Elliott did not like to let his mind wonder when he was riding his bike to work, but he could not help thinking he had perhaps been rather indiscreet.
Then a taxi swerved in front of him and he was forced to brake sharply. Dammit! He was going to kill himself one of these days.
Of course, he ought to have been happy with Gemma, but last night had been something else… Really Elliott, next door is all a bit too close to home.
Sure enough, there was a message for him when he got into the office. At least it was private, otherwise it would have been game over.
He dashed off a quick reply and then went to get a coffee. People nodded but never stopped to talk.
Although he would never acknowledge it, even to himself, Elliott was the silent stranger of the office.
The day passed quietly. At five thirty Elliot put his leather jacket back on. He climbed onto the bike and wove his way back through the traffic.
He looked around carefully as he parked; there was no-one there. He sighed with relief only to find Gemma waiting for him on the doorstep.
As soon as he was through the door, she pulled him into the bedroom. She did not even give him a chance to take his jacket off.
“Come on, honey…. I have been waiting all DAY….what ARE you doing?”
“I’m closing the curtains.”
“What the hell….?”
“Well, I don’t want the neighbours to see in.”
“Why? Was there a particular neighbour you are worried about?”
“I don’t want them to see me falling asleep.”
*
“Pah! What an idiot! Too close to home,” said Giorgio. “Was this Anastasia’s apartment block?”
“I have no idea. Does she talk much?”