He sat on his patio overlooking the courtyard. On the table before him was a bottle of red wine, a plate containing cheese, bread, and grapes, and a near-empty wine glass. His vacant stare into the courtyard was interrupted by the sound of the next-door neighbour's patio door open. At one time the apartments had been one, but after the war, they were subdivided. Now only a small planter of boxwood separated the patios. John turned his head and sighed. "Hello, beautiful lady. Your beautiful smile brightens my evening."
"Come on, John," she chuckled. "With the mask, you cannot tell if I am smiling. I could be mouthing an obscene greeting."
John just laughed and took in her figure silhouetted by the purple of the setting sky. She was petite and still had a girlish figure. Dafina was of that indeterminant woman's age between thirty and fifty that radiated experience, sexuality, and determination. "Care to join me," he offered.
"We are not of the same social circle," she replied defensively.
"We share the same apartment number and mailbox." Then he added with a smirk, "No one needs to know we are separated only by a mere partition and two interior doors. Besides, I would enjoy your company."
"Ok, if you insist. Just let me get rid of this mask and wash up." Dafina turned and walked back into her apartment. John admired how her blue jean pockets accented he ass as she disappeared into her darkened apartment door.
When she returned John had added another chair, more wine, and some fruit to the table. Dafina hopped over the boxwood and moved the vacant chair close to John, He could smell her fresh perfume. He also noticed that the top two buttons of her denim blouse were now undone to reveal a significant amount of her cleavage. He enjoyed the view and she noticed his appreciation.
The sun had completely set. Twilight now enveloped the patio and the air had turned cold. The conversation had been intense and enjoyable. Only a few grapes and a bread crust littered the plate. John looked at the empty wine bottle and said, "There is more wine inside, would you like some?" He began to rise from his chair.
"I am a little cool, could we go in?" asked Dafina.
"Sure," replied John.