and forget all about these first and second of alls?” Eric whispers as he takes me in his arms and gives me a warm kiss.

He pushes me against the wall.

“I’d love that, Mr. Zimmerman,” I say and kiss him back.

10

Two days later, Marta, my sister-in-law, calls me, and we decide to go out on the town together.

I’m really looking forward to it!

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