'Puzzled'

Episode 28 - It's A Given

Episode 28 - It's A GivenMonte Carlo, France, 27 December

On the way home, all my thoughts are of her. She seems so close: within my reach, yet so unattainable: she isn't even aware of me being so near her. Well, she isn't aware of many other things about me either. In fact, she knows nothing about me.

Unlike her, a famous journalist, I’m nothing really. What have I achieved except those things that others have already achieved for me to rip the reward off? Besides, what do I have that can be of interest to her?

My connections? But what is she to do with them? She doesn't write for tabloids. My wealth? But she isn’t impoverished either. My inner-world? Only I'm not sure if I have one. My talents? But do I really have any?

With no answer at hand, tired and hungry, I finally arrive home.  Breakfast I didn't have, lunch I've missed and for dinner I'm terribly late. I go straight to the kitchen, open the fridge and peer inside.

'Bonsoir, Monsieur Luke,’ Maria greets me.

'Bonsoir, Maria.'

'Would you like me to warm up the dinner for you?' she asks.

'Yes, please,’ I reply, grabbing a can of Cola from the fridge.

Turning the hob on, she places a frying pan on a ring. The kitchen fills with the tantalising aroma of beefsteak.

'Maria ... ' I say.

'Yes, Monsieur?'

'What do you think I have that can look attractive to a girl?'

She puts out two steaks on a plate and places it in front of me.

'Well, hard to say, Monsieur, I'm no longer a girl.' she replies then adds: 'Would you like some salad with your steaks?'

'Yes, thank you. Well, and what about a woman, then?' I ask.

'I guess your looks ... '

'My looks?'

'Yes. For me, you're a very handsome young man.'

'Maria, for a god's sake! What sort of virtue is that?' I cry out.

'And why not?' she shrugs.

'Because it’s given!' I reply.

'Yes, but a given that very few have.'

'All-right then.' I give in. 'Anything else?'

'Well, I wouldn't really know, Monsieur, I'm just a cook in your house.' she replies.