Finally Saturday arrives and I’m standing in front of the modern building where Will’s flat awaits on the top floor. It’s five to eight and I’m rather nervous, for three reasons: Ruth will be there. I’ll see Cassius again and maybe he’s told the others that I asked him if he was gay. I groan at the thought. And Rupert will be there too. I keep clinging to Natalie’s words, “There might be a small chance.” Well, better than none. I’ve no idea what this evening is all about, but I know it won’t be a normal dinner party. Natalie hasn’t provided any details either. “Once a year Will celebrates the darkness, the eclipse of the moon, that is. He always invites other people too, from outside, so it doesn’t get boring. Nobody knows who’ll be there, it’s top secret.” That sounded really strange but it probably is just like any old party. I’ve dressed carefully for the occasion, in a short black cashmere dress, dangling earrings and black patent high heels. Yes, I am spending too much money on clothes, but I don’t want to look like the ugly duckling.
Will buzzes me in and when I leave the lift he’s standing waiting for me, impeccably dressed in a dark suit. I’m so glad I’m wearing my lovely dress. ”Livia, good to see you!” he grins, kissing me on both cheeks. I’m nearly as tall as him in my high heels. “The rest of the guests are already here.”
“Am I late?” I ask aghast while he leads me into a spacious anteroom. “No, don’t worry, they were early, I was still in boxers when the first one arrived.” He rolls his eyes and pushes back his fringe. Giggling I hand him a box. “Neuhaus truffels! How did you know that I’m mad about them?”
“Just a hunch,” I grin. The tip came of course from Natalie because I couldn’t think of anything to bring. I love giving books as presents but you can’t give a book to a librarian, can you? He’s sure to own loads of first editions and such. I didn’t dare to bring a bottle either, even though I’m learning I’m still no wine expert. Will takes my coat and smiles mysteriously.
“Look around you, this is the last moment of light.”
“What do you mean?” I ask in confusion.
“From now on it’ll be completely dark, but don’t look so scared, we’re just having dinner.” I look at him, realisation dawning. It’s a dinner in the dark. How funny! Hopefully I won’t ruin my beautiful dress. Will watches me intently. “You know, the other senses sharpen when the visual sense is neutralised. Amazing things can be revealed,” he murmurs, taking my hand. At this moment a silver grey cat strolls into the room, its blue eyes scrutinising me carefully.
“Kio?” I say automatically but Will shakes his head.
“No, Chartreux cats all look the same. Back into your basket!” he orders, turning back to me. “I’ll lead you into the dining room now and you’ll have to feel for a free chair. The other guests are already there.”
“That’s not fair! They were able to choose where to sit,” I object, grinning nervously. Will laughs and pulls me with him.
“Wrong! Nobody knew who was invited and I sent each one into the dark dining room as soon as they arrived.” We walk along a corridor to a door draped with a heavy black cloth. Beside the door I notice a small star-shaped mirror like the one Natalie has in her living room. But this one isn’t a mirror either but shows Michelangelo’s David. I open my mouth to inquire about these strange objects but Will is already pulling the cloth aside and pushing me forward. We’re surrounded by complete darkness when he opens the door in front of us. “Go in,” he commands in a low voice.
Holy crap, I can’t see a thing! I thought there’d be some kind of light, a glow from the windows or something but he must have blackened everything out. Even after a few seconds my eyes don’t adapt and I can see neither shadows nor outlines. A jazz beat pulsates through the room. My heart beats faster and I try to breathe rhythmically. No panic attack now, I don’t want to become a laughingstock! It’s just a dinner, for heaven’s sake. I take a deep breath and listen to the voices around me. “Our last guest has arrived,” Will announces, pushing me forwards until I bump into a chair.
“Good evening,” I mumble in embarrassment. Where’s Natalie? She has to be there somewhere. Dear god, let me end up beside her, please! Move, Livia, move, you can’t stand here forever, I urge myself on. “Where should I sit?” I whisper timidly.
“Here!” ”Here!” There are so many voices and they’re clearly making fun of me because there can’t be that many empty chairs if I’m the only guest left. The only good thing is that they can’t see me blushing in the darkness. I’ve never been in this room and have no idea how large it is. I take one small step to the right, feeling for the backs of the chairs, none of which is empty. Suddenly a warm hand grips mine.
“Come here,” a voice whispers barely audibly, and the strong hand pulls me down. Gratefully I fall into an empty chair and exhale slowly. At least I’m sitting down now, the rest can’t be worse, can it? Why couldn’t Will just give a normal dinner party? I hate this absolute darkness, the helplessness it triggers.
Will seems to have found an empty chair effortlessly and I have the strong suspicion that he’s cheating somehow. “Welcome everybody!” he greets us now. “I’m glad you’re all here. In front of everyone is a plate with various starters, a wine glass and a water glass. Breadbaskets are spread around the table, as well as wine and water bottles. Enjoy the evening!” A murmur travels through the crowd and I feel someone moving closer to me.
“I’m Michael, pleased to meet you,” the man on my right introduces himself. I don’t know if I’m more relieved not to be seated beside Ruth or more anxious at ending up beside somebody I don’t know at all. “I’m Rupert’s art dealer,” he explains self-importantly. I roll my eyes, the darkness does have its advantages. Now I have a neighbour at table who’ll certainly expect intellectual art conversation, great.
“I’m Livia, a friend of Natalie’s,” I reply meekly and feel around for my fork.
“Hey Livia, I’m over here!” Natalie cries from somewhere to the left. “Oh fuck, I think I’ve just spilt my wine!” After that, serious conversation becomes impossible. The room is abuzz with voices, everybody talking louder than usual to compensate for the darkness, but nobody knows who is being addressed. Laughter mixes with the clatter of cutlery and glasses.