Meeting Mr Firth

21

Woke up the next morning to an empty bed and wondering where Colin went. I looked around the room but he was nowhere to be seen. I got up and went toward the balcony. There he was, standing still, his mind probably wondering far away. I got closer without him noticing me and put my arms on his back, slowly moving upwards to his shoulders and down on his chest. He turned around and grabbed my waist, smiling as I was giggling. He run a hand through my hair and gave me a light kiss on the lips.

-Shall we go have breakfast?
-Yes. But let's just not have it at the hotel's restaurant. Let's go out. Try to find a coffee shop or something.
-Alright, babe.

So we went out in search of a tiny, intimate coffee shop. I knew exactly why Colin wanted that..it was because of Max. But I couldn't say I didn't love the idea. Max's presence was very much annoying for me too.. And my poor babe with his fears of loosing me for someone younger. Although he was fearing that in vain, the conversation from last evening was enough to make him worry again. I took his hand, getting closer to him. He kissed my forehead gently, pulling me closer, arm around my waist. We found a nice place to have breakfast in, luckily it was not crowded and it was a tiny place.

-This is perfect.
-I agree, honey..
-Why are you so awfully quiet?
-Oh, it's nothing.. nothing to worry about.
-But I know what it is. Jealousy looks good in those puppy eyes of yours. Brightens them with passion.
-Was that supposed to be a compliment?
-No, it was supposed to be a joke. Come on, babe! Stop worrying!
-He's young, seems nice, taking care of his mother and everything.. Why wouldn't you prefer him?
-Because I love you, not him. Oh, my darling, why don't you understand you're the only man I see. The only man I think about.
-What is it to love in me and not in someone else.. Someone better, perhaps?
-I told you you're my definition of perfection. Not Max, not anyone else reaches to that standard. You're unique, babe. You're my one and only. You're my world, for God's sake. Understand that!
-You're my world too. That's why I fear loosing you. I'd be lost without you.
-But you won't. You're not getting rid of me that easily, babe, I laughed. I'm not going anywhere.
-Darling, can you forgive my foolishness? It was just..because I love you so much. I couldn't stand the thought of having..competition.
-That's not foolish. You make it seem cute. I could never get mad at you, so I have nothing to forgive.
-You're a dream.
-You're a fantasy.
-And there comes the nightmare..

I turned around to see Max and his mother entering the coffee shop. I wanted to disappear rather than talk with his mother..or him, for that matter. I took Colin's hand for reassurance, just as they were walking towards our table..

-Good morning! Nice to see you here.
-Max, Mrs. Geene, what a lovely surprise!

I saw Colin biting his lip not to burst out laughing at my fake smile and sweet talking..

-Max told me you were here so I thought I need to see you before we leave. Haven't seen you in so long, my dear. And so much seems to have happened since then, she said glancing at Colin.
-Yes, that's true, Mrs. Geene. So many beautiful things. I got married, adopted a child. I'm happier than I could ever imagine.
-Glad to hear. And nice to meet you, Mr. Firth.
-Likewise, Mrs. Geene.
-I wish we could catch up.. But wouldn't want to interrupt you. So we'd better leave you alone.
-Actually, we were about to leave ourselves. Maybe we'll see each other around again before tomorrow evening.
-You leave too?
-What you mean by "too", Max?
-Well, we also leave tomorrow evening. Mom back home, I all the way to London.
-London? How so?
-Got some business there. Nothing much, really.
-Actually he might be getting a job. As an architect. I'm very proud of my boy.
-Stop, mom! Is nothing for sure.. Anyway, was great to see you again. Bye!
-Goodbye!
 
We got out of there and Colin started laughing uncontrollably. It took him a little to calm down and be able to speak..

-What are you laughing at?
-That lame show. Sorry, I know moms do that..praising their kids to the skies. But she actually was looking at me with that "I wish I could strangle you" look so she could have you marry her son.
-That's.. Exactly what she was doing, actually. You're such a good observer, I laughed.
-I don't even know why I acted so foolishly..
-You were jealous for nothing, babe.
-You could never stand such a mother in law.
-I'd have ended up in jail..for killing her in some very complex, intelligent way thought.
-That's why you watch those crime series? For ideas?
-Shut up! I said apparently annoyed. I watch them for educational purposes.
-That's exactly what I said, he laughed.
-I could use some of those things on that woman. For real. She's annoying.
-I think I'm sorry for Max now.
-Me too. He's been trying to make her stop.
-Yeah..much appreciated. But don't think I like him any better. I still don't want to see him.. them again.
-Oh, babe..you're lucky you're so cute. Otherwise this jealousy would've been annoying.
-Okay, okay. Let's end this conversation. It leads nowhere good anyway.
-Shall we call Viv? Is 9 o'clock.
-Cathy must be up by this time. Let's give Viv a call then..
***
-Good morning!
-Morning! No worries, guys. Everything is under control. Meaning we didn't set the house this morning while making pancakes for breakfast.
-Heard that, babe? Cathy wanted pancakes for breakfast.
-She said they aren't half as good as yours.
-Daddy is the best cook, I heard Cathy's voice through the phone.
-Put her on, Viv. Will you?
-Sure.
-Good morning, mommy!
-Morning, sweetheart!
-I miss you! When are you coming back?
-Tomorrow night we'll be back home. But we might come late.
-I'll wait until you come. Auntie Viv and I can watch another Disney movie then.
-Are you having a good time with Auntie Viv?
-Yes. We have fun. But I wish you were here so we could all have fun.
-We would have fun when we get back, darling. We miss you too.
-I miss daddy's pancakes too.
-We'll make pancakes Monday morning. Daddy promises, I winked into Colin's direction.
-Okay. Mommy, Auntie Viv wants to speak to you again.
-Okay, darling.
-Bye, mommy!
-Bye, sweetheart!
-Okay, so..I wanted to tell you that I was speaking with Jack yesterday and he asked if the man who was asking for you could get hold of you after all.
-What man?
-That was exactly my reaction. Turns out he was speaking about Max.
-Max? Wait..he asked for me at work?
-Apparently..
-That's why he's here. I can't believe it!
-He's there? He followed you all the way there? On your holiday?!! How dare he?!! Wait..you spoke to him?
-Yeah..
-And Colin? Does he know?
-More or less. Is not much to tell about it..
-Not much? Max clearly didn't forget you..
-He better would. Because he lied..said he came here with his mom because she needed a holiday. For her depression.
-Depression is her permanent state. So is being mean and bitchy.
-True that. However, thank you for telling me. I shall know how to solve the problem.
-What are you going to do?
-Nothing to worry about.. Just a little talk. I'll give you details when we get back.
-Okay. Take care!
-Bye, Viv!
 ***
-What's the matter?
-Max lied..he asked about me at work. He followed us. I can't believe it.
-He did what?
-Calm down, honey. It's not worth it. I'll talk to him.. confront him.
-I'm not letting you do this. I shall be doing it..protect you. I'm going back in there.
-Wait, babe!

But it was too late already. Colin was already rushing back toward the coffee shop. He entered and went straight to Max's table while I was looking at the whole thing from a few steps behind..

-How dare you mess with my wife? Don't you know what respect is, kid? Shall I teach you?
-Look, man, I have nothing to say to you.
-But I have. You looked for my wife, fully aware she is married you followed her here. And you dare pretending it was a coincidence. You dared lying to her.
-A little white lie doesn't hurt anyone. She was glad to see me.
-You know nothing, kid.
-And you do, old man?
-Stop! Both of you. Max, don't you dare saying that again. This is my husband who I love more than anyone else on earth. You are just a selfish, immature kid. You should be ashamed of yourself.
-I shouldn't have lied to you. But it was the only way to get to talk to you.
-I preferred you came to talk to me at work rather than lying about your mom. Or better not coming at all. We don't have anything to talk about, Max.
-I get it..okay. So I lost any hope, huh?
-I never gave you any hope. There is only one man I love and I'm sharing his name now. That's it, Max! I have nothing else to tell you.
-Fine..
-Goodbye!
-Yeah..goodbye..

I took Colin's hand in mine and we went out of the coffee shop again..

-Thanks for defending me, babe. But I could do it on my own.
-And very well so..I'm impressed.

I laughed and gave him a light kiss. He put an arm around my waist and we went for a long walk to forget everything that have happened in that busy morning..