TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Chapter 10

Carmen folded the paper back and carefully hid it in her pocket. She took a few steps and then entered the hotel lobby, moving cautiously, as if in hostile territory. As she looked up at the ceiling, her attention was captured by the hundreds of crystal drops on the chandelier. They glistened like diamonds, reflecting the light throughout the room. She was fascinated, unable to take her eyes off these small prisms. She advanced further, circumvented a massive round wooden table with an imposing vase filled with pink dahlias and peonies. In front of her were three immense elevator doors adorned with gold, reminiscent of Art Deco style. When she arrived on the hotel terrace, the maître d'hôtel welcomed her and escorted her to a table. Above her, garlands were intertwined around the wooden structure that covered the vast terrace. Wisteria cascaded like rain above the tables. The maître d'hôtel pointed to an isolated table at the far right; Tom was waiting, leaning against the railing. His face lit up when he saw her. So it was him. As she was about to sit down, the maître d'hôtel pulled out the chair and then moved it closer to the table. She didn't know why he wanted to help her sit down, but it seemed to please him, so she let him. She timidly greeted Tom, her throat tight.

"What's all this?" she asked.

"Well... I really like you", he said awkwardly. "I actually really like you. So I wanted to spend more time with you."

"So this is a date?"

"Yes. If you accept, of course", he quickly added.

"I accept", she said, amused.

She was having a great time in his company. He was never short of anecdotes and always had something to make her laugh. She appreciated his quick wit and humor. Talking to him was very pleasant; he was a good listener, and Carmen valued that quality. His presence was calming and reassuring. As the restaurant gradually emptied around them, they became the last couple on the terrace. The more Tom talked, the more she entertained the idea that she might fall in love with this boy, if she hadn't already.

"How do you see yourself in ten years?"

"Totally", he replied with a laugh, finding the question audacious. "I guess I'll be wealthy and married."

"Like your father."

He squinted imperceptibly. She had hit the mark and didn't hesitate to do so. That was probably what he liked most about her. She was never politically correct and didn't care if her opinion pleased others, as long as she stayed true to her values. He probably envied her a little for that.

"I guess I'm conditioned to replicate the same pattern. And you?"

"I would like to be happy."

"Aren't you?"

"Of course, I am. I meant that I want to be fulfilled, no matter who I'm with or where I am."

"Not a bad answer. Way better than mine."

*

When they arrived home, the meal was ready and the table set. They savored every bite of the dishes prepared by Theresa and helped themselves repeatedly. Probably more out of guilt than a love for sports, Joan decided to go for a run, dragging Victoria along. Another one of Joan's eccentricities, Victoria thought. They put on their outfits, tied their shoelaces, and headed towards the beach. At the end of the pier, they caught their breath and stretched on the edge of the pontoon. They breathed in and out to the rhythm of the waves. Victoria dropped her arms heavily on the railing, exhausted.

"You've killed me. I feel like I'm going to throw up."

"No, darling. The nausea comes from the three muffins you ate."

"Yes, but Teresa's muffins are irresistible."

"Actually, I probably would have finished the basket myself if you weren't here."

They giggled, then Joan stepped closer to Victoria.

"Oh, you have something on your cheek", she exclaimed, meticulously removing the eyelash that had landed on Victoria's cheek.

Victoria moved her face closer to Joan's, locking her gaze with hers. She leaned in and kissed her.

*