Page 40 of Until You Came Along

“Tell me right away because I can’t stand the suspense anymore. I prepared coffee, milk, and there are toast and jam.”

“I already had breakfast, but another coffee wouldn’t hurt,” I commented, as I hung my bag on the coat rack and sat down on the living room sofa.

“Start talking while I pour the coffee,” she said anxiously.

I told her everything that had happened, from Hermes’s presence at the pub to everything that had happened at his house, including his confessions and proposals. I concluded the story by telling her my decision to distance myself from Hermes. While I was talking, Serafina was so engrossed that she ate all the toast and must have had two cups of coffee.

“What do you think?” I asked, exhausted from talking so much.

“About what? What happened between you two or your decision?”

“About everything, Serafina. Don’t make me beg and just tell me everything you’re thinking because I can hear the gears in your brain turning from here.”

“To start with, I must tell you that I think that man has all the symptoms of being in love, or at least one step away from it.”

“You’re wrong,” I stated with conviction.

“Let me continue,” she said, raising her hand as if to stop my comment. “Anyway, I think if I were in your place, I would have decided the same thing. There are several reasons. For starters, I don’t like that he limits the relationship to just being lovers with no future. Add to that he doesn’t seem open to discussing the topic and on top of that, he’s quite controlling and dominant, a complicated combination. But, on the other hand, and no less important, there’s you, and I think you’re already quite involved with him. If you continue, you’re going to fall hopelessly in love.”

“That’s exactly what I think.”

“And when do you plan to give him your answer?”

“As soon as possible. I don’t want him to think I’m playing hard to get, but today I don’t have the strength to face him.”

“That’s why you fled over here, because you think he might show up at your apartment.”

“He might do that and I really don’t want to face him today. Besides, I’m exhausted and my brain isn’t working well. Can I sleep for a while?” I pleaded.

“Of course you can. Do you want me to wake you at any particular time?”

“Whenever you want me to get up,” I said, as I headed to her bedroom, dragging my feet. “Thanks, Seri.”

“Rest well.”

As soon as I lay down, sleep won the battle and I fell into a deep slumber.

I woke up to the sound of my friend's voice. Serafina was sitting on the bed, gently calling my name to try to wake me up.

“Delfi, wake up. It’s five in the afternoon and you should eat something.”

Without lifting my head from the pillow, I opened my eyes and looked at her.

“Five o’clock?” I asked, completely disoriented.

“You really were tired,” she affirmed.

“Sleeping did me good, thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, you’re like my sister. I’m worried that you haven’t eaten anything. Get up, I’ve prepared a snack.”

“I’ll get up now, just give me a minute to use the bathroom.”

“I’ll wait for you in the living room,” she said, heading toward the door, but when she was almost there, she turned and looked at me seriously. “Your cell phone hasn’t stopped ringing, but I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Thanks. I’ll check it now.”

When I reached the living room, I saw sandwiches, some sweet cookies, coffee, and milk on the table. My friend was sitting waiting for me and when she saw me heading toward my purse, she raised her voice in protest.