Lunch was interesting. Vicky was excited; she kept looking at me and Bev and smiling broadly. Whatever was going on in her mind was intriguing. Everything else was normal. Will's banter about everything and nothing at the same time kept the table conversation going. Isa was silently eating her food. I was practically doing the same, apart from stealing glances at Bev, who was practically doing the same.
The awkwardness between us wasn't pronounced but I was feeling it itch my back. I had to air it out; yesterday night was interesting. We ate through the meal without anyone poking into our business. When we are done, I pull her aside as the others clean up.
I didn't want anything romantic with her; she looked like a good-time girl who likes fun, and I didn't know if I could handle that. She is not the type of girl that I go for, not unless I want a fling and they don't know where I live or my friends. Bev was a hot wire that I had no intention of messing with. She had almost everything that I considered a red flag, just by looking at her.
"Thanks for the meal." She was uneasy, fidgeting.
"You should thank Isa; she did all the work."
"For the drinks, then,"
"Welcome, that's my specialty, and Will helped."
"About last night…"
"Don't worry about it, we were both wasted."
"Good, good, I thought you were angry."
"Why should I be?"
"You know most guys would be."
"I'm not most guys B." that draws a laugh out of her and her face beams. She is more comfortable than before.
"Good to know." Shaking her head
"No worries, water under the bridge."
"Friends."
"I thought that was cemented yesterday by Vicky."
"I'm sorry about that." Was she embarrassed?
"I know how Vicky is, no harm done."
Our conversation was over but we were both lingering. We could feel the intensity of the look that we were having. We shared a bed for crying out loud, but I couldn't allow myself to get there, that would be a no-no. Although the weight of the gaze is palpable in the air between us, it is better to break it off before things accelerate. She was an attractive woman and I am only but a man.
I knew we had said everything that needed to be said, that our conversation had come to a natural end. But still, we all seemed unwilling to be the first to leave and join the others. There was something unspoken hanging between us, and neither of us dared to say the words out loud.
I stole a glance at her, taking in the way her lips were full and succulent, and yester night's events came rushing back. The taste of her lip gloss… Was she thinking what I'm thinking because she becomes conscious of herself and a nervous laugh escapes her. We were tethered together by the memories we had shared.
The way her hands absently traced her arms, this had prolonged more than anticipated and it won't be long before someone calls on us. Automatically that would break our trance and I bet it would be embarrassing for both of us. Coming to me; depending on who alerts us, I won't hear the end of it.
I cleared my throat, breaking the silence that had settled between us.
"We should probably join the rest," I said softly, not meeting her eyes.
She nodded, a flicker of something crossing her face before she schooled her expression into a smile
"Yeah," she replied
"My lady," I say as I pause to give her more room and let her start for the living room.
A chuckle escapes her and she smiles, a genuine smile that reaches her eyes.
"Thank you."
I follow her back feeling lighter somehow, as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I had dodged a bullet this time but I wasn't sure if this was it, we had something unfinished between us; that would lay to rest for the time being. Meanwhile, a smile played on my lips as we moved simultaneously, a synchronicity that felt strangely comforting, as we made our way to the living room
Back to the living where everyone had gathered, I instinctively led her to the cozy seat, my favorite in the house; it had a sense of comfort and ease compared to the empty one opposite it. I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled as I sat beside her and not joining the boys who were lounging on the long sofa.
The girls were busy too; Vicky had laid an array of bottled oils in a tray that lay on a stool beside her. It is good we are far from all the scents that were floating by. Isa sat down on the soft cushions as her head was massaged and her hair moisturized, oiled, and styled. Her hair at the end of it all will only have two sweet fragrances; lavender and vanilla. Her eyes closed, she seemed to be at peace, the connection between them went beyond mere friendship; they were more of sisters.
Will had decided to make us a punch and I excused myself to fetch drinks A sense of doubt crept in as I glanced down at my phone once again. Scrolling through the messages that remained unanswered a hint of disappointment began to settle in. Perhaps I had misread the signs, mistaking her warmth and friendliness for something more. Will moving around the house looking for liquor to make punch brings me back to reality. I had to supervise or else we could have alcohol poisoning.
Shaking off the thoughts that threatened to cloud my mind, I resolved to enjoy the rest of the evening, regardless of the unanswered message. After all, Bev was good company and I was enjoying myself tremendously getting to know her. I pushed the doubts to the back of my mind, choosing to focus on the present; here I thought I had figured out girls.
With a renewed sense of positivity, I let go of the uncertainty and allowed myself to be fully in the moment. I approached her with a glass and I handed it to her; she thanked me, and her voice was soft, filled with warmth. This is the side of her I don't know, well I just met her, maybe it won't kill me to take time and get acquainted. I offered a smile in return and asked if she would mind some company. She welcomed me with a nod and a smile
We fell into easy conversation; the gang fell in the background as we talked and laughed, lost in our own little bubble. The moments stretched on and in each, I got to peel layers of her. As the afternoon wore on I found myself captivated by her presence. There was a sense of familiarity in the way she spoke, in the way she laughed, as if we had known each other for far longer than we actually had.