Page 46 of My Heart's Doctor

“I’m not going to tell you the details,” I said.

“I think you will.”

“And so do I,” said Sylvia, supporting Orson.

I knew that when those two plotted to get information out of me, they always got what they wanted. That’s what had happened every time I didn’t want to talk about my problems with Lino, but they managed to make me end up telling them everything.

When we got to the nightclub, we sat on some couches a bit away from the dance floor so we could talk more easily. I detailed our first meeting at the clinic and then his appearance at my apartment. Orson had all the details about the encounter at the party, so as I was relating it to Sylvia, he also gave his point of view. When I got to the last encounter, both were so focused on the story that I think they had tuned out even the music and the noise of the place.

“My goodness! You’d been through all that and I knew nothing. How could you not tell me?” Sylvia complained.

“You didn’t tell me about the encounter at your house either, traitor. And I was with you that night and witnessed his approach at the party,” Orson reproached.

“I apologize for not telling you, but I’m still not sure what to do about him. Before seeing him at the restaurant, I was convinced about embarking on the adventure he proposed, but now I’m certain I shouldn’t do it.”

“Why?” asked Orson, while Sylvia looked at me with great attention.

“Because I was naive and thought the adventure he was proposing implied fidelity, but today I realized there will be other people involved and I don’t like that.”

“You say that because you just saw him with another woman?” asked Sylvia.

“Exactly. It’s evident that I misunderstood and I’ll just be one more of his many lovers, and that really doesn’t make me feel good. I didn’t even like the idea of being lovers much because it seemed to imply a certain secrecy about our relationship, but since I don’t want a formal relationship either, I ended up convinced that I could enjoy sex without commitments. But from that to continuing to see other people is a huge difference, and I don’t like the latter.”

“I agree,” said Sylvia. “You can go out with whoever you want, you don’t need to date a guy who, no matter how handsome he is, doesn’t offer you fidelity.”

“I have a question,” said Orson. “Did he tell you or at any point give you the impression that while you were together, you wouldn’t see other people?”

“No, we never talked about that topic, I simply assumed it. I’m aware that he didn’t lie to me, but rather I misunderstood,” I affirmed, because it was clear that I had gotten everything wrong.

“I don’t know him, but from the little I’ve seen, he seems like one of those guys who likes to be with many women and not commit to anyone,” suggested Orson.

“Like you,” said Sylvia, “that’s why you spotted it right away.”

“Could be,” responded Orson, very naturally.

“It’s obvious the guy has a lot of sex appeal, but that doesn’t mean Devon has to be part of his group of lovers,” assured Sylvia.

“And although it may seem strange because I usually behave that way, when it comes to you,” he said, looking at me, “I agree with Sylvia. I’m also aware that I encouraged you to sleep with him, but I was referring to a night of good sex, not a prolonged relationship of lovers without fidelity. If he wants a relationship with you, then he should offer you something better, he should value the woman you are, otherwise he can go to hell!”

“Well, it seems we all agree that this man is not good for you,” said Sylvia. “So let’s have fun and forget about this Cavaller guy. That’s his name, right?”

I nodded and Orson stood up.

“First things first. I’ll go get some drinks to cheer us up a bit,” he informed.

“And I’m going to the bathroom,” said Sylvia, also standing up.

“And I’ll stay here waiting for you,” I said.

While waiting, I watched people dancing and having fun, but my mind was determined to remember William with that woman. I shook my head, there was no use in continuing to think about him. But…

“You didn’t call me.”

His voice was so strong that it echoed in my ears. I didn’t need to turn around to know he was behind me and that I would have to face him. Very slowly, I turned and found myself facing him. He was standing next to me, and his posture was defiant and challenging.

“Good evening, Mr. Cavaller.”

“Mr. Cavaller? I see we’re back to last names,” he said, looking at me as if I were slow-witted.