Page 47 of Now and Forever

“Your hair makes you look like a madwoman,” he says.

And without another word, he turns and leaves.

Knowing the boy is going to be a tough nut to crack, I get up, go to the bathroom, and view myself in the mirror. It’s true; I look like a madwoman! My hair got wet last night, and now it’s neither wavy nor straight; it’s a mess.

Eric comes into the bathroom and hugs me from behind. I watch in the mirror as he rests his chin on my head.

“Sweetheart, you should get dressed. They’re waiting for us.”

“They’re waiting for us?” I ask, surprised. “Who’s waiting for us?”

But Eric doesn’t respond, just kisses my head and leaves.

“I’ll wait for you in the living room. Hurry.”

I look at myself in the mirror again. Eric and his little secrets! I decide to take a shower. Back in the bedroom, I see Eric left my jeans and shirt from last night, now dry, on the bed. That’s so endearing. Once dressed, I gather my hair in a ponytail. I go down to the living room, and Eric hands me a blue coat that isn’t mine but is my size.

“Your coat is still wet. Try this. Let’s go ...”

I’m about to ask where we’re going, when Flyn runs up, also wearing his coat and gloves.

I take Eric’s hand and don’t say a word until we reach the garage. The three of us climb in the Mitsubishi and get on our way. As we pass the trash cans on the street, I spot a dog lying in the snow. I feel sorry for it. Poor creature, it must be so cold!

Half an hour later, we park in a private lot and go up an elevator. The doors open on the fifth floor, and a tall man with an impeccable look opens his arms wide to greet us.

“Eric! Flyn!”

The boy throws himself in the man’s arms, and Eric shakes his hand. The three of them stare at me.

“Orson, this is Judith, my girlfriend,” says Eric.

This Orson is a blond, pale hunk.

“So pleased to meet you,” he says, leaving Flyn behind.

“Me too,” I say, trying to be courteous.

The man just looks at me and smiles.

“Spanish?” he asks Eric. My love nods.

“A very beautiful Spaniard!”

“Among other things,” says Eric, looking my way and grinning.

I’m about to say something when Orson grabs me by the waist.

“Make yourself at home. You know, relax and enjoy. Undress, and I’ll give you everything you need.”

I don’t understand a thing and look over at Eric. Undress?

Eric is amused by my confusion.

For the love of God, Flyn is with us!

I want to say something, to protest, but my tall guy comes up to me and kisses me on the lips.

“I just want you to have a good time, sweetheart. C’mon ... undress and enjoy it.”

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