Love on Notes

35

The day passed quickly between writing my article and reading The Life List. And all I could think about was our kiss.

After I'd finished the novel, I remained pensive about what the mysterious man had said about Brett's sensitivity and the power of love personified by her mother. He had to be someone who was sensitive and close to his family, or at least to his mother. For some reason, his comments were more touching than expected. At the end of the novel, on one of his Post-it notes, he asked for my opinion. After writing a few lines about what I thought of the novel, I asked him some subtle questions to find out more about his identity. After closing the book, I daydreamed for a few moments before returning to writing my article on Daniel's computer.

My new article dealt with the benefits and risks of IUDs. In fact, several readers had sent me emails about the lack of relevance of existing articles on its use, especially when it came to the side effects and how it left people feeling. I was in the middle of a call with a gynaecologist who was also a teacher when I heard the front door open. Lying on the floor with my notes scattered around me, I saw the bedroom door open. I waved to Daniel and told him I was making a phone call. He nodded as he entered the room. I was just about to remove my sheets when he knelt down and whispered:

— Don't worry, you can stay here. You don't mind if I do a few things, do you?

I shook my head to show I didn't mind.

— Are you still here? asked the doctor I was chatting to.
— Yes, yes, excuse me, Doctor. So you were telling me that you're against IUDs?

Daniel was looking for something when he suddenly turned to me and frowned. I hadn't been expecting such a reaction and managed to hold back a laugh.

Half an hour later, I hung up with the gynaecologist and joined Daniel in the living room. He pretended to be angry.

— Were you talking to someone other than me?
— Yes, I'm really sorry but he's so sweet.
— Oh yes, well, go and stay with him then.

He crossed his arms, trying to look angry, but I could see the beginnings of a smile, which he was trying very hard to hide.

— I'd dream of it, but I'm afraid his grandchildren will ask me questions about IUDs, I replied.

He burst out laughing.

— So your next article is about IUDs?
— Yes, do you know what it is?
— Yes, it's the contraceptive method that is inserted into the uterus.
— Exactly.
— I don't want to be anywhere near my mother when she reads it, in case she wants to ask me about its use.

He smiled at my reaction and I burst out laughing.

— Does she know that you know me?

He shrugged, seemed to think about his answer, then squinted.

— Um, yes, do you mind?
— Absolutely not.

He seemed relieved.

— Ah, I was afraid you didn't want me to talk about you.
— Not at all, don't worry.
— By the way, what did you tell Harry about me after we first met?

My heart began to beat faster and faster as I stared wide-eyed. Did he expect me to reveal the content of my panicked call to my brother after all the emotions I'd felt during our first conversation? I parted my lips, but no sound came out. Shaking my head, I tried to think of something that might do the trick.

— If you don't want to tell me, I can understand.

I didn't want him to jump to conclusions, so I went on immediately: