Love on Notes

7

I loved the weekly cooking classes I'd been taking for several months. My dishes had become so much better.  We had learnt how to make aubergine lasagna that day. Harry had sat in the room without taking part as there was no more room for the session. The teacher was a former gourmet chef who was very kind and, above all, very patient. I could see the disappointment in his eyes when we would do something completely different to his instructions but he would never complain.

When it was over, I went for a walk with Harry before going home. Harry asked me more questions about the mysterious notes guy, but I assured him I'd never seen him.

— He simply wrote comments. The likelihood of him being interested in anyone's responses is slim to none. I'll never meet him, I don't even know what he looks like. Why should anything happen with him when nothing has ever happened with the other men I meet?
— Maybe because you never like others?
— So why would I like this one?
— Maybe because he intrigues you. It's not every day that someone leaves Post-it notes in library books. And also because he's like you; he loves mystery and literature, including romance. Who knows if he's not your soulmate?

I stopped walking and raised my eyebrows in surprise. My brother was definitely not the type of person to discuss soulmates or destiny.

— Wait... Have you met someone? I exclaimed.

He stopped in turn.

— What? Why are you asking this?
— Maybe because you never talk about soulmates?
— Oh no, no, no! I only said that because I know that deep down, like any self-respecting romantic, you believe in that kind of thing. And if I'd met anyone, I'd have told you.

Half-convinced, I squinted before continuing to walk towards my flat, telling myself I'd ask him about it later. He then asked me about a boy I'd spoken to during the cooking class. His name was Trevor, and we did exchange a little every week.

— And do you like him? Because it's certain that he likes you.

I stopped walking, puzzled.

— Why would you say that?
— All he did was smile as he chatted to you, and as soon as your back was turned he'd watch you and keep smiling.
— Really?
— Yes, Liz, it was obvious.
— I don't think he's looking at me that much, he just wants to talk to someone during the class because it's a chance to get to know people, I say as I open the door to my building.
— But does he talk to you this much in every class?
— Yes, but we don't talk about anything personal really.

Harry just nodded as he let me into the lift first and pulled out his phone as I was deep in my thoughts. I'd never particularly noticed Trevor but if Harry mentioned him, there must be something to it. He was a nice guy but I wasn't interested in him.

As I entered the flat, I saw Charlie and my mother putting away some groceries. Feeling a slight pain in the back of my neck, probably due to tiredness, I thanked them before settling into my armchair. Since we'd had a late lunch, we'd agreed to have a late dinner too.

Scanning the living room with my eyes, I noticed the candy pink cover of AntidépresSœurs by my bookcase. Grabbing it with my fingertips, I began reading. The stranger's first note on the usual beige Post-it with white stripes appeared on the third page of the novel.

— I suggest you step up to our juicy bar and get to know the star of the day, fresh from London, while getting your fill of vitamins. But remember, 11 o'clock is the time for everyone to be at their posts. Remember, we've got a launch in the pipeline!
— Can't he speak French, that one, he annoys me. Am I in a bit of a bad mood? Um... bring some Tampax for tomorrow.