Page 6 of Elemental Love
“Oh dear. Well, you’re here now. Did you manage to get any sleep or are you exhausted? We can go straight to your place or stop for something to eat on the way.”
“We got a fair amount of sleep but I’ve lost all track of time. What meal should we be eating?”
Coryn checked his watch. “Well, to you, it probably feels like early afternoon, but it’s breakfast time. How about a big American breakfast?”
“Can I have pancakes and bacon? The bacon here is so much better than at home. I love those crispy strips.” Evrain’s mouth watered.
“You can have all the bacon you want. I know the perfect place.” Coryn took control of the luggage trolley and guided them toward the exit.
Two hours later, with a belly stuffed happily full, Evrain finally got to see his new home. He heaved his cases into the hall, grateful that the building had a working lift. The unit was compact but perfect for one. There was a large combination kitchen-cum-living area, and a spacious bedroom with a modern en suite. In a nook in the lounge area a full-sized tilting design table was set up under a bright light. Evrain stroked its smooth surface.
“Wow, this is top of the range.”
“An early birthday present from the two of us, along with all the linens. The rest of the furniture comes with the apartment,” Coryn said.
Evrain hugged Gregory and Coryn in turn. “Thank you. That’s so generous and a wonderful gift.” He spotted a coffee maker in the kitchen. “Please tell me there’s coffee?”
“The fridge is fully stocked. I did a grocery shop for you yesterday,” Coryn said. “I didn’t think you’d want your first stop to be the local market, though it is a good one. Plenty of organic local produce. I got all your favorites. Well, I assume they’re still your favorites, you haven’t turned veggie since I last saw you, have you?”
“Still carnivorous, if white meat and fish qualifies,” Evrain confirmed. “Have I ever told you how much I love you, Coryn?” He pounced on the coffee machine.
“You love that machine more,” Gregory said with a grin. “We’re going to give you some space. You should unpack, get some rest, explore. Your car keys are in the kitchen drawer. The car is in the parking garage underneath the building. The exit barrier has number plate recognition for residents, but there’s a code if you ever have visitors over. It’s a company vehicle so if it doesn’t suit you, let me know. And, for goodness’ sake, remember we drive on the correct side of the road over here.”
“Funny, Gregory. I have driven here before. Don’t you two want to stay? You’ve had a long journey too.”
“No, thanks for the offer, though. I have a hotel booked for a few days. Very chic, with a fabulous restaurant and a spa. There’s even one of those Jacuzzi baths in the suite.” Coryn spoke to Evrain but winked at Gregory. Gregory grinned right back.
“We’ll join you at Agatha’s for your birthday and hang around to make sure you’re settled before we head back to Florida.” Gregory grabbed Coryn’s hand. “We have some catching up to do. In the bedroom.”
“Oh my God. Too much information! Go, before I’m psychologically scarred for life.”
“We’re out of here.” Gregory towed Coryn toward the door. With a final wave, they were gone.
Enveloped in silence, Evrain took a deep breath. He strolled across to the balcony doors, pushed them open then stepped out into the fresh autumn air. Storm clouds gathered on the horizon, promising rain. Evrain rolled his shoulders in an attempt to ease the tension building at the base of his skull. His head throbbed. A sudden gust of wind ruffled his hair. The sky darkened and the air pressure felt like a physical weight on Evrain’s shoulders. He couldn’t wait for the coming storm to break. He took deep breaths, his head pounded. Fat drops of liquid spattered the balcony, making a pattern on the dry surface. Evrain let out his breath in a whoosh. As he exhaled a monsoon began, soaking him instantly. Evrain turned his face toward the sky, spread his arms wide and laughed. The invisible pressure around him shattered and his spirits lifted. “Welcome to America, Evrain. The past is well and truly washed away.”
Chapter two
The day of Evrain’s twenty-first birthday dawned with the perfect crispy-crunch of autumn. He stood on his balcony sipping coffee, enjoying the nip in the air. The river was virtually motionless, glistening, the surface like glass. A layer of wispy mist hovered above its surface, parting here and there to allow the early morning light to catch the water in golden gleams. Evrain fancied that the atmosphere was always different on this particular day and it wasn’t just because it was his birthday. On All Hallows’ Eve, everything seemed full of potential. The light had a quality particular to the time of year, setting off the blaze of color in the trees perfectly. Across the river, fallen leaves carpeted the ground in ocher and amber.
Steam rose from Evrain’s drink, mirroring the river. He blew gently on the surface, dissipating the heat haze. Above the river, a light breeze parted the mist. Evrain sipped his coffee and watched, intrigued, as the tendrils of fog merged once more.
Inside his apartment, the phone rang. Reluctantly, Evrain retreated inside, placed his coffee on a side table then grabbed the handset.
“Hello?”
“Sweetheart. Happy birthday! I wasn’t sure you’d be up yet.”
Evrain’s heart warmed at the sound of his mother’s voice. “Hi, Mum. How you doing?”
“Tsk. You already sound like an American. I’m perfectly well, thank you. Your father is here with me, we have you on the speaker phone thingy.” Evrain’s mother had never been bothered with learning about technology of any kind.
Evrain smiled. “Hey, Dad.”
“Morning, son. It is morning there, isn’t it? Happy birthday!”
“Stop hogging the conversation, James. My baby is twenty-one, I need to talk to him.” Evrain could picture his mother elbowing his dad away from the phone.
“How come he’s your baby when we’re celebrating and my son when he’s being rebellious?”
