Dreams Can Come True

73. Wine

After Simone and Gordon left, a wave of loneliness washed over me. Although I was grateful for their visit, I realized that I was truly alone in my new apartment. A sudden longing for companionship overwhelmed me, and I knew exactly who to call.
I grabbed my phone and searched for Bas' number in my contacts. With a quick tap on the screen, I called him, my heart pounding as I waited to hear his voice on the other end of the line.
It didn't take long for him to answer, his voice clear and familiar through the phone. "Hey, are you still alive?" he chuckled.
I laughed, relieved that he had picked up. "Yeah, just barely," I replied playfully. "Sorry for leaving in the middle of the night, Bas. But I had to talk to Bill."
"Ha, 'talk'," Bas repeated, his voice dripping with humor.
I couldn't help but giggle. "Yes, talk," I confirmed. "Hey Bas," I said immediately after, my voice a bit hoarse from the earlier emotions. "Could you come over? I could use some company."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, and I held my breath as I waited for his answer.
"Yeah, of course, I'll be right over," Bas said finally, his voice full of understanding. "I don't have much going on tonight anyway. Is everything okay?"
I felt a lump in my throat and swallowed hard. "Yes, everything's okay," I lied, knowing that Bas would see right through my façade. "Just need some company."
"Alright, I'll see you soon," Bas replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "Hang in there, Elise. See you soon."
"See you soon," I replied and hung up. A feeling of relief washed over me as I prepared for Bas' arrival.

While waiting for Bas to arrive, I paced restlessly around the apartment. I tried to distract myself with small household tasks, but my thoughts kept returning to the emptiness I felt without Bill by my side.
After a while, the doorbell rang, and I almost jumped with excitement at the sound. Thankfully, Bas had arrived. I hurried to the door and opened it with a broad smile. There stood Bas, holding a bottle of wine and wearing a smile that radiated genuine happiness.
"Congratulations on your new home," he said warmly, extending the bottle of wine toward me.
I could hardly contain my joy as I hugged him. "Bas, you shouldn't have," I said, sincerely grateful.
But Bas waved away my objections. "Of course, I should have. It's a special occasion," he said with a wink.
I let him in and took the bottle of wine from him. Bas' presence immediately put me at ease. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders now that he was here, and I couldn't help but smile at his presence.
"How does it feel to finally have your own place?" Bas asked, looking around curiously.
I smiled broadly, feeling pride swell in my chest. "It feels amazing, really," I replied honestly.
"Give me a tour," Bas insisted, and I laughed and nodded. "Of course, I'll show you everything."
I took Bas through my apartment, proudly pointing out every nook and cranny as I enthusiastically shared my plans for the decor and discussed my favorite details of the apartment. Bas listened attentively, admiring every detail, which filled my heart with joy.
As we walked through the apartment, I felt lighter. The worries and stress seemed to fade into the background in the company of my best friend. It was as if he was a beacon of light in my sometimes dark world, and I was grateful for his friendship and support.

After the tour, we found ourselves back in the cozy living room, where Bas' bottle of wine stood prominently on the coffee table. He looked at the bottle with a twinkle in his eye and then turned to me.
"What do you think?" he asked, looking at the wine. "Shall we drink this on your balcony?"
I looked at him thoughtfully. "Isn't it too chilly out there?" I asked, taking two wine glasses from the cabinet. "No, it's really nice outside," he assured me. "And then I can have a cigarette," he added with a wink. I couldn't suppress a smile as I held the wine glasses firmly. The idea of sitting together on the balcony, sipping wine, and enjoying the view appealed to me. Besides, I knew Bas loved smoking his cigarettes while relaxing in the open air.
"Good idea," I said, as Bas grabbed the bottle of wine. "Let's go outside."

We walked together to the balcony off my bedroom, where the cool evening air greeted us. The sky was clear, dotted with stars, and a gentle breeze brushed past us. Bas took a seat in one of the chairs, and I poured the wine into the glasses, enjoying the view of the city.
"Cheers," Bas said, raising his glass.
"Cheers," I replied, clinking my glass against his.
We took a sip of the wine, letting the taste dance on our tongues. It was a moment of pure relaxation, enjoying each other's company and the tranquility of the evening.
As Bas enjoyed his cigarette, the smoke rings slowly rising, we shared stories and memories.