Chapter 14

Chapter fourteen 

Emily 

I was sun bathing in the sunny and infectious energy of Taormina, Sicily, with the white mountains towering over me, when I suddenly lifted up my eyes and realised I was staring at a ghost from my past. One that had refused to die.

“Why is he here?” I asked, turning to Malcolm who was still on his phone.

“You don't know?” he asked, following my gaze.

The black sunglasses he wore covered his eyes, but I could tell that he wasn't surprised to see Louis.

I shook my head in response, while watching him for an explanation. 

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. You want to give them what to talk about? Keep them where they can see it.”

I made a wide O with my mouth open then squealed excitedly. “I had no idea that you could be such a daredevil. You're so mean, Malcolm.”

“Not everyone should be your enemy, especially people like me.” He said with a macho smile, and I smiled back. “By the way, have you thought of a special name for me yet?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You can't address me by my name when they're within earshot. You need to use a word of endearment often.”

Then, I realised that I hadn't thought about that. What kind of newly married couple does that? I quickly waddled through my mind to come up with a nice name for Malcolm, after all, he was a nice man.

Sitting there, and watching him, I wondered why I didn't fall for him back in college. Would he have been a sweet lover? Or was he just a substitute and will always stay that way?

“We should go, sweetheart,” he suddenly said, grabbing my hand in the softest gesture possible.

“Where are we going?” I asked, confused as I slowly stood up from my seat.

Malcolm made a subtle wink with his eyes and I immediately understood that Louis was within reach.

“It doesn't matter, I'll go anywhere with you, honey.”

Malcolm smiled as the last word slipped out of my lips, while I paused to reflect. Honey? Why did that sound strange? If I was going to make it sound and look real, I had to make myself believe it.

“Louis arrived this morning for a business meeting, right, Louis?” Malcolm started, as his eyes met his nephew.

“Yes, that's right.” Louis replied, trying not to look in my direction.

“You should say hello to my wife, Louis.” Malcolm pointed out, wrapping his hands firmly around my waist.

Louis’s eyes grew bigger. I bet he couldn't believe his ears, and for a minute I felt sorry for him. I mean, I could see the embarrassment on his face.

Had Malcolm disparaged him before me because of a personal feud, or was this just for me? I should in all probability have laughed at him with lively indifference, but I felt a tug of pity. Even with that, I snuggled closer to Malcolm - into the safe hands of my husband.

“Hi…. Emily.” Louis said in the lightest, most casual tone I'd ever heard.

“Oh, hi, Louis. It's good to see you in Sicily. How's the weather?”

Malcolm gave my finger a soft pinch, and I knew I was playing my part perfectly. Louis didn't respond to my question, he rather moved closer to his uncle, looking like he suddenly had a secret to share.

“Oh, honey, you promised we would go sight seeing in bed last night.” I whispered out of the blue.

Louis’s eyes widened in shock, and Malcolm took  a moment to articulate his thoughts. Had I gone too far? Certainly not. At least, Malcolm wouldn't think so.

“A promise is a promise after all, my love.” Malcolm turned to me with a cute smile perched on his face, a testament that I'd nailed it.

***

We strolled hand-in-hand through the historic town, only stopping frequently to check out artifacts and cozy spots. With Malcolm, I realised that some things don't change, he was still the same chatty man I once knew.

The mild sun beat down on the earth as we wandered through the narrow alleys, full of tiny kiosks and live. Then we stumbled upon a quaint café, with tables spilling onto the sidewalk and a sweet savory aroma wafting from within. "Let's stop for a coffee and pastry, shall we? I love the atmosphere here."

Malcolm looked around, before responding.  "I don't mind, I could use a caffeine boost with all the acting."

“Must be a hard job,” I sympathized, as we sat down at a small table, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the sweet scent of pastries. 

“Oh no it's nothing. It's nothing I can't handle. It's you I'm worried about.” he replied, beaming a smile at me.

“I wouldn't worry about me if I were you, I'm a fast learner.” I answered, pulling a napkin.

Just then, a waiter with a charming Sicilian accent appeared. "Cappuccino e cornetto, per favore," Malcolm requested, impressing me with his fluency.

“Same.” I replied as the waiter glanced in my direction.

“Buonissimo!” She nodded, smiling.

“I didn't know you speak Italiano, and quite fluently.” I whispered as the waiter left to fetch our order.

“There's so much more you do not know about me.” He responded, taking off his sun glasses.

“Like, that you're gay?”

“Why would you think such?” Malcolm asked, with a playful frown.

“Because you haven't glanced at least twice at any woman since we arrived.”

“Are you sure I haven't?”

“I'm quite certain.” I answered, rolling my eyes and laughing.

“Does that mean you've been watching me?”

“I try to make it look like I am.”

“Well, why would I, when my wife is right beside me!” Malcolm replied in the most flirty tone ever.

That wasn't supposed to make me dizzy, but it did. Worse, a hot sensation spread through my heart like hot oil.

What now? Was he serious, or was he playing with me now?