|
"I think of you every time I brush my teeth - the toothpaste you bought me in Florida - the electric toothbrush you researched for me to buy. It breaks my heart."
He looked away and gestured that he was busy.
"I know."
Narcissi had her headphones on and was walking around her charity house. She was still burning the candle he had given her with his face on it. It was the third day. His face now had a halo around it like the saint candle it was. He was always so serene - the entire time.
"You were so happy seeming that day. I loved all of it - the beach, the goat, the Pina coladas, the demonic dancing, the drunken cab home with the same driver - a talk we got to have back at the Marriott where you said you knew you wanted to try with me from the first time you heard my voice - and me telling you that I liked you better than my second husband."
She wandered to look in the mirror that was above the candle.
He was in his home, and there was a lady friend making breakfast. He had only picked up the phone because he had been about to dial out. Quelle coincidence.
He loved being the sane logical fucking smart cool guy.
"Look, I've got to go. I'm about to have breakfast"
She closed her eyes. Did a tear fall out or did it just feel like it? "thanks for answering. I have missed you so much."
He felt comfortable talking with Mary in his house even if she could overhear. She knew all about the dumped intense latest one.
"You never cooked for me."
He rolled his eyes slightly and sighed.
She tried to keep him on the phone longer. She was lost all the time now. She was still so in love. "How did you do on the cross puzzle today? Did you finish it?"
He answered, "Look. I'm not trying to be rude, but I've really got to go. I hope you are doing well. It was fun."
She wanted one more thing from him. "was any of it real? did you ever think we had a shot at a future together? or was a just the latest in a long line all the time?"
He closed his eyes and let out an exasperated breath. "I gave you a chance. I kind of believed in the beginning, but that's over now."
She hung up. He was going to anyway.
She gazed at the candle and real saltwater dripped from her eyes. She couldn't bear to look in the mirror, but she softly put her fist to it - not having the heart to smash it.
It wobbled.
|
