LOVE PROBABLY

22.

When I open my eyes in the morning, everything is silent. It takes me a while to remember the facts of the day before. I’m at Jacky’s. Or rather, Jacky lives with me. Everything is quiet. He must still be sleeping. The night was short. Outside, the birds are chirping. A few rays of the sun, visibly back among us, illuminate the small living room. It instantly puts me in a good mood. I stretch widely when my dazzled eyes end up resting on the digital dial of the microwave oven. What do I see? 10:48 a.m.! But I never sleep so much, usually! The Londonian air makes me lazy or...

On tiptoe, I head for Jacky’s room. His bed is empty, perfectly redone, as if a maid had been there. Wow! He really is a man to marry. His lemony scent fills the room.

“Jacky?”

Nobody’s answering. I drop the blanket at my feet. The way is clear. I turn on the stereo which rests on a shelf and put the volume unreasonably loud. I begin to jiggle to the rhythm of the music. I wouldn’t be able to tell you who the artist is. This is one of those discotheque tracks, whose tempo forces an outburst. Except that I dance very badly. And for good reason, I’ve never danced, except in front of the mirror to imitate Salena’s mirror dance in Cinderella Story. Does this speak to you? Anyway… Imagine a broomstick, well, I’m about as flexible as the object in question. On the coffee table, my bra, neatly folded up, catches my eye. What’s it doing there? “Oh, my God… Jacky touched this thing,” I said aloud, picking it up. That’s when I discovered Jacky’s note which is just underneath.

Hello Maddie,

It’s 8 o’clock. I’ve gone to work. You slept so well – in other words, you snored so loudly – that I didn’t dare wake you up. After the night we spent – each on our own, huh, don’t go imagining things yet – I thought you would appreciate being able to sleep a little longer.

Make yourself some coffee! Take a shower! But please don’t touch my hairbrush! I care about it. HA! HA! Sorry, it was stronger than me. Make yourself at home! Yes… I know, YOU ARE AT HOME. I’m getting to know you quite well, aren’t I?;-)

The keys are at the door. When you’re done, shut up behind you and give them to Rosie, if you don’t mind.

You probably won’t be there when I get back tonight. Anyway, I have something planned. Here’s my mobile number, just in case: 06 12 52 34 56.

Have a nice day. It’s going to be sunny, enjoy it! And buy yourself underwear. Well, if I don’t say it no one will.;-)

A+

Jacky

I read the note several times. Argh, he’s annoying, this Jacky! But he’s funny, too!

In a jovial mood, I continued the deployment of an unprecedented choreography, to make the dancers of Dancing with the Stars pale, while heading towards the trash can, the bra held at my fingertips. Not really white anymore, not really grey, misshapen. I’ve been wearing this bra for years and now I’ve had enough. It’s high time to bid it farewell. As my foot holds the lid of the trash can open, my right hand on my heart, I say:

“Goodbye! Today, I will replace you. I decided to become another woman.”

I think for a moment to do the same with my panties but all things considered, I change my mind. I still need them, at least long enough to find other ones.

On Jacky’s good advice, I set up the small coffee maker. As the brown liquid drips into a cup, I rummage through the fridge looking for edibles. I find cheese, certainly commercial, yoghurts and jars of jam. It’s been a long time since my last meal and I’m starving. I sit down to devour my breakfast.

With my cell phone, I take a selfie with my pouting mouth and my fingers in a V shape. I’ve seen so many people do that on TV. Satisfied with the result, I sent it to Jacky with a note: “Thank you”.

There. Like that, out of the blue, he also has my phone number. Hee hee, not stupid the girl!

A text message arrives immediately.

You look great. After your exploits last night, I didn’t expect this! You impress me. I contacted my mother. She wants to see you. We’re expected for lunch on Sunday, at their place, in the suburbs. Unless you’re already taken?

I answer him :

You already want to introduce me to your mother! Isn’t that a bit premature?

Him:

HA HA. She wants to see you about the apartment. Not to get married. You’re much too old for me!;-)

Oh, the jerk! Checkmate!

I’m about to answer him, falsely upset, when my cell phone turns off. Goodness me! I’m out of battery and the charger is in my suitcase at Rosie’s. Well, too bad, in the meantime, I’m at his place, well at home and I can do whatever I want, I thought, biting into a buttered slice of bread. And Bam!