Get Lost

Harry said, "Okay, Harold. I see that I don't need much from the old house. This should be over quickly. Let's go!"

Two hours later, the truck drove away from Harry's old house. He had all he thought he would need, including some linens to tide him over and all of his personal stuff. Before he left, though, he wrote a short letter to Inge to tell her she could expect a letter from his lawyer very soon.

====

Inge was frantic.

Harry had left her at the camping site with a car and the caravan so getting that home was just another of her problems. The first thing she must do now, though, was to find Harry and beg and grovel and hope he would show some mercy.

When she finally started to function properly, she went looking for a bus stop. Due to the difficulty in passing the driver's test, she'd never gotten her Netherlands driver's license when she was young, and with public-transport and Harry to drive her, she'd never really needed it. Now, she realized, she was stuck and at the mercy of the bus system. At the stop, she looked at the bus schedule and, to her dismay, she concluded that she'd missed the last bus for the day. The next one was the following morning at seven.

Inge returned to the camp and tried to find the people who'd fucked her and gotten her so drunk. They were nowhere to be found so she went to the site manager who told her that they'd left early on the morning after the 'party'.

Next, she tried to call Annika and Bjorn, but both refused the calls so she walked back to the caravan. Out of sheer desperation and with tears streaming down her cheeks, she started to clean up the rest of her mess, all-the-while wishing this was the biggest mess she had to clean up.

The next morning after a very restless night, Inge was walking to catch the 7 o'clock bus but the camping manager saw her. "You heading to the bus stop? The first one, the 7 AM, is for local commuters only. There's no train connection with the first one, but there is with the second, an hour later."

"Thanks," said Inge. With worry in her heart, she decided to keep walking to be sure she didn't miss the next one.

Much later in the day, Inge finally arrived on the street where they lived. It looked as peaceful as ever, giving her hope as she walked toward their home that the storm had passed and Harry would be ready to forgive her. A truck passed by, startling her from her reverie, before quiet was restored again. Now, the silence felt more foreboding as she went up the walk to her front door.

Taking her keys, she unlocked and opened the door before calling out, "Harry?" but only an eerie silence greeted her. She walked into the living room and the first thing she saw was that the old clock was missing.

Her stomach heaved and she cried out, "No no no, this can't happen! This is going way too fast. We had to talk first! You can't have left already!"

Inge now knew what was missing when she entered: the tick tock of that clock. It was as if the soul was ripped out of the house. Shaking her head, she rushed to look in the bedroom and the bathroom only to find that all of Harry's personal stuff was gone, even his books and cd's.

Inge slumped down into a chair, feeling as if it was all unreal. She'd expected Harry to be at home so he could vent his frustrations and anger and then she could show her remorse and they would make up. This was not how she'd envisioned it at all! It was so much worse; she'd never expected him to ignore her and leave!

Harry always told Annika and Björn, "What's worse? Someone being mad at you, or someone who acts like you don't exist anymore? Someone mad at you still has feelings about you but if you ignore someone....."

The latter had happened when Harry caught Björn buying drugs for a party. Harry didn't even ground Björn; he just told the boy, "We talked this over numerous times. If you want to ruin your life, that's your decision. I don't want to be part of it. You have a month to find a job and leave this house."

Inge shuddered at the memory and the sudden realization that Harry was now doing the same to her. Instead of being angry with her, he was cutting her out of his life, ignoring her as if she didn't exist, but the worst of it was that she had brought it all on herself.

She walked into the kitchen unsteadily, and opened the fridge to get herself something to drink to calm her nerves, but she shut it with a bang. No! Me drinking that evening is at least partly responsible for this mess. Inge went to the water cooker to make tea, instead, but there she saw the envelope Harry left behind. Tearing it open, she read the short note.

"Inge.

I've been humiliated enough.

This marriage is over.

I hired a lawyer. I suggest you do the same."

Inge shouted out loud, "He didn't even sign it! But I'm not going to be dismissed like that now he finally shows that he has balls. If I can't have them, nobody can!" She flung the teapot across the kitchen, with the teacup following right behind. Both crashed against the tiles.

====

Almost a year later

Harry had found a steady rhythm: sleep, work, eat, repeat, Sleep, work, eat, and repeat.

When he arrived at his flat, he found the final divorce papers in the mail. The divorce itself hadn't been smooth sailing, with Inge trying every trick in the book to have Harry talk to her. He'd consistently refused every attempt.

Financially, it was much more straightforward. When Harry started the divorce proceedings, both their incomes were about the same and that applied to their retirement funds as well. There was no mortgage on the house anymore and an estate agency estimated that it could sell for well over half a million.

Harry's lifestyle was frugal to say the least. Harry worked about 12 hours a day and because of that, he got very good results. He earned himself some exceptionally high bonuses so he had to look for something to invest in before the tax authorities wanted an excessive part of it.

Harry decided to look for a house of his own, something with a garden, a place to tinker with a motorbike, and a place that he could convert into, what he called, his library. He envisioned that place loaded with books, but also wanted it for his high-end stereo set and music collection, and figured it would be completed with a comfortable recliner and a couch. He also needed a large well-equipped kitchen and three bedrooms.

With this in mind, Harry checked the internet and with people at work for a suitable estate agent. When he found one that was well recommended that he liked, he sent off an email to set up an appointment.

After all was arranged, he decided to 'celebrate' the sad fact so he booked himself a ticket for 'Ein Deutsches Requiem' by Johannes Brahms. To Harry it seemed a proper choice.

Later that evening, after the concert he found himself in a pub nearby the concert hall, his mind still reliving the beautiful music. He had a very nice Dutch jenever in front of him when he heard a voice saying, "Harry? Harry van der Goos, is that you?"

He turned around and saw a tall woman looking intently at him. At least 5 ft 10 and weighing some 160lbs, she wore a skirt just above the knees to show well defined legs ending with feet in low heel shoes. On top she wore a sleeveless blouse hiding a pair of very nice, free floating, b-cup-sized breasts.

"Sorry miss, you have me at a disadvantage. Do I know you?" Harry asked politely.

The woman laughed. "I should be disappointed now; that puts me in place. But no, not really. We were at school together. I was one year higher and ran with the popular crowd. I really liked you because you were so composed and gentle, but, back at the time, it wasn't proper for me to, well, be in contact with you. I'm Eveline Goedhart. I'll answer to Eve too."

Harry tried to remember that time but nothing came to him regarding Eveline. He smiled and replied, "I ought to remember a beautiful woman like you, but nothing comes to mind. I hope you accept my sincere apologies. Can I atone myself by offering you something to drink?"

Eveline replied, "I'm sorry but I'm on a date. A quite disastrous date one might say. Can I have a raincheck? If I can have your phone number?"

Behind Eveline a man loomed and growled, "Babe, lose the wimp. This is our date and you're gonna have a good time with a real man."

Harry wrote his number on a slip of paper, folded it and handed it over to Eveline. The man stepped in and told Eveline to hand the piece of paper over to him. "You're my girl and I don't want you sneaking around with another man, even when it's a wimp."

Eveline retorted angrily, "You're drunk. I'm definitely not your girl. I promised this date because you helped me out when I had problems with my car. But this was the first, and last 'date," if you actually wish to call this disaster a date. I'll just call an Uber because you're not fit to drive! And I don't want to go anywhere with you anymore."

"Well, you cockteaser, I'll show you!" growled the man as he started to raise his hand to slap Eveline, but Harry was faster, viciously knuckling him in the solar plexus. Suddenly the man was out of breath and staggering.

Harry held him up to keep him from falling with the man's fingers in a deadlock. Speaking softly to the squirming man, he said, "This wimp is going to beat you to pulp if you don't behave. Now here's the deal: you pay for the drinks for the lady and leave quietly. I'll pay the Uber. Now nod if we have a deal."

The man nodded and Harry let go. The man turned around, his face white from pain, and paid and left without a word. As he did, Harry called an Uber for Eveline, who was watching the whole episode with wide eyes.

"That's what I remember from school, "she said. "Even the biggest bullies didn't dare to touch you, or your friends. And you always helped people, tutoring them, even kids in our class, and for the rest, you went your own way. How did you do that to that man? He is much bigger than you."

Harry said quietly, "I had Krav Maga lessons since I was seven because I had severe anger issues. Krav Maga is a way to channel your energy and at the same time it builds your confidence so that you can step away from problems in the knowledge that you can handle them if need be. On top of that, I was learning self-control and discipline."

The Uber arrived a moment later, and Harry paid the driver and told Eveline good night.

====

The next day

Harry's phone went off. He looked at it and saw a phone number unknown to him.

"Harry van der Goos, how can I help you?"

Eveline answered, "Good afternoon, Harry, Tomorrow is my day off. I wondered whether you have plans for tomorrow?"

"Actually, I do. I'm going to look at some houses with an estate agent.".

"Oh" was the only sound from Eveline.

Harry could tell that she was disappointed. Not wanting to lose momentum with this beautiful and interesting woman, he quickly came to a decision. "But surely, I can use some help from the opposite sex with that. They are so much more practical. Otherwise, I would buy myself a mancave. Can I interest you in assisting me?"

Eveline's swift and enthusiastic reply left no doubt that she wanted to see Harry. "Oh, yes, I would like that very much. Do you know what you would like?"

Harry had an idea, "Why don't we talk about that over at dinner? You choose. Either I cook for you, or you tell me what restaurant you like."

Eveline laughed and asked, "You can cook, too?"

Now it was Harry's turn to laugh. "I've never had any complaints, nor leftovers, when I make dinner. Oh, and before you start about small portions being the cause of that, no, I don't do small portions."

"Really? I reckoned you as a bachelor, eating out every day."

Before Harry could formulate an answer, Eveline went on, "So you cook for yourself? Every day?"

"Yes, Harry said. "I've been kind of a recluse lately. Yesterday was the first time in more than a year I went out to a concert and for a drink."

"Oh, dear. How come?"

"That's a story that still hurts too much to share. The only thing I will say is that that evening I met you, I got notice that my marriage officially and legally had ended. I felt that I had to celebrate. With a requiem."

She paused for a moment before saying, "Ouch. So sorry. In that case then, I think I'll risk your cooking skills, Harry. Where and when do you want to see me?"

Harry gave Eveline his address and she said that she would be there around six.

That afternoon at five minutes before six Eveline stood in front of Harry's door, thinking to herself Grow up. There is nothing to be nervous about. Still, she was, so with sweaty hands she rang the bell.

Harry opened the door almost immediately. "Ah, there you are already. And oh my! You're a sight for sore eyes. You look lovely!".

Eveline wore a dress that hugged her body and showed her long, slender form to great advantage. She had her long dark hair in a ponytail and lightly applied makeup enhanced her hazel eyes. Eveline blushed like a schoolgirl from the heartfelt compliment Harry made her and replied with a smile, "Well, you don't look so bad yourself for a cook. But thank you. It's been a long time since someone complimented me. May I come in?"

"Where are my manners? Yes, of course. The lasagna is in the oven and will be ready in about half an hour. I have melon and Parma Ham as a starter. And what would you like to drink?"

Eveline had a wonderful evening, though she drank a little too much. The wine was a strong Italian that went well with the lasagna, but after her third glass, her head began to swim a little. Then, the dessert was Blu al Ramandolo, an Italian blue cheese, and port wine, which made her situation worse.

At the end of the evening, Harry looked at her and said softly, "I think I'll drive you home. You've had too much."

Eveline, now rather uninhibited, answered, "Harry, I'd rather spend the night with you." When she realized what had come out of her mouth, she blushed so deeply that her skin went red down to her cleavage.

Harry smiled wishfully. "I would like nothing better, Eveline, but I have a very strict rule. I'm not going to sleep with a woman who is over her limit. And I mean the limit for driving a car. I had that rule even before I was married and my divorce reinforced it. Sleep on it and let's see what tomorrow brings."

Half an hour later they were in front of Eveline's house. Eveline turned around, looked at her feet and blushingly whispered, "I know you don't find me beautiful enough to take me to bed, but can I have a kiss?"

Astonished, Harry took Eveline's face in his hands, forced her to look at his face and said, "Dear Evie, how on earth can you think that I don't find you beautiful. Please believe me, I think you're one gorgeous woman and I would really like to make love to you." He paused, let that sink in. "But, Evie, not when you're halfway drunk. I don't want you to do anything you might regret and ruin what's happening between us. To be absolutely honest, I'm falling for you and I don't want you to be a one-night stand. Now, how about that kiss. Do you still want it?"

Eveline nodded and closed her eyes. Harry's lips softly touched her lips and he felt her tremble. His tongue flicked the rim of her lower lip. Eveline opened her mouth and their tongues touched. What started as a cautious exploration of each other's lips quickly became a steaming, full-blown kiss.

When Harry released Eveline's lips, they both were panting. Out of breath, Eveline held on to Harry when he asked, "Message understood? This was a promise. It would have been fantastic tonight, but we've known each other for only a few hours. I am falling for you, that's why I want to take it slowly. When we go to bed for the first time, I want to make love to you and not fuck you silly. There will always be regrets if we do this half inebriated. Now, do you still want to go house hunting with me tomorrow? Or are you too disappointed in me tonight?"

Eveline jerked her head up to look at Harry, "Disappointed in you? When you are the first man since my divorce who doesn't jump in bed with me because I said he could and is open and honest as to why? I'm not that easy to get rid of after that wonderful kiss. I like you too, you know, and if this is a sample of things to come, I'll gladly wait. It will be worth it. See you tomorrow; I'll make breakfast, okay?"

====

Next morning at about eight, it was Harry's turn to be nervous.

He knocked on her door and it opened almost immediately with Eveline there wearing only a loose linen blouse and harem pants. The movements in the blouse suggested strongly that there was no bra involved. Eveline turned around and walked inside again to give Harry access to her house. Harry's eyes feasted on Eveline's heart-shaped butt.

He sighed deeply and said, "My God, woman, I need to concentrate on houses today. The way you look is making that quite impossible. What an outfit! Your looks are going to cause a riot."

Eveline melted in his arms and giggled, "This is your punishment for denying me yesterday and a reward...for denying me yesterday." She smiled at him. "You did wonders for my self-esteem with your little sermon. And yes, Harry, I'm falling for you, too, and I'll wait, like you said, but, oh boy, how I am going to tease you. This is but a start. Now let's start breakfast with a kiss."

Their lips met and Eveline thought it was even better she remembered.

After a delicious breakfast, Eveline told Harry to wait so she could change into something more appropriate for house hunting as she smirked and said, "And to keep your blood in your brains where it ought to be. Did you think I didn't notice the bulge in your pants when you kissed me?"

When she came back, she was dressed demurely in a sweater, jeans and sneakers. "Shall we?" She smiled as she took his arm.

The real estate agent seemed all business when they met but he kept on ogling Eveline. He told them, "I have four houses lined up. One in the city, two in the suburbs and one in a little village nearby. But that needs a lot of work."

Harry's reaction was immediately, "Skip the one in the city. I stated clearly that I wanted a garden."

When the agent talked them through the houses, one of the suburban houses was discarded as well so they drove to the other one. As they did, Harry couldn't shake the idea that he'd seen the man before.

The agent was constantly chatting with Eveline, praising the house, the garden, and its surroundings, while completely ignoring Harry, his client. Not feeling comfortable with the situation, Harry checked Google Maps for the layout of the district and found it very close, almost too close, to the airport. This wasn't a quiet neighborhood after all, with planes coming over for most of the day. Listening, he heard one going overhead then.

Now on alert, he also checked out other houses that had sold recently and their sale prices. That two-times sharper! he thought. The other houses were sold for a ton less than this one. This must be quite a house for this price...or....

Harry started to pay more attention to the discussion between Eveline and the agent and he noticed the sneaky way the man was trying to seduce Eveline, just like the way he was trying to cheat him. The house itself was nothing special to command such a premium, just one of thirteen to the dozen, a virtual copy among many.

Coming to this realization, Harry bristled and swore silently under his breath before he attacked. "So, tell me, do you want to screw another man's girlfriend, too?"

The agent looked at Harry in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Harry replied, venom dripping out of his voice, "Well, you try to fuck me out of an extra hundred grand and you're trying to seduce my girlfriend, too. Now, sod off. I'm leaving and will lodge a complaint with your agency."