“Actually, no. I hate those know-it-all speakers who always have their minute of glory in the shows, and I don’t have any music,” I said, thinking how I forgot to mention those crappy commercials they always ran as well.
“How come you don’t have any music?”
“I don’t listen to it. It interferes with work,” I explained.
When he didn’t say anything, I glanced his way. His jaw was slack, and he was staring at me.
“What is it?” I seriously thought something was wrong.
“You don’t listen to music. How come you didn’t die from the monotony of your life?” he asked, way too serious.
I was too shocked to answer. Because I was dying and my life was monotone. I seriously doubted the reason for my death was that I didn’t listen to music, but he was completely right. I had never done anything worth living for, at least not what normal people would consider worthy.
“I’m sorry. I was out of line,” he said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
When I looked at him, he was staring through the windshield again.
“No, you are absolutely right. If you have some music, feel free to turn it on,” I told him, meaning it. If I didn’t listen to music before I died, when was I supposed to?
“Well, I don’t have anything for the car, but I can turn on my cell phone. It’s pretty loud.” His eyes seemed to beg for my permission.
“Be my guest.”
“Any preferences?”
“I have absolutely no idea. Maybe something a little less strong than the music I listened to before,” I offered.
It was enough to make him laugh, and he took out his cell and turned on something. I actually listened pretty intently, curious about what he might choose.
I didn’t have to wait for long because the lyrics came soon after the music, and apparently the singer wasn’t enough, because Nino’s voice soon blasted over the singer.
“Get your motor runnin’; head out on the highway!” His hands were in the air, his head bowed low.
“Lookin’ for adventure and whatever comes our way!” he screamed and looked at me.
“This is so going to be our song this summer!” he exclaimed just before getting into his groove again.
There was nothing for me to do but stare at him, shocked. That is, until the words caught my attention.
“We were born to be wild; we can climb so high. I never wanna die!” It was like an eye-opener. I didn’t want to die; I should be wild. And damn it if I was not going to climb high!
Maybe there was something liberating about music, because after that I felt like a rock had been lifted off my chest. I might only have a short time to live, but I wasn’t dead yet. The next song wasn’t familiar either, but I had no problem singing together with Nino as soon as I caught the words.
“I’m a wild child; come and love me… I want you!” We outsang the singer, but it was too much fun to stop.
It was too many songs later that Nino stopped his talent show and croaked with his overworked voice, “Turn right here; we’re almost there.”
I did as he told me, descending lower into what turned out to be a bay. Two sides of the shore connected with a wide bridge. There were little boats tied to both shores and a little piece of land in the middle of the water with a tree growing on it. It looked amazing. I was so intent on our surroundings that I almost didn’t see the car crossing the bridge and heading my way.
Nino’s warning had me stopping to let the oncoming car past, and then we slowly continued to the opposite shore, past the cafés and a line of houses. It looked like a long strip of homes, all of them facing the bay. All too soon the car left the quaint place behind, and we were surrounded by a pine forest, with only an occasional house hidden among the trees.
“Slow down now. I know where the house is approximately, but I still need to see it,” Nino said, making me slow the car down right away.
It was only a few seconds later that he spoke again. “This is it, right here. Pull over to the side until I open the gate.” He was already out of the car before it completely stopped and unlocking the wide ivy-covered gate.
I drove inside and saw a roofed space in the corner to park. What an amazing little sanctuary of a house surrounded by a stone wall. I couldn’t wait to get out of the car.
There were decorative trees in front of the house and big stone arches that led to a small terrace with chairs and a table. Everything was neat and inviting. I immediately rushed onto the terrace, wondering what treasures it hid, with Nino trailing behind me. It wasn’t the expensive beauty I so often saw in my life. This was something different. Like every stone was placed there with love, and every plant planted for personal pleasure. It was a place that felt like home.
Home. My throat choked up. I’d never thought of any place as home before.
The door was locked, so I had to impatiently wait for Nino to unlock it.
“Slow down, it’s not going anywhere,” he joked.
“I love this place,” I said as I went inside.
The interior was as cozy as the outside. There was just enough furniture to make it comfortable, without anything useless around. There were pictures on the walls, of boats and nets filled with fish, olives surrounded by low stone walls that acted as containers. The first room was the living room, with a small television and a long couch. It had a fireplace perfectly embedded into the surrounding space. On the right was the kitchen, small but fully equipped, and what interested me most was at the far end of the house: the two bedrooms opposite each other.
I entered the right one and discovered a large bed highlighted by a big window and a French door. I felt like a child discovering a treat. I had to see what was on the other side. As I opened it, the first thing I saw was Nino on that large terrace that the pictures on the Internet had showed us. Behind him was a magnificent view of the other side of the bay, a beautiful shore with a few sparse houses among the trees. As I walked out, I could see a part of the settlement we’d passed through. But what was more impressive was the open sea that spread out on the right. The opposite shore ended there, showcasing a foggy view of another island in the distance.
To say that I was in love with the place was a serious understatement. I couldn’t have chosen a better place… Actually Nino couldn’t have chosen a better place for my last days.
I turned around and found him staring into the distance with a contented smile on his face.
“Thank you. You did a wonderful job of finding something this beautiful.” I watched him blush. He shrugged, but I could see he was proud of himself too. I could tell.
“I didn’t do anything.” Nino hid his face, waving his hand toward me. “I should probably go to the store if we want to eat. It’s getting late,” he said, already halfway through the house.
“Yeah, that would be okay. Could we just sign the contract first? I mean, I don’t really care, but it’s in your interest to have it all spelled out clear. I would like to have all business matters done and left behind.” I trailed after him, not really chasing him anymore as he heard the word “contract” and slowed down.
“Yeah, we can do that. It’s basic stuff, right?” he asked, turning around as he got to the kitchen.
“Yes, but you should still read it,” I said, the lawyer in me coming to the surface.
“Okay, I’ll do that. Just leave it on the kitchen desk and go relax. I’ll read it when I get back and start on lunch.” He waved it off again.
“Here’s my credit card for all purchases you might make,” I said, taking it out of my wallet and giving it to him. “I have another one, so you can keep this one for whatever you need.”
“I can’t accept that.” Nino suddenly panicked, looking at the card as if it were a snake. “I would prefer it if we could deal in cash.”
I waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t concern yourself about it. It has a limit, and I stated in the contract that I give you certain liberties when money is in question. You haven’t s
igned it yet, but I don’t think that will be a problem.” I looked at him questioningly.
“Okay, I can do that, I guess.” He took it tentatively, something obviously having changed.
“Good. Hurry back. I’m starting to get hungry, actually, and you’re the only one who has any idea how to cook anything.” I smiled, forcing one out of him too, just before he disappeared out of my sight.
While he was gone, I took my suitcases and his backpack into the house. I put his backpack in his room, noticing the smaller one he’d already flung on his bed when we’d first come in, and started unpacking my stuff. It wasn’t a chore really, since I never owned much for casual clothes, and I only brought one suit with me. Just in case. Old habits died hard.
With every minute that passed, the place felt more right. I wandered through the house, opening cupboards and closets, inspecting every detail. All of it was extremely domestic. Finally I settled for a shower, enjoying the warm water and washing away the travel from my skin.
The headache was completely gone, which was a relief after having been plagued with it pretty much all morning. My eyes were tired from it, but I also felt the lightness that came after the agony. The concept of waking up every morning like I had the whole past week was scary, to say the least. The pain was unbearable, twisting my stomach and stabbing my brain, not something I wished even upon my worst corporate enemies. The terror washed over me again, mingling with the water. That was the description of my last few days—Mornings of me waking up, clutching my head, with tears streaming down my face and not being able to do anything about it.
The self-pity wasn’t something I’d practiced often. My last disgusting breakdown was years ago. There was no way I was adding one more to the list.
I got out of the shower with only a towel around my hips. I partially forgot that Nino was somewhere around the house too, and partially I figured we were men—who cared? But as I exited the bathroom, he started to say something but froze… His cheeks took on a deep red color, and his gaze drifted to the floor.
“I-I’m sorry. I forgot my clothes in the bedroom.” I stammered for the first time since I’d reached adulthood. There was nothing wrong in wearing just a towel in the house, especially when you’re with another guy!
“No, no, it’s fine. You should be casual around here. I just expected to see you in a suit again before I ever saw you half-naked.” He was still looking at the floor but turned around fast. “I started on lunch. It will be an hour yet, I think,” he yelled back as he hurried toward the kitchen.
Clearly dismissed, I went into the bedroom to get dressed, feeling utterly confused. What was it with his reaction? Maybe it was the suit thing, even though that sounded kind of lame… God! I’d started thinking in his expressions! It’s only a matter of time before I start using them!
That would be the end of me in commercial law. But then reality sank in. This was the end of any kind of law for me. It’s all I had left—a couple of months with a vibrant guy, seducing horny foreign women. I guess it could be worse, my brain chipped in as my cock started reacting to the thought.
Not really interested in staying inside the house, I went out on the terrace and lay down in one of the deck chairs. It was warm outside, the sun breaking through the pines that surrounded the house and the seagulls voicing their enjoyment somewhere in the distance. It wasn’t a hardship to close my eyes and just let go.
“Lunch will be done in about forty minutes. You able to wait that long?” Nino asked from somewhere behind me, startling me slightly.
“Yes. I’m used to irregular meals or even skipping them,” I said, turning my head around so I could see him.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all,” I said as he was already lowering himself into the other chair.
“It really is beautiful here.”
“Yes, it is. I’m just not sure if I will be able to laze around, not doing anything for so long.”
“Don’t worry; the time will pass in a blink. Maybe these first few days you will feel the difference, but after that, you won’t even know what day it is or how much time has passed,” Nino said calmly.
“I think I have always been aware exactly what day and date it was, ever since I was a small child and I learned the concept of time.”
“This is a place of magic. You will change,” he told me, not even looking my way.
“I never asked how your move went. Did you have any problems?” Changing the subject seemed like a good idea.
“No. I had a roommate, but he didn’t care much. I never promise to stay long, so my roommates never really have a reason to complain.”
“How about your work? Were there any problems with that?”
“Not really. I discussed everything before I left, so there wasn’t much of a fuss about it.”
“You know, I need a beer. It’s the only thing missing. I think I’ll turn into an alcoholic around here, and I won’t even mind.” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d even had a beer. I always drank some expensive shit and fancy cocktails. Whatever everyone else was drinking, so that I’d fit in.
“I’ll get some tomorrow when I go to the store.”
The rest of the time passed in silence, both of us lounging around until it was time to eat. I followed him back inside, already almost too lazy to get up.
“Sit yourself down. By the way, I’ve signed the contract and put it on your bed. It’s all good,” Nino said as he opened the oven and pulled out a dish.
“May I ask what that is?” I lifted discreetly in my seat, trying to sneak a peek inside.
“It’s a cowboy hot pot. Something not too heavy, no meat. You didn’t say there was something you don’t eat. We should probably discuss that for the future.”
Whatever it was, it smelled great, and suddenly I was starved. Nino even put some on my plate before dishing himself some. It looked like different vegetables covered with potatoes, but I would have eaten anything really.
“I didn’t want to make something too heavy because when I have a headache, it usually disrupts my stomach. Have no idea if that’s the case with you.” He asked without really posing a question.
“No, this is fine. Thank you. I’m rather eager for a taste.” I laughed, a little bit impressed by his concern.
I took a bite under his scrutiny. He was watching, despite all his pretenses. The bite was hot but delicious. Even if I wasn’t already glad for hiring him, after tasting his dish, I would have given him the job.
“Nino, this is amazing!” I took another bite right away, watching unobtrusively as Nino started eating as well, a smile dancing on his lips.
There wasn’t any talking over the meal, but there was still more than half left when we were done. He took the plates away, putting the dish in the oven to keep warm for dinner.
“Boss, is there anything else you might need?” he asked, holding on to a grin and failing miserably.
“No. Why?” I looked at him curiously.
“’Cause I can’t wait any longer,” he said quickly and ran for the terrace.
I hurried after him but wasn’t able to keep up. He was taking off his clothes as he ran, down the steps and straight for the small beach that stretched out from the house at no more than sixteen feet. The pebbles looked uncomfortable to stand on barefoot, but he didn’t even blink as he ran over them to the small concrete pier that led a couple of feet into the sea. He just threw himself off it in a fluid motion, landing in the transparent water with a bang.
It was a very beautiful jump, but that didn’t leave me any less shocked. I understood that some people were already swimming despite the cold water, but I didn’t expect Nino to dive headfirst as soon as he saw the chance.
I walked slowly toward the end of the pier, gazing at his obscenely wide smile.
“Was that wise?” I asked strictly, admiring myself for being able to stay straight-faced in front of him.
“Yes! Come on! It was magnificent! You’ll love it by th
e end of the month,” he stated seriously while I kind of doubted that would ever happen.
“I don’t mean just the jump. The water must be freezing cold.”
“Not really. I kind of like it a bit colder than the summer piss temperature.”
Definitely not what I’d expected for an answer, so I decided to just shut up and sit down. I wasn’t planning on getting in yet, but there was nothing wrong with freezing my feet off. I took off my shoes and socks and soaked my toes in the water. It was an amazing feeling really, one I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Oh, you’re loving it. I can tell!” Nino threw at me smugly.
“Don’t be an ass!” I shot back, surprised it had only taken a day to start picking up on his vocabulary.
“Well, I am that most of the time, but it doesn’t mean you can’t come into the water. It won’t bite,” he taunted.
“I don’t care much for pneumonia,” I said coolly.
“Yeah, like you’re gonna get sick from the sea. It’s not like you’re gonna stay in for the rest of the day. Just swim a lap in five minutes and get out, soak in the sun.”
Damn him, but he was getting to me.
“You want to; I see it in your eyes,” he taunted again.
“You’re good at getting what you want, you know that!” I said as I stood up, taking off my shirt and jeans.
I only had my black boxer shorts on, but he could deal with it as he was the one who basically pushed me into the water. I walked back to the beach and entered the water tentatively, freezing as soon as the water reached above the already wet level of my feet.
“It’s cold.” I shivered.
“Don’t be such a baby! Just jump in, and you’ll get used to it in a couple of minutes.” He was full of brilliant advice the whole day today.
“Like I’m going to listen to your crazy ass,” I shot back, not liking the feeling of being a sissy.
“You can do it!” he cheered loudly.
“Ah hell…” I said as I squared my shoulders and dived into the ball-shrinking cold water.
The first thing I said as I surfaced was, “I don’t think I can have children anymore. All my swimmers just died of shock.” And I was serious about it too.
Looking for Adventure Page 5