While I'm Gone

Chapter 12 - Bailando

I stood by the window for a while, trying to assimilate it all and get a feel for the setting around us. In contrast to the street below, which except for the soft movement of branches on leafless trees was quiet, almost empty, the atmosphere inside was tense.

Eventually, I sensed him moving behind me to rest both hands on my shoulders, leaning so close I could almost feel his breath. He stood there for a little while, in silence, allowing me the time to pull myself together.

"Do you want me to prepare you a tea? Or do you prefer something stronger?" he asked politely.

Yes, I needed something stronger. Getting totally Brahms and Liszt would certainly help overcome that fluttering, almost aching sensation. But on the other hand, no, I should maintain a minimal degree of sobriety.

"A cup of tea would be excellent. Red tea, if you have some."

"Let me see." His hands touched my upper arms and rubbed gently.

Closing my eyes, I let the warmth sink in.

He went to the open plan kitchen, and I remained where I was, looking around, paying attention to the details. There were only a couple of pictures, one of an older couple, maybe his parents, and another of a younger version of him on a sailboat with another man. Considering the physical resemblance, probably his brother.

Well, he sure has to have some sort of OCD. Everything was neat and highly organised.

"I'm impressed. Are you also hooked on hand sanitizer? What about any other quirks?"

He poked his head around the kitchen counter, narrowing his eyes at me, his features asking me to repeat my question. He hadn't understood.

Better so.

"Never mind."

On a side table, next to a pile of books and a modern design lamp, there was a ceramic pot with white orchids, which caught my immediate attention and also revived my initial suspicions.

"These are my favourite flowers, you know? Funny. How come they're still alive and kicking?"

He laughed and gave me the most plausible explanation. "Oh, that'd be Mrs Burke. She takes care of everything around here. If it wasn't for her, those'd be condemned to an inevitable slow death, I'm afraid."

A faint smile crossed my lips as I took off my coat and laid it on the sofa arm. "Of course. Makes total sense."

"So, just keep your expectations low: I'm quite messy, never know where things are and... I even think I'm seeing those for the first time." He squinted at the pot.

My fingers browsed through his very eclectic CD collection: from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, passing by U2, Bon Jovi, Green Day and a bunch of other more recent names, there was plenty to choose from.

Surprisingly, Enrique Iglesias's last album was there too, and I couldn't help smiling. After so many years abroad, I had become a great fan of Latin sounds. I honestly believe there's nothing better than those joyful beats to fill you with optimism and high spirits.

Meanwhile, Matthew entered the room again, this time wearing a t-shirt. With his hair all ruffled, he looked a bit of a rebel. I couldn't help but give a small smile. The blue jumper over the shirt he'd been wearing before made him seem too formal.

After handing me my tea, he sat on the sofa with his legs crossed but relaxed, gazing at me intently, and took a sip from his coffee cup.

"May I?" I showed him the CD, asking permission to play it.