Slowly as if in a trance she glanced down her smooth left palm and then across at her, not so smooth, right palm. There did appear to be a difference. But she wasn’t thinking about the skin on her hand; she was thrown by her unexpected reaction to his touch.
For the rest of the day, Chilli couldn’t shake her discomfort. Feelings had awakened that she would have been happy to have left buried.
Yes, she admitted to herself, she desperately missed love making with Rob, but mostly, she missed the warm physical contact of someone that she loved so much. The way they’d lie together afterwards, with him lazily stoking her back, and her running her hands through his hair and gently massaging his ear lobes; him kissing the top of her head, and her planting tiny kisses on his chest. These tiny things, that become the habit or ritual for two people who have been married a long time, were the things she missed the most.
The constant realisation that she had to live for the rest of her life without him, jolted her with a fear deep in the pit of her stomach. She must focus on Paris and anything else that might keep her busy; too busy for the pain of remembering.
Chapter 10
Matt began regularly joining the older gents for a healthy dose of good natured arguments and a not so healthy dose of Italian canollis and coffee. Chilli had been the baby of the group for long enough and it was refreshing and entertaining to have a young male crossing swords with the older men.
It became apparent that he enjoyed their lively debates, giving as good as he got. Often in the midst of setting up someone for a good argument, he’d wink conspiratorially at her. When the going got tough, as it so often did, he’d throw his hands in the air, admit defeat and run for cover back to work.
More and more she too joined in the lively discussions, feeling like she had a voice once again. Occasionally, when she couldn’t muster up the mood for more, she’d retreat to her magazine, but this was happening less.
Matt had recently purchased in the adjoining suburb, Fortitude Valley, acquiring a rather modern apartment in a desirable building, with fantastic views of the city. Pleased to be working with a clean canvas, he wished to inject some warmth and colour into a very contemporary, monochromatic colour scheme, so he was now keen to invest in some art pieces.
The area in recent years had undergone an extensive urban renewal, transforming a sleepy and one time seedy suburb into a thriving eclectic and expensive trendy inner city location. He said the area suited him perfectly.
Art for his apartment became a constant source of conversation, and frequently Chilli advised him on upcoming exhibitions in his area. Admitting he knew nothing at all about it, he explained that upon her suggestion, he had called into one of the galleries, and quite liked a few pieces, but had not felt confident enough to purchase. There was to be an exhibition on the following night, and Matt wondered if she would like to go with him and help him select one or two.
The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. This was exactly the type of thing she’d loved sharing with Rob. It wasn’t as exciting going alone. Nothing was; all of life’s greatest moments were made all the more special by sharing them with someone.
With a hollow feeling in her stomach, Chilli pushed these thoughts from her mind. “So what time should I meet you?”
“It begins at eight, but I can swing by and pick you up.”
“I’ve got a couple of errands after work so I’ll pop along after that. It’s not too far from my place so it’ll be fine.” She was grateful to actually have something to do for the start of the weekend, even if it was only selecting art for someone.
*
Arms folded across her chest, she stood in the walk-in-robe and wondered what to wear. A simple but elegant look was called for. White jeans and a white off-the-shoulder ruffled blouse teamed with Italian gold sandals, gold hoop earrings and of course her gold Marc Jacobs handbag.
The relatively new gallery was rather impressive. The space featured three levels accessed by a glass elevator, and a front courtyard set back from the bustling street, enclosed by classic Art Deco gates.
On arrival, she spotted Matt waiting just inside the gates. Normally dressed in corporate gear, she was pleasantly surprised to see how boyish he looked in well cut jeans, with another of his signature white shirts with the starched collar and extra long cuffs. Whereas he normally wore a suit coat, tonight with no jacket on, Chilli was able to see how snugly his shirt fitted across his chest and around his biceps. He’d mentioned that he worked hard at the gym, and now it was apparent. What a waste that he didn’t have a woman in his life at the moment.
Bill had given them all a brief history on Matt and his engagement that had been called off a few months before the wedding. Shaking his head, he’d told them that Matt had simply thrown himself into work and had refused to discuss it with anyone.
At the time, Chilli had thought how everyone had their own challenges to deal with, and again she thought of it now.
His sparkling smile dazzled her as he ushered her politely into the gallery, where they were greeted by a waiter with a tray of Dom Perignon.
The exhibition was stunning, and the champagne kept them merry whilst perusing. The paintings were massive in scale, vibrant in colour and thought provoking in expression.
A particularly mammoth canvas, a crashing waterfall of colour, had caught her attention, but there also were a couple of smaller ones that could be suitable. She questioned him further about his apartment and where they were to hang.
“It really isn’t that difficult. Just buy something you love,” she told him. “You don’t need to understand art to appreciate it. Just respect your own opinions and feelings. There isn’t a wrong response you know.”
While canapés to accompany the champagne were served, they roamed the gallery, discussing the merits of different pieces. Fig wedges spread with peppered mascarpone and wrapped in prosciutto were too delicious for words. And the baked haloumi and tomatoes wrapped in vine leaves were a taste sensation. Being the food connoisseur Chilli was, she was enjoying the night. For a few minutes it was easy to forget her pain, and enjoy the moment. If only for a brief time, she felt like she had escaped.
Between the champagne and the canapés, she continued to murmur in delighted raptures. Glancing at Matt she caught him smiling at her. She raised her eyebrows in question.
Once again, he flashed his dazzling white teeth. “I have never in my life seen anyone enjoy food as much as you.”
She laughed and enthusiastically explained, “For me good food is one of the great pleasures of life. You have to slowly savour all of these exquisite tastes and textures.” She closed her eyes. “Yum!” For a few moments she felt so relaxed, she wondered if the champagne had gone to her head. She opened her eyes. “Oh look, come on,” she pointed and led the way. “A cheese table.”
An extremely large wedge of aged Gruyere with a crusty pebbled rind was presented with fresh corella pear slices. Handing Matt her glass, Chilli sliced the Gruyere, sat it atop of a firm pear slice and handed it to him. “Here taste this. Now eat slowly and let your taste buds really enjoy the combination.” She traded the cheese for her glass and took a sip, waiting for his reaction.
He followed her cue, chewing slowly. And then he smiled at her, nodding enthusiastically.
