Blank Love

Chapter 3

  I was laughing at her embarrassment, staring at her with a defiant look as she walked trying not to look at me, alternating glances and subtly checking my body , still hiding her embarrassed smile.

- How was the closet? - I said mocking.

- It was great. You should take a few laps around there from time to time. - She fought back between smiles, and I laughed. This attitude was typical of her, and I was glad to see that she hadn't lost it.

  As usual, Ali went right to the coffeemaker, pouring the coffee into a mug and bringing it to the other side of the counter, facing me. I hid my smile behind the glass of juice as she stared at me confused. After blowing inside the mug to cool the coffee down a few times, she didn't hesitate and took the first sip. I hid my entertainment as much as I could while she frowned, tasting the coffee and showing disgust. I couldn't stand it and at that point, bursted out laughing as she spat my masterpiece in the sink.

- My God, what is that? - She asked as she swallowed all kinds of fruits ahead of her to disguise the awful taste that drink had, while I was still laughing.

- It was supposed to be coffee, I'm sorry! I swear I tried! - I said as I wiped the tears leaking from my eyes with the effort from laughter. Ali grimaced as she turned.

- I'll pretend to believe, naked guy - she joked, as she served herself a little cup of orange juice.

- Well, you never complained about that - I said without taking the smiling of my face. She blushed at my boldness, and evaded.

- How is my daily routine? - Alice asked as she took the juice, without looking me in the eyes. I straightened up and answered at the seriousness that the question carried.

- When you're working, we prepare our breakfast and you leave to your job. Whenever there is a break, we use it to have lunch together, but it doesn't always happen. After 6pm, when you get home, we prepare dinner or go out, it varies by day and mood. Every two weeks, you take two or three days off, which you don't usually waste at home, but try as much to travel with me to somewhere, either with the band or not.

- Are we good at cooking? - She shot, uncertain.

- During our dating period... I'm sorry to say, but you were the worst - I laughed, and she seemed to accept -, and well, I wasn't that bad. But before marriage we decided to take a cooking course. Until today none of us died from intoxication. - I joked as she rested her chin on her hands thoughtfully.

- Well, looks like it was a waste of money, at least for me. I went back to square one... - she paused - at least I can make coffee.

- You have me. I'll be your cook, and even your teacher - I comforted her, as we shared an intense stare. She seamed affected by it, and reflected in silence, ocasionally going back to enjoy her fruits, avoiding looking at me in order to scan the apartment. I studied her expression very toughtfuly, and she seemed to realize. Letting out a deep breath, Ali let out another question:

- How is the relationship between our families? - She took another bite of her apple. I smiled. Alice has always been very attached to family.

- Me and your siblings are good friends, we always talk and eventually travel together. Daniel has brought his wife and son here last year, to spend a few days with us and my parents in my town. Moreover, since we're together we went to Brazil a few times. Although your ​​parents don't speak english, and I'm TERRIBLE at portuguese - she smiled when I emphasized that - they were always extremely warm and welcoming. As my parents, they're always asking about you, even my mother called yesterday. They love you. Perhaps more than they love to me. – I joked.

  She kept her smile and I took advantage of the silence to store the remaining juice in the fridge. Alice followed me, carrying the dishes to the sink and rinse the cutlery.

- You need to go anywhere now? - She broke the silence .

- In fact, the group set up a meeting to plan some details of our tour and the release of our new album, but I can stay here if you prefer, or you can come with me. - I suggested.

- No, I don't want to disrupt your work. Besides that, I want to know better the apartment, try to understand my work, look for some clues of my life here, clean up what needs cleaning... it looks like I 'm a wife now. - Alice joked and I smiled.

- You don't need nor can strive, you remember well, right?

- Don't worry. I'll watch myself. There is frozen lasagna, TV and a good couch in here. I think I can survive.

  We finished tidying up the kitchen, and I gathered my things for the meeting. I grabbed my phone, keys, and headed for the door, while Ali was reading the newspaper on the counter.

- I'll be back by 3pm ok? I promise to bring something on my way home. If you need anything, please call me.

  Alice nodded and I approached her quickly, leaving a kiss on her forehead and waving goodbye. I sensed her discomfort but brushed it aside. Leading towards the door, I let my amnesiac wife enjoy her forgetfulness.