After Eternity

Chapter 49

I.

San Francisco...

The sky was consumed by tones of innumerous shades of grey, some light and some really dark, even grasping black. The air was humid and the smell of wet soil could still be felt in the air. It mixed with the sea scent, for the wind was blowing from there, and bringing the marine atmosphere upon the hill. The warmth of the day before had been replaced by a chilly gust. It was noticeable how the temperature had fallen a few degrees. It was also not pouring rain anymore but there was still this drizzle falling down over San Rafael that gave the woods surrounding the house a very mystic scenery.

James had prepared both cars so they could leave and was waiting outside on the lane for Diana to leave the house. He looked at his watch just to be sure he was not running late for his meeting and then began to tap his fingers on the roof of the Tesla. A meeting with Mathew always left him nervous. It didn't matter for how long he had been doing it. It always bothered him. Finally, he saw Diana coming out of the house, and locking the front door and he smiled, seeing her all distracted buttoning her Burberry's raincoat. Then, she turned to him and gave him her wonderful soothing smile and he felt all his anxiety and nervousness disappear. Diana was such a healing power. It had not been a coincidence that they met; he didn't believe in coincidences. James believed that things always happened for a reason and they were meant to find each other. Diana made him fall in love with her every day.

She approached him in a pair of blue jeans and black and golden Adidas on her feet, matching perfectly with Burberry's colors. It didn't matter how simply she'd dress, everything in her wore beautifully. Diana was fashionable and somehow he loved that detail of her. Her hair was lose and wavier than any other day, because the humidity in the air gave her hair a life of its own. Her golden locks reaching her waist, with really curled tips divided in single locks. Her face clean, no makeup at all, but he could feel her 212 by Carolina Herrera reaching his nose. She never skipped a few drops of perfume. As she got nearer, she shot him another smile that made his heart skip a beat. She was so beautiful and sometimes he could not believe she was his. A woman like her was not supposed to be with a man like him, but she had made him believe he was worthy of it.

"What's this?" She asked seeing he had the Testa and the Camaro side by side, and ready to leave.

He smiled. That was a surprise for her. "Well... since we are going to different places and you don't have your Mercedes here yet, I thought you could take the Mustang with you." He said, knowing it was her favorite car.

Diana's eyes glittered as she heard his words and nothing pleased him more than make her eyes glitter that way.

"You trust me the Mustang?" She asked wrapping her arms around his neck. The scent of his masculine shower gel reaching her nose, and she pecked his lips. "Gosh..." She moaned against his lips, making him chuckle. "You smell so good."

"Don't go too fast. The road is still soaked." He said with a serious semblance on his face so he could mean his words.

"I promise." Diana smiled at him. "Where are you meeting Matt?" She asked him.

"At a cafe in the harbor." James explained and she curled an eyebrow showing him her surprised look.

"Do you do your meetings in a cafe? Is that usual?" She asked him.

Her question had none recriminatory intention in it, he knew that. Since he had opened to her a bit more about his addiction, Diana wanted to know more about the dynamics and he complied with his part by answering her questions. James knew it was important that his problem was shared with her. If he wanted to divide his life with her, he should be able to face his biggest demon and share it with her. He intended to do it little by little.