We all arrived at uncle Thomas' macious palace, as he always calls it. It is a massive Italian structure, built in the early years of his struggles as an engineer and a business person. As a structural engineer with decades of experience in the field, he contributed a lot to the success of the structures and buildings in the city. Lots of plaques, awards and certificates attested to this achievement hung on his study room wall. The massive white structure is covered with earth flora, from roses to hibiscus to bougainvillea flowers.
Uncle Thomas has an eye for the best and a taste for opulence. In the euphoria of excitement, we drove on the road leading to the main building. Uncle Thomas was playing his favorite country music. We all sang along quietly nodding to the tune, mama bimbo sat there quiet staring at the array of roses as we drove into the garage.
We all walked into Uncle Thomas's living room and exuded an air of opulence and sophistication from the moment one stepped through the ornate double doors. The soft glow of crystal chandeliers casts a warm, inviting light over the meticulously arranged space, illuminating the rich textures and sumptuous furnishings that adorn every corner. At the heart of the room stands a grandiose marble fireplace, its intricate carvings a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Above it, an expansive oil painting commands attention, its vibrant colors and intricate brushstrokes drawing the eye with an irresistible allure.
Plush velvet sofas in deep jewel tones line the perimeter of the room, accented by intricately embroidered throw pillows that add a touch of whimsy to the otherwise formal setting. A gleaming mahogany coffee table takes center stage, its polished surface adorned with carefully curated art books and objets d'art that speak to Uncle Thomas's refined taste and worldly sensibilities. Against one wall, floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the lush garden beyond, their silk draperies drawn back to allow natural light to flood the room.
A Persian rug, woven with intricate patterns and rich hues, anchors the space, its soft pile inviting guests to sink their toes into its luxurious depths. Every element of Uncle Thomas's living room has been thoughtfully chosen and expertly arranged to create a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort. From the gleaming brass accents to the delicate porcelain figurines that grace the mantelpiece, each detail serves to elevate the space to new heights of luxury and refinement. As one settles into the plush embrace of a velvet armchair and takes in the splendor of the surroundings, it becomes clear that Uncle Thomas's living room is not simply a space for entertaining—it is a sanctuary of style and sophistication, a reflection of the impeccable taste and discerning eye of its owner.
Uncle Thomas told us to relax and have some food to eat. His kitchen assistant, Maggie, was already waiting for us. Uncle Thomas then told us he would be gone for an hour to attend to an urgent call at his factory. He told us to feel at home, and he briskly moved out. As he was walking away, I felt this was an opportunity to ask mama bimbo all my pressing questions which I knew she would not deny me.
Aunty Susan was feeding Lucas, while mama bimbo was sitting by herself at the edge of the sofa watching the news. I then decided to move close to where she was, held her right arm and looked into her eyes. She smiled and said the first word, “I am fine but I didn't see this coming”. Then I said “Do you love him”. She replied “I really do”. She looked toward me and narrated how it all started.
Thomas came to Louisville for a conference some months back. I was surprised to run into him in the city center. He invited me for dinner that same evening and I accepted. We had a long night catching up on our past and history of our lives, experiences: good and bad, what we want changed and future aspirations. We exchanged numbers and from that day everything changed. He sends flowers with a note every day. How he does that I don't know.
He made me feel so young. I often find myself thinking about him over and over again. He came to Louis a few weeks back for a meeting about a contract or something. Before he left, he decided to say hi, and check how i was doing. We had hours of chatting till the rain held him down. I suggested he stay back and spend the night. At first, he refused and started playing with words as usual. I understood his intention and I told him it was too late to find a hotel. Besides, his room at the hotel would have been taken now, since it was almost midnight and it was a weekend. Hotels are so hard to find on weekends. Then he offered to sleep in the guest room. With excitement, I went to get fresh bedding and pillow cases for the bed in the guest room. As I set about the task of making the bed, he quietly followed behind me, his presence a comforting warmth in the room. With practiced ease, the sheets were smoothed, the pillows fluffed, and the blankets arranged just so. But as I turned to bid him goodnight, his hand reached out, gently pulling me into his embrace.
The world seemed to fade away as his lips met mine in a tender kiss, igniting a fire within me that I hadn't felt in years. It was as if time stood still, suspended in the electric current that pulsed between us. My heart raced, my pulse quickened, and I found myself drawn ever closer to him, as if by some irresistible force.
His touch was intoxicating, sending shivers down my spine and setting my skin ablaze with desire. I melted into his embrace, my fingers tangling in the soft curls at the nape of his neck as our bodies pressed together in a passionate embrace. At that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of us, lost in the throes of a love that burned brighter than the stars above.
With every kiss, every caress, we explored the depths of our longing, our bodies moving as one in a dance of desire and devotion. The world outside faded into oblivion, leaving only the echo of our whispered promises and the sweet taste of our love lingering on our lips.
In the hushed stillness of the night, we gave ourselves completely to each other, surrendering to the passion that consumed us and binding our hearts together in a bond that could never be broken. And as we lay tangled in each other's arms, the dawn of a new day on the horizon, I knew that this night had changed everything, for it was the night that love had found its way back into my life, igniting a flame that would burn forevermore.
I was lost in the story of an old love, a tale of a mixture of time and romance. Mama bimbo continued and said how long will this sweet wine last in its savor? I am over 80 years old, but I have decided to enjoy every part of the journey.
Uncle Thomas returned with a buck of roses, boxes of gifts and mama bimbo, the favorite meal of chinese, stealing our attention from the story. He knelt down and begged mama bimbo and everyone to please stay with him in his macious palace. So that he can give her mama bimbo the best attention and medical care. We all agreed and the adjustment and preparation began.
Aunty Susan moved her most important belongings from her house to the room given to her in the building. I also had a room for myself, a 24hrs chef, a driver and a masseuse. What else in the world am I looking for? While mama bimbo will be staying with uncle Thomas in his majestic master bedroom, uncle Thomas repeatedly gave the excuse of how he must keep an eye on her, even when nobody was asking. Guilty as charged!