Ready for it? (Joost Klein)

8

The next morning Elio comes in while I'm getting ready. "Good morning Livia. Have you checked social media yet?"

I look at him and shake my head. "No, why?"

Elio takes out his phone and shows me a few articles.

- Livia Lissens and Joost Klein left pre-party together!

- Eurovision couple? Livia and Joost

- Are there any feelings between these two contestants?

- 10 signs that your cat is depressed

"Elio, you know I don't have a cat."

Elio ignores my words. "Just prepare for questions about you two later during the interview."

"How long do I have before it starts?"

Elio looks at his watch. "Well seven minutes so hurry." 

I stand in front of the long table looking for the sign with Belgium on it.

I sit in my seat, more to the right of the table and wait for everyone to arrive. To my left sits Marina and to my right sits Kaleen.

The journalists come in and the cameras start filming.

"Let's start with the first question. The woman here at the front has a question for Cyprus." I look around and wave the Belgian flag a little in front of me. It will be weird to be back in Belgium. Without cameras, interviewers and other contestants.

"The man in the gray suit. You can ask your question to Belgium."

I already put my mic closer to me and wait to hear the question. The man stands up. "I would like to know which Belgian artists Livia would collaborate with one day." 

I don't have to think for long. 

"I hope one day I can collaborate with Stromae. He is a very big inspiration to me and I think we could create something very special together."

I see all the cameras that were on me turning back to the room of people.

"Joost Klein, here comes a question for you."

Where does he even sit?

"What do you think about the gossip about Livia and you and is it true?"

I meet his gaze. He is sitting on the other side of the table. He smiles at me for a moment before turning to the man who asked the question.

"Well, I'm honored but Livia and I can't stand each other."

The room and a few participants at the table laugh. I shake my head with a smile.

"No, sorry that was a joke. All I can say is that we have agreed that we are not going to name our son and daughter Joost and Livia already."

The room is laughing louder now and I see a few cameras turning in my direction.

"Next question, please."

After the interview, I keep talking to Marina for a while. "When is the pre-party in Amsterdam again?" She looks at her calendar on her phone. "Next Tuesday."

Most of the participants have already left to go make their bags and then leave for the airport.

"My flight is in three hours. I'd better pack my things." I say goodbye to her and step toward the elevator.

On the way, I run into Joost with his bag. "Hey, are you leaving already?" 

Joost nods. "I was looking for you, actually. To tell you that I'm leaving."

"Well, I'll see you again next Tuesday in Amsterdam I suppose."

"Then you can meet my blue bird."

I smile. "I'm already looking forward to it. Have a safe flight."

"You too, Livia. I'll see you soon."

Once my suitcase is packed, I join Lucas, who is waiting in the lobby.

"Hey, how did you like Madrid?""It couldn't have gone better for me."

Elio, Elena and Kate come over to us. "The car is here. Time to return to Belgium."