So, at long last, here is a little chapter. Stuck with me...I promised that Tom's appearance won't take long...as usually, reviews are welcomed.
The Gauguin, London
"A Tahitian doll, a Polynesian restaurant", said Sybil as they were following the server to their table. "What do you want to say exactly?"
"It's all part of the surprise", answered Larry pulling the chair out for her to sit. "So don't spoil it!"
"A surprise? You aren't going to break up with me, aren't you?" Asked Sybil trying to joke.
"No!"
"OK…You're sure? Because 69% of couples break up in a restaurant."
"We aren't breaking up", he said looking in her eyes.
"Alright."
"In fact, I want to have even more romanticism in our lives."
"Really?" Asked Sybil with a suspicious glare.
Larry nodded
"You're going to close your eyes."
"Now?"
"Yes, yes, now."
"OK", said Sybil doing so even if she wasn't usually very thrilled by surprises
"Alright. Do you remember all the times you said we never get away, that we only just work, that we never get fun?" Asked Larry while searching through the inside pocket of his coat.
"Yes, it's true", nodded Sybil, her eyes still closed.
"Well, open your eyes and look at where I'm going to take you", said Larry with a satisfied look while laying out a leaflet on the table."
Sybil slowly opened her eyes and stared at the blue sea, the palm trees and the beach with its white sand that were all over the paper in front of her.
"Oh, you're kidding!" she breathed, not believing it.
"You and me in two weeks."
"Two weeks! I can't, I have to take care of the Park's file."
"Oh, yes. You can."
"I can?"
"Yes, I already took care of that with Carson. O'Brian will take your place."
"Really? Oh, what a secretive man you are...I know now why you're one of the best lawyers", she said, leaning to kiss him.
Larry accepted with happiness this sign of gratitude because he didn't receive it very often.
"Poor O'Brian, I feel guilty but it seems like I can't put away this smug smile from my face."
"Think about it. Six days and seven nights, alone in the world on the little heavenly island of Makatea…"
Heathrow airport
Two weeks later…"Sybil, come on, turn this phone off, please. You're in holidays", moaned Larry, giving their tickets and passports to the stewardess.
Sybil sent him an apologetic look but went on with her conversation. Larry turned towards the stewardess, exasperated and answered the security questions.
"Sorry", said Sybil a few minutes later as they were heading to the boarding door. "But O'Brian also has to deal with the Barrow's file so I can help her a little bit."
"I know you're wearing your heart on your sleeve, honey, but don't forget you're in holiday now", answered Larry while leaning to kiss her lips.
"Humm, how could I?" Breathed Sybil closing her eyes. "But I still feel a little bit guilty anyway…"
"Well, you shouldn't", said Larry linking his arm with hers. "Come on. If we're too long, we'll miss our flight."
"Well, hurry up then, my Dear. Because you never saw me really pissed off until now!"
"As you wish, Milady", answered Larry laughing before pulling her to the right door.
Sybil followed him, laughing like a teenager. At last, she would be able to breathe a little bit, let the sun caress her skin, enjoy the man who was sharing her life and learn more about him. Goodbye worries, sullenness and coldness. Goodbye the past…
To be continued...