Page 33 of One More Round

“But what about Little Miss Booth Babe?” I ask into his chest. I breathe him in and savor the scent I have missed for far too long.

He chuckles.

“I knew you were jealous.” I roll my eyes, even though I know he can’t see. “But she isn’t in the picture anymore.”

I fight my smile, I really do, but she was not right for him.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I say, which comes out more like a question.

“Our relationship wasn’t really going anywhere. So, it’s not a big deal.”

I hug him one last time and then pull away from him even though I want to bury myself back into his arms, to be surrounded by him. It’s been so many years since I’ve been close to him like this. My body and mind just became so incredibly needy for him.

“So, friends and maybe more?” I ask.

“Yeah, maybe more.” He grabs my hand and we head off down the street for some coffee. Well, if him asking me to hang out wasn’t a big enough turn of events, us being “maybe more” should be, right?

Chapter Sixteen

Gia

I’m happy. Like really happy. It’s been barely a week since our movie date and things are really good between Simon and me. We’ve talked every day, mostly by text, but we even managed to grab lunch one day. I’ve missed him so much that, now that I have him back, my heart just wants to soar out of my chest.

I don’t think we are dating though, I think we are just trying to get back to friends. There is some touching. As in, occasional hand holding, but nothing even remotely PG-13. Mostly, I’m OK with that because, you know, baby steps. But I’m starting to crave those lips of his. Kissing Simon was something I always thought about and wanted, but never thought was going to happen. He kissed me the night before I left town, and I’ve been hung up on that kiss ever since then.

I knew it would never happen again—you know, since he was no longer in my life. But that kiss … that kiss was a stick of dynamite and my heart had no chance of survival.

I’m slightly nervous how things will be between us tonight when we hang out with the group. Will it go back to how things were before the theater or will we have to explain to our friends? Or maybe we will just be civil and nothing will come up. I just don’t know.

Who am I kidding?Someone is bound to bring it up.

I just got another email from my mom regarding my brother. She informs me that Todd hasn’t been acting himself the past couple of days. I muse at the fact that she says he hasn’t been acting normal, because since when has he ever acted normal? She also says that he’s been more aggressive and disrespectful toward her and my dad. But he’s always been that way toward me. She’s just never wanted to listen.

I’m trying to get my mind off of the email when Morgan plops down next to me on the couch. I’ve got my laptop open to a movie reviews blog.

“When did you see the newPiratesmovie?” she asks.

“Oh, I saw it last Friday.” I mention this casually, like it's not a big deal. Then I quickly add, “With Simon.”

I continue to finish the sentence that I’m writing, trying not to dwell on the fact that she hasn’t responded. I close my laptop and slide it to the coffee table in front of me. I lean back into my seat and take this time to peek over at her. And she’s just staring at me.

Nervous laughter bubbles up and out of my throat. “Geez Louise, Morgan. Stare much?”

She gives her head a little shake at the same time a knock comes at the door. I take the opportunity to avoid what’s next by jumping up and opening the door.

I’m not sure who I expected it to be on the other side, but I’m immediately thrust between a rock and a hard place because it’s Ruby. Not only am I going to have to explain myself to Morgan but adding Ruby into the mix is going to bring on a grueling round of interrogation.

“Hello, ladies!” Ruby sings as she flits into the living room, drops her purse on the floor, and flops into the armchair adjacent to the couch.

I say hi, but it’s drowned out by Morgan.

“Gia was just telling me how she saw the newPiratesmovie last week. With Simon,” she offers.

“Oooh. Y'all know how I feel about Johnny Depp. Was he stunning per usual? Wait a minute, did you say Simon?” Ruby cocks her head and now both of them are looking at me.

I busy myself by heading to the kitchen for a drink.

“Yeah, we’ve been talking more. Texting really.” I launch into a full-on word vomit. “We’ve talked a few times on the phone as well. Also, a lunch. But it’s really been great. Having him back in my life, you know? Even if he wants to be more than just friends, maybe. And I say maybe because we kissed and now he thinks he wants more.” I take a long breath and a sip of water as I meander back into the living room.

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