Noir smörgås varm röra/orrefors Crystal clear (jmmusechroncont)

 

I look straight at Josef as I come back —he sits at the head of the table. A bit breathless. Then I notice that his sleeve is caught on the edge of the table —as though he just heedlessly rushed to his seat 

I glance at Elsa 

  who similarly ….is sat with part of her skirt oddly twisted beneath her, trapping her legs 

but it is Andreas of whom— what is he doing?

I walk over to him by the tall console table as he has his back turned so awkwardly as though he—

“Do you need help?” I go around to look at his pose from another side 

“Oh my god!” I exclaim as I see he has a tall Orrefors crystal vase cradled precariously in his arms as if—he just accidentally  ran into the table recklessly 

I catch the vase. glance as Elsa. She looks away quick but—I see the gasp of relief she tries to hide 

I pretend not to pay any mind but I do look at Josef with his caught sleeve pointedly and decide to help him. He sheepishly smiles up at me,

“tack, kära du,” he pats my hand affectionately mustering a show of composure and a glance at Elsa 

I walk over to her next as she is actually now sat at the other head of the table and as I walk towards her I look at Josef as I go,

“so, explain the purpose for Jörn to marry me. Is it the citizenship or is it the property legal clause on the Swedish opera house?”

“Svenska operahuset,” I hear Elsa whisper to herself 

“Well before—“Josef starts to say 

but at the very exact moment Andreas says,

“Both.”

Andreas’ voice is louder 

Andreas my ally. I look at him. But at that moment I hear a tap on another door behind me. This one leads out to the corridor to the bedrooms, but it is usually open, like now. So the tap cones loud on the panel of the open door. I turn to see Hanna 

“If pappa marries you, it allows him more freedom with his work in your country and—affords some extras for friendly family members; if you know what I mean,” she winks at me

Trust kids for honesty at awkward moments ….as I see Erik is sneaking out behind her 

I groan,

“smörgås varm röra,” and sit down next to Elsa as I take a moment to think ….they seem to be watching me

After a second to reflect, I get up and walk around as I think 

“I marry him—“ I point to Jörn, “you benefit because then you keep the opera house,” I say and walk to the window, “so—how does that benefit Jörn? ….diplomatic immunity?”

“It’s ….” Jörn starts to walk over to me shaking his head, “it’s more ….complicated ….”

Josef clears his throat. It a signal throat clear. Warning?

I glance at Josef 

“If I’m going to be in this family I think I deserve some ….explanation—is it work—his platinum brand —corporation? Taxes? Or is it just the usual of surpassing the visa/green card dilemma?” But no…. there’s the obvious again, 

I spin around to Josef,

“Of course! If Jörn marries me—then you as —director— are free to ….” it all dawns 

I glance at Elsa but she glances at Jörn who then shoots an angry look at his pappa ….

Jörn turns to me,

“duva….he’s my cover”