That day, the sky was threatening. In the distance we could hear the storm rumbling and like every stormy day a swell was rising which forecasted strong winds in the hours to come.
Rudy was ready and energized. The red roof houses, the dark green color of the sea and the light brown color of the sand were all good signs, he knew that today would be a great day of surfing for him as well as his group of friends.
Pierre, a man in his fifties, likes to spend time on this beach where the show is always guaranteed. Above all he likes to observe the surfers for whom he has a particular attraction. He owns several sportswear stores in the center of this seaside town nestled along the dramatic Riviera landscape.
Pierre and Rudy have known each other for several years, and they entered into a somewhat tumultuous relationship. Pierre is in love with Rudy, who in return is more reserved to say the least. He appreciates meals en tête-à -tête followed by a western, a film genre that both adore and watch huddled against each other.
Rudy over the years developed a genuine affection for Pierre, but not to the point of changing his way of life. He lives part-time with Sophie and allows himself great freedom. He regularly spends evenings and even nights with Pierre, despite his girlfriend’s disarray.
One evening, the tone was clearly up between Pierre and Rudy.
— Why don't you come and live with me ? Asked Pierre
— Please say Rudy, you know my situation, I can't do that to Sophie. You know she loves me, and she would be devastated if I told her I was moving with you.
— But we both feel so good when we are together, be brave and tell her.
That's when Rudy left, slamming the door.
The next day was a superb weather for the surfers, and as usual Pierre goes to the beach to see his protégé. When Rudy finally comes out of the water, he walks towards Pierre without smiling at him.
— What are you doing here today ?
— You know, replied Pierre, this beach, these colors, this cold wind, and you were escaping these cold waters is the most beautiful image I have ever seen. You are simply superb with your wet hair and your green eyes, which contrast so much with the gray sky. Here, put this sweater on your shoulders, it will protect you from the wind.
Rudy understood immediately that Pierre was sincere, so he smiled, which simply meant thank you for the nice compliment and for the sweater. The orange-yellow sweater, further accentuated the image of perfection represented by Rudy at this very moment. Pierre would have loved to hug him, right there on the beach, to warm his cold body, numbed by hours of efforts fighting against the wave, but he knew that Rudy did not like these demonstrations in public.
After an hour spent together, and when Rudy starts removing the sweater from his strong and imposing shoulders, Pierre asks him to keep it:
— I’m offering it to you, said Pierre, it's part of the new collection I received last month. It is yours now!
— Thank you, Pierre, but don't you think it will shock Sophie if she sees me wearing this?
— You'll find out but anyway now it’s yours.
This is how they parted this late afternoon, reconciled from the argument of the previous night.
Sophie and Rudy had planned an apéritif together in Sophie's apartment, but what a surprise when she recognized the sweater that Pierre had worn on several occasions on the beach.
— What a beautiful sweater…but this Pierre must really like you a lot. Tell me, did he give it to you? I wish someone would give me such nice things too!
Annoyed by all these questions, Rudy thinks it's time to explain his situation with Pierre, and to admit that despite his relationship with her, he couldn't help but having feelings for Pierre.
Dear Sophie, I have known Pierre for 4 years now, and I am ……
Shhhhhhh said Sophie, you know I love, and I have been observing you and your behavior when Pierre is around and when he isn’t. I am glad you are opening up. I understood long time ago that there was no way that I could distance you from Pierre. You both deserve each other because you are both very happy to be together.
Rudy’s heart started to bump, like when he was washed away by huge waves. His senses were unable to focus, tears of joy and sadness were deforming his beautiful face. He looked at Sophie, whispering to himself -Thank you for the lesson, Sophie.
So what do we do now, Asked Rudy.
— I think you have to go rejoin Pierre, explain our conversation to him. I am actually taking the risk of losing you.
A big smile lit up his face, as well as Sophie's. A special relationship had just been created. He took the orange sweater and put it on Sophie's shoulders, telling her:
Hey, it's yours now, I'm sure Pierre will be delighted to see you wear it.
With these words, he turned his back and disappeared. It was only a few weeks later that they saw each other again, with Pierre this time. Beautiful couple, she thought as a tear of joy slid down her right cheek.
Hello Boys, I am sincerely very, very happy to see you both. I took a chance, I lost, but in the end I think I won.
You are so smart and so sensitive. You were able to perceive Rudy’s feeling for me, feeling that even him couldn’t figure out. Thanks to you, please mark your calendar because in exactly 1 month we will get married.