Unexpected

Chapter III

Once she said those words 'It sounds good' there was a relief in me. Watching her go to work today was unexpected, not so much to do with the fact that she works and has schedules but the fact that it made me feel at a loss. Like I needed her with me all the time, like I would miss her the whole day, like I would not function without her. I tried to dismiss those feelings. I shouldn't get too attached.

I took a shower, got dressed and left the apartment. I got in my car and drove to a supermarket, got what I needed for dinner and went home. Done whatever prep I had to do for the dinner and got into my F1 simulator to blow off some steam and try to put her out of my mind. 

Around noon I grabbed the business card and considered what to text her. This is a woman that likes to control, that sees things in black and white. Maybe I should skip the 'Hi' and go straight to the point. Keep it less emotional. More clinical. I typed 'Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco, Apartment 1016. 7pm. Any allergies?'. She texted back a few minutes later 'None. I'll be there. What should I bring?'. I reply 'Nothing, just you'.

I have lunch and spend the afternoon catching up on emails, messages, social media, work related stuff and around 4pm I decide to give the house a clean up, put some candles out, change sheets and towels, spray mop the floors and plump the cushions. The weekly cleaner was in yesterday so my efforts are pretty much pointless but her apartment looks immaculate and I want mine to give the same vibe. I may be overstretching it but I believe she has a mild case of OCD and I'm happy to cater to her needs, in more ways than one.

I am starting with the dessert. I had to text a friend to get me in touch with his Portuguese girlfriend who said this dessert was quick, easy and a crowd pleaser in Portugal, so I am now crushing biscuits and layering them on sweetened whipped cream inside a dessert bowl. It already looks great to be honest. I will top it up with chocolate rashes and a strawberry. It will look lovely and hopefully taste as good. The starter came from her too: melon and Jamon Iberico. I pimped up the melon bit by doing small little balls of melon and placing them inside a rose made of jamon. I guess all those videos of cooking tips on my FYP were a blessing. The main dish will be Carbonara à la Charles. I am putting my soul into this dish. 

The starters and dessert are done. Now my cherry on top of the cake: piña colada. Bear in mind I have never done this before and all I have is a bunch of ingredients to turn into a delicious Puerto Rican beverage. But, for her, I will learn!

Around 6.20pm I go for a quick shower and get dressed and ready. I'm wearing chinos, an untucked shirt and trainers; I've got my watch, jewellery and my favourite perfume, Bleu de Chanel; I think I look quite OK and smell wonderfully, but she will be the one to attest to my efforts.  I come back to the kitchen to finalize the meal, set the table and prepare the piña coladas. 

My concierge rings me at exactly 7pm asking if Miss Alessandra Russo could come up. I tell him, yes and a few minutes later she knocks on my door. I open the door for her and I am struck by her beauty. She is wearing dark blue chinos, a turquoise top, a blazer and high heels. She looks divine. I move next to the door to let her in and I notice that when she is in front of me she stops, closes her eyes and inhales deep. She smiles, opens her eyes and carries down the corridor. 

I close the door and go after her to get her coat but as I turn around the corner she has already removed it and placed it on the sofa. This is my house but she struts around it like if it were hers. All I can do is lean my shoulder against the wall, fold my arms and appreciate her as she moves down the living room, examines my trophies and helmets, touches the countertops of my kitchen and moves to the balcony. She smiles at the sunset and closes her eyes. I find myself more and more indulged in these moments when she closes her eyes and just experiences the moment. I hate to spoil the moment but I tell her 'I hope you're hungry'.