Ventura

Capítulo 17

"It's not just any smile, it's yours." Bob Marley

London

Melanie tapped her office door lightly with her knuckles. I was standing in front of a pile of pictures that Cary had sent me to sign.

She went in, took off her heavy coat, hat and deposited them on the sofa. He threw himself on the chair in front of the table, handing me an envelope.

He had a radiant smile on his face. I looked at her closely. Was beautiful. The skin pink from the cold. Beautiful brown hair framing her face. And those big, expressive brown eyes I would be able to lose myself in.

"- Without a doubt, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Sir! How I desire her!" - I shook my head trying to pay attention to what she said.

- Isn't it wonderful? she said as I read the letter.

I scanned the lines in horror. I tried to keep my face impassive, but my head was throbbing. She was saying something, but my eyes were glued to the paper.

- ... and of course we will have to find someone to work here. I will talk to Tessa. I will ask her to schedule some interviews with the candidates. Isn't it just a little old? he repeated, emphasizing the words.

- No. - I replied - I mean, yes. - she looked at me in a confused way. - Oh God! - I thought - This is not happening.

- Yes, it's wonderful - I could feel my jaw tight. - And not. I don't need to hire someone else.

- But Thomas, you need to hire someone to run the house in my place. - and laughed - Unless you intend to get married soon ... - it was a joke that we always played with each other when some delicate subject came up.

Suddenly she became serious and frowned:

- Thomas, since we moved to London, you know I've been trying to get a job at college. And the accommodation is great. - said. He shifted the chair uneasily. - You're not asking me to give up, are you?

- Of course not. - I replied emphatically. - But according to the schedule, - I waved the paper in front of her - Your classes will be in the morning. And as I spend most of my time on set, can we adjust and continue as we are right? - I looked at her. - He seemed to think about it. - I continued:

- I've gotten used to you ... and I wouldn't want to see someone else checking around here. - I said in a playful tone.

- Right. - I thought: - You say the woman you love, who got used to her. "-Bravo Thomas." - ... "and the Raspberry Award goes to ..."

- Do you really think it's a good idea for me to stay here? Wouldn't it seem strange for me to work part time? - She looked me straight in the eyes.

- Please, do not say that. You are by my side at all times that I am at home. Always taking care of me. How many times have my friends received and taken care of everything many times into the night.

She nodded still a little uncertainly. It seemed to ponder my words.

- Okay then Thomas. Let's do an experiment and see how things work. But if I realize that I am not performing my duties correctly, I will resign ok?

The truth is, I would do anything to keep you by my side. I wish I could woo you. Invite her to go out, dine out and everyday things that any couple would do. But I was not willing to put her in that bonfire of vanities that was my world. It would be live food by the media.

Every time she took a break or went out with someone, I eroded with jealousy and apprehension. I am not ashamed to have hired a private investigator to find out everything about this "Thomas", and I looked forward to the report. I read it and realized that the boy was harmless and that he was engaged.

As soon as we moved to London she started a relationship with an advertiser. "- Yes, I will burn in hellfire." - I thought.

I got in touch with some friends and got the boy to be hired by a company on the West Coast of the United States. I felt no remorse. I would do anything to keep you by my side.

But I also knew that everything was a matter of time. She was twenty-five years old and would soon fall in love with someone. These thoughts left me with an enormous feeling of anguish.

The kiss we shared at Guildford did not repeat itself. But it didn't stop me from dreaming about him every night. As soon as we moved to London we had our first discussion. I didn't want her to live in the annex. He said he should stay in one of the rooms in the house. She looked at me in horror. He said he would never play the part of a lover, even if that was not true. The press would fall on her with fury. I understood your point of view and she moved to the annex. I realized that she was not a woman who allowed herself to be dominated, and that she had her own code of conduct.

But for now I had achieved a victory. She agreed to stay. But until when? She was going to graduate one day, and she wanted to pursue her career.

I felt my heart flutter. The siege was closing and I should take action quickly.

She watched me for a few moments.

- There's something worrying you. "- she knew me well."

- Yes. My parents are coming to London for a few days.

- That's great Tom. I miss Beth, your mother is a wonderful person. - he paused. - So what's the problem?

- My brother called me. Mom was diagnosed with cancer. It is still in an early stage and she has a great chance of a cure. Oncology is not Dennis' field, but he told me that she is dealing with the best specialists in the United States.

- I'm sorry, Tom. Really. I will make sure their stay is perfect. I remember that she loved some of my French recipes, I will remember to prepare them. And ... Tom, she'll be fine.

I smiled at her, or at least thought it could be a smile.

- Oh, by the way, Jack is coming to lunch with us today, okay?

She smiled at me.

- Yes, fine.

I was happy that the episode in Guildford was forgotten and Melanie and Jack developed a beautiful friendship. And evidently Jack knew about my feelings for her. The advice he gave in confessing my feelings was:

"- She is not just anybody you can discard later, she is special, so you better forget about her." But it was already too late. I was already hopelessly in love with her.

She got up, took her coat and headed for the door.

- Well, I'll let you work.

- Melanie, thanks. For everything. And mainly for being by my side.

She looked up in surprise at my words.

-You can always count on me. We are friends remember?

She said goodbye to me and left the office. But her words still hung in the air.

"-Yes, - I thought - we are ONLY friends."