Chapter 14

Felix did indeed call the following morning. Lauren had forgotten and must have sounded particularly dense when she answered the phone. They exchanged pleasantries before she invited him for twelve thirty. He reminded her that he knew the place and would be on time. And, yes, he did eat everything. Emma was more excited than Lauren, fussing around the house looking for a tablecloth for the kitchen and serviettes that were hidden deep in the spare room. It was only later, just before lunch, that Lauren realised that Emma had probably never prepared for a visit of a boy to her house and that this was therefore a very special occasion.

Lauren made a conscious decision that there would be no two minute romance and then bed with this young man. He was a respectable boy according to Emma - well, from a decent family anyway - and she had a responsibility to behave properly in front of the children. Memories of the previous twenty-four hours soon brought that train of thought to a shuddering halt.

He rang the doorbell at just after twelve thirty and Emma scampered along the hallway to open the door. She beamed at him as she guided him through to the kitchen.

"Here's a bottle of the local wine. Have you tried it?" he asked, handing the bag to Lauren.

"No, I don't think so. Is it safe?" she asked, looking past his hands to his T-Shirt. He was much cleaner than when they had met. His hair had been plastered down over his head, and the rings around his eyes had been washed away. Maybe twenty-five, twenty-six thought Lauren. Her gaze returned to his eyes. They shone, clear and alert, happy and bright as he smiled at her. No lust, just pleasure in talking. She motioned to a chair and he sat. His eyes followed her.

"Yeah, it's fine. The white is better than the red."

"Like Lasagna?"

"Las-what?"

"Lasagna. Pasta and meat in layers with cheese. Salad, white wine. Maybe ice cream to follow if we can find it." said Lauren, returning his smile. "Italian, you know"

Jamie joined them for lunch, reminiscing with Felix over their previous meeting. Lauren watched closely how they talked, part of the interview process even if she was not conscious of it herself. Emma watched everyone, pleased to be present at such an important lunch. They left the dishes and took their ice cream through to the lounge to watch the news. Lauren and Felix sat next to each other (Lauren's choice) while Emma sat on the floor. Jamie had other things to do in his bedroom.

Emma's interest in the news and proceedings waned considerably after only a few minutes, and she wandered off to leave them to talk. Lauren was pleased to learn of his concern about the problems in the north, and shared his views on many of the news items. He had come to San Falino almost five years ago with his father. His mother had died when he was about seven, and he had been brought up by his aunt and a number of au pairs and housekeepers.

Body language even to the uninitiated would have suggested harmony and pleasure, but nothing else. Lauren was pleased with herself in that she could hold a reasonably sensible conversation about San Falino, and more to the point, she didn't feel like ripping his clothes off or ramming her hand down his trousers. She regarded him as a stable boy who she would be happy to have as a friend. His eyes attracted beyond measure, but he was far from sexy, and his straw coloured hair was rough and almost middle aged. He stood a little taller than Lauren, and as he turned at the door, she was happy to offer him her cheek for a friendly peck good-bye. She waved as he drove off towards town.

Emma shot out of her room. "Well?"

"He's a very nice, sensible young man" said Lauren, smiling at her curiosity. Had she really been like this at her age? What on earth goes on inside that little head? Wouldn't it be simpler if people were born knowing the answers to some questions. It would save so much confusion and explanation.

"I think he's gorgeous" said Emma.

"He's not gorgeous. He's dependable and bright."

"He's got lovely eyes"

"Yes, he has." said Lauren, staring back up the driveway. "You're right."

They spent the afternoon reading, snoozing, eating and preparing for bed and the return of Gustav and Elizabeth...