La Photographie Moderne

more than to be washed. They grasp each other and started kissing.

  "Let's finish what we started at the waterfall," Didier whispered into Reasons ear.

  Later on when they were drying off, Reason felt water logged and exhausted from being in the hot water for so long. He wanted to lie down and take a nap. He would let Didier decide if they were still going out.

  Didier busily dried off and then went and got dressed. Reason felt great, better than he had ever felt after making love. Maybe it was because he was in love with Didier. He left the bathroom and got dressed. Didier had gone into the kitchen. He was sitting on the edge of the bed when Didier returned. "Hey there, how you doing?" Didier asked softly.

  "To tell you the truth, I feel a bit wiped out. I am exhausted actually,'' Reason said slowly.

  "I see that. Well we don't have to go to the movies. We can stay here and relax."

  "Yes we can, but I was so excited about the movie."

  "Don't worry about it. We will see it later this week. I can order some take out. How's that sound?"

  "That sounds great and I do appreciate your understanding."

  "Babe, you know that wore me out as well, so don't worry about it."

  "It did?''

  "Yes, it did. So just get some pajamas on and I will go order the take out. You relax,'' Didier had said as he squatted down in front of Reason, his hands on Reasons thighs.

  "Kiss me." They kissed and then Didier got up and left the room. Reason changed into some pajamas and went back into the living room. "I feel so much better now."

  "Glad to hear it. I ordered Chinese and they are delivering it in about twenty minutes."

  "Yum!" Reason said, "My favorite tonight."

  "I think it could be your favorite every night," Didier said smiling. "Let's watch some TV. Maybe a good sci-fi movie is on. Or we could go rent one?"

  "Whatever you want to do is fine with me," Reason replied.

  "You find something. You are quicker at it than I," Didier passed the remote to Reason.

  "You want sci-fi? Let's go to the listing channel. Maybe something is coming on at six p.m." Reason found the channel and began reading it. Didier was laying next to him on the sofa. He felt great and in love. "Here's one, 'Event Horizon.' Have you seen it?''

  "Never. Is it good?"

  "Me either but I hope it's good. It's starts in 20 minutes. When the food arrives I will fix you a plate and we can eat in here."

  "Sounds good to me. I will open a bottle of wine. Red tonight. I got a super cabernet sauvignon."

  "Great. Maybe we need some pillows and a blanket?"

  "They are in the hall closet, can you get them?"

  "Sure. How about your mom, will she be joining us?''

  "I think she's leaving us alone tonight."

  "You did order enough food for her?"

  "Egg foo young for her, she loves it."

  "Wonderful." Reason got up and went down the hall. He found the closet and opened it. Inside were pillows and soft blankets. He took two blankets and two pillows. This should be enough. He returned to the living room and spread one blanket on the sofa and then thru the pillows on there and then got on and put the other blanket on him.

  "I am so glad this sofa is so deep. We can both fit on it with room to spare."

  "I am so glad you like to spoon with me while we watch TV."

  "It's so comfortable with you only," Reason piped up.

  "Glad to hear that."

  20 minutes later

  The door bell rang and Didier got up to answer it. He paid the delivery guy and brought the food to the kitchen.

  "Now come here and watch this movie and I will serve our plates," Reason said as he rose from the sofa.

  "Just wanted to get my glass of wine and some of these wontons, I am starving too."

  "The movie is starting. Come on Didier." Reason pleaded gently.

  "Coming." Didier came and sat down on the sofa. He leaned over and kissed Reason. "Thank you."

  "I don't know what for, but you're welcome."

  "For being in the bagel shop that morning," Didier answered.

  "The pleasure is all mine. Now let me hurry up." Reason got up and went to the kitchen. He got out two plates and filled them up with rice and noodles and chicken and beef. He got out the trays and placed the plates on them. He got out real napkins from the drawer and silverware. He brought out the soy sauce and poured it into small dishes. He then took one tray into Didier and placed it on his lap.

  "Hurry,'' Didier whispered.

  "Be right back. I have been watching." Reason went back into the kitchen, grabbed the wine Didier had poured and placed it on the tray and went back into the living room. He gently sat down next to Didier and started watching the movie. They ate in silence.

  Reason had finished his food and saw that Didier was still working on his, staring at the movie. Catherine came in and whispered, "Just getting some food. Thanks for the Egg foo young." She disappeared quietly.

  Didier finished his food and placed the tray on the coffee table. "Let me take these to the kitchen," Reason said as he got up from the sofa.

  "Let's spoon when you come back."

  "Okay." Reason went into the kitchen and saw that Catherine had put up the rest of the food in the refrigerator. He placed the plates and silverware into the dish washer and went back into the living room. Didier lay on his side on the sofa. Reason climbed in front of him and covered up.

  "I love the movie and I love you," Didier whispered into Reason's ear. At this Reason's heart fluttered.

  "Just enjoy the movie, babe." They watched it silently once again holding each other. Reason loved to be close to Didier like no other man he had known before. He didn't know why though.

  1 hour later

  "Wow, that was a cool movie. I can't believe that I missed it at the theater.

  "Yeah I figured it would be good. Let's go to bed, now I am bushed." They got up and went to the bedroom and climbed into bed, the night light was on, and kissed each other and then snuggled together under the blankets.

  "Nite love," Didier whispered.

  "Nite love, sleep well, Nite Colbert," Reason whispered. Colbert wagged her tail and snorted and went back to sleep.

  "I will, you're with me." They fell asleep without another word.

  Chapitre 35

  The next morning.

  Reason awoke and Didier was still sleeping. He gently began to get out of bed so as not to disturb him, Didier rarely slept in. He got out of bed and made it to the door, he slowly turned the knob and pulled the door open. He squeezed thru letting as little light into the dark room as possible and then closed the door.

  He could smell the coffee, Catherine was up and so was Colbert. He tiptoed down the hall to the kitchen. As he walked in he put his finger to his lips, "Didier is sleeping and I don't want to wake him. We shall have to whisper," as he made his way to the coffee pot.

  Catherine turned up from the paper and whispered back, "Okay and Colbert is out in the back yard. I opened your door this morning and she came running out, so I let her out in the back. I tried to let her back in but she didn't want to come in."

  Reason got his coffee and sat down at the table next to Catherine.

  "Don't worry, she's fine. I will feed her after I have some coffee."

  "How was the movie last night?" Catherine whispered as she stared at the paper.

  "Well Didier really enjoyed it. How was your night?"

  "Well I was reading this new mystery that I had found on the shelf in my room. At least I think it's new. It came out this year. I wonder when Didier put it there. Oh it's so good. Right off the bat it takes off and the characters are so comical and there are so many of them. It's moderne, not a classic, but it's enjoyable. I read until about ten and then shut the light off and went to bed. I had made myself some tea while you were watching the movie, you didn't hear me in here shuffling around?"

  "Nope I didn't, but I was so engrossed in it, the
ending is the best part of it."

  "So what are you doing today? Are you going to the gallery?"

  "Yes I better. I will go in around noon. I want to go home first and check on things. Then I will go open up, unless Trevor wants to do it. I will have to call him in a little while. It's still early." Reason looked around to see the clock over the kitchen window. Seven thirty. "I am surprised I woke up so early, I was bushed from yesterday."

  "If you needed more sleep I am sure you would have stayed sleeping." Catherine whispered.

  "Yes I guess so. This coffee is delicious. I will have another cup." Reason arose slowly and went back and poured another cup of coffee.

  "Colbert might be hungry now. I'll check." He went to the back door and opened it and Colbert came running in. He followed her back to the kitchen and prepared her food. He always had dry and canned food here now.

  She sat at Catherine's feet while he did this, but as soon as Reason started opening the can of dog food, she jumped up and came to his feet. He mixed the dry food with the canned food, then added a splash of water and mixed it up some more. He sat it down by the back door on a little step stool that Didier had placed there for her and Colbert started to devour it. He went back and got his coffee and sat down again.

  "Any disasters happen?" Reason asked.

  "I didn't see any, but I haven't read all the paper. Do you want any particular section?"

  "Are you finished with the front page, I usually just look at that."

  "Yes, here it is," Catherine pulled it from behind the page she was reading.

  "I like to read this and the life style section."

  "I am reading that right now. Nothing exciting."

  "No one died either?"

  "Nope, no one."

  Reason took the paper and began to scan it. He always liked to see what the main headline was and the photo. Ever since watching classic movies from the 1930's and 1940's about newspapers and reporters, this intrigued him to see what the mundane of everyday printing was. If there wasn't a disaster or scandal going on then the paper was pretty boring. He liked to read the obituaries as well to see who had passed. He always felt a little sad when young people passed. They rarely ever told you why.

  He drank his coffee and finished looking over the front page. Colbert was now at his feet and he knew she needed to go out. He got up and went to the back door to let her out. Just as he closed the door he heard Didier coming down the hall. He returned to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee, Didier came in rubbing his eyes and asking why they had let him sleep so long.

  "Apparently you needed it," Catherine piped up. "Now sit and enjoy your coffee. I am going to shower and get dressed." At this Catherine rose and went to her room.

  "Good morning Didier," Reason replied as he sat down at the table. "Did you sleep well?"

  "I did and it felt great. I have not slept in that long for a while. What time is it?"

  "I think it's half past nine. Boy you did sleep a long time."

  "I am surprised at that."

  "So what are you doing today?"

  "Catherine asked me the same thing. I think I will go home and check on the house and unpack and then go to the gallery."

  "Sounds good. I am going to have to work on a project for a couple hours. Let's go for a late lunch and then go to that movie you wanted to see."

  "Shall we ask Catherine to go?"

  "Sure we can and I am bet she will go. I believe she might just be getting bored around here. I bought a couple new books and put them on her shelf when you were gone."

  Reason laughed a little. "Well she found one of them and started reading last night. She couldn't figure out when you had put them there."

  "I took a few off and replaced them. There are so many I am sure she couldn't memorize all of them. The entire wall is a book shelf."

  "Aren't most of them architect books?"

  "Yes on the lower shelves, but I arranged them neatly before she came so that she wouldn't need to look there if she wanted to read. I know that she has always been an avid reader, and she loves mysteries." Didier smiled at this.

  "Well she really liked the one she started last night, she said it was a moderne comedy."

  "She would say that. She always likes classic gothic novels." Didier drank his coffee and glanced at the front page laying on the table.

  "So whenever you're ready you can start working and I will be going home."

  "Running off so soon? I thought we might go back to bed for awhile."

  "You think we have time for some loving?"

  "Yes I always have time for loving you. Let's sneak back there right now."

  "Alright with me, Colbert is outside. I will let her in on the way there. They arose with their cups and headed towards the bedroom. Reason was not sure he could just be in the mood but he was willing to give it a try. He let Colbert in and then went to Didier's room and closed the door. Colbert would be fine by herself.

  He crawled into bed after undressing and Didier grabbed him and pulled him close. He opened his mouth and Didier's tongue was way inside. Farther than any man had ever put his tongue. It was amazing how deep he could go.

  It turned Reason on and he pulled Didier closer to him. After about an hour they lay in each other's arms exhausted. The room was dark and quiet. Didier fell back to sleep. Reason got up slowly once again and got dressed and left the room.

  "Catherine was in the living room reading by the fire. "Oh you started a fire, how nice."

  "Yes, it was a bit chilly in here and I would rather sit by a fire than turn up the furnace. It's more fun and I love this book. I can't keep it down. Did you take a nap?"

  "Yes we did, and Didier is still sleeping." Reason sat on the sofa which Catherine had folded the blankets and set aside the pillows. Colbert was laying in front of the fire sleeping. This is so cozy. Now all we need is some rain. Just then they heard thunder pierce the sky with a heavy boom. Catherine looked up from her book. "I see you got what you wished for."

  Reason laughed, "I didn't wish for it, I just thought it would complement the mood.

  "And it has, it's pouring out there now. I hear it coming down the chimney some. I hope it doesn't put the fire out."

  Reason sat there on the sofa and listening to the rain, it was pouring super hard. He laid his head on the side of the sofa and shut his eyes. He loved the day so far. He would go out later. He fell asleep.

  Chapitre 36

  30 minutes later.

  Reason was standing by a river and the car wouldn't go into reverse and the car was going to be sucked into the river. Just as it started to be sucked into the water, he woke up. Catherine was still sitting there reading and Colbert was still in front of the fireplace. He closed his eyes and wondered how long had he slept. He got up and went to check on Didier.

  "Are you awake?"

  "Yes I was watching the news. This storm just came in really quick and it's pouring down. Come lay with me. I am cold."

  "Shall I turn the furnace up?"

  "Nope, just warm me up." At this Reason crawled back into bed and snuggled up next to Didier. "Is this good?"

  "Yes and you are warm."

  "Your mom started a fire in the living room."

  "That explains it."

  "I was a bit shocked that she could do it."

  "She's from the South, they are always lighting fires down there. It's in her nature to know how to do it. Us 'Californians'' turn on the gas and think that's a fire."

  "Well it is a fire, just not a wood burning one."

  "Wood produces more heat and it's more romantic. Shall I light one in here?"

  "Let's just snuggle for awhile." Reason replied and pulled the covers up to his neck. He laid there holding Didier and listening to the news thinking how wonderful it was to have someone to love and to be loved by that person back. It was such a feeling that he had never really experienced before. It was all new to him and he never wanted it to end. He was amazed. He fell asleep o
nce again.

  30 minutes later

  Reason awoke and he was alone, the TV was on but he couldn't make out what they were saying. He felt groggy and a bit cold. He reached for his robe that lay on the foot of the bed and put it on. He made his way to the hall and he could hear Didier and Catherine talking.

  "Hey there, you sleep well?" Didier asked.

  "How long did I sleep?"

  "About half an hour. It's still raining outside."

  "I see the fire is still going. I am cold."

  "Come sit by it. I got up and wanted to see how mother was doing. She's the smart one, sitting by the fire, reading a good book."

  "I wanted you to light the fire in the bedroom."

  "You said we should snuggle, or do you remember?"

  "I do remember. Let's light it now and go watch the TV. Not to be rude Catherine."

  "Oh not at all, I am sure you two would enjoy a fire in the bedroom. Go right ahead. Colbert and I are fine. I just love this book."

  "Wonderful. Let's make hot chocolate."

  "I just made some a short while ago," Catherine piped up without looking up.

  "I will reheat it?"

  "Sounds good to me. Let me start the fire first in the bedroom. It will only take a few minutes. You sit there and get warm." Didier got up from the sofa and went to the bedroom. Reason sat there in front of the fire getting warm. Colbert on her side snoring softly.

  "I am surprised she didn't wake up when I came in here."

  "She's been dreaming," Catherine uttered.

  "Oh has she? I sometimes wake her up when she is dreaming. She will be whimpering and I think she's having a nightmare."

  "She'll be fine. I'll keep my eye on her."

  "Okay I am going to reheat the hot chocolate. Stay warm." Reason got up quietly and went to the kitchen. He switch the stovetop on medium to reheat the hot chocolate. Just then Didier came in, "You know why it's so cold in here? The furnace is not working. I just checked it. I will call the gas company tomorrow."

  "Do we have enough wood to keep us warm all thru the night?"

  "Yes don't worry. I have a cord out on the side of the house. There is a stack right outside the back door. I will bring some in and put it in the living room. Mother will have to sleep in there tonight. I gave that electric heater away last winter."

  "Do you think she'll mind?"

  "Mother is very flexible and she'll sleep fine on the sofa."

  "It's so romantic to have to rely on the fireplace to keep us warm."

  "That's because we have plenty of wood."

  "I hope it rains all night."

  "I was watching the news and it looks like rain for the next three days."

  "I hope I can find that umbrella of mine."

  "I have one in the trunk of the Jag," Reason exclaimed.

  "Smart and handsome," Didier said smiling. He leaned over and kissed Reason. "Hurry up with the hot chocolate and I will go tell mother she might want to sleep on the sofa." He departed and Reason poured the hot chocolate into two mugs.

  Somehow the temperature seemed to have dropped quickly and since the furnace was not on, certain areas of the house were chillier than others. He had left the burner on and was waving his hands over the heat. Didier came back into the kitchen and smiled. "I am going to fetch some more wood for mother."

  "Do you want some help?"

  "I go it. I see that you are warming up at the stove. Cute."

  "The temperature has really dropped quickly."

  "We won't freeze, we have each other to stay warm."

  "Yes, but what of mother?"

  "She will keep her fire going thru the night and stay plenty warm. She can take care of herself."

  "She's a tough cookie."

  "As a matter of fact, she is," Didier smiled and took the wood into the den. Reason sat the mugs on top of the saucers and took them to the bedroom. When he entered the room was warmer than the hall and kitchen, but not exactly comfortable. He sat the hot chocolate on the nightstand and disrobed. He climbed into bed and sat there waiting for Didier.

  "Mother is fine, her fire will burn most of the night, she'll get up in the night and stoke it. She is a light sleeper. Colbert is still sleeping in front of the fireplace."

  "Oh she will keep her company during the night then, that's fine. Now get into bed, it's still chilly in here."

  "I want to add some wood to the fireplace first. How is the hot chocolate?"

  "I haven't tasted it yet, but I am sure it will warm us up," Reason said confidently.

  "Don't worry, I'll keep you warm in the night. The fire will eventually go out in the night and it will be freezing."

  "I must admit I do love it when it's cold here in California."

  "During the middle of the night it might drop down to the teen's tonight and without the furnace, we might have icicles on our noses," Didier laughed as he said this.

  "Here is your hot chocolate, drink it before it gets cold," Reason handed the cup to Didier after he slid under the covers.

  "How about some kissing to warm me up?"

  "Drink your hot chocolate first and then you can have some kisses," Reason replied as he sipped his.

  "Yes dear, chocolate first, kisses last." Didier said sheepishly.

  "Okay, kiss me," as he sat his cup of chocolate on the nightstand. Didier was using he left hand to his down as he leaned over and kissed Reason. He then pulled him close and began a deep marathon, their bodies next to each other generating heat immediately. The warmth made Reason excited and he felt safe in Didier's embrace. They made love until they were exhausted and fell asleep in each other's arms.

  Chapitre 37

  The next morning.

  Reason awoke and he didn't feel his nose cold, it was actually warm. He reached over and Didier was still asleep. He reached over and drew himself closer to Didier and held him. He knew this would wake him up. Didier started to move a little and he knew he was awake. He turned and faced Reason. "Good morning sleepyhead. I slept so good. You kept me warm all night."

  "I think your mother stoked the fire, because it's not out."

  "Oh really? How sweet she is. Otherwise it would be freezing in here."

  "Yes, I agree. She was thoughtful to do that."

  "What time is it?"

  "Seven thirty."

  "I need to get up soon and get ready for work, I have a meeting at 10 and I need to prepare for it."

  "I think your mom made coffee. I'll get us some."

  "I can smell it. Do you think we were selfish last night?"

  "No, not at all. Your mom let us have some us time."

  "Yes, but I hope she fared well. Oh here's Colbert." Who ran and jumped on the bed.

  "Good morning to you too," Reason exclaimed as he got out of bed. Colbert jumped down and ran out of the room.

  "She's excited this morning."

  "She's usually not that excited unless she wants to go out. I'll go see about her and get us coffee."

  "I am going to take a shower."

  "Go right ahead." Reason put on his robe and left the room and went to the kitchen. Colbert was sitting there with a chewy in her paws going at it.

  "Why are you so excited this morning? Huh?" Reason asked her as he came in and started to get two coffee cups. He poured the milk first and then the sweetener. Colbert continued to chew on the rawhide.

  "I hope you are enjoying that rawhide, Colbert." She paused for a second and looked up at Reason. He took the cups back into the bedroom. Catherine was nowhere to be seen, but the fire was still going in the den and it was warming the entire house. Didier was in the shower and he sat the cup on the side of the sink. "Coffee is here," he said to Didier.

  "Thank you."

  Reason went back into the bedroom and sat on the bed. He drank his coffee whiling listening to the shower. When it stopped he got up and went into the bathroom, Didier was drying off. He made sure that he was sipping on the coffee, he didn't want it to get cold. "I'll be
done in here in a few," Didier said.

  "Don't worry about it, I am not in any hurry this morning. You're the one who needs to be at work by nine. Do you want some breakfast?"

  "Eggs and toast if you please?" Didier asked sweetly.

  "Coming right up." He left Didier to finish in the bathroom. He went to the kitchen and found the eggs in the refrigerator and the butter, he also found a cantaloupe. He put the bread in the toaster, turned the stove on and placed a small skillet on the flame. He put a thin slab of butter into the pan and sprinkled salt and pepper in it. He waited a moment and cracked the eggs into the pan, then he turned his attention to the cantaloupe.

  He began carving the fruit. He made several cuts with a large chief knife and laid them out on a plate. If he had time he would have used the melon baller, but another time. He got out some raspberries and laid them on the plate as well. He flipped the eggs over and then pushed the toaster down.

  The eggs were ready and he scooped them out with a spatula and laid them on the plate. The toast popped and he buttered it liberally, sat it on the plate next to the eggs and fruit and then he hailed Didier. He sat this down at the table and began to make another plate for himself.

  Didier came in and sat down. "It's looks great. This will give me some energy."

  "I love eggs and toast in the morning."

  "You're a good man."

  "Only because it's you," Reason smiled and sat down with his plate of eggs, fruit and toast.

  "I will be home about five tonight. What are your plans for today?"

  "I will go to the Gallery and work a few hours. Catherine and I are planning on calling a couple estate lawyers and discuss the situation.''

  "Well good luck with that. I am not fond of lawyers," Didier announced.

  "I have a way with them," Reason smiled when he said this.

  "I am sure you do," Didier smiled back.

  "How are the eggs?"

  "I love them, perfectly seasoned and just the right amount of running yolk to wipe up with my toast."

  "I am glad you like, so easy and quick to make."

  "Any more coffee?"

  "I think there is," Reason got up and fetched the carafe and poured Didier and himself more coffee. "Do you want some milk?"

  "Yes please."

  "You know I miss you when I go to work."

  "You are sweet. Call me then, whenever you miss me."

  "I need to get going, need to get ready for the meeting. Thanks for breakfast and last night.

  "You are most welcome."

  "I need my brief case and then I am off. Kiss me," Didier leaned down and kiss Reason. "Cheers love."

  "Au revoir," Reason said as he kissed him. Didier went out the garage door.

  Reason waited a moment and then grabbed his coffee cup and went into the den to sit by the fire and relax until he took a shower and went to the gallery. Colbert came running into the den and sat down at Reason's feet. The fire was warm and he was enjoyed his coffee. His mind was on the fire. He drank his coffee up and went back into the kitchen. He was just cleaning up the dishes when Catherine came in. "Good morning. How are you this morning?"

  "I am fine. I was up early and went back to bed."

  "That's what I thought, but isn't your bedroom cold?

  "I was warm from sleeping on the sofa so I just got under the blankets and closed my eyes."

  "Didier said 'Goodbye", he went to work."

  "I heard the garage door. Did you make breakfast?"

  "I cut some cantaloupe up and made eggs and toast."

  "Oh good! You need your protein in the morning. Gives you energy."

  "So are you up to talking with a lawyer today?"

  "I guess. You know I am a bit afraid to get involved with this. What if it puts our lives in danger? What if I don't want to try to fight it?" Catherine exclaimed.

  Reason heard this and was surprised. "Are you really afraid? I mean you don't have to be."

  "Yes I am. What if nothing comes of this. Shall we have done this and it was a waste of time?"

  "I don't think it's a waste of time. I believe that things happen for a reason. Things began to change after I met Didier. I can't say why or how, but I do believe that it's not just by chance this is happening."

  "Well it might be too much to do. What if the lawyer can't help us."

  "Then we go to another one, and if they can't help us, then we look for another one. I don't think that will be our biggest problem. It will be finding the will. If we find that then it will explain things more clearly and then we can go from there."

  "I just don't know and I am scared."

  "There, there Catherine. That's fine to be scared. We will persevere. Now I am going to go shower and dress and go to the gallery. I will make a few calls and then we can see if we can talk to a lawyer about this and go from there. You can come down to the gallery this afternoon. We can go to lunch."

  "Do you mind leaving Colbert with me. I just don't want to be alone right now."

  "Well if you get dressed you can come with me if you like. I don't mind at all,'' Reason said as he stood there holding her hand.

  "Okay, I will get dressed. How much time do we have."

  "Just take your time, it's no hurry to get there. Don't worry, it will be fine. You might just have inherited a winery."

  "Yes that scares me. How would I ever take care of it."

  "Don't worry about that right now.