The predawn light was beginning to filter into the bedroom. I would have given much to close the shades and to remain in the night. But I was unwilling to move. Nadia lay against me, clasped by my arms. Her breathing was slow, even and deep. I had no wish to disturb my sleeping beauty. We had only days, hours, minutes and seconds left to us before she would leave for home. A faraway place. Too soon, my reverie would be finished. We would have to arise and face a new day. But for now, we lay still and together.
Day had arrived. Nadia began to stir and move. But she lay in my unbroken embrace. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at me and smiled.
I smiled in return and whispered,
"Good morning my love."
One more close embrace. Arise we did and start our day. I would have to return to my apartment for a change of clothes before going to work. The coffee was ready, Nadia and I sat to drink it and plan our day. She would go to work as well. It was decided we would meet for lunch and at that time, we would make our plans for the evening. It was with resolve I tore myself from her. Nadia followed me to her door, without one thread of clothing. One more strong hug and one more kiss and I was out the door. I spent just enough time at my apartment to do what I needed. Dress for work. I would make it a point to see my supervisor at his earliest convenience.
The morning at work began as it always does. People to see, papers to read and sign, perceived emergencies to confront, and discussions about the day's business. I sent a memo to my administrator saying that I would like a meeting at his earliest moment and could he please give me a good chunk of time. It wasn't long before I received his answer, ten o'clock it would be. The moments left to me before the meeting were spent on the day's agenda.
I stopped in the breakroom to have a coffee. The coffee was abysmal. The one that made it must have studied at a poison factory or tortures anonymous. YIKES!!! The appointment hour arrived, and I was steeled.
I arrived a few minutes early and was shown into the Supervisors' office.
He spoke.
"What's up? You don't normally ask for a meeting. This will be important."
I had considered what I was going to say for several days. Direct was going to be my approach.
I spoke.
"Sir, I have met someone, someone that has come to mean a great deal to me in the past months and weeks. She works for a foreign government and has to return to her country. I have come to the conclusion that I do not wish to be separated from her. I appeal to you Sir, what would we be able to work out?"
He spoke.
"Etienne, you have a done a tremendous job here. Your work has been exemplary, you are always ahead of schedule, and you are easy to work with. Under normal circumstances, I would wish you well in the future and offer references. However, I believe you to be too great an asset to be lost. Would you be able to give me a few days to work on this and I will get back to you? I cannot guarantee you anything at this point.
I spoke.
"Yes Sir, I have time until the appointed day. Thank you for your time and effort. Please let me know when you would like to see me again."
With that, we stood, and I shook his hand and left his office. It was a short walk back to my office. I had said what I thought I needed to and if it works out, I still have a position, that's great. If not, I will find a way to be with Nadia and make it work. It has too. There were several items that needed my attention before lunch with Nadia. I need to focus.
Nadia and I met for lunch at a food truck. Gyros for lunch, with mounds of meat, onions, tomato, and a tzatziki sauce that had to be homemade. I am so happy that I have learned about Greek food.
I keep the conversation light with Nadia as I didn't want her to be concerned about what I was trying to do. Instead, as I had vowed to do, cherish each moment.
I spoke.
"Nadia, what would you like to do this evening?"
Nadia replied.
"Let's meet at your apartment after work. I'll pick up some supplies." Nadia smiled.
I returned her smile and kissed her and replied.
"I can't wait."
The afternoon was filled with business, as always. In a moment of calm, I managed to make some plans for Nadia and me the coming weekend. If it was agreeable with her, I would have her all to myself.
The workday mercifully came to a close. I walked briskly back to my apartment. I smiled at the thought of this evening with Nadia and whatever she had planned for us. As I mulled it over in my mind, I decided it didn't matter what we did and were, as long as I was with her.
Arriving at the apartment, I looked at the mail and other messages, nothing of real interest. I changed into something a lot more comfortable, white gauze pants and shirt. It was much more comfortable and loose fitting. Looking through my bourgeoning wine collection, I found a red Greek wine and opened it to let it breath.
Two glasses were placed on the counter next to it. I needed to hear some music. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I opted for an Al Green collection, and he began to sing through the speakers. Nice!! Nadia arrived with her shopping and the bags were placed on the counter.
Nadia spoke.
"Be a darling and unpack the food please. I want to get out of these work clothes of mine. I like the shirt you are wearing, take it off and let me have it."
I smiled and did as request.
Her work clothes, a black skirt that fell to just below her knees, a grey silk blouse that shimmered, black stockings and black stiletto heels. How could anyone be able to work with a picture as beautiful as that in the room?
I began to unpack the groceries.
Pita bread, Feta cheese, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, kataifi, and something new for me, Glyko Karydaki. Young walnuts preserved in honey. Nadia had also brought olive oil. I wasn't certain what it was for, but she was more knowledgeable than I about Greek food. I would have to wait and see.
The wine was poured, and I waited for her return. Nadia came into the kitchen, wearing just my gauze shirt. When she stood in the light, her charms were visible for me to see. The fact that she had only buttoned two buttons was helpful as well.
Nadia was so very comfortable wearing nothing or almost nothing. I must learn to be more as she is, more uninhibited.
We sat at the kitchen table and nibbled on the items she had bought. It was simple, I thought, but tasted so very good. I found I was becoming very fond of pepperoncini and feta cheese. A very far cry from the fair I was raised with. Not that the food I was raised with was bad, and far from it.
But these were tastes new to me and I loved it. I asked Nadia what the olive oil was for as we weren't using it. Once more, I knew she was up to something, when she just giggled. The evening meal was a very leisurely event. We ate what Nadia had bought, we talked endlessly, we shared food and wine, and most importantly, time. The sweets were the last of tastes. Honey, it all had honey and it was all delicious.
A drop of honey fell to Nadia's chest.
I spoke.
"Let me get that for you."
I grinned.
My lips met with her chest and drank the honey and the taste of Nadia. Quite the combination.
I spoke.
"You are the best part about desert!"
Nadia spoke.
"Am I really?" she questioned.
We laughed and drank more wine, talked more and thoroughly enjoyed the company of each other. Each time Nadia would move, the shirt would fall open and her breasts would sway in and out of my sight.
I spoke.
"Come to me my love and sit in my lap."
Nadia said nothing but arose and straddled me. She placed her arms around my neck and my arms went to her waist. Our lips met in the middle. I won't tell you how many women I have kissed. The kisses I share with Nadia are unlike any other.