by Greta Milán
“I’ve been at the Siesmayer since eight this morning.”
“Why did you go in so early?”
“Sasha’s still sick, and the drinks are delivered on Thursdays.” She leaned back in her seat. “I’m totally done in.” She laughed.
“Was there a lot going on there today?”
“Thursday’s just a busy day for us. Don’t laugh—a seniors’ club meets there in the morning, and students get a head start on the weekend with rounds of drinks in the afternoon.”
“Did anyone come on to you?” The question burst out of him before he had a chance to think about it.
“No,” said Julie slowly. She stared at him in amusement. “And what if they had?”
He took a deep breath to get rid of the image of her surrounded by students. “I wouldn’t be too thrilled,” he said more calmly.
“Neanderthal.” A satisfied smile crossed her face. “How was your day?”
“A bit tangled.”
“Did you manage OK with the cables?”
“Yes, but I’ve still got a lot to do. I’ve got to go get the rest of them from the agency tomorrow morning.”
“Do you normally work weekends?”
Bastian shrugged. “It depends how I’m feeling. Sometimes I work, sometimes I take photos for myself, and sometimes I’m simply disgracefully lazy and watch movies while stuffing myself with fast food.”
“Sounds heavenly. That’s exactly what we’ll do when we’ve had enough of my family.”
“It’s a deal.” He turned down a side street. “We’re here.”
He parked the car and grabbed the food. The closer they got to the apartment, the more tense he became.
Elena was standing in the doorway, waiting for them. “You finally made it. Julie, I’m so pleased to see you again,” Elena said, hugging her warmly.
“It’s good to see you too.”
Bastian nodded. “Sorry we’re late.”
“Come in.”
Bastian brought the food, and then they all made their way into the living room.
Felix was sitting in an easy chair, and he gave Julie an appreciative look. In honor of the occasion, he had swapped his black sweatpants and T-shirt for a pair of black cotton slacks and a blue checked shirt. He’d rolled up the sleeves so that the bandages on his fingers and arms were visible.
“Julie, this is Felix. Felix, Julie.”
Julie took a step toward Felix and gave him a friendly smile.
“Nice to meet you.” Her right hand twitched. It looked like she had intended to shake his hand in greeting, but she did not.
Because she didn’t want to touch him?
Bastian swallowed.
“The pleasure’s all mine,” replied Felix with a smile, and he held out his bandaged hand to her.
Julie reached out without hesitation and shook his hand with what looked like a featherlight touch before letting go and moving back to Bastian’s side. Her eyes betrayed neither excessive pity nor obvious aversion. He ran his hand gently down her back, relieved at her unprejudiced attitude toward his friend.
“I’ll go get the food,” announced Elena.
“Can I help?” asked Julie.
“That’s kind of you.”
She gave Bastian an affectionate smile before turning and following Elena into the kitchen.
Bastian and Felix stared after her.
Felix lifted his hand to his heart. “I’m in love,” he sighed.
Bastian smiled. “I don’t doubt it.”
“You’re such a lucky devil.”
The dining table was already beautifully set, with a tall candle burning in the center. Next to it was a carafe of red wine. Knowing Elena as he did, Bastian figured she’d gone out of her way to buy Greek wine to go with the meal.
He helped Felix to the table before taking his place opposite him.
“Have you sorted everything out with Elena?” he asked.
“Everything’s great between us,” replied Felix. “And I called my insurance company today. They’re sending us some paperwork, and we’ll take it from there.”
The two women returned, laden with two large serving plates and a bread basket. They were both laughing.
“Don’t let Isabelle intimidate you. She’s crazy about you,” Julie was saying to Elena as they placed the food on the table.
Felix gave them a skeptical look. “Are you expecting a football team?” he asked Bastian as he took in the vast assortment of delicacies before him.
“That’s only the first course,” Julie told him with a giggle. “He was obviously afraid we’d starve.”
“Well, it certainly looks delicious,” added Elena as she sat down. She looked at Felix inquiringly. “What would you like?”
“What the hell is it all?” he asked.
“Grilled feta cheese with paprika, roasted eggplant, spinach phyllo pastries, stuffed mushrooms, olives, and garlic bread,” Bastian rattled off.
Felix gave him a disappointed look. “Not much to choose from then.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll go quickly.” He was confident of it.
“Well, you eat like a seven-headed caterpillar,” said Elena, laughing.
“That’s true,” confirmed Julie, earning a look of betrayal from Bastian. She took little notice. “I’ve seen it for myself.” She grinned as she recalled their first meal together in the warehouse.
“I’ll try a little of everything,” decided Felix, leaning forward for a serving spoon. As he loaded some eggplant onto his plate with a shaking hand, neither Elena nor Bastian offered him help—if he wanted it, he’d ask.
“What’s Isabelle been up to now?” asked Felix.
Elena and Julie exchanged knowing smiles.
“Nothing special,” replied Elena. “She’s just been showing me a bit more of her temperamental side.”
Felix looked at Julie. “Is she really that volatile?” he asked with a scornful twinkle in his eyes.
Elena winced. “I never said that.”
“She can be really impulsive,” Julie said, “but she’s basically a good person. I think you’d like her.”
Felix clearly had no doubt about it.
“Bastian told me you’re working on your dissertation,” said Julie, changing the subject. “What’s it about?”
Felix looked at Bastian in astonishment before turning to Julie to answer her. “I take it Bastian’s explained a thing or two about our disorder to you,” he said finally, trying to find an appropriate starting point for his explanation.
Julie nodded. “I’ve also read a little about it,” she said, looking at Bastian. He was initially taken aback, though deep down, he was very pleased.
“Then you’ll know that we’re a pretty rare breed,” said Felix, laughing halfheartedly. “There are a few specialist centers scattered around the world. All these doctors and scientists are hard at work, researching the disease, trying to find cures, figuring out ways to improve patients’ lives. My goal is basically to create a digital interface for the exchange of information between them.”
Bastian would have expected Felix’s explanation to satisfy Julie, as he had expressed it well and succinctly. But to his amazement, she turned back to Felix and started asking him about the medical aspects and computer issues such as data protection. She seemed genuinely interested in his work.
If Felix had not already been enchanted by her, just being able to discuss such things with her would have been enough to charm him.
Bastian and Elena had followed Felix’s work on a daily basis for months and knew all about the obstacles, so they withdrew to the kitchen to prepare the main course.
“She certainly has a better handle on Felix’s work than I do,” remarked Elena.
Although he couldn’t really take credit for Julie’s intellige
nce, Bastian felt a certain pride at Elena’s words.
“On another note, I wanted to thank you,” she said. “For speaking to Felix for me.”
“I hope he was nice about it.”
“He was a little indignant since I hadn’t spoken to him sooner,” admitted Elena. “But he was ultimately the one who assured me that it was for the best.”
“That sounds like him.”
“Well, I’ll be interested to hear what the insurance company has to say,” she remarked as they began arranging the food on the plates.
“If you have any trouble, let me know.” He would not hesitate to put the fear of God into anyone who tried to make his friends’ lives more difficult than they already were. If he had learned anything, it was that you didn’t get very far simply by being nice.
“It’ll all work out,” said Elena, picking up one of the plates. “Let’s see if they’re still talking about Felix’s work.”
They entered the dining room to find Felix and Julie chatting about movies. Bastian and Elena sat down and joined a heated debate about the pros and cons of movie sequels as they started on the second course.
After dinner, Julie helped Elena with the dishes while Felix returned to his easy chair.
Julie joined Bastian on the sofa and snuggled up familiarly to him. Bastian hardly noticed when he placed his hand on her lap; she covered it with her own. There hadn’t been a single awkward silence all evening. His friends clearly had plenty to talk about. Bastian did his best to follow their conversation, but he was distracted by a feeling that he had long tried to deny but that kept springing up in him: hope.
The knowledge that this hope could easily be destroyed made his throat constrict.
If Julie sensed his unease, she said nothing. She stoically traced the seams of his gloves, sometimes even succeeding in calming him, allowing him to simply embrace this moment of happiness.
When Felix could no longer hide his exhaustion, Bastian decided it was time to leave. As expected, Felix objected vehemently, but the fact that he didn’t get to his feet when Bastian and Julie stood was evidence enough that Felix had come to the end of his strength for the day. He still had to tend to his wounds, which would take at least an hour.
“Before I forget,” said Felix, “Dr. Wangenroth gave me those documents for you. They’re in my room.”
Bastian nodded stiffly. Felix could not have chosen a worse time, although he thought he detected a certain calculating look in his eyes. “I’ll grab them tomorrow when I come get the car.”
“Have you thought any more about it?” asked Felix, turning to Bastian.
Julie gave him an inquisitive look. “About what?”
Bastian gritted his teeth as Felix answered her. “Dr. Wangenroth is writing a book about our disease in an effort to explain it to others and help those who are affected by it. He asked for pictures of Bastian for documentation purposes, but our dear friend is still a bit ruffled about it,” he explained with a grin.
Julie’s eyed widened in surprise.
“I’ll take a look at the paperwork tomorrow before I decide,” said Bastian.
“Do what you like,” said Felix before turning to Julie. “It’s been lovely getting to know you.”
“For me as well,” she replied with a smile. She gave Felix a light kiss on the cheek and promised to visit again soon.
Felix waited until Julie had followed Elena into the hall before giving Bastian a meaningful look. “The way I see it, that woman’s crazy about you. Don’t mess it up.”
Bastian’s expression darkened. “I’m working on it.”
CHAPTER 22
“Your friends are lovely,” murmured Julie, leaning her head on Bastian’s shoulder in the taxi on the way back to her apartment.
Bastian nodded and pressed a kiss to her forehead, but didn’t reply. He didn’t seem to be in the mood to discuss the evening in detail.
“Are you staying over?” she asked.
“If you like.”
She lifted her head and studied him thoughtfully. All evening, he had appeared to drift off into his own thoughts; it had been impossible to guess what he was thinking about. “Of course I’d like it.”
“Then I’ll stay.”
Although the passion that had driven them over the last few days could still be felt that night, Julie sensed a change. She couldn’t work out exactly what it was, however. He still insisted on darkness, but where before there had been a hint of despair when he touched her, he now treated her with a kind of awe as he covered her body in kisses, and he no longer flinched when she touched him. Before going to sleep, he drew her into a strong embrace, a silent promise that this time he would stay where he was.
And he did.
She awoke the next morning to the scent of fresh coffee and the touch of his soft hands. She blinked sleepily and peered at the alarm clock. Nine o’clock already—they didn’t have much time before they had to get to work.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he whispered in her ear before nibbling gently on her neck.
She stretched and turned so that she was half-buried beneath his arm. She noticed despondently that he was already dressed and sitting on the edge of her bed.
When would this game of hide-and-seek end?
She stared at him blearily. “Good morning.”
“Coffee?”
“I’d love some. Thanks.” She sat up and pulled the blankets up under her arms to cover her naked breasts.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“Like a baby.” She sipped the coffee he handed her. “Do you have to go already?”
Bastian nodded. “The agency’s expecting me in an hour.”
“Pity.” She smiled at him coquettishly.
Bastian smiled back, unable to conceal the fact that Julie was having the desired effect on him. He cleared his throat and asked hoarsely, “Will I see you tonight?”
“I can’t tonight. Isabelle and I are going to Gabriel’s party.”
His eyes darkened, though not with desire. “Could I pick you up from there later?”
She shook her head. “When you’re with Isabelle, you never know when the evening will end. I’d hate to keep you waiting. It’d be better if you came over for breakfast tomorrow morning.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “We can pick up where we’re about to leave off,” she whispered against his lips.
As she expected, Bastian drew back before she had a chance to touch him. With great effort, she managed to suppress a frustrated sigh.
Patience, she told herself. She had to be patient with him.
Bastian downed the rest of his coffee in one gulp.
“I’ll see you to the door,” she said and heaved herself out of bed. Wrapped in a blanket, she trudged through the apartment behind him.
In the hallway, he turned and stroked her hair. “Don’t let anyone make a pass at you this evening,” he said as though in jest, but his worried eyes betrayed the fact that he was entirely serious.
“I’ll be a good girl,” she promised with a grin. She watched him leave, pulling on his gloves as he went. Julie gave a deep sigh and then went off to take a shower.
Fortunately, the café was so busy that day that she had little time to brood about anything. The sun was finally shining, which raised not only her spirits but those of her customers, who were extremely generous with their tips all day. A coworker arrived for the late shift with plenty of time to spare. Julie hurried home where Isabelle was already waiting at the door.
“Have you been waiting long?” asked Julie, giving Isabelle a hug. Her friend was so rarely on time that she never expected it.
“No, I’ve just arrived.”
Julie noticed the oversized shopping bag at Isabelle’s feet. “What’s that?”
“Your party outfit, of course.”
“I hope there are no hats in there.”
“Oh, it’s better than that,” said Isabelle excitedly as she followed Julie up to her apartment. Once inside, she drew a shimmering gold flapper dress and black feather boa from the bag. “This is for you.”
“Over my dead body.”
“What’s wrong with it?” moaned Isabelle. “You’ll look amazing in it.”
“It’s just a birthday party, not a dress-up affair.”
“You’re such a spoilsport.” Isabelle looked at the dress lovingly. “But I thought that’s how you’d react. Which is why I bought it in my size,” she announced with delight.
Julie rolled her eyes, went into her bedroom, and pulled out the denim miniskirt she intended to wear with her black leather boots.
In the living room, Isabelle turned on the stereo before coming in with an open bottle of champagne and two glasses, Spot following at her heels. “So? What’ve you been up to this week, you minx?” she asked as she poured the drinks and settled herself cross-legged on the bed.
Julie grinned, took a glass, and drank. She loved the sensation of champagne prickling in her throat. “I’ve been at the café by day and with Bastian by night.” She turned to look for a top in the depths of her wardrobe, feeling no need to elaborate. She knew herself well enough to realize that if she talked much more about him, she wouldn’t be able to hold back all the questions that plagued her.
“Working and screwing then.”
“That’s not all,” protested Julie. “Yesterday, for example, we had dinner with Elena and her brother.”
Isabelle took a gulp of champagne. “You were at Elena’s? My Elena?”
“Bastian wanted to introduce his friends to me,” said Julie.
“So why is Elena so private?” Isabelle’s voice was inquisitive and waspish in equal measure. She evidently didn’t like to think of Julie being closer to her gallery owner than she was.
“She’s just as nice as you’ve always described her.”
This statement appeared to pacify Isabelle somewhat. “What about her brother? What’s he like?”
“Felix is great,” Julie continued, holding up a dark-red turtleneck sweater. “The cheerful disposition seems to run in the family.”