AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Yes. Of course. It was at Bernard’s, well over two years ago, long before Lockhart, when my husband saw me last with my short spiky hair. “Yes. I did.”
“It looks lovely.”
“Thank you.” I’m almost blushing. He has such charisma. His eyes are full of life, and yet, he’s not quite the same as I remember him. I can’t pinpoint the difference, but I’m sure it’s there. “So, how are you doing?”
“Very well.”
“And Delia?”
He’s slightly rattled. “We ended the affair some time ago,” he says, unusually chagrinned.
“Oh, I didn’t know.”
“So, how are you? I guess I knew you were back in the city.”
“Bernard told you?”
“He did.”
?
??Yes… and here I am,” I’m not sure what to say, although I find myself not wanting to end the conversation. “I’m having a loft warming,” I finally spit out. “Joanne and Cameron Michels—you remember them? I’m running Cameron’s new gallery and have taken the loft above it.” I point down the street.
“Really, that close. I just live a few blocks away.”
“Why don’t you come?”
He looks puzzled.
“To the party. Tonight. It’s very informal.” I can’t believe I’m asking him.
“You want me there?”
“Why not?”
He can’t figure this out either. The invitation astounds us both.
***
I never thought my new apartment was small until I tried packing a hundred people inside. Joanne and Cameron think I should make all these people fast friends. It’s a great idea but also impossible in one night. I find myself running from place to place, playing hostess more than getting to know my neighbors, and the friends of the gallery, and Joanne and Cameron’s handpicked guests. I literally bump into Heinrich at about ten o’clock. It’s the first I’ve seen of him and I’m actually surprised he showed up.
“Oh, have you been here long?”
He consults his watch. “About an hour.”
“My, how did you slip past me?” I’m staring into the blue of his eyes. My right hand reaches to brush the hair from his brow.
“Actually, I’ve been staying out of your way.” He grins.
“And why would you do that?”
“I’ve been enjoying the look of you from afar.”
What is he doing wooing me like this? My crotch is getting hot—little tingling sensations almost making me giddy. I feel flirty like there isn’t four years of pain and a divorce between us.
***
I sit with Heinrich on the patio, side by side, in the dark, staring into the night and at the stars and city lights. There’s hardly a chill in the air—even at twelve a.m. He asked me to dinner because he had to leave my party before we had a chance to talk. I couldn’t do dinner soon enough to suit me, so I asked him to a late supper in my loft. We’re getting along strangely well, talking about everything but what’s really personal. I can’t remember when I felt so comfortable with him.
