In the fourth instalment of his guest series, Hans shares another personal chapter. You can also read part one, part two, and part three.
At first I was quite guarded. I tried to choose my words carefully so I would not come across the wrong way, and I left certain questions unasked because I felt they were none of my business. Afterwards I would think: perhaps that makes it seem as if you are not genuinely interested. She noticed quickly, kept asking questions, and started breaking through more and more of those layers. The same rule applied to both of us: you can ask anything, but the other person can also say when something becomes too personal. My pauses and careful choice of words could make her impatient at times.
Our conversations grew deeper in the meantime. We talked about more and more: what we still wanted to do, experience, and discover. About our bucket list as Secret Agents, and in my case, with a Secret Agent. Chloé was usually still the one driving those conversations, but I became better at joining in. Those conversations became the start of new plans.
And then, with that mischievous sparkle in her eyes, Chloé suddenly told me that her friend Evy was an Agent too. “If that is not a hint,” I thought.
With that comment in mind, the next opportunity arises on a day in October. This time we plan a full 24 hours together. Plenty of time to turn it into a wonderfully relaxed day together. Or at least, a relaxed start to the day. The confirmation alone that both Chloé and Evy are available gives me butterflies. Sometimes a date like this is set months in advance, and the waiting... only makes the longing stronger. I reserve a Panorama Suite at Hotel Okura and teppanyaki at Sazanka for three.
In the days beforehand, I go through my wardrobe. She never appears twice in the same outfit and manages to surprise me every time. It is just as much my responsibility to look good. A new shirt, different shoes, or a subtle detail. Slowly, my wardrobe is turning into something suited to the occasions I really only experience with her.
The sunshine seems to have become a tradition: it is always there when we see each other. Too early, as usual, I sit in the sun outside the hotel with a cappuccino. When she arrives, she is radiant, enthusiastic, and smiling brightly. Judging by her luggage, she is prepared for anything. We check in together, wait in the room until the porter has left, and then book a couples massage for later that afternoon.
The weather is too beautiful to stay indoors, so we walk through her old neighbourhood. She points out her favourite shops and small cafés. When we return to the hotel and are addressed as “Mr and Mrs ...”, I cannot help smiling to myself. If only you knew.
The sauna is quiet. Warmth, peace, and relaxation. The foundations for our next date are laid there when I ask whether she would like a weekend in Málaga or Marbella. She looks at me: “Oh yes! Definitely ☺️” After the ice shower and a second round in the sauna, it is time for the massage. We both selected “firm”, and we certainly felt it. There is cracking and puffing as muscles and knots are worked on, but afterwards everything feels completely loose. We shuffle lazily back to the room.
With a bottle of Cuvée Okura and soft music playing, we recover on the bed and bicker over whether we want to see tonight's menu. Then Evy messages Chloé: she is on her way. That is our signal to get ready. I shower first, my preparation takes less time, and then I go downstairs to meet her in the lobby.
There I am, sitting in that spacious lobby. The tension is palpable. “She is almost there,” Nancy and Les message. Suddenly my heart rate shoots up: I am about to meet another Secret Agent. The hotel's hostess, the same woman who earlier called us “Mr and Mrs”, is standing in the middle of the lobby. There will be no mistaking who is arriving. “Very blonde,” Chloé had said, and she was right.
I let Evy walk past first, so as not to arouse suspicion. When the hostess is out of sight, I approach her.
“Evy?” I whisper.
“Hans?” She smiles. Three kisses, a quick apology for making her wait for a moment, and we walk towards the lift together. Everyone seems to be looking, although that is probably my imagination. In the lift, I feel my heart rate settle. Wow, I think, and once again I can only smile. Two beautiful blondes, and me in between them.
Upstairs in the room, Chloé and Evy fly into each other's arms. A glass of Cuvée is poured, Chloé disappears into the bathroom, and Evy and I continue talking quietly while looking out over Amsterdam. It is so nice to meet another Agent. When Chloé returns, Evy inspects her outfit with an approving eye. And me? I just look. Two dazzling women: Chloé in gold, Evy in black. Impressive. Staying unnoticed will be impossible tonight.
They walk ahead of me through the lobby, and I cannot help smiling. Chloé has asked me before why I keep doing that. Well, imagine being the one walking there... that is why.
We have the perfect seats at the teppanyaki grill. The other guests do not speak Dutch, which gives us complete freedom to talk, laugh, and flirt. Between courses we step outside for a moment, and then there are those looks from other guests in the restaurant, curious or jealous, who knows.
After dessert, we are full. As the comments become increasingly playful, Chloé suggests going back to the room to make things cosy. Evy and I follow after settling the bill.
Dinner tip: Teppanyaki by Sazanka really is a complete night out, with wonderful food, wine pairing, and sake!
Candles are spread around the room, sultry music is playing, and the bottle of Veuve is cold. From the eighteenth floor, we look out over Amsterdam. We raise our glasses. The evening is relaxed, but the tension and temperature rise quickly.
The ladies decide I should sit quietly for a moment. The heels come off, and they look at me seductively as they sit down together on the bed, knowing perfectly well that this would make any man's head spin. When they begin kissing each other sensually, all I can do is enjoy the situation I have found myself in.
That kiss between Chloé and Evy marks the beginning of this part of the memorable evening. First they tease and challenge me, then I join them on the bed. Clothes disappear one item at a time, and before long all three of us are completely absorbed in one another (I will not go into too much detail 😇).
When we pause to catch our breath later, all three of us could still eat something. Before long, Room Service is at the door, which is carefully kept closed so nobody gets a glimpse of the party taking place inside. We raise our glasses again. Chloé gives a short speech about how happy she is to be there that evening with the three of us. Eventually tiredness sets in and it is time to let Evy go. The evidence of the evening is scattered across the room: heels, clothes, lingerie, three empty bottles, and empty glasses...
Chloé and I talk for a little while longer before we crawl under the covers and fall into a deep sleep. An evening straight from my dreams.
Sometimes it is music, a place, or even a scent that takes me back to the dates I have had so far. Chloé had already become associated with her favourite, Baccarat 540. Extrait de Parfum, to be precise. To this day, Vanilla Powder makes me think of Evy.