Aurora's Shadow

Chapter 19

Since I met him, Tyler has always been there. At every outing, he's present, and every time he treats me as if I were the only one with something to say. Although I'm not used to so much attention, I don't feel uncomfortable. Indeed, I'm pleased.

There is something, however, that I don't understand. From the way he talks, it's too evident that he can hardly stand people his age. He hates to go dancing, he hates social media, he hates the superficiality that, according to him, now invades not only life, but also every expression of art. He places in his contemporaries, but also in the slightly older and younger ones, the cause of what he defines as cultural failure.

Many would be careful to be so critical, but he is not. On the contrary, the speeches of accusation that he never misses an opportunity to make, instead of driving away his recipients, bring them closer and closer. He's gifted with the ability to be heard, he looks like a born leader. Yet, he remains detached, avoids being reached by those around him.

But beyond these contradictions, the thing I least understand is why he cares about me, since I don't think I'm different from those he turns away from.

What does he see so interesting to invite me to go out alone with him this evening?

He did it yesterday, after a series of coincidences that led us to be alone for no more than an hour. It was me, him, Leonardo and Lucia, and suddenly the engaged couple said they had to go to his house because his mother needed something.

Upon their return, Tyler had my number, all my interest, and a date, which he called a "meeting". We'll go out after dinner, just for a drink. He'll come to pick me up in the car, and we'll go far away, to a bar that he used to hang out with his father.

As coincidental as it may be, I appreciate that he didn't invite me to dinner. Maybe it would have been a full-fledged date, and I don't think he's really interested in seeing me, but around here there is always the habit of eating together, whatever the relationship.

Unintentionally, therefore, he had the foresight to put me in the best conditions to be able to speak pleasantly.

I don't know what to expect from knowing him, I accepted with no particular idea. Exactly like the first time I saw him, however, curiosity pervaded me to the point that I've been thinking of nothing but him since this morning.

I feel I've met someone out of the ordinary, and I think talking to him will be very pleasant.

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«Really nice place» I say, looking around.

We're seated outside, furnished with wooden tables in the center of which there are small candles. No gazebo to cover the stars, no loud music, but simply tables surrounded by olive trees. It's nice.

«Simple, that's why I've always liked it. And above all, there is never anyone at this time.»

Now that he points this out to me, I realize that we're the only customers.

The waiter arrives and, with a little embarrassment, I just order a coffee. Tyler does the same.

«Thank you guys. And where is your father working?» the waiter asks Tyler.

«For now in Messina, he has to renovate an apartment. But I think you'll see him on the weekend.»

«Please, say hello to him.»

He quickly leaves, to return a few minutes later with the two coffees.

«Tyler, if you need anything, just ask, you'll find me inside.»

«Thank you, Giacomo.»

We're alone again and, before I can ask the question, I get the answer.

«He and my father have been friends for a long time. Giacomo is the owner of the place, not a waiter. He loves this place so much that he spends whole days here. In the evening, in summer, it's an unfrequented place, but during the day there is a constant coming and going and there is rarely room. But he doesn't seem to get tired, and that's something I respect.»

«I don't think there is anything more beautiful than loving your job» I say after drinking an excellent coffee.

«What would you like to do?»

Now he puts me on the spot.

«I can't answer, I haven't thought about it with the right attention yet.»

«Better think carefully before launching into something that doesn't give satisfaction. You don't work well, and you don't live well.»

He rolls a cigarette and I take the opportunity to turn the question over to him.

«What about you?»

«When I figure out how, I'll start studying psychology» he says, throwing his first puff of smoke.

«What do you mean how?» I just ask and avoid making a few jokes.

«I've always thought that you have to understand not only what you want to do, but also how you want to do it. I love psychology, but I hate the direction it's taking. Before starting, I want to have a well-defined project, so that I can remedy the damage that many, in that sector, are causing. You have to deal with people, not machines, and taking that job lightly means not having a sense of responsibility.»

I smile admired by the reasoning.

Yes, it'll be nice to talk with him.