Robert was a bundle of nerves, today he would see Cora again. He wrote back the same day he received her last letter.
Dear Cora,
I am really sorry to hear that the marriage between you and Daniel didn't work out. I have always hoped you had a happy life. Do not apologize about writing me, I am more than happy that you wrote that first letter. I always regretted it that we didn't stay in contact.
I cannot wait to see you again after all these years. On the back of this letter you will find my phone number, so you can contact me when you are in London. I will make time free for you. Do you remember our last dinner at 'The Ritz'? We could go there again? Just let me know, so I can book a table for us.
See you soon, love Robert.
Cora had texted him with her arrival date. She would take two days to adjust to her jetlag, but tonight they had their reservation at 'The Ritz' He was standing in front of the restaurant, holding a single red rose. What if he didn't recognize her, he thought. Then a taxi stopped and a dark haired woman got out. Gracious in heels, dressed in a dark blue dress, the woman looked around. Her ice blue eyes were scanning the area. There she was. "Cora?" Her eyes found him and she smiled. Oh(,) that smile, he had missed that smile. He stepped forwards and didn't know what to do, so he gave her his hand. Before he realised it, Cora was hugging him. "You use the same perfume." He said.
Cora chuckled, "you have a good memory", she was still holding him, soaking up this feeling. She stepped back a little took his hand and let him guide her inside.
Robert had reserved a private table in the back, so they would have privacy. A lot of people in London, knew him and he didn't want to be disturbed.
"You didn't change a bit." Cora started. "How are you doing?"
"I can say the same thing to you, as if time stood still."
"We could walk back to my hotel? I don't want to say goodbye yet." Cora said.
"Are you sure, you can walk that far in those heels?" Robert asked with raised eyebrows.
Cora laughed. "It is just a 20-minute walk, I will be fine."
In front of the hotel, Cora wrapped her arms around him. "I truly enjoyed myself tonight."
"Thank you for coming, I will see you tomorrow? I made some plans for what we could do!"
"I am up for anything, good night." She turned around and walked into the hotel.
Robert stared at her back. How was it possible to be such a stunning lady? She was still so incredibly interesting, it felt like yesterday, that they met the first time.
Cora kicked off her heels. She stretched her toes against the cold marble on the floor. Of course, it had been hard, walking 20 minutes in those heels, but she wanted to spend as much time with Robert as she could. It was unbelievable but he was even more stunning then 24 years ago. His hair was getting grey hairs and around his eyes he had fine lines. But all of this made him more attractive. She undressed herself and crawled into the big bed. She knew she would sleep tonight, with Robert back in her dreams.
The next morning, she started with a good swim, she loved her daily swims. Robert would be waiting for her in the lobby at 11.00 o'clock. She changed into a jeans with a white blouse and sneakers. It was a nice spring day, the sky was blue and the sun was shining. Robert was indeed waiting for her, he was also wearing jeans, on top he had a blue shirt that matched his eyes.
They had spent the last week together, Robert had shown her a lot of places and they had seen all the galleries and museums. They went to the 'National Gallery' to see the work of 'Pierro della Francesca' Cora had a special interest in this artist. They also did the standard tourist stuff, like riding the London Eye and visiting all the highlights in the city.
"We could eat in my suite tonight, we can order room service?" Cora suggested. Robert had agreed and when it was time to leave he leaned in to kiss her cheek. When he was about to touch her skin, she turned her face and he kissed her lips. They were so soft and he could taste the caramel from the dessert. His hands moved to her shoulders and he felt Cora's hands on his back. He pulled back.
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to….." He couldn't finish, because Cora kissed him again, the tip of her tongue touched his. He pulled her closer and discovered her mouth with his tongue. He could feel Cora's heartbeat against his chest. Her hands were roaming on his back. She pressed her body even closer to his.
He pulled back, breaking up the connection between them. "Is this wise?" he said out of breath.
Cora lowered her eyes, "I don't know."
They stared at each other. "I should go home." Robert said, he put on his jacket and stepped outside her room.
'Oh no, I ruined it with kissing him.'Cora thought. She sat down on the settee and rested her head in her hands.'Why did I kiss him? Why could I not wait? I promised him I would not force myself on him, and what am I doing. Stupid.'
Her phone rang, it was Victoria. "Darling?" She answered her phone.
"Mama, there is nothing wrong, we just want to know how it is on the other side of the pond. You are on speaker phone"
"Oh girls, how lovely to hear your voice. It is wonderful here, I am lucky with the weather, it is the first time I am seeing London with a blue sky and sun. How are you girls doing? Victoria, your first day will be tomorrow right?"
"That was today, and it went alright. It is just strange to be a working woman now."
"Oh, I am sorry, I mixed up your first day."
"No, you didn't you texted yesterday."
"Mama, what is that mister Robert doing with you? By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Talbot came by and they want you to paint a painting for them, I told them you would be back in 1 week. They left an envelope with instructions for you." Tayler said.
"I have some news Mama." Olivia said. Max asked me to live with him and I said yes."
"You did what, darling? Living together, unmarried?"
"Oh Mama, Olivia is a grown woman, and in these days marrying before living together is just old fashioned. We have to hang up now, see you in a week." Victoria disconnected the connection.
Cora put down her phone, but in the same second picked it up again and texted:
'I am sorry for kissing you, if you want to cancel our dinner reservations for tomorrow, I totally understand.'
The message stayed on read, but there was no answer. Cora felt incredibly stupid. She took a quick shower and got in bed, she tried to sleep.
There was a knock on her door. A low voice asked: "Can I come in?"
Cora wrapped a bathrobe around her and opened the door. She looked at a very familiar face.
