First Day After The Kiss

The First Day after the Kiss

Though it was still early in the morning, Leon was already awake, following his routine. After brewing a cup of coffee, he normally took it to his study to check his computer for emails. After a quick meal, he got ready for his office in the Department of State building's Bureau of Political Affairs.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing aroma of breakfast emanating from the kitchen welcomed him as he descended the stairs from his bedroom, and it took him a moment to realize that he was no longer alone in the house.

He noticed Nora using a griddle to flip pancakes while she stood near the stove. An ordinary picture of the family he was raised in at his parents’ house. Her father was staring at her back as her mother was preparing breakfast for them when he approached and gave her a hug from behind while muttering something that made her chuckle. Leon gave a head shake. He wouldn’t do it, of course. He had, after all, pledged to never touch Nora without first getting permission. He shook his head again, erasing the image of Nora’s mouth and their kiss from the previous day.

When Nora sensed his presence, she spun around. Leon gave her makeup-free face a subtle compliment. Nora had a far prettier appearance.

“Good morning.” His voice raspy from sleep.

Nora smiled. “Good morning. Breakfast will be served in a few minutes; the coffee is ready.”

“That looks really good. I must say, you’re quite the chef.”

She laughed. “I try my hardest. How was your night’s sleep?”

“As well as can be expected,” he said while making himself a cup of coffee. “How about you, is the room comfortable enough?”

Nora gave a nod. “My sleep was too sound to dream. Most likely as a result of my fatigue.”

Leon remarked, “You’re tired.”

“Or because the new mattress is too comfortable...”

Leon nodded, amusement glimmering in his eyes. “Then I should thank the mattress.”

Breakfast arrived shortly after. They took a seat across from one another and struck up a conversation. Leon was happy that Nora didn’t seem to be as awkward as she had been the day before. He started to appreciate his meal and saw that Nora was a competent chef.

“This is delicious.” Leon gestured to the food on his plate. “Where did you learn to cook?”

“From my mother. When Mom was baking, my sister and I enjoyed being in the kitchen together. We would rush to assist in order to receive additional rations.”

Leon’s mind flickered to an old memory. Beth took a pan of honey muffins to Nonna Vittoria’s backyard, where the neighbors were enjoying a Sunday afternoon BBQ, her hair covered with a scarf the same length and blonde as Nora’s.

“Can you make honey muffins?”

Nora gave him an incredulous look. “Yes,” she answered. “If you want, I’ll make them for you sometime.”

“I’m grateful. I would adore it.”

He was not as talkative as Nora. That was how she had always been, as far back as he could recall. He relished the sound of cutlery clinking, the small laugh, and Nora’s voice and gaze that brought life to his otherwise silent kitchen. The window was letting in the bright morning light. Leon felt at ease for the first time in a long time.

“What do you have scheduled for today?” It seemed as though they had always done the dishwashing together for a very long time.

“It’s none,” she answered. “Perhaps head to the grocery store? It’s practically empty in your fridge.”

Leon told her, “Don’t even consider it.” “Jane will be asked to do it. She comes to clean once a week. If you’d like, you can invite her to visit more frequently.”

“Then maybe I should find something else to do while you’re gone.”

Leon noticed a hint of melancholy on Nora’s face. He reasoned that she was probably terrified of being alone. Her pals were all in New York, and it’s unlikely that they were informed of her marriage or relocation to a different place. Leon could see why Nora had always been hesitant to share too much. She used to remain in the background, shadowed by the more well-known Katie. Leon could therefore see why Nora found it so simple to lead a false life. Being the enigmatic wealthy girl made her feel more secure than the unassuming girl from a tiny seaside town.

“I notice that you packed some clothing for a well-known influencer, Nora,” he said. “Where did you put your remaining clothing?”

Nora gave a shrug. “I sent some of it home because it was too much...”

“So, how about you go shopping for clothes today just for fun? You do realize you need to stock your empty walk-in closet?”

Nora cast a suspicious glance at Leon. “Well, I....”

“What are you holding that black card for?” Leon raised one eyebrow in question. “You ought to get some good clothes, especially because we’re going to inform my parents about our marriage at their place in a few days. I’ll ask Gina to go shopping with you. What do you say?”

“Yeah, why not.”

“All right. I have to leave now for the morning meeting at the office. I’ll see you later.” With a shocked Nora in tow, Leon left the kitchen. He grinned widely as he ascended the stairs.

-------

Leon’s phone rang while he was reading through a diplomatic report. Sophie was named on the caller ID. He took a moment to think before responding.

Despite his unease, he said, “Hello, Sophie,” in a neutral voice. However, interacting with Sophie always made him feel that way.

“Leon, I got an invitation from your parents this weekend.” With caution, Sophie said.

“Yes, I am aware of that. Are you coming?”

“Obviously. I don’t miss any family gatherings. But enough of it. I gave you a call because I recently learned of some fascinating news. Are you married, as I understand it?” Sophie spoke in an inquisitive tone. “I thought it was just media gossip.”

Nora had kept her marriage a secret from the press. She was waiting for Leon’s parents to be informed. If Sophie was aware, it indicated that she was surreptitiously examining him.

"Leon, aren't you going to tell your cousin?" Sophie sounded urgent when she spoke.

With an inner groan, Leon realized he must have to have this conversation. "Yes, it's true."

On the other end of the telephone, Sophie gasped. "That's unbelievable! You never addressed it in any way. Who is this woman?"

Leon inhaled deeply, bracing himself for Sophie’s response. “Her name is Nora.”

“Nora?” Sophie said the name again. “Is she an actress or a model?”

“I consider her a commoner.”

“Oh, then why her?”

Leon was careful with his wording. “Sophie, we love each other. That is all that is important.”

Sophie paused for a moment. “Well, I hope I’ll see her at your parents’ house soon,” she said.

“Obviously, Sophie. Don’t tell my parents anything just yet, though. They’re not yet aware of it.”

“Is this a secret wedding?” Sophie laughed. “Oh, this is so exciting!”