Page 112 of The Leaves In Autumn
“I’m giving Herm the night off.”
“Especially since he has performed so well in the past.”
She scoots down and nestles against me as I join her. We lay in the darkness. Silent. What else is there to say?
“I leave at six.”
I don’t answer. It wasn’t a question, anyway.
CHAPTER 36
Barbra
Early morning light, just before sunrise, is usually a favorite of mine. The world is still asleep and I am getting a pre-show. It is not how I am feeling today. Headlights come on, and he puts the car in reverse.
Does he see me watching out the window? He must. But there is no wave or acknowledgment as he leaves.
We have said our goodbyes. Such as they were. I don’t think he could find any more words than I could. I’m going to miss you, take good care, call me. Safe travels. Ordinary things.
The taillights disappear around the turn, but I keep looking. There is a breeze this morning. It makes a few leaves fall, as if they never belonged on the tree in the first place. That is how I feel. Was it a temporary connection, meant to fall away? A normal cycle of a pleasant but impermanent connection?
I hate thinking of us that way.
The lights of an approaching car reach me first. It’s Layla. Who else would be pulling up in a limo at six o’clock in the morning. I unlock the door and take a last look around. Goodbye house. We had so much fun here. We. Why am I only thinking of times spent with Aargon?Stop thinking at all.
I wheel my luggage out as the driver approaches.
“Morning. I’ve got it.”
“Thank you. Morning.”
I lock the deadbolt and palm the key to give to Layla. The back door of the limo opens.
“Is it morning yet?”
She says it while holding up a glass of orange juice.
“That isn’t a mimosa, is it?” I say, getting into the car. “Hi.”
“No. But I do have champagne if you want it. Van insisted it was a celebration whether you know it or not.”
“I don’t feel much in the mood for celebration.”
The driver slams the trunk and makes his way back behind the wheel. We pull away and head for the airport.
“No looking back?” Layla asks.
“No. I’ve said my goodbyes.”
“Was he here?”
I nod. “He left a few minutes ago.”
Oh shit. I am going to cry. I hold it in by biting on the inside of my cheek. When that is not enough, I resort to pressing a nail into my palm.
“Here’s the deadbolt key.”
As she takes it, her hand rests on mine.
