I dreamed about you last night. You and I, sometime lovers whose paths now rarely cross, yet you were there in my sleep and I wanted you.
In my slumber I hear the phone ring. With an effort I stretch out my hand and pick up the phone. The bedside clock blinks 6.24. It is not yet light. Not yet six-thirty on a Saturday morning!
Who would . . . Oh, no. Panic. Not someone ill β or worse.
Then your voice, I always recognise it immediately, anywhere, even when Iβm heavy with sleep. Another panic. You don't sound in trouble, but you always bear your problems stoically, no wearing your heart on your sleeve, but this time perhaps . . . A tiff with a lover maybe; you need a shoulder to cry on? I try to drag myself out of my muzzy half-asleep state. You want to come round? Now? To talk? But it is early morning, it's Saturday, no one is up at this time unless one has to be up, surely.
The penny drops. Of course, you've spent the night with someone. Huh! Slightly strange, as usually you take them back to your place, you don't all that often go to theirs. Come to think of it, though, you often spent the night here with me. You seemed to find it comfortable . . . with me. You used to come round during the day, too. Sometimes we would stick together with sweat; sometimes there was so much sweat that it lubricated our bodies as we ground together. We generated lots of other liquid which slicked those other places. No need for artificial supplements for us, not ever! But remember the scented massage oils? Crème de Menthe for you, Almond Essence for me. We had such fun with those!
Now it is rare for you to come round at any time. Perhaps I should feel honoured you have decided to come round. I am pleased, in spite of the hour. Yes, definitely, very pleased. Just like old times. I will get up and make some preparations β something to show that I am happy to see you, glad even at this unearthly hour.
At one time you had a key, but that was long ago. I set the door on the latch, it looks as though it is locked but a push will open it. I often used to leave the door that way when I expected you at night or in the early morning when you came off shift at the hospital, and I know you will try it without ringing the bell. Old times. I put out big fluffy towels in the bathroom. Green, your colour. I set out candles, some scented, and light them to guide your way to the bedroom. Where else.
The bottle of Champagne I always keep in the fridge I open and seal it with a stopper so it is ready for later, and together with two crystal flutes place them beside the bed. I slide back under the covers and wait. The duvet wraps around me and hugs me close. With the anticipation of your arrival and the warmth, the intimacy is sweet. I close my eyes and doze.
I hear the moment the outer door opens and you steal in. I pretend to still be asleep, but, of course, I have been awake from the moment you opened the door; all the time tracking your every move.