Page 100 of So Close

“Clearly. Let’s eat breakfast, then –”

You stop brushing. “You try my patience,Setareh.”

I’ve never seen you quite like this, as eager and anticipatory as a child at Christmas. It’s delightful.

Laughing, I decide not to torture you. It’s too essential to make you happy. I rise to my feet and go to my nightstand. I find you directly behind me when I turn to give you the hinged leather box. I laugh again. “You’re terrible.”

Your smile is smug as you take the box. “That’s not what you said an hour ago.”

“I wasn’t saying anything an hour ago.”

“I can translate your moans.” You open the box, and your head tilts slightly. You carefully extract the antique pocket watch and its chain.

I take the box to free your hands and watch as you open the case.

You read the inscription aloud, very softly, “The seconds I owe you and more.”

I’d wondered if you would remember what you said to me at the beach house. When you swallow hard, I know you do. You close the cover, your thumb brushing over the etched images of the moon and a starry sky decorating the front and back of the casing. Lilies no more. Your hand closes around it.

“Thank you,” you say hoarsely. “I’ll cherish it.”

Pulling me close, you kiss me thoroughly.

At breakfast, you show the watch to Witte. He glances at me and smiles as if the gift pleases him. “It’s an impressive piece and a lovely gift.”

With your permission, he attaches the fob to the buttonhole of your vest and slips the watch into the pocket. I’m biased, of course, but I find the chain’s addition very sexy.

When it’s time for you to go, I walk you to the door and kiss you goodbye. It’s a poignant parting for me, and that causes you to delay.

You search my face. Without heels, I’m several inches shorter than you, and you seem larger than life. “You make it very hard to leave you,Setareh.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to.” I grip your wrists. “I promise I’m okay. I have Witte and a million things to do. Before I know it, you’ll be home.”

You continue to stare, clearly torn.

“Why don’t we watch a movie after dinner?” I suggest. “We’ll see how far we can follow along before we’re distracted by necking like teenagers.”

Your smile doesn’t reach your eyes. “I’m already looking forward to it.”

Rising onto my tiptoes, I kiss you. “Go, before I don’t let you. And stay alert. Keep your head on a swivel. You’ve got my heart in your body. Don’t break it.”

“Make the same promise to me.”

I watch until the elevator seals you inside. I note the two security professionals in smart black suits flanking the entrance, meeting each of their glances with a brief nod. Then I close the front door and lean heavily against it.

Witte rounds the corner from the kitchen and stops when he sees me. He looks refreshed and vital. While we were in Connecticut, the time to himself appears to have suited him. I can’t help but wonder how much longer he’ll be with us. Now that you have a wife to look after you, I’m curious if he contemplates new challenges. I hope that’s not the case. I hope he stays for many years to come. He loves you so, and you should have many people in your life who do.

His features are soft when he asks, “Would you like anything? Some tea, perhaps? Juice? More coffee?”

“No, thank you.” I straighten. It’s easier for me now that you’re not here. “I’m fine.”

“I’ll be heading to the Greenmarket today for some things for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Would you care to join me? It would be helpful to know what you like.”

“You’re doing everything right. I’ve loved everything you’ve made so far – Michelin should rate you.” I ask the following question as if I haven’t already pinned down his schedule. Witte is a creature of habit, and I’ve been very observant. “How often do you go to the farmer’s market?”

“In some cases, daily. Some weeks, only once or twice.”

“The thought of a day out in the city isverytempting, but the stylist is coming by shortly. She has a few more things for me.” I move away from the door. “I’d love to accompany you whenever your next outing might be.”

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