Selfish bastard

Part 11

(David's POV)

Since I left Nice, I've done nothing but run, sweat and worry. I'm emotionally and physically drained...Just the idea I could have lost him was and still is unbearable. And the fact we're not destined to be together doesn't change anything.

I asked Lauren if I could come to visit him and she said yes. Nothing could have stopped me from seing the love of my life, even embarrassment in front of his real partner. Even Simon's possible anger and rejection. This is vital for me.

Now, on the entry porch of his house, I try to relax but my heart laughs at my pathetic attempts. I sigh and ring the bell. Lauren opens within a second and smiles at me ; she looks pale and tired. She hugs me and as I was expecting, I'm not really comfortable. Still, it's a warm and sincere embrace.

"David...I'm happy you're here..." she says, inviting me to enter.

"How is he ?" I inquire immediately.

"Good, he recovered very well. He just needs to figure some things out but he'll be just fine."

I sigh in relief but wonder what she's talking about. She doesn't give me much time to think, though :

"I have to go now. You'll find him in the lounge. And David ?..."

"Yes ?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"Be happy. You both deserve it."

She grabs a luggage and leaves. I turn around to see her get into her black Toyota. Inside the car, I distinguish Eric, waiting for her with his nanny. And now, they're gone.

I don't understand...Isn't she supposed to look after Simon ? What's going on ?

..............................................................................

The house is very quiet. Time seems suspended as I make my way towards the lounge. And I immediately see him, sitting on the sofa, absorbed in a newspaper. Just by the sight of his neck, all my emotions violently resurface.

He's alive, he's alright and we are here together, alone in the same room...Feeling so grateful for that, I start sobbing uncontrollably, all the stress from the last hours flowing out with my tears.

My cries make him flinch and he hastily turns around, stunned. His lips open slightly as his eyes catch mine. 

"David ?..." he whispers, in disbelief.

"Simon..." 

As I pronounce his name, this is not even a sound...it's less than a murmur, fragile but so truthful.

He slowly makes his way in my direction, gazing at me, and I can see he's as overwhelmed as I am. He seems a little tired but nothing to be alarmed by. He's as gorgeous as ever. Oh how I missed those deep brown eyes...

"David...God...What are you doing here ?" 

"Lauren didn't tell you I was coming ? I called earlier..." He shakes his head.

A strange but intense silence takes place and we're now face to face. Feeling him so close, I can't help but shudder. This is the sweetest and strongest sensation. I want to take him in my arms and kiss him, so bad...

"I just...I thought the worse happened...I thought I lost you...I know you're ok, now but..I had to see you, I had to" I admit, trying so hard not to cry again. 

He reaches for my hand and caresses its palm, making me shiver just from the slight touch. 

"Everything's gonna be fine..." he says, delicately kissing my soaked cheek and stroking my neck. Each of his touch, like a balm on my wounds, makes me feel alive again.