Ventura

Capítulo 12

As Christmas approached, filming was interrupted so that its members could reunite with their families. Thomas would travel to South Carolina, where his parents lived. He would travel in the second half of December and would return only at the beginning of the following year.

I received an extra bonus and a Happy Holidays card from Thomas and one from Tessa. I was looking at the card on my table.

"Sophie," he said, trying to make his voice playful. - How about spending Christmas with me in London?

I had thought about it a lot, and decided that that year I would not spend Christmas alone. Sophie tried to refuse, but I ensured that all expenses would be on me. During those months that I worked for Thomas, I managed to save a good amount. So, why not enjoy it a little?

Sophie was overjoyed. We agreed that she would take the train and meet me there. We would spend Christmas together and she would return to Marseille to celebrate the new year with her boyfriend.

- He is everything. Everything, "she described.

For a long time, she spoke of his qualities. And this time it was for real. That she was in love. I laughed and agreed. I already knew all that animation. When I said goodbye to her, I could still hear her little cries of happiness on the other end of the line.

In the afternoon I went to the florist to pick up some seeds that I had ordered, and when I returned I realized that Thomas was already gone. I walked around the empty house feeling very lonely. At night I received a message from him saying that he had gotten a flight earlier and that he was sorry he did not undress me. And he wished me a "Happy Holidays Melanie."

- You fool. And what did you expect? A declaration of love? - I shook my head and smiled at the idea.

London was beautiful, bright and festive. The city was vibrant. It was cold. But who cared? We spent the week touring the city. Sophie was a cheerful and outgoing company. On Christmas Eve, I gave her a designer bag. The smile I received was a balm for my spirit. We had supper in an elegant hotel and I already felt that the farewell was near.

The next day we stopped for one last coffee before Sophie returned to Marseille.

- Well then?

- So what? - I asked

- We spent these days together, talked about everything but your Thomas. - I felt my face flush.

- He's not my Thomas. I work for him and that's it.

- Tell me. what's he like? At home I mean. - Her look was speculative and she scanned my face so as not to lose any of my reactions.

- He's an ordinary man, you know? - I noticed his doubtful look.

- But it's true, I swear. At home he is just Thomas. Remember, I am the person closest to him when he is at home. Sophie, I WASH YOUR CLOTHES. - I spoke emphatically. -I know your moods, your preferences. We talk, we talk banal things. This kind of thing.

"And he never ..." She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together to simulate a kiss.

My face burned. I looked around and said:

- Wait here. - I went to one of the cafeteria shelves, took two magazines and deposited them on the table in front of her.

- Right. Describe me. -I challenged. I noticed your hesitation. - Come on, I encouraged. -Height:

- One meter sixty-five. - she replied grudgingly.

- Hair?

- Brown. A little wavy.

- Eyes?

- Brown. Right. - she held up her hands. - Where do you want to go?

I kept looking at her. I raised an eyebrow. - And what else?

- You're a little thin. Dress like a kid. And ... well ... - pointed to my breasts. He cupped his hands in front of his own body and made a funny gesture by waving his hands. ... It has little filling if you know what I mean. But nowadays all women give an up, you know?

- Then look at this. - I picked up a magazine, flipped through a few pages. I found a photo and showed it to her. The model was stunning. - This is the kind of woman that men want. - I picked up another magazine, and on the cover was "Miss Long Legs". - This one - I tapped the photo - I met her personally. And I can assure you that this photo does not live up to its beauty.

Sophie shook her head in agreement. And it was at that moment that an overwhelming reality came over me. I didn't realize when I started to cry. Sophie ran to me, giving me a comforting hug. The sobs made my body tremble.

- Anei, by God !!! You fell in love with him.

- "Yes," I replied, my face buried in his shoulders.

- And what do you intend to do about it?

I slowly disentangled myself from his embrace, took a napkin and wiped my eyes.

- I have to find another job.

When I said goodbye to Sophie at the station, my thoughts were already distant. I knew I would have to go again. I left Marseille to leave a man I detested, and I would have to leave again to leave the man I loved.

On New Year's Eve Shanonn called me invited to spend the Revellion with her and some friends, but I knew they would all be in pairs, so I made up an excuse and refused.

At eleven o'clock I turned on the TV and chose a movie. After a few moments I heard my apartment door slam. It was probably Jason, the security guard, wondering if he could turn on the alarm. I opened the door, and right there in front of me was Thomas. He wore twill pants, a white shirt, and a heavy coat.

- So ... - he looked around - Is this where you hide?

- Thomas, what are you doing here?

- In your house?

- Not your fool. - smiles - In Guildford.

He didn't answer, he watched me for a few moments.

- Are you going to show me your house?

- Yes of course. Come on. - I took a step back so he could enter.

I went through the rooms quickly, while he followed me watching everything. "- Kitchen." "-Living room." "-WC." "-Bedroom."

I still hadn't unpacked my bags after the trip to London, and it was open in a corner of the room.

- Are you going to travel? - he said pointing to the bags.

- Oh! That? - I replied absently. - Actually, I haven't unpacked since I arrived on the trip. - and went to the living room hoping to get him out of my room. Suddenly that room seemed very small.

- So Thomas, what happened? I expected you only next week.

- Went where? - when Thomas wanted to know something, he was very direct.

- London. I spent Christmas there.

- Alone?

- No. - I decided to play a little with his curiosity.

I took him back to the living room, the movie was still playing on the TV, which was already half full. I motioned for him to sit down. He took off his coat and placed it on the back of the sofa.

- Who was it with?

- Sophie. Only the two of us. - I replied immediately, so that he would finish that interrogation.

He nodded, as if satisfied with the answer.

- Tomorrow I will see a house in London and I would like it to be with me. - raised his hands in surrender - I swear it is not a mansion.