Page 25 of Heart Match

‘Why? Should we talk about it?’ asks Lexi innocently.

Naomi and I exchange looks.

‘Hmm, yeah? You guys have been together for how long? Almost ten years?’ says Naomi.

‘Yeah. He was my first and only.’

‘Exactly, Lexi. Talk to him, sometimes a simple conversation can do wonders,’ says Naomi.

They stay until late afternoon. I almost kick them out when I check the time and realise I should probably start getting ready for dinner. The dinner they don’t know about. The dinner I refuse to consider a date. Is it bad that I’m hiding this from them? I know eventually I will probably tell them, in a couple of years when they have already forgotten there was ever a cute guy in my building. They will probably be mad, but they’ll forgive me, it will be better than having them putting pressure onto all this right now.

Chapter Eight

I have three lingerie options laid on the bed in front of me, one next to the other. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down only to three—it’s not gonna be easy to pick just one. Each will make me feel different about myself, will serve a different purpose, will mould differently on my body, and yes, of course, will look different too.

The first option on my left is a killer look. The combination of a high-waist black bra and brief with suspender. Tule and lace are the main materials, and what I love the most are the lace panels at the hips, they are like wings. This one won’t let me feel intimidated, it goes with the fact that I’m still annoyed that he was flirting with Lesley.

The second option is completely the opposite. It’s a very light rose bralette and a hipster brief both made of incredibly delicate lace so thin you almost don’t feel it between your fingers. The bralette extends just under my ribcage, and it has satin straps in a bow on the back. This is one of my designs, one that only I know exists. Today, it would make me feel like myself: vulnerable, sensitive, but daring.

The third option is a bodysuit. Completely transparent if not for the nude-coloured flowers spread out through it. It’s back is almost completely open, thin straps hold it around my neck. It would make me feel impassive, neutral and powerful because my nipples will show to anyone who dares take off my dress.

Why is it so important to me to choose the right one? Today of all days? Because right now I don’t feel control over anything related to him, it’s only fair I feel control over my underwear, at least. Even if I’m not planning on showing it to him.

I leave the three options there waiting for me while I take a shower. It will help make up my mind. Eventually I make a decision. Today, number two will be my companion, under my tight dark red dress matching my black Louboutin heels. Let’s see what the night will bring us.

#

I leave my flat at 6:55 pm to find Luc by the stairs in front of my door checking his phone. He’s wearing skinny navy-blue chino pants, a white polo shirt, a blazer matching his pants and white sneakers to complement the outfit. For a brief moment I wonder if there’s still time to cancel our plans. I’m like a teenager on her first date. I feel like someone getting cold feet before a big moment. But the way he looks at me when he sees me makes me feel like the only beautiful woman he has ever seen, and like the best thing that happened to his day.

‘Hi,’ he says, his voice husky.

‘Hi,’ I reply, closing the door behind me.

He greets me with a kiss on the cheek, his warm lips lingering longer than normally. His big hand lightly holds me by the waist; the simple touch makes my stomach flutter. We take the lift and outside there’s a driver waiting for us. Where he came from might have something to do with Luc.

We both sit on the back seat of the black BMW, each by a window, on opposite sides.

‘Didn’t see you at the café yesterday, nor today. Did you get your smoothie?’ he asks, bringing back thoughts of him flirting with Lesley, but at the same time, I’m glad that he noticed.

‘I skipped it,’ I say, avoiding eye contact, staring out the window where London’s life goes on, busy on a Saturday night.

‘Hmm.’

‘Was Andi there?’ I don’t know why I feel like I should test him. As soon as I ask it I feel like a jealous stupid teenager. So what if Luc was flirting with her? I’m the one he’s taking on a date tonight, besides, wasn’t I trying to avoid him anyways?

‘Nope. There was a girl there, not sure what her name was,’ his answer is sincere, his eyes don’t even blink as he says it.

‘Lesley. She takes over sometimes,’ I say.

We are staring at each other, as he lets out a curious smile at me.

‘What?’ I ask.

‘You look beautiful. I mean, you are beautiful,’ he says making me blush.

‘Thank you,’ I say. Always take a compliment.

The honesty in the way he says it makes me feel like it’s the first time a guy’s told me that. I rest my head back on the seat and look out the window once again, avoiding his gaze, but failing at containing a smile.

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