After Eternity

Chapter 6

I.

Diana watched how comfortably Pam moved around the tiny kitchen of the place where she now worked. She had met two colleagues so far: Andrea and Helen. They seemed nice and chatted away like there was no tomorrow. It was clear they had known each other for a long time. Pam was at the counter waiting for the kettle to boil so she could brew some tea and Diana looked around scrutinizing every detail of the decoration. The walls were painted in violet, dark violet and the small cupboard was in tones of dark grey. There was a coffee machine and a small stove on the counter as well as a sink. Under, there was a white and small fridge and in front of it there was a round table with six black chairs around it and against the wall a black leather couch. The window faced the parking lot which Diana estimated was enough for twenty cars.

She let them talk without participating, she didn't feel at ease and they talked about some TV show she didn't know, so she didn't exactly have an opinion. Plus...her nose smelled musk scent and her head turned to look back at the kitchen's door. It was just a few seconds until James got inside dressed in shorts, flip flops, a white tank top and a cap on his head. He looked much younger that morning and smiley and calm. James looked relaxed and she recalled she too was so calm. The scent musk didn't freak her out as usual; instinctively she just looked back as if knowing someone was coming in. Diana frowned for a moment at her realization.

"Morning." He greeted them.

Pam put a cup of green tea in front of her and the four women greeted him back. She placed her hands around the white cup and blew the hot liquid to cool it down a bit. Pam sat right in front her and the others by her side. Their chat continued and by the corner of her eye she watched James move around knowingly. She saw the muscles of his shoulders stretch as he grabbed a cup off the cupboard and saw him put it on the coffee machine. Then she looked back at the women to pay some attention to their conversation. It seemed like they were talking about something else.

"That man...oh that man..." Andrea said with dreamy eyes. All women laughed including Diana who didn't have a clue of who she was talking about but her dreamy face had been enough to make her laugh. "He's evil on that show but is the damn guy hot!" She continued.

James leaned against the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand blowing it softly. His eyes scrutinized Diana. She was dressed in black tight trousers and a pink shirt. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail. No makeup at all and she still looked so pretty.

"Oh Diana..." Andrea then exclaimed. "You might know this show because it haired on BBC."

"Really?" She said curling an eyebrow. James sipped on his coffee just hearing their conversation.

"Yes...it's Irish. The Fall?" Andrea said.

Diana giggled and the three women looked at her suspiciously. James too. He put the cup down on the counter and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Paul Spector the serial killer..." Pamela said. "Though he is really young."

Diana laughed lightly. "Really? You are talking about Jamie Dornan?" She asked almost as if she didn't believe it. James sensed right away she knew that guy, but the women were so enchanted with the man they didn't notice it. He rolled his eyes. Is he her ex? He thought. An actor?

"Yes. That's him." Andrea affirmed.

"Oh..." Diana smiled and shook her head.

"You don't think so?" Pam asked.

"I... I know him." Diana said.

"What do you mean you know him?" Andrea said almost shocked.

"His parents are my parent's friends. I have known him since..." She became thoughtful. James watched her a little anxious to hear her explanation. Is he or is he not your ex? Who's this guy? "Maybe since he was born. He is younger than me, three years but we used to go on holyday together and everything. I know him very well." She said then.