The secrets of the lake

Nothing happens by chance

After a slight cough, Marina pressed on with questions.

- Excuse me Alessandro, I will seem inappropriate and okay, you understand, I'm also a bit curious ... In this period, as you may have noticed, there are no tourists, I made an exception for you, you know?

- And I really thank you, Marina. She is a kind person, even if a little curious but I suppose it falls within a cautious normality to check customer documents.

They both smiled. Alessandro got up and approached the window. He was not a very tall man, his calm and measured gait gave a sense of calmness. He dressed in a classic way: corduroy trousers in a beautiful glacé brown color, light blue sweet waist, camel cashmere jacket, sneakers in the same color as the trousers. An elegant man, without frills and with a gentle manner. And with a great scent! Marina was enchanted. And certainly not of the sunset that the handsome doctor was admiring.

- What a spectacular sunset! She is very lucky to live in such an enchanting place ... I had seen some pictures on the Internet, but the reality is not comparable to a screen. I did not expect so much beauty and tranquility!

- Actually this is a quiet time, I love this season very much but ...

Marina was more and more curious and enamored. As he approached he could feel the aroma that the man emanated.

- This is not a ski resort, that's the reason why, during the cold season, I close the place. In summer it is quite another thing, the town comes alive, all the shops are open and you can even swim at the lake! Tell me, why did you come here, despite the inconvenience and the few entertainment? Did he want to celebrate his birthday in blissful solitude?

The woman immediately realized that perhaps she had gone a little too far into private but, at that point, she could do nothing and then, in short, she had to stop always showing herself too reserved. It must have been the heat of the fire, or Alexander's magnetic gaze but she felt strange. Different.

And dangerously available.

- Dear Marina, first of all let me say that your B&B is very welcoming, with this spectacular view of the lake it is really relaxing and then ... yes, I love the silence and standing in front of a nice lit fireplace, enjoying a great slice of cake, makes me feel privileged!

The laughter of the two reached the ears of Iris who, given the situation, with elegant resolve, decided to change her position. It was too much for her!

Alexander lingered for a long time, in an almost embarrassing way, on the eyes of the woman who stood in front of him. Her face flushed, indecently she hoped the man would take her in his arms. 

That unforgotten and unforgettable color. He felt a shiver preceded by a sensation he could not define. That woman had amazing green / blue irises. Long, dark lashes. A penetrating, profound gaze that Marina immediately lowered, feeling almost uncomfortable for the long stay of those eyes inside hers. His indomitable fantasy seemed on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Alexander looked away from the woman's face, a mixture of emotions was overwhelming him. He repositioned himself in the chair, let out a long sigh. At that moment he would have given anything for a cigarette!

He would have liked to tell Marina about an encounter that took place in a remote, very distant period, but still violently nestled between the mnemonic folds. He would have liked to confide to the woman the real reason that had pushed him among those mountains. No, it was not his state of health, fortunately excellent, that led him along the route of the Dolomites. He decided, for the moment, not to say anything. He had to think, think very well. Suddenly, a thousand doubts had inhibited all forms of talkativeness. 

After all, he did not know the woman who continued to examine him insistently.Feeling extremely observed, he decided to interrupt every preamble. Any potential sentimental forays.

- Marina, excuse me, I am rather tired from the journey, I would like to go up to my room to rest. I hope I don't seem rude to you ... The cake was delicious, I will gladly eat another slice after dinner, for dessert.

- Don't worry, doctor. I understand his tiredness, he has come a long way to get up here ...

And I would love to understand what prompted you to do it.- It is I who apologize - added the woman - I am incurable curious! Dinner will be served at half past seven. Have a good rest, see you later ... Ah, doctor, er, Alessandro, I made the dumplings in broth, it's a typical dish of these parts, I hope I have made a good culinary choice.

- Marina, could not have given me a more pleasant gift, I love dumplings!

The dining room, with its fireplace and two red velvet armchairs, was large and bright.

The large window allowed daylight to enter abundantly. In the evening you could see the bright spots of the houses in the distance. On starry nights the lights of the houses played with the stars. Unspeakable spectacle.

 From the table, with a rustic wooden bench, placed in the south corner, you could enjoy the view, beyond the window, framed to look like a painting. A pristine natural nativity scene, made fairytale by the immaculate and abundant blanket. In addition to the generously sized table with bench seating, usually reserved for groups or families, there was a smaller table, also in Tyrolean style, that Marina kept for herself or for solitary customers.

For that first dinner he put his talents into action, both in terms of cooking and in terms of good taste. He had set the small square-shaped table, with a natural raw linen tablecloth, white porcelain plates, red Murano glasses as well as the candle that the woman lit promptly at half past seven. 

The fireplace was, as always, lit. The original floor in wooden boards, the walls covered with a simple boiserie created a simple but very welcoming atmosphere. Marina felt satisfied with the work and hoped to surprise her new guest. She awaited him with trepidation. For some time he hadn't felt that emotional wave, that blush in his cheeks. He felt younger, he still felt desirable.For that special evening she wore the "dirndl", the traditional alpine-style dress. She had wrapped her long brown hair in a braid.

 A few silver streaks were starting to get noticed but, all in all, Marina did not bother at all that demonstration of an age that was no longer green.I will leave them natural.

 Enough even with the colors, he will have to appreciate me for what I am.