Page 36 of Reeling in Love

With one last look into my eyes, he straightened his shoulders and nodded. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

I watched as he walked out onto the stage; the spotlight illuminating his determined face. He started his speech, and I could see the initial tremble in his voice. But as he spoke, his confidence grew. The passion and sincerity in his words captivated everyone in the room. By the time he finished, the entire gymnasium erupted in applause.

I let out a sigh as I remember those days. Simpler times, when we were just friends and when we hadn’t kissed. The kiss that I can’t get out of my mind, that I crave more of.

The kiss that, unless I forget about it, will lead to a broken friendship, something I know I can’t survive.

Chapter 15

Nora: #Stonehearted

Clark messaged me the address of Tim’s Italy. The rating seems decent. If nothing else, I’ll eat some good food in a restaurant I’ve never tried before. And if things go well, who knows, maybe I’ll replace the slutty thoughts I’m getting about Gabs with real filthy thoughts of Clark. So yeah, win-win.

Lily and Eva didn’t go ahead with the brunch plan and both message me inviting me to their homes for the weekend, probably because they don’t want me to be alone after the breakup with Rick.

Till they brought it up, it hadn’t even crossed my mind. I mean, is it normal that I don’t feel a thing about the end of a two year long relationship? Two years! It’s not a couple of weeks we’re talking about here. Is it because I’m stone-hearted?

I’ve thought about it, and really think it could be true. I’ve never really cried over breakups, except I think my first one back in school. Even then, the crying was more because of the embarrassment it might garner and the pimples on my face, than the actual heartbreak. I wasn’t sad when I left home to go to college. In fact, I was happy, especially because Gabs and I were not very far off. Gabs! I don’t want to think about him right now.

Anyway, I’m at a loss about how I should respond to Lily and Eva. I know they’re doing it because they feel I must be feeling low and lonely. I am but not because of Rick, and I can’t really tell either of them what I’m really feeling.

So, I politely decline. I tell them I’ve to complete the logo for Eva’s educational product and also have to buy some stuff for Mom for my visit home next week.

That quietens them up until evening at least. I’m about to pick out a dress to wear for the date when my phone rings. Lily! These girls don’t let up easily.

“I’m going to Eva’s. Why don’t you join me? I can pick you up in ten.”

“Sorry, girl. I’m meeting someone for dinner.”

“Really? Who? When did you meet? Why haven’t I heard about him?”

Perhaps this is what I should’ve told them in the first place, that I’m going out on a date.

“Met him Thursday night when I’d gone out with Gabs. I don’t know much about him, so there’s really nothing to tell, except that he’s good-looking.”

“Oooh. So, what’re you wearing for your date?”

“I was thinking about my blue dress.”

“The one with the golden edges?”

“Yes. And now, I’ve gotta get ready or else I’ll be late.”

“K. Have fun. You should let your hair loose with that dress. I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll go shopping together.”

“Okay. Cya.”

Lily loves shopping. It doesn’t matter whether she’s doing it for herself or others. Well, that’s just like me. And she’s really nosy, but I love her and am grateful to have friends like her and Eva.

I flick my phone away and put on the blue dress. Taking Lily’s advice, I let my hair cascade over my shoulders. I wear some light makeup and slip on a pair of comfortable yet stylish sandals, perfect for a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Boston. What if we decide to walk a bit?

I grab my small crossbody bag and, with a last look in the mirror, I step out of the condo. Perhaps a date with a hot guy is what I need to get that kiss out of my head.

There’s no better way to forget something than replacing it with another, more recent one. If you wanna get over a dress that you accidentally tore, buy a new one. If you wanna get over a poor response to a post, post a new thing. That’s the way you do it. So all I need to do is ensure Clark kisses me, and boy, what a kiss it’s gonna be. With his tongue in my mouth and a little bite on my lower lip. Shit! Am I reliving Thursday night’s kiss?

I message Gabs. “On my way to meet Clark. Wish me luck.”

He sees it almost immediately. I see the three dots, then they disappear. They come again and disappear again. What the hell is taking him so long to respond?

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