I didn’t tell anyone it was my birthday. I was afraid if I told Malcolm, he’d make a fuss, and if I told Patrick, he wouldn’t. The day of the races arrived, and that morning, I couldn’t find the right platform at the train station. I was afraid I’d miss the train, and ended up running, and sweating, and I did not like my clothes, and I did not have a hat. When I finally reached the platform, the engine was humming, and everybody was already on board except Malcolm, who was waiting for me. He took my hand and led me into the first-class cabin. A large crowd from the LDDC was already on board, mostly men, laughing and drinking even though it was only nine in the morning. There was a built-in table of sorts between mine and Malcolm’s seats, a protective barrier onto which a waiter placed two glasses of champagne and a basket of miniature croissants and breakfast rolls. I drank the champagne and allowed myself to forget Patrick and to take pleasure in Malcolm’s attention. Was it a great capacity for love I had then, or only great neediness and greed?
What do You think about A Small Indiscretion (2015)?
