Greta Again! Read Online Free PDF Page A

him, but she was completely serious. She didn’t want any games.
                “Hey, you can be really tough,” Mike answered.
                How can he be so light-hearted? Greta asked herself, way back in her mind. This isn’t about a parking ticket! Here I go again, I’m the super-deliberator again, the one who can’t stop turning everything on its head a hundred times.
                She forced herself to suppress her feelings. Besides, everything happens for the best!
                “Fine, Greta. How should we structure the day? Would you like to come along to the police station?”
                Greta hesitated.
                He wasn’t serious, was he?
                “No, no, my love, don’t panic—I was just kidding. I’ll arrange everything today.  You can bring your things to my place and we can spend the evening and the next few days together. Pamper ourselves, enjoy the city, and let the good Lord be a good guy. Okay?”
                That sounded very tempting. Greta knew only too well that Mike was fantastic at pampering someone. But something wasn’t completely kosher. Something held her back. She couldn’t say what it was. It seemed to her as if an enormous blow would still follow. And she wanted to protect herself from that.
                “Mike, that sounds super. But you know, I am already a little confused and I think it would be better if you handled everything that has to be dealt with by yourself right now. Call me when you’re done with it. Then we’ll see. I’ll be in the city for three more days. If there’s any time for us, we’ll be able to spend it together.”
                Mike smiled. “You have such a wonderful way of making something sound positive though it’s actually a put down. You don’t want to see me right now, I understand that – but you don’t want to hurt me either.”
                “That’s right, I don’t want to hurt you. But I know that you have to take care of something now that has nothing to do with me. That’s why you need time for yourself. I would only get in your way and would seem dispensable to myself too. And besides, your brother and I didn’t have the best start. It’s probably better if he doesn’t have to see me in the present situation. For me, too.”
                Mike was quiet. He bit into his last piece of croissant with an appetite that was really astounding.
                “Fine, Greta, that’s what we’ll do. I’ll take care of the whole situation today. I have your number. As soon as land is in my sights, I’ll call you.” Mike sighed. “I am a little sad that you won’t come to my place right away. But I understand what you mean. I’m sure, too, that by tonight, everything will be straightened out again. The coming days are ours. Should I call you a taxi, or can I do anything else for you?”
                “No, thank you. I’m fine. New York is waiting for me. Call, if you can. See you later.”
                Mike stood up, signaled to Carlos to bring the check and turned to Greta. He bent over to her, took her face in both hands and kissed her gently on the mouth. Immediately, the nape of Greta’s neck became hot. Everything was forgotten. Had she not insisted on being alone and gaining some distance, she would have given in to him on the spot. Mike was simply an unbelievably good kisser.
                Mike let her go and walked away. At the door he turned around once more. His look transported Greta into another dimension momentarily. It was as if James Dean had given her a look over his shoulder –and it was only meant for her. The world stood still for a moment. “Til later, Babe.”
                And he was gone.

Chapter 4
     
    Mike had left but Greta was still hunkered down by herself at Carlos’ café. She felt completely