Chapter 7 – So... that happened!
After Eyal impromptus exit, Auggie decided it would be best to have a talk with Annie and Danielle.
"Danielle, Annie could I have a word before we leave?"
Annie nervously responded "Auggie, we should go after Eyal."
"No we shouldn't and we won't. That's what I want to talk about."
Danielle put her hand on Auggie's shoulder "I overdid it didn't I, he must be feeling a bit clustered."
Auggie responded "No, you didn't but yes, he's feeling boxed up. That man is a loner, use to working solo, always being in total control and usually coming to the help of others. But this time he's in somewhat of a fragile state, realises he might need help from us at some point, think he owes you two… must be a first for him! He just doesn't know how to deal with it. For good reasons, I'll give you that, both of you are watching over him like mother hens …. you have to turn it down a bit. Look, I'm talking from experience…. my personal experience. Please believe me, I've been there and it's no fun… no fun at all. I had, still have, the same man pride he does. My mother and sisters in law did the same thing when I came back from the hospital. It was so frustrating, I felt like a complete invalid and blew fuses many a times."
"Auggie, you are right but I'm worried about him. He's still having headaches but will not ask for help."
"Annie, he might…. if you let him come to you, on his terms. You have worked with him before you know how he operates so leave him more rope to work this situation his way. Just tell him you are both there for him if he needs you and leave it at that."
Danielle took over "A bit like I learned not to argue with difficult clients. Tell them one time that their ideas might not be the best but give them what they want if they insist. I sometime even make more money because they end up realising that, as I thought, what they wanted was not appropriate for their party or soirée. They end up asking me to mop up their mistakes. I just love it when that happens because they are so nice and friendly with me afterwards."
"Danielle if you can do that with Eyal, I promise you he'll turn to one of you if he needs help. We men tend to have a bit too much … a lot… how can I put this…"
Annie took over "Pigheaded, obstinate, harebrained…"
"I was going to say 'pride' but, Annie, think you got the picture, it's just the 'flavor' that's different!" Annie shot him her crooked smile and pinched him for him to feel her mood!
Danielle added "Annie, think it would be better if we treated Eyal as a good friend, an invited guess not a family member."
"Very good parallel, Danielle. That's just the way to go about it. Annie can you manage to take some distance with Eyal?"
"I'm going to try, that's all I can say. I'm still worried about him."
"Annie remember what you did when Chloe told you she was no longer a baby… well maybe you should do the same for Eyal."
Danielle had a sly smile and was sure Annie would understand where she was going. Annie had did just as Chloe had asked and treated her as a young adult. It didn't take long for Chloe to come running back to Annie to be 'babied' again. Sometime when we give a person what he/she asks for, he/she ends up really wanting something else!
Annie eyes lightened up, Danielle was sure her sister now had a plan to put in place. 'Poor Eyal you won't know what is going to hit you!' Danielle was thinking
Danielle liked what she was seeing in Annie. Her sister was, at last, responding as the youthful, playful and mischievous person she was before the Henry mission. Yet there was a change, something Danielle knew would never go away. In Annie's line of work … it was… maybe for the best. Annie had matured, was a bit more somber and calculating in her relations with others. Danielle had noticed, at times, the same persona with Auggie, Eyal and … now her Annie. It came with the job she thought. It was 'the wall' of experience … it served to protect themselves and the ones he/she loved, Danielle concluded. The only thing Annie had to do was to accept or get use to living/working with this 'wall'. Danielle had a feeling Eyal could be the one to get Annie pass this next stage of her comeback and career.
Eyal had stormed out, got in his car and drove off with no precise destination in mind. Driving alone with his thoughts had a way of forcing him to clear his mind, relax and put things in perspectives. He was feeling caged and worst of all not in perfect control of the present situation. Danielle was a lovely lady but he had his feelings with Annie to deal with… it was not really the ideal time to have a mission related romance with Danielle, Annie's sister! For one of the first time in his career he was sincerely asking himself if he could pull it off. His thoughts went back to what had just happened and him losing his cool.
'What is it with you Lavin, they just wanted to help. If it weren't for those two, you'd still be suffering migraines and wondering if you still had a career. Why can't you just leave yourself be pampered. It is not a sign of weakness /vulnerability….. or is it? What are you scared of? Get off that path, Lavin, no time to answers these existential questions, you've got to make it up to them. Annie and Danielle have a 'girls date' this afternoon: The M&M treatment - Manicure and massages! So Lavin get yourself together and have a reconciliation supper ready for those two plus a very special vine and two bouquets of purple hyacinth, the "I'm sorry; please forgive me flowers. As a night cap, try to explain your actions, should be easier with a couple of glasses of wine!'
Eyal decided on salmon with a pasta salad, nothing to elaborate, plus a nice Israeli red wine; a Clos de Gat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend from the Judean Hills, Ayalon Valley from his personal collection. Stopping off at a friend's fish market for the salmon. A flower shop was situated at a walking distance so he killed two stones in one stop! On his way back he spotted a bakery, stopped in and got a very appetizing New-York style cheese cake, his and Annie's favorite! Having everything he needed, his next stop was Danielle's house!
Danielle's cuisine had everything needed. He loved to cook, it soothed his psyche by reminding him of comforting childhood memories.
Final check: Flowers, red wine, appetizer, entries, main course, dessert, scented candles, ambiance music and him dressed in a white tux.
'OK Lavin turn on that charm of yours and get yourself a pardon!'
Walking into the house the girls were arguing about supper, Annie wanted to order out and Danielle was against it. They stopped dead in their tracks, smelled the wonderful aromas and looked around to see the fine dining settings.
They had a long OoooooooooooH spotting Eyal dressed up as a very chic waiter holding a chair out for them to take!
"Ladies please have a seat, supper will be served shortly"
Annie and Danielle looked at each other not knowing what to do. Eyal shook his head, smiled, advanced towards them and escorted both women to their respective chair!
"Ladies this is my way of saying 'Sorry for my impromptus exit this morning.' "
Danielle gave him a heartful hug
"Eyal, you didn't have to go to so much trouble. All things considered it is more us that have to say 'Sorry'! We were acting as nagging sisters. Promise we will be on our best behaviors for the rest of this mission, brother!"
Annie's hand gently touched Eyal's face and Danielle was quick to notice that he discreatly reacted as a love sick puppy pushing his cheek more into Annie's hand and those tantalizing brown eyes just lighted up. 'Go girl woo him in, think both of you need one another'
"Eyal, you are not serving us supper. You cooked, I'll do the service. It's my specialty. Please, sit down, your wonderful supper is going to be served with the class it deserve… sit down and that is an order!"
To that Danielle took Eyal at the waist and sat him down, put one of her aprons on, and signaled to Annie to sit near Eyal. Supper was served rapidly and our trio had soon finished the first bottle of wine… before dessert.
"Eyal, didn't know Israel had such a good wine. Thanks for introducing us to it.
Annie smiled… "Eyal.. I just know what you are going to say.. "Everything is better in Israel."
"You just took the words out of my mouth dear Annie… you learn well my love!"
Danielle smiled, put her head sideways and rolled her eyes… "Did I just hear you say 'my love'"
An incomfortable Eyal shifted in his chair…. "It must be the wine or the excellent company… my loves….!"
Danielle winked at him and continued "Annie tells me you are a wine 'Connoisseur' so what do you think of drinking a 2006 Estancia Pinot Grigio from California's Central Coast with this wonderful and fattening dessert of yours. It pairs well with cheesecake because they're complementary tastes: light versus rich, and medium-weight versus heavy."
"Perfect Danielle, I'm sold, glad to see that you have some knowledge of wine, you sister is more the beer type!" That got him an under the table shin kick!
Annie was looking at both of them "Eyal, your supper was awesome. You and Danielle are going to be a perfect match for this mission. I have a feeling I'm going to be a bit tight in my clothes at the end of this adventure."
"From what I'm seeing Neshema, you need to gain a bit of weight. Seems running dark didn't suit your body much! Just leave me and Danielle in charge of the cooking, I'm sure between the both of us we can get you to where you were before"
"Quite don't know what to make of your words Eyal… Are you saying I'm looking somewhat 'under the weather'? "
"Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues"
Eyal noticed Annie and Danielle looking at him with wide eyes!
Chuckling Eyal explained "A Shakespeare's quote meaning about the same thing as you Americans say; 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' My definition of it Neshema, to me, you will always be a wonderful, impressive and beautiful lady inside and out!"
The second bottle of wine was emptied and our trio was feeling the effects! They cleaned up the kitchen and decided to watch a film just to relax and let the effects of the wine wear off.
"That was wonderful Eyal, where did you learn to cook? I could really use a partner with your skills in my business."
"In our line of work, we travel a lot, we wine and dine a lot and we drill and kill a lot too much! Needed something to relax and missed home cooked meals so when on downtime in Israel, started asking Ima (Hebrew for mom) for tips, recipes and I took it from there. It's my way of turning off the clock when on a mission!"
"Wish I could find a way to turn off the clock. Mine is always ticking like a time bomb, wish I could just stop it!"
Eyal put his arm around Annie shoulders and Danielle did the same.
"Let us help you Neshama, tell us what's on your mind. One good thing of Danielle being 'CIA' so to speak means that you can now talk more freely." Eyal put his finger under Annie's chin and lifted her face for her to look at him in the eyes. "Talk to me/us, Annie"
"Never thought of that for Danielle. Eyal you're right.. I can now talk more openly!"
Eyal didn't know if it was the wine or the company … maybe both but Annie opened up. He knew she was holding back some of her experiences because of Danielle's presence but in the end Annie was speaking about the people who has done her wrong without animosity. That was a step in the right direction as for what she was holding back Eyal would be there if and when she would ask.
"Ladies, it's getting late and tomorrow we have again some more 'Blind training 101' and mission strategies to drill down. I'll let myself out, Danielle do you have the keys to your guess house?"
"Eyal, you sleep here. I'll sleep in the guess house. You are supposed to be Danielle's new 'lover'. If we are being watched it would be better for our cover if you stayed with Danielle."
Danielle looked worried "Annie could we be watched, by whom?"
"No worry girls, nobody is watching us ….. well a friend of a friend might be keeping a helpful eye on the place but he's one of the good guys, I promise... and he's only one phone call away!"
Annie "Eyal are you having us 'spied' on!?"
"I do what I have to do to protect persons I work with and care for. I have eyes on you but you'll never know they are there. They will not be prying in your affairs. Mossad are expert at being 'dark angels', trust me on this"
"Look Annie why don't we all stay in the house for tonight. I'd feel a lot safer being with the two of you. I'm OK to 'play' spy in the daytime but not to sure I like the feeling at night time! God…. I now remember how it felt to think you had a monster under your bed… How do you guys live with these feelings?"
Eyal, again, tried to reassure Danielle "Don't worry I will not let anything happen to you. And if it makes you feel better, we will both stay here tonight. I can take the sofa, it's long and looks very comfy!"
"That is out of the question. Annie, like always, will be sleeping with me and you can take the guess room. You know where it is, you slept there your first night here."
"Aaaaaaaaah yes… I remember, woke up in very short pj's and wondered who had taken my trousers off!"
Eyal was having fun teasing Danielle/Annie and succeeding in lightening the mood. Annie whispered a sincere 'thank-you' to him!
Later that night Annie couldn't sleep, not wanting to wake Danielle with her tossing and turning, she decided to go sleep in Chloe room. Just as she was reaching Chloe's door, she heard Eyal doing his own tossing and turning. Worried that he wasn't feeling OK she knocked lightly on his door and whispered
"Eyal, are you OK? Don't want to pry but …"
He rapidly came to her and pulled her in the room. "Did I wake you? Don't worry, Annie, I don't have a headache, I'm working. Couldn't sleep so might as well put my head doing what it does best. Sorry if my moving around woke you!"
"No, no you're not to blame. I can't sleep a full night, just can't do it. I toss, turn even go running sometimes. I'm getting use to it, don't even feel tire anymore. It's my new way of life, I presume."
"Annie, it shouldn't be. Did you talk to your doctor about this? CIA must have support for your situation. Mossad are very serious with these matters. I could convince Rivka to help you with this matter if CIA doesn't. We don't play around with our heads Annie, we need it to always be 100% on missions!
"Yes Eyal, I'm getting help and more than I need is offered. It just doesn't seem to be working as fast as I wish it would."
"Last night I did not see you get up. Did I miss it?"
"No Eyal and I felt wonderful this morning, it was my first full night since coming back from Hong Kong
"Well Neshama, if it is only my presence that you need, like I once told you 'Use me Annie… use me!"
"Eyal, I couldn't, it wouldn't be fair for you. Last night you counted stars because you couldn't sleep. I could not sleep knowing you're awake because of me."
Annie approached Eyal and snuggle in him. Pushing her back "Annie, don't, please!"
"Eyal, I want you and you want me. Don't fight it. We need to get past this physical 'hurdle' if I want to be able to sort my feelings for you."
One thing that had changed in Annie was her forcefulness. She was more assertive when she wanted something and it seemed she wanted him at this time. What to do? "Stop overthinking it Lavin, you want this as much as she does. If it turns out her feelings for you are not 'love' well you'll have this memory at least, let it go. What's your problem… never been girl shy before?'
Eyal was now dangerously falling in a no return point. "Annie, I won't be able to restrain myself for long…. are you sure you're OK with this?"
Annie answered in Hebrew "I love you and I need you: ani ohevet otkha ve-ani tsrikha otkha.אניאוהבתאותךואנוצריכהאותך."
It may have been the comfort of hearing his mother tongue but those words did him in, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.
"Neshama …. again… are you sure this is what you want?" She pulled him to her and whispered 'Yes' while biting his lips.
"Just one other …"
"EYAL.. are you always this ….."
"Protection, Annie… do we need…."
Annie smiled… that was Eyal.. always in perfect control!
"No, I've got it covered unless you have some undisclosed STD… we are cleared for takeoff!"
She had to laugh at his eyes and face at her last works!
He tenderly grabbed her arms and wrapped himself with them. Pulling off her simple tank top pj's and laying himself on her. The feeling of her skin on his brought on a mixture of strong emotions: desire, lust, temptation, longing and excitement. He was losing himself in these feelings. Suddently she decided to take control, picked up the pace and everywhere she touched… he felt a sizzling burning feeling. From the way their bodies we're moving, it was pretty easy to tell that their desires were mutual. They rapidly shed the pieces of close that where left on them, Annie even pulling off his boxers with her feet. That nearly did him in.
He whispered to her "Girl stop those unorthodox moves because it's not only a 'takeoff' you going to have to deal with but a violent 'blastoff'."
She laughed and pulled him closer, noticing he was very much aroused.
Not wanting to awaken Danielle, he reached up, caught the duvet cover and pulled her deeper into the covers and into a never-ending abyss of pleasures and desires.
This reminded him of his childhood when he would, under his covers, stay awake and read for better part the night. He knew it was forbidden by his mother and just as this lovemaking with Annie might turn out to be a forbidden fruit.. he got off on it… once a spy always a spy!
After a bit more than an hour, both on their back and staring at the ceiling, each seemed a bit shy to talk
Taking his hand and squeezing it, she whispered "Eyal Lavin stuck for words... that's is a first!"
He hesitated, turned towards her "So that happened…"
"And it was wonderful, sweaty as hell under the covers but Eyal, it was just what the doctor ordered!"
"It's fresh sweat, there is nothing hotter"
That got him a biting kiss or hickey on the side of his shoulder.
"Is that going to leave a scar?" Eyal ventured
"Most definitely but as you once told me.. you can always put a tattoo over it!"
"Can't … I'm Jewish remember"
"Seem to me, you already have one…"
"You are really a pervert…. That tattoo is very small and in a place my mother would never dare look at!
On the nightstand, Eyal phone vibrated. Sensing/knowing it was important he answered quickly. It was a very short conversation.
"Annie get dressed, get your gun, we have company!"
To be continued
