Xavier

You’re sitting in a booth in your favourite bar, with your two best friends, Bianca and Jessy. The Kind with the high-rise backs of your seats, separating you from the other booths. Of course its girls-talk on a girls-night you’re all over 30, talking about your failed previous dating experiences and the learnings you’ve gained from it. “If I ever get married …”, you announce, “I have a long list of requirements, and I won’t settle for less!” Jessy let’s out a laugh: “Haha. That’s so like you!” “Let’s hear it!”, adds Bianca. You take a crumpled list from your purse and unfold it neatly on the table. And start reading every single item with emphasis: “No. 1: He keeps his Word. Even when it costs him. Especially when it costs him No. 2: He’s kind to people, who can do nothing for him. No.3: He actually listens. Not the nodding kind of listening, where he’s waiting for his turn to talk. The real kind.” “Somebody is listening right now …”, says a low voice from the voice behind you. A place, you weren’t even aware was occupied. You’re half startled by the sudden revelation of someone else listening into your conversation. Your friends look equally surprised and no one seems to recognize the voice either. “I’m sorry. Am I being too loud?”, you ask. “You are being specific, don’t stop on my account.”, answers the mail voice from the off. You are silent for a bit, wondering what to do about it, but then decide not to get distracted and continue: “No. 4: He can cook at least one thing well, not toast, not cereal. An actual meal.” You feel like you hear a “Reasonable.”, from the table behind you, but are not sure and continue anyways: “No. 5: He needs to get along with my friends. No. 6: He shows up on time. No. 7: He has hands that know how to fix something. I don’t care what. A car, a sink, a fence .. something real. No. 8: He tells me the truth, even when it’s ugly. I would rather have the ugly truth than a pretty lie.”