Page 78 of Reeling in Love

I fall asleep with these thoughts swirling in my mind, forming a tempest of opposite thoughts and forces.

I wake up after a long, dreamless sleep, feeling a little too comfortable. It doesn’t seem normal. I rub my crusted eyes and open them slowly, as they adjust to the light. Why does it feel so cozy? I move a little and feel something… someone… behind me, spooning me.

The sleep disappears from my eyes. I jerk my head to look behind me. It’s Gabs, still sleeping, a mild rhythmic snore acting like a lullaby. Well, what did I expect? But what the hell is he doing here? Wasn’t he sleeping on the couch? Did we do it again last night? Did we do it and I don’t even remember? Shit!

I lift the covers and see my body and his. Well, we’re both clothed, so maybe we didn’t do it. Then what happened?

With all my movement, Gabs starts to stir. He stretches his legs and arms, then curls up again, pulling me close from behind. I can feel his heartbeat quickening as his hands tighten around my waist, and a low moan escapes his lips.

As much as I want to turn around and kiss those lips, I know we shouldn’t. All this sex might complicate our friendship even more, and that’s the last thing either of us wants. So, with a sigh, I slip out of the covers and give him a peck on the forehead. He looks so innocent when he’s asleep. Hot, but innocent.

I tip-toe to the bathroom with a change of clothes. I have my phone with me, and out of habit, I check my social media.

Surprise! Surprise! TruthSeekerBob issued an apology barely an hour ago.

“I apologize for my inference that Nora and Gabriel are faking their relationship. It was just hearsay and I don’t have any proof. I hope they are kind enough to forgive me.”

I want to comment on it, but I don’t, knowing fully well that it was the truth. If we want to let our followers know the truth, it won’t make sense to gloat over this post. Gabs and my followers are already totally roasting him.

I simply write, “Thank you @TruthSeekerBob. We appreciate it.” It’s a mandatory response.

I keep my phone aside for a bit and enjoy a long shower. The warm water flowing down my body is almost meditative and for a bit I try not to think of what people are commenting, thinking or saying. By the time I come out of the bathroom, Gabs is awake.

“TruthSeekerBob has apologized to us,” I say matter-of-factly, ignoring the fact that his ruffled hair, crinkled T-shirt, and day-long beard are giving him a totally rugged bad-boy-in-a-gentleman’s-body look which makes my heart skip a beat, or maybe multiple beats. Who knows?

“He did?”

He rummages through the bed for his phone and swipes it open. “Wow, this is unexpected. Without the recording, I guess he figured he had no case.”

He continues to read the comments for a few minutes. Finally, he raises his head. “Well, thankfully, this chapter is closed. We don’t need to say anything to anyone now. What do you think?”

“I don’t know. I don’t like to lie, especially to people who are fighting for me without ever even having met me. Y’know? It feels wrong.”

“Let’s think about it today. If that’s how we feel by tomorrow, we’ll do it. Okay? Now, what are the plans for today?”

“Day? Half the day is already gone. And for the rest, I think you need to prepare for your meeting tomorrow. Don’t you?”

“Okay. I’ll freshen up, then we can go down to the restaurant and eat an excellent lunch. After that, you can help me with the presentation. In the evening, we’ll go out and act like tourists for a few hours. What say?”

It feels like old times, the way we talk and plan. Maybe all is not lost yet.

“Sounds good.”

And that’s what we do. Eat a blissful lunch followed by a few hours of prep for the next day’s presentation. I also finish some pending work for MooreGames. Most of the educationists I’d reached out to be part of the advisory board for Eva’s product have accepted and seem excited about the product and its impact on the school-going children’s learning experience. Some of the people I’d reached out to about the beta-version of the product have agreed to use it in their schools. I reply to them and send the good news to Eva.

Today seems to be a good day. It’s late evening by the time we’re done.

“Do we still wanna go out, or just chill in the room?” I ask. I’d like to see the city, but I don’t want to drag Gabs out so late. First because he’s seen Paris multiple times and second because he has an important day tomorrow and needs to be well rested.

There’s a third reason too. We haven’t spoken properly about me accusing Daphne and Sophia. I apologized, but I don’t think it was enough. I won’t be astonished if he’s still upset with me over it. So well, the ball is in his court.

“Of course we’ll go out. You’re in Paris and you’re still my girlfriend. Let’s do some touristy stuff together.”

“Okay! I’m in. Where are we going? Should I wear jeans and a top or a dress?”

“Whatever you like,” he replies.

I pick out my yellow dress, leave my hair open to hasten our departure, and am the first to step out of the room. Being in an enclosed space with Gabs when we’re not both busy in work, might not be the best thing for our relationship right now. In fact, I’m considering getting another room for two nights once we’re back.

---