I told Steven that I am going to see Tessa in Naarden. Tessa told Lucas that she is going to have dinner with me, but instead she has a masterclass with the Pilates instructor. I meet Mark at Bird Restaurant on the Zeedijk. I am glad I decided to wear fancy lingerie, even though it will stay hidden under a woollen dress. It is autumnal outside, a stark contrast to the sultry night after Madama Butterfly.
I am led to the table by the friendly Thai gentleman. Mark is already there, and I get a kiss on the mouth and a pat on the bum. We sit by the window overlooking the canal. The place is full of buzz and the smell of spices, no one is paying attention to us. After a few pleasantries, we study the menu and order an abundant number of dishes. When the waiter has gone, Mark slides a black box towards me. I see it is from Appenzeller and look at him, wondering what it could be. He smiles at me.
'A gift, for our affair.'
Slightly uncomfortable I remove the lid and fold the black fabric aside. A silver necklace glares at me, how terrible that I haven't brought him anything.
'Oh Mark, that's beautiful. I am speechless. Thank you.'
I wrap the necklace around my neck and close the clasp.
'It looks even better on you than I thought it would. I am going to miss you, but maybe it is good that you're away from the scene for a while.'
'What do you mean?'
Mark wonders what's wrong with me and why I don't want to have sex with him anymore. Our sex was fantastic, wasn't it? I use the precarious situation at home as an excuse, but Mark doesn't give in. With audible irritation in his voice, he moves on to the LoL. What have I really got out of this? The sex with him, the threesome with Sarah and the disappointing night at the Club. That's it, and no progress.
'Are you going to let us all down, including yourself?'
I am shocked at his tone.
'No offence, but you really don't know everything.'
'Oh?'
I confess to the dune sex with Tommy. Mark is clearly waiting to see if there is more to come, but I leave it at that.