On Sunday morning I attend the barbecue at Mr. Thompson's house. The climate is nice and I get a little bit mixed up with the other neighbors. Only the necessary. I want to keep as much of the isolation and privacy as possible for my work.
On the other hand, attending occasions like this can help me relax and perhaps provide material for my story.
Thompson introduces me to some of his and his wife's relatives, as well as neighbors I didn't know yet.
-Mr. Whitman, nice to meet you! - A short woman with dark hair greets me. - I'm your fan, I read all your books, but I especially liked "Bitter Kiss". What an end was that! Amazing!
-Thank you! Glad you like. - I had not had such contact for a while with someone who appreciated my work. I missed that.
Minutes later we are sitting by the pool. Thompson, his wife and I talk.
-Are you enjoying the city, Mr. Whitman? - Asks Thompson's wife. A very lovely middle-aged lady.
-I love it. I take a sip of my beer. It's quite different from Chicago, where I came from. Except for the parties my neighbor throws sometimes.
-Which neighbor? - asks Mr. Thompson.
-A number 510. Doesn't it bother you either?
-The house 510? Ah yes! It's been a long time since ... -a ball has fallen on him, scaring us. Thompson stands abruptly, heading toward the pool.
-Hey, kids! I told you to be careful! - He returns the ball to the brats who play loudly in the water.
Thompson returns to our table. -Are you all right, Mr. Whitman?
I nod: - Yes, I'm OK.
- I'll get more beer. - He leaves.
The talk about Heidi is for another time.
&&&
The progress I made in writing is minimal. It's an afternoon when I'm in front of the notebook waiting for some fresh inspiration when I hear the doorbell ring. Who could it be? Mr. Thompson?
When I open the door, I am surprised. Almost amazed. She wears a black Ramones blouse and torn denim shorts with a short hanging chain. A short boot. And those blond-tipped hair. The blue eyes staring at me.
-Hello Mr. Whitman.
-Heidi? Did something happen? Any problem?
-I was feeling lonely and needed to talk to someone. I can enter?
-Sure! Please enter!
YOU ARE READING
The Foreigner
RomanceA mysterious young girl affects the life of an older writer who has just lost his wife.
