Page 41 of AMS.TER.strum

Talk later?

Me

Thanks.

Me

“Good” might be pushing it.

Me

But we’ll definitely talk later.

Luuk

Maybe your favorite person at work will surprise you. 🙂

Me

And Hell will freeze over today. 😂

Luuk

😂 x

Me

x

‘Shit, I have to run!’ Even though the ride from Mom’s is a bit shorter, I’ll probably be late. ‘See you tomorrow.’

No miracle has happened since I last saw my “beloved” Wanda. For optimal discomfort, we end up leaving the office together. No matter how much I drag my feet, we exit the building at the same time, and are about to cross the road towards our bikes, because of course they have to be tied at the same rack. I tell myself Wanda will soon get the hell out of here when I hear my name.

Time stops as I see Luuk waiting a few steps from the main entrance. Wanda’s head snaps so fast I’m surprised there’s no cracking sound.

‘Hey, darlin’.’ Luuk comes closer, as smug as his deliberate accent.

I pretty much plunge into his arms, inhaling citrus and cedar. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Surprising you. About to take you for a drink to wash off the hardworking day.’

Is it my idea, or is hard a bit more intense? Did he also steal a glance at Wanda who is now all but begging for attention, clearing her throat. ‘I’ll… get my bike.’

My petty self surfaces, wanting to get even not just for today, but for all the days I had to put up with her attitude, so I say, ‘How rude of me! This is—’

‘Luuk. Luuk Meiers,’ he butts in, before I can add, ‘my friend, Luuk.’

‘Wanda van Zand.’ She rakes her manicured fingers through her short blond hair, all flustered.

He smiles politely, shaking her hand, and now it’s my turn to intervene before a selfie is asked. ‘Shall we?’

‘I love your music.’ Wanda is suddenly reluctant to get her bike. ‘I’ll be at Paradiso on Friday.’

‘Hear that, darlin’?’ In full cowboy mode now, Luuk is thoroughly enjoying this. ‘Still got no RSVP from you. Are you gonna break my heart?’

I nudge him to cut it out. ‘Of course I’ll be there, you big doofus. Shall we go get that drink now?’

We walk along the water, the green shape of NEMO on our right, crossing one of the bridges before sitting at a bar packed with people. I wonder whether they’ll recognize him, but everyone seems busy chatting or ordering. Only our waitress’s eyes widen.