The Clamour of Silence. Valerie Pybus

tell her that he was re-furbishing the balcony of his apartment. He had admired her patio furniture and wanted to know where she had purchased hers, so that he could go and investigate what was available.

      He finished with, “You have excellent taste Margot, and everything blends together so beautifully in your home.”

      Although Margot’s demeanor showed more than a touch of disappointment, she was mollified by his artful praise.

      “Well, actually Julia is responsible for the décor of my house.” Margot continued, “She has a wonderful eye for line and effect. Such a flair for the small finishing touches I give her carte blanche. She shops around and gets the best bargains for me.”

      Ryan was happy to learn so much about Julia’s prowess. He felt he was getting to know her. He made more small talk and then quite casually asked Margot how he could get in touch with Julia as he might need someone capable to help decorate his apartment.

      Margot replied. “Actually I am meeting Julia at 1pm for lunch not far from here. She is going to show me some material swatches for my bedroom.” She went on, “Why don’t you join us? I am sure Julia won’t mind.”

      Ryan had a problem hiding his obvious pleasure at this suggestion. Before long they were walking along the promenade that followed the beach area. It was a bracing and pleasant walk as the sun decided momentarily to re-appear. The sandy beach changed from a dull brown to reflect minute sparkly crystals. The waves lazily stretched and yawned in lace trimmed contours tugging at the rocks to join them in play in the distant depths.

      As they approached the restaurant his eye was caught by a solitary female sitting on a bench facing out to the sea. The figure was leaning slightly forward, face uplifted to the warmth of the sun, the strong breeze caressing her hair. It was a delightful pose indicating the person’s participation with the movement of wind and sun. Of course, it was Julia. He had known that from a distance and felt his spirits lift at her nearness.

      Julia was friendly but guarded. “Hello Ryan, I was not expecting to see you here today.” It was frustrating for Ryan when he felt with just a few words he could have explained that he had been trying to contact her. She obviously surmised that his interest lay in Margot. Why else would he be meeting the woman for coffee on a busy Saturday morning?

      Julia tried desperately to keep her composure. But if Ryan had looked more carefully he would have seen a wild pulse beating in her neck. This man turned her inside out. He only had to stand near her and her heart raced, her face felt hot, her breathing became uneven. She had met many eligible men in her life, some at the office and a few in her deaf community. In particular, Harry, the man who had shared her childhood at their special school and together they had enjoyed many productions in the deaf theatre.

      Her mother pushed this particular friendship in every way, inviting Harry to meals, Christmas celebrations, and birthdays. It was as if she wanted Julia to secure the relationship because there might not be any other male on the horizon who would accept a deaf woman. She often remarked about how Harry was thoughtful, attentive and had a good safe job.

      “Julia you must settle down.” She said. “I know Harry thinks the world of you!” Another conversation, “Julia if you don’t encourage Harry he will move on and where will you be then?”

      Julia put her arm round her mother and replied.

      “Mum please, stop worrying. I don’t think about Harry in that way. I want to be madly in love, I want it all, the shooting stars, everything!” Quietly adding, “I won’t settle for less.”

      Julia remembered these conversations as the three took their seats in the restaurant. She clenched her hands under the table in her lap lest their trembling should be noticed by her companions.

      Lunch passed pleasantly and Margot explained to Julia that Ryan had admired her décor choices and needed advice on his alterations. Julia demurred at first insisting that she was not a professional. Decorating was just one of her interests. She only worked with close friends.

      Ryan addressed Julia directly, “I really would appreciate any help you can offer. I am sure we could become friends.”

      Julia smiled at him, which started a small warm glow in the pit of his stomach.

      “I’d be happy to go and have a look; perhaps I could suggest a few touches that might make a difference.”

      The warm glow slowly began to grow until Ryan felt his face must show evidence of his inner excitement. She was going to visit. He could build on a friendship from there.

      As they finished their meal with coffee Ryan decided it was time to leave. He called the waitress and settled the bill. Almost as an afterthought he leaned toward Julia.

      “Do you have a card? How can I contact you to have a look at my place?”

      With a small hesitation she handed him a business card. He tucked it nonchalantly into his wallet belying his inner tumult.

      He rose to leave shaking hands with them both. Margot looked surprised; she had obviously thought his farewell would be that of a would-be suitor. However, with narrowed eyes she had watched every gesture between the two younger people. The manner in which Ryan’s face softened every time his eyes rested on Julia, subconsciously leaning forward toward her chair at every opportunity. She would have been a fool not to be aware of the mutual attraction that sizzled between them.

      Margot was anything but a fool. She wanted this man. He would be a great acquisition; intelligent, personable and wealthy. She had day-dreamed of him accompanying her around her social set.

      The way he had approached her group initially bore all the marks of an available male escort. Of course, he would flirt with younger women, but she would straighten him out once she had laid down the guidelines.

      Margot held his hand much longer than necessary, fluttering her augmented eyelashes up at him. “Ryan, my dear, I’ll be in touch to arrange dinner, soon!”

      She blew an extravagant kiss in his direction as he made his way out of the restaurant into brilliant sunshine.

      Chapter 4

      With nail biting impatience Ryan did not email Julia for two days. He rewrote the email several times, discarding the earlier ones as too friendly then too formal and mindful of the adage ‘less is more’ finally emailed.

      Hi Julia, are you free next Saturday to have a look at my apartment and give me some pointers. I’ll be at home all morning Ryan?

      Julia replied as promptly as he’d hoped and arranged to be there at 11am.

      Ryan was up at 6am on the Saturday morning putting the last spit and polish touches to the spacious rooms. The apartments in his particular block were serviced by a very reliable company but he wanted to make sure everything was immaculate. He purchased several brands of coffee, normal tea, herbal tea, a supply of gourmet biscuits.

      He straightened the towels in the bathroom so many times, that a drill sergeant would have been impressed. Changed his shirt twice, he couldn’t remember when he had been this nervous.

      At last 11am arrived and he sat at his computer feigning work. He started several projects but his usual concentration eluded him. He decided to tidy up and delete old emails on his computer as he was incapable of any serious work.

      At last he heard the door bell. Julia stood in the entrance hall a vision in pink. Well cut blue jeans a feminine pink blouse that showed a hint of lace underneath. The top button was unfastened to almost hide a generous cleavage. Comfortable linen shoes completed the apparition of Saturday casual wear. She never failed to impress. Her sweet face was devoid of make-up except for a rosebud pink lipstick.

      She held a portfolio of books and a sizeable sketch pad. Her clothing may have appeared relaxed, but her body language was all businesslike.

      She looked slightly puzzled after the first initial greeting and he realised that he had been staring for a full minute without moving. He unnecessarily cleared his throat; it seemed his composure