Page 64 of Now and Forever

“Vichenzo’s insufferable wife is driving me out of my mind,” she says, and I can’t help but smile.

“Sonia, there’s no smoking!” exclaims Flyn.

Marta and her mother communicate with a look. No longer willing to stay in the kitchen, Marta grabs her mother’s arm. Sonia tugs on Flyn, who resists leaving with them.

“Let’s go get something to drink ... We need it.”

“Don’t ever talk to me like that in front of other people,” I say once Eric and I are alone in the kitchen.

“Jude ...”

“Don’t ever tell me what’s prohibited.”

“Jude ...”

“Stop saying my name!” I say, incensed. “You’ve made me feel like a child in front of your sister and that little snitch. Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? Don’t you see you’re falling for the trap Flyn has set so you and I will get mad at each other? For the love of God, Eric, your nephew is a little demon, and if you don’t put a stop to his behavior, he’s going to grow up to be a horrible person.”

“Watch it, Jude.”

“I am watching it, Eric. That boy is already an old man, and he’s only nine years old. I ... It’s just that in the end ...”

Eric cups his hands around my face. “Listen, love, it’s just that I don’t want you to smoke. That’s all.”

“That’s fine, Eric. I can understand that. But how about if you tell me when it’s just you and me in our room? Or is it necessary for Flyn to see you scold me over something he’s pointed out? Fuck, Eric! You’re so smart; it’s incredible he can play you for a fool like that.”

I turn away and look out the window. I’m angry. Very angry. For a few seconds, I curse every living thing until Eric comes up behind me. He puts his arms around my waist, hugs me, and puts his chin on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry.”

“I hope so, because you’ve acted like a dickhead.”

That makes Eric laugh.

“I love beingyourdickhead.”

I want to laugh, but I contain myself.

“You’re right. I’ve acted badly, and I let Flyn manipulate me. Will you forgive me?”

What he’s saying and, especially, how he’s holding me, relax me. Let’s face it ... I’m a softie, but I love him so deeply that just feeling how much he needs me to forgive him does away with my anger and everything else.

“Of course I forgive you. But I’ll say it again: Don’t ever prohibit me from doing anything, and much less in front of other people, OK?”

I feel him moving his chin on my neck, and I turn around and kiss him passionately. He lifts me up in his arms and imprisons me against the window as his hands look for the hem of my dress. I want him to go on, but I pull away slightly and whisper into his mouth, “Love, we’re in your mother’s kitchen, and there are guests behind the door. I don’t think it’s the time or the place to continue with what we’re thinking.”

Eric lets me drop to the floor. I fix the hem of my dress, and, hand in hand, we head back toward the living room.

“For me,” he murmurs, “any place is good if I’m with you.”

We get home at dawn. It thunders and storms, and in spite of my incessant desire to make love with Eric, I restrain myself. I know that Flyn will end up in bed with us because of the storm.

19

The alarm goes off at nine o’clock. Like always, I’m alone in bed, but I’m happy because it’s Epiphany. What a wonderful morning! Dressed in my pajamas and robe, I pull out the gifts I hid in the closet and go down the stairs, ready to pass them out.

I make a quick stop in the kitchen and ask Simona and Norbert to join us. I have gifts for them too. When I come into the living room, Eric and Flyn are playing Wii. As soon as he sees me, the boy makes a face, but, excited, I stop the music using Eric’s control and make my announcement.

“The Three Kings have left gifts with me for all of you.”

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