Page 39 of Reeling in Love

“Maybe. But I won’t risk our friendship for such a small thing. So, healthy or unhealthy, that’s what it is.”

We walk in silence for some time.

“Look, I might not be the best person to talk about maintaining friendships, but I do know that lying or hiding isn’t the best thing. That’s what they say in books.”

“You’ve read books on relationships?”

“Yeah. Back in college. From Five Love Languages to Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus.”

My eyes widen as I hear him say that. “You liked that book?”

“Men Are From Mars? Ugh! No. I painfully realized that these books can’t prepare you for shit. You need to understand the person in front of you. That’s more important.”

“Oh, thank heavens. My ex quoted this book every time. And Jesus! How I hated it. I haven’t even read it. I hate it just because of him.”

“Well, good that I don’t like it then.”

“Yup. Or our date would end right here, right now.”

And just like that, things became more comfortable. We talked of books we like and hate, and movies we like and hate. Surprisingly, our tastes match to some extent and we’ve walked for almost an hour without even realizing it. I’m glad I wore comfortable footwear.

“It’s late,” he says. “Shall I drop you home?”

I nod and we hail a cab. I feel good about him. Other than his smile, I also like his taste in books and movies, which also shows his clarity of thought.

We reach Gabs’ building. “Wow. This is a nice place.”

“I’m a guest here. It’s my friend’s. I couldn’t afford this if I sold my kidneys.”

He chuckles and steps closer to me. “Well, I had a good time,” he whispers into my ear.

I feel his breath on my ear and neck. His face is so close to mine. I look up. “So did I.”

He bends lower and hovers his lips just above mine, holding me by the shoulders. I don’t stop him and I don’t move a muscle. Instead, I close my eyes.

He presses his lips against mine, his hands moving to my back and pulling me closer. My arms are wrapped around his back. I feel the kiss, physically, but it doesn’t cause my heart to beat faster. It doesn’t send tingles down my spine. It doesn’t make me want him in my bed. In short, it’s nothing like that night. And as my mind goes back to that kiss with Gabs, it sends my pulse on an overdrive. My heart feels like it’s punching my ribcage.

I step back. “Hey, I’m sorry, Clark. I… um… have an early morning tomorrow.” As I say it, I realize tomorrow’s Sunday. “With a friend. For shopping. So, I’ll see you around. Okay? G’nite.”

He lifts his hands and steps away from me, an abashed look on his face. “Shit! I’m sorry, Nora. I thought you wanted it.”

“I did. But… then I remembered my… um… early morning thing.”

He nods. “Maybe you should talk it out with your friend. My guess is you can’t forget that kiss. G’nite and I hope you sort out whatever it is between you guys soon. Call me if you still want to see me after you’ve worked out things with him. Take care.”

He gets into a waiting cab and goes away, leaving me standing there, my mouth half open, trying to process what he just said.

Embarrassment slowly gives way to anger. How dare he suggest it was me at fault? He can’t kiss for shit and he thinks it’s because of something else. How can he judge me, or Gabs, or our friendship?

Dumbass. He doesn’t know shit about us. As if he’s some therapist or something, telling me what to do.

I stomp away inside the gates, giving a stiff wave to Jenkins and making a beeline for the elevator.

Once inside, I take out my phone and begin posting something about dentists and entitled aholes.

“You’re still up? Date didn’t go well?”

“It did. We just had some hot, steamy sex. You wouldn’t know.”

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