'Puzzled'

Episode 40 - A Figure of Speech

Episode 40 - A Figure of SpeechYacht ‘Boreas’, Saint-Tropez, France, 29 December

My head thrown back, I keep scrutinising the radar installations, yet, at the same time, realising how silly of me it is. After all, the object of my interest lies elsewhere or rather stands elsewhere - on the deck of the neighbouring yacht.

Finally giving up on the radars, I glance in the direction of the man in the white sweater and, to my utter surprise, recognise the ‘charming young man’. My heart thumps with delight.

I raise my hand, wanting to wave at him, but freeze, remembering that we aren’t really acquainted. He isn't even aware of my taking a picture of him on the beach in Nice.

As it happens, for me, he's a personification of the Côte d’Azur romance. For him, I'm just a stranger.  So, my waving will surely appear out of place. Besides, he might misinterpret it. He might think I want something from him.

Yet, I can’t just stand and gape at him. So, I smile. But, unaffected, he keeps on leaning against the glass doors. Perhaps this isn't quite the right moment, I think.

Having finished my cigarette, I am about to leave the deck when the ‘charming young man’ suddenly comes to life, raises his hand and waves at me.

'Excuse me,' he says.

'Yes?' I respond.

'Is this your yacht?' he asks, pointing at Mohammed's yacht.

'No, it isn't.'

'What a pity ... '

'Why?' I ask with a smile.

'You see, I thought it was you who was going to have a New Year's Eve party on it ... '

'How do you know about the party?' I say, surprised.

'Well, heard from an acquaintance ... ' he responds.

'Are you going to attend it?' I blurt out.

'Only if you're attending it.'

'Oh, I see ... You are even more charming than I've imagined,' I say.

'Than you've imagined?' he echoes.

'Well, it's just a figure of speech, you know ... ' I reply.

I hear a dog barking and see a handsome elderly man in a tweed jacket, a silk scarf elegantly tied around his neck, walking in our direction. Some feet before him, a small terrier, his tail wiggling, treads on.

'I have to go,' the young man says.

'It was nice meeting you,' I reply and wave him good-bye.

He smiles at me and hurries away.